Australia is home to some of the world’s best beaches, so it’s no surprise that some of its best pubs come with ocean views to match. Whether you’re planning a summer holiday, looking for a relaxed beach lunch or searching for the perfect place to watch the sunset with friends, beachside pubs offer the ideal combination of great food, refreshing drinks and unforgettable coastal scenery.
Australia’s best beachside pubs can be found all around the country, from the golden beaches of Western Australia and the vibrant coastline of Queensland to the iconic foreshore of Victoria. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed coastal lunch, a family-friendly pub by the water or somewhere to enjoy sunset drinks after a day at the beach, every region offers its own unique take on the classic Australian beach pub.
What separates the best beachside pubs in Australia from the rest is more than just their location. While direct beach access and uninterrupted ocean views are a major drawcard, the best pubs combine spectacular scenery with quality pub food, fresh seafood, welcoming service and a relaxed atmosphere that reflects the coastal lifestyle.
Whether you’re planning a family holiday or simply looking for somewhere to enjoy a meal after a day at the beach, the best beachside pubs in Australia combine relaxed coastal settings with quality food, spacious dining and welcoming atmospheres that make dining with children easy.
Located just moments from the water, Bribie Island Hotel is a fantastic choice for families looking to enjoy a relaxed meal near the beach. With generous indoor and outdoor dining spaces, a menu featuring fresh seafood and classic pub favourites, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s an easy place to settle in for a leisurely lunch or dinner after exploring Bribie Island.
Just a short stroll from the waterfront, Brighton Hotel offers a relaxed coastal setting that’s perfect for family catch-ups. Spacious dining areas, hearty pub meals and a friendly atmosphere make it well suited to everything from casual lunches to weekend dinners, while its bayside location provides the ideal excuse to spend the day by the water.
Overlooking the coastline on the Sunshine Coast, Surfair Beach Hotel delivers everything you’d expect from a great beachside pub. Families can enjoy quality pub food, fresh seafood and spacious dining areas, while the unbeatable beachfront location makes it the perfect place to unwind after a day on the sand.
Nothing captures the Australian coastline quite like watching the sun disappear over the water with great food and good company.
Perched directly opposite Scarborough Beach, Scarborough Beach Bar is one of the country’s premier ocean view pubs that Australia has to offer.The expansive outdoor seating, coastal atmosphere and uninterrupted ocean views make it an easy choice for sunset drinks, casual dinners and weekend catch-ups. Pair that with fresh seafood, quality pub meals and seasonal cocktails, and it’s easy to see why it’s become a favourite for locals and visitors alike.
Positioned along the Esplanade in Hervey Bay, Bayswater Bar & Grill is the perfect place to soak up Queensland’s relaxed coastal lifestyle. Overlooking the calm waters of the bay, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy the sunset, eat fresh seafood and enjoy a leisurely dinner as the sky changes colour. With spacious outdoor dining and uninterrupted waterfront views, it’s easy to see why it stands out as one of Australia’s best beachside pubs.
Set right on the Airlie Beach foreshore, Airlie Beach Hotel offers some of the best coastal views in the Whitsundays. Whether you’re stopping in after exploring the lagoon or settling in for an evening meal, the combination of beachfront dining, fresh pub food and panoramic ocean views makes it one of Australia’s standout beachside pubs. As the sun sets over the Coral Sea, it’s the perfect place to relax with family and friends while enjoying everything the Whitsunday coastline has to offer.
Great coastal views are even better when paired with quality food. The best beachside pubs in Australia don’t just make the most of their location, they also deliver memorable dining experiences that keep people coming back long after summer ends.
An Australian icon, The Espy offers multiple dining experiences under one roof, making it one of the country’s standout beach pubs for food. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, classic pub favourites or something to share with friends, there’s a menu to suit every occasion. Add in regular live music, sweeping coastal views and a vibrant atmosphere, and it’s easy to spend an entire afternoon by the bay.
Few beachside pubs combine location and dining quite like West Beach Pavilion. Overlooking St Kilda Beach and Port Phillip Bay, it’s the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood, seasonal dishes and classic pub favourites in a relaxed beachfront setting. Whether you’re visiting for a casual lunch or a long dinner by the water, the coastal views make every meal feel like a holiday.
Just steps from the shoreline, Trinity Beach Tavern is one of Tropical North Queensland’s standout destinations for beachside dining. Overlooking the palm-lined beachfront, it’s the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood, classic pub favourites and a relaxed meal after a day by the water. With spacious outdoor seating, a welcoming atmosphere and uninterrupted coastal views, it’s an easy choice for everything from casual lunches to family dinners and holiday catch-ups.
How does The Pass work at participating beachside pubs?
With The Pass, members receive a $10 welcome credit, earn 10% back at participating pubs, and unlock exclusive member offers and rewards. Whether you’re heading out for a beach lunch, dinner with friends or a weekend by the coast, The Pass makes it even more rewarding to visit participating pubs.
What should you look for in a great beachside pub?
The best beachside pubs combine more than just a great location. Look for direct beach access or ocean views, quality pub food, outdoor dining, a welcoming atmosphere and friendly service. Features like live music, family-friendly spaces and fresh seafood menus can also make a beachside pub worth the visit.
Which beachside pubs have the best sunset views?
Some of Australia’s best beachside pubs for sunset views include Scarborough Beach Bar in Perth, West Beach Pavilion in St Kilda, Airlie Beach Hotel in the Whitsundays and Bayswater Bar & Grill in Hervey Bay. Whether you’re overlooking the Indian Ocean, the Coral Sea or South Australia’s coastline, these pubs combine spectacular waterfront settings with quality food and drinks, making them ideal for ending the day by the water.
What food can you expect at Australia’s best beachside pubs?
Most beachside pubs serve a mix of classic pub favourites alongside fresh seafood and seasonal dishes inspired by their coastal location. Whether you’re after fish and chips, fresh prawns, burgers or share plates, many menus are designed to suit everything from a casual beach lunch to a relaxed dinner with friends and family.
