Whether it's water views or the shade of green foliage you're after, we have the beer garden for you.
When the time for a brew tickles the palate, we turn to one of the best spots to appease the sensation – the humble beer garden. Invented by the Germans but perfected under the sunny skies of Australia, there's nothing better than enjoying a fine beer in the sun surrounded by friends and family.
Whether it’s a good catch up with mates, celebrating a birthday, or just getting down to watch the footy, here is our guide to the best beer gardens of the Barrington Coast.
Tea Gardens Hotel
Tea Gardens Hotel is a little slice of paradise at the southern tip of the Barrington Coast on the shores of Port Stephens.
Situated on the picturesque Myall River, the hotel boasts one of the biggest beer gardens in the region. It includes an open air atrium and a huge outdoor terrace with shaded picnic tables and booths. Children are catered for with a modern fenced off playground allowing parents to sit back and relax. Adults aren't left out with lawn games dotted around the hotel like bocce and sack toss.
The aroma of wood fired pizzas from the terrace kitchen will have you reaching for a menu in no time. Our tip? Their famous fish and chip cone.
Lakes & Ocean Hotel, Forster
Situated opposite Wallis Lake, this recently renovated Forster staple is perfect for outdoor sessions. The front terrace bar provides stunning views of the lake and the passing boats, paddle boarders and dolphins. An evening sunset is something to behold as the last rays of the day reflect off the glassy waters of the lake.
On the side of the hotel you will find the newly constructed Pino's Bar with towering palms providing shade from the sun. A pop-up bar operates throughout the warmer months offering drink and food specials including the regions famous Sydney Rock Oysters from Wallis Lake.
Kids are not forgotten either, with a new playground installed at the rear of the hotel adjacent to the kids' games area.
The Tav', Old Bar
Local charm, friendly vibes and tasty feasts are a feature here at The Tav' at Old Bar. This family-friendly bistro is the perfect choice for any occasion, whether it’s a family get-together, a feast with friends or a romantic dinner for two. There's also a bottle shop plus regular live music.
Harrington Hotel
If water views are what you're after, then the Harrington Hotel is the one for you. Situated on the Manning River in the heart of Harrington, the hotel offers a cruisy coastal setting, hearty meals, and the best view of any pub.
The hotel has a long history of serving cold drinks, hearty meals, and great times at its alfresco and outdoor dining areas. The 'Harry' is renowned for its blend of traditional pub favourites with artisan-inspired gastropub fare, featuring local fresh seafood such as snapper, oysters, bream, blackfish and whiting.
Harrington Hotel is where sun, surf and friends have met for almost 120 years and the owners invite you to come join the friendship circle.
Wynter Tavern, Taree
Set in beautiful bushland, the Wynter Tavern is a family friendly pub in the heart of Taree. Their outdoor dining area is another one for the sports lovers with a huge screen showing live sports.
The beer garden also serves as their performance area with live music performances a feature of most weekends.
Roundabout Inn, Gloucester
Another pub with country hospitality in abundance. The Roundabout Inn offers customers a wide range of craft beers (including Forster's Coastal Brewing Company), a delicious locally sourced menu from the bistro and is the home to the Just Smokin' Barbecue championship.
Large bi-fold doors open in the warmer months, opening the main bar to the beer garden. A fenced off playground allows the kids to burn some energy while mum and dad enjoy a drink or delicious pizza from the bistro. Keep an eye out on the menu for locally sourced Manning Valley Naturally Beef. A tastier steak you will not find.
Bellevue Hotel, Tuncurry
What makes a good beer garden? Lot's of seating, sunshine, shade, greenery, screens to watch sport to name a few things. Well, the 'Belly' takes it one step further with an inground swimming pool!
Another pub with a newly renovated outdoor area, 'the pub with a pool' is a favourite with visitors and locals for its laidback coastal feel. Enjoy a cold beer and parmi while the kids splash in the pool. Or get your mates together and watch the summer cricket on the region's biggest outdoor screen. Add some live music and settle in for a quality sesh.
