The best beer gardens in Australia

Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel. Source: Supplied

THERE are literally tonnes of awesome beer gardens across our great brown land so deciding on only 10 to highlight was like being forced to choose a favourite child or One Direction member (or maybe not so much with the latter).

Whether it's in the tranquillity of the countryside, the madness of the city or the magic of the waterfront - there's nothing more alluring than a beer garden that screams "sit back, relax and most importantly - drink up".

Newport Arms, Newport, NSW

If you haven't been to the Newport Arms - you've at least heard of it - it's all about the view. The absolute highlight is sitting on the grass a la picnic style alongside the view of Pittwater bay. A close second is kicking back in the deck chair area. It also doesn't hurt that it boasts the largest waterfront beer garden in the country as well as Sydney's largest outdoor cinema screen.

Newport Arms. Source: Supplied

Wheatsheaf Hotel, Thebarton, SA

From hairy hipsters, pollies and families to ole fellas, tradies and suits and anyone in between - one and all hang out at the revamped garden which has retained the existing trees and added jasmine along with a feature functional water tank and spot lighting showcasing the original 1920s façade. In true "Wheaty" fashion, the beer garden is an extension of the pub's philosophy: no pokies, TAB or TV screens and a focus on live original music coupled with a good dose of old-fashioned conversation.

Wheatsheaf Hotel. Source: Supplied

Great Northern Hotel, North Carlton, Victoria

Most Melburnians will be quick to mention this beauty if you ask to be pointed in the direction of an outdoor watering hole. One of the city's largest beer gardens, you won't get bored (but maybe a wee bit drunk) with 22 beers on tap at the outdoor bar. Although the area holds more than 100 punters, there are little nooks and crannies to disappear into.

Great Northern Hotel. Source: Supplied

Little Creatures Brewery, Fremantle, WA

In true laid-back WA style - grab yourself a Pale Ale and soak in the brewery chaos before wandering out into the backyard to enjoy your beer in the sunshine while gazing out over the ocean. Australian Brews News editor Matt Kirkengaard describes the spot as the closest to old-school ambience in a beer garden as you can get.

Little Creatures Brewery. Source: Supplied

Peel Inn, Nundle, NSW

If you happen to find yourself five hours north of Sydney - don't despair - go and sit in the Peel Inn's garden where you will find yourself asking "how's the serenity?" The newly -refurbished garden now seats 120 where you can sit under the shade of the 40 year-old grapevine and soak in the view of the foothills of the Great Dividing Range. There is plenty of lawn for the kids to roam free while the adults discuss the scale of the serenity surrounding them.

Peel Inn. Source: Supplied

College Lawn Hotel, Prahran, Victoria

Nestled in the leafy back streets of Prahran, the College Lawn is a hidden gem with a sun-drenched garden that can pack in up to 200 people. You could easily be mistaken for thinking you're at a mate's big backyard bash just having a good ole knees-up. The well-manicured garden is now complete with an outdoor bar that offers 10 beers on tap.

College Lawn Hotel. Source: Supplied

Florida Beach Bar, Terrigal, NSW

Kick back with your mates after a day on the sand at the largest outdoor dining area in Terrigal. This area has unrivalled views of the ocean and some mean cocktails - talk about a match made in heaven!

Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel, Queensland (pictured above)

If you are unfortunate enough to be stranded on this island enter sarcasm here) you may as well check out the measly 180 degree panoramic view of the Coral Sea. Probably few better places to sit to take your mind off things than at this very modern take on a beer garden.

Courthouse, Newtown, NSW

The Courty brings that little bit of country into the heart of the city with a hibiscus tree smack bang in the middle of a spacious and mostly-shaded courtyard with the balcony overlooking the garden giving off that homestead feel. With way more seating outside than in - the laidback outdoor action is by far the pub's biggest pulling power. The eclectic crowd on any given day can include families, students, firemen and artists.

The Courthouse. Source: Supplied

Brisbane Hotel, Highgate, WA

The urban oasis takes on the persona of a tropical laidback resort with palm trees, a lush garden and a trickling water feature as the centrepiece. Just turn up in your swimmers with a towel and you've got a ready-made holiday minus the airline ticket. The beer garden has a great mix of terracing and seating for literally every mood including stools, formal dining tables and chairs and cushioned benches with handy side tables and ottomans.

Brisbane Hotel. Source: Supplied

Goldmines Hotel, Bendigo, Victoria

It's definitely like striking gold when you discover this beautifully-landscaped garden that winds forever with new elements popping up along the way such as a pergola and a water archway. The Walduck family bought the 156 year-old heritage-listed hotel in 2010 and took on the massive plot of overgrown land behind the pub transforming it into what Crafty Pint's James Smith describes as more like a stately home garden in the UK.

Goldmines Hotel. Source: Supplied

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