15 of the best beer gardens in Sydney

The Oaks, Neutral Bay

They’ve been pouring beers at The Oaks for more than 130 years and this North Shore institution underwent an impressive revamp in 2019. Thankfully, the iconic 80-year-old oak tree in the beer garden remains. Take a seat under its sprawling, fairy light-strung branches and dine on steaks chosen and cut by the in-house butcher. 

Beer garden at The Oaks, Mosman - Credit: The Oaks

The Alex, Alexandria

After saving the much-loved, heritage-listed Alexandria Hotel from the wrecking ball in 2015, Merivale has reopened the venue after a small renovation that retained the heart of the local institution (the carpet was ripped up to make use of the original tiles, the carousel island bar remains, as well as the bartops and wood-panelled doors). The new Alex is centred around its outdoor family-and-dog-friendly beer garden. which features a bar in a converted shipping container, a basketball court, festoon lights, communal tables, a DJ stage that plays out of a hut, and a mix of original graffiti and some commissioned murals.

The Alex, Alexandria - Credit: Steven Woodburn

Public House Petersham

Known to everyone as the PHP, the huge beer garden here is the epitome of Inner West cool: street art murals, tables made from reclaimed wood, beer keg seats and plenty of dogs to pat. There’s also a woodfired oven turning out top-notch pizza and 16 taps pouring plenty of local craft beer. On long weekends, the fun even spills out into the carpark. 

Public House Petersham, Inner West

Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel

Home to arguably Sydney’s most Inatgrammable beer garden, the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel sits right on the edge of the water with rows of striped umbrellas and fairy lights twinkling out to the sand. Order the seafood platter and a bottle of rosé, look out over the yachts at anchor, and you’ll feel like you’re in the south of France. 

Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Watsons Bay

Courthouse Hotel, Newtown

One of the most famous pubs in the Inner West, The Courty has been beloved by Newtown locals since 1859. It’s still a laid-back, welcoming venue with a real sense of community spirit and the leafy beer garden is always busy. Dogs are encouraged so expect to see quite a few snoozing in the sun while their owners chat over a beer. 

Beer garden at The Courthouse Hotel, Newtown

The Newport

With beautiful views over Pittwater, colourful lounges and plenty of greenery, The Newport feels more like a resort than a pub. The vast decked beer garden is one of the best places in Sydney to spend a sunny afternoon. There’s also a regular schedule of events – like outdoor cinema and live music – plus family-friendly activities on the weekends. 

Couple enjoying food and wine with views of Pittwater at Newport Arms Hotel, Newport

The Henson, Marrickville

What the beer garden at The Henson lacks in size it makes up for in style – think colourful murals, citrus trees and hanging plants The menu is stylish too, offering an Asian-inspired take on pub classics with mostly organic and sustainable ingredients. There’s even a dedicated kids’ playroom in the old garage and dogs are always allowed outside. 

The Henson, Marrickville - Credit: Alana Dimou

Vic on the Park, Marrickville

Whether you want to catch a gig by your favourite local band, get the group together to shoot some hoops on the half court, catch a game on the big screen, or simply grab a table on the expansive deck to enjoy some craft beers and burgers, the massive beer garden at Vic on the Park is hard to beat if you have a large group – or pooch – in tow. It’s as comfortable as hanging out in a mate’s backyard.

Beer garden at Vic on the Park, Marrickville

The Albion Hotel, Parramatta

A historic pub on the edge of the Parramatta River and close to the CBD, The Albion is a popular spot for long lunches, after-work drinks and late-night revelry. The spacious beer garden is dotted with umbrellas and gets cool breezes from the river. Dogs are welcome and they regularly host special dog days in the beer garden with market stalls, costume contents and plenty of treats. 

View of the beer garden with DJ playing at the Albion Hotel, Parramatta 

The Warren View Hotel, Enmore

Dating back to 1870, the outdoor area at The Warren View Hotel has always been serviceable but not inspiring. A refurb in 2019 has turned it into one of the Inner West’s best beer gardens. There’s a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor space, a huge central tree, lots of greenery and the obligatory fairy lights. Dogs and kids are both welcome. 

Crowd enjoying the Warren View Hotel beer garden, Enmore

Royal Cricketer’s Arms, Prospect

Dating back to 1880, The Cricketer’s looks like an English country cottage from the front. Out the back, the beer garden is dotted with century-old willow trees and spectacular jacarandas. The menu is all old-school pub favourites and big-name beers on tap. It’s a little slice of the slow lane in the buzzing surrounds of the Blacktown entertainment precinct. 

Royal Cricketers Arms Hotel, Prospect 

The Beresford, Surry Hills

While the entire venue is expansive, The Beresford's main drawcard is its beer garden. Dog-friendly, decorated with lanterns, host to an overgrown 'green wall' and always brimming with an 'it' crowd. The courtyard especially comes to life on a sunny day or Sunday session. Happy hour runs from 6pm to 8pm daily, and $17 lunch specials are available on weekdays.

The Beresford, Surry Hills - Credit: Merivale

The Golden Sheaf, Double Bay

The sprawling beer garden at The Golden Sheaf is a famous local hangout. The leafy oasis is a nice escape from the inner city by day, and a renowned late-night party spot when the sun goes down. Dig into delicious food from the award-winning kitchen, grab a cold beer and get comfy under the giant oak tree, or step it up with cocktails on the rooftop and dance the night away to DJ-curated tunes and live bands.

The Golden Sheaf, Double Bay - Credit: Solotel Pty Ltd

Sauce Brewing Co, Marrickville

If you are looking to enjoy some sunshine while cruising along the Inner West Ale Trail, this brewery is your best bet. Its 'backyard' is expansive (and family-friendly), filled with tables, wine barrels perfect for perching and astroturf so little ones can stretch their legs. Food trucks from Thursday to Sunday mean you won't go hungry either.

Sauce Brewing Co, Marrickville - Credit: Mr

East Village Hotel, Balmain 

The East Village is the kind of pub that everyone wants to have as their local. The stylish, modern beer garden (with one enormous tree at the centre) is the place to meet people and join in trivia nights, Mexican fiestas, Sunday roasts and live music on Saturday afternoon. Dogs are welcome, the seasonal menu changes regularly and there are lots of local craft beers on tap. Perfect. 

East Village Hotel, Balmain