From historic pubs to modern breweries, here are some standout spots to enjoy a refreshing beverage outside this spring and summer.

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Apollo Bay Hotel

The newly revamped beer garden at this beachside pub offers plenty of seating and screens to watch the footy or the cricket after a swim. The large menu provides plenty of options, from classic feeds like chicken parmas and burgers, to pizza, steak, pasta and local seafood. 

Where: 95 Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay

Opening hours: 11:30am-late daily; Kitchen hours 11:30am-2:30pm and 5-8:30pm Sun-Thurs, 11:30am-2:30pm and 5-9pm Fri-Sat

The Western Hotel

This pub’s beer garden was awarded Best Outdoor Experience at the 2025 AHA Regional State Awards for Excellence. The hotel’s dishes include bangers and mash, pumpkin risotto and open souvlakis.

Where: 1221 Sturt Street, Ballarat

Opening hours: 11am-late daily

Paper Scissors Rock Brew Co.

Built for post-hike afternoons, you can expect craft beers, tasting paddles, live music and plenty of outdoor seating with views to the ranges. The menu covers simple pub meals like burgers, as well as share plates - think port belly bites and charcuterie boards.

Where: 119 Grampians Road, Halls Gap

Opening hours: 12-8pm daily

Tosca Browns

A cosy café-bar offering indoor and outdoor seating. Tosca Browns offers all day breakfast or a lunch menu from 11:30am, featuring seasonal produce. On occasion, the café will open at night for cocktails and tapas.

Where: 211 Gray Street, Hamilton  

Opening hours: 7:30am-2pm Mon-Fri and 8am-3pm Sat-Sun

Whalers Hotel

A Warrnambool favourite, the Whalers Hotel combines weekly live music with relaxed al fresco dining. Its menu highlights local flavours, featuring Portland gummy shark, Great Ocean Road abalone and Hopkins River beef from the Grampians.

Where: 53 Liebig St, Warrnambool 

Opening hours: Front bar open 10am-1am Mon-Tue and 10am-3am Wed-Sun; Bistro open 11:30am-8:30pm Sun-Thurs and 11:30am-9pm Fri-Sat

The Stump

Victoria’s oldest licensed hotel, The Stump has a large beer garden that opens onto the street and a menu of solid pub staples: lamb shank, local seafood and steak among them.

Where: 41 Bank Street, Port Fairy 

Opening hours: Bar open 11am-1am; Bistro open 11:30am-2:30pm and 5:30-8:30pm

The Gordon Hotel

The Gordon Hotel has a relaxed, family-friendly vibe, complete with a dog-friendly beer garden and all-day music. The menu combines pub and coastal vibes: think lemon pepper calamari, seafood platters and barramundi, classic schnitzels and burgers.

Where: 63 Bentinck Street, Portland

Opening hours: Bar open 10am-1am Mon-Sat and 10am-11pm Sun; Bistro open 11:30am-2pm and 5-8:30pm daily