14 alfresco dining spots in Australia for perfect summer days

These chic venues embrace the warm weather in style.

Warm weather and longer days call for sitting outdoors enjoying delicious seasonal bites and refreshing cocktails. And thankfully, Australia is blessed with some breezy alfresco dining spots to relax and catch up with friends in style. 

Whether it’s for casual summer spritzes or lazy long lunches, a restaurant with water views or a lush rooftop bar, these venues allow you to make the most of the pleasant weather.

1. Catalina, Sydney, NSW

This iconic restaurant in Sydney’s east offers chic waterfront dining and an elevated menu that celebrates the best of Australian coastal produce. Book a table at the outdoor bar for sunset and be treated to sweeping views of the harbour, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters, pan-fried king prawns and premium margaritas. 

2. In The Hanging Garden, Hobart, Tas

alfresco dining In The Hanging Garden, Hobart, TAS — The Garden is a lush oasis.

In The Hanging Garden is undoubtedly the spot to hang on sunny days in Hobart. This live music and cultural precinct features a multi-level beer garden with outdoor dining and bars. Head up to The Garden to taste seasonal Tassie food, wine and beer in a verdant oasis, or relax at the Cathedral with its spacious lawn and Mexican, pizza and sandwich offerings.

3. Rick Shores, Burleigh Heads, Qld

One of Burleigh Heads’ most-loved dining destinations, Rick Shores offers relaxed beachside dining and bold pan-Asian flavours in share plate style. The space is sophisticated yet relaxed with expansive windows that create an indoor/outdoor flow that allows diners to enjoy unobstructed beach and ocean views. The Moreton Bay bug roll and crispy soft-shell crab are not to be missed.

4. Pee Wee’s at the Point, Darwin, NT

alfresco dining on the water's edge at Pee Wee’s at the Point, Darwin, NT — Indulge in fresh seafood by the water. (Image: Tourism NT/Christopher Nayna)

This Top End favourite is the ideal place to make the most of the balmy, tropical weather. Plant yourself at one of the tables on the water’s edge at sunset to enjoy views of the marina and harbour. The menu offers a tasty range of fresh seafood and local delicacies with the wild-caught barramundi being a must-order.

5. Farmer’s Daughters rooftop, Melbourne, Vic

the dimly dining at Farmer's Daughters rooftop, Melbourne, VIC — Enjoy light deli snacks and seasonal cocktails on the rooftop. (Image: Arianna Leggiero)

Melbourne institution Farmer’s Daughters brings regional Victoria, to the heart of the city. The venue’s verdant rooftop bar is an oasis that offers a deli-style menu with bites including potato rösti with nduja, stracciatella, bee pollen, and spring crudité with romesco dip and seeded rye toast. Inventive cocktails like the ‘Jala-Pinot’ with campfire roasted jalapeno and grapefruit infused tequila, pinot noir reduction, lime and grapefruit make for a perfect summer sipping experience.

6. Skol, Perth, WA

SKØL is the Scandinavian word for ‘cheers,’ and there’s plenty to celebrate at this charming spot in Scarborough that encourages good times. The vibrant menu features fresh, shareable plates, creative cocktails, tap beer and a selection of local and international wines. Choose between sitting on the sunny front porch of the heritage-style house or in the plant-filled courtyard.

7. Albert’s Wine Bar, Melbourne, Vic

alfresco dining at Albert’s Wine Bar, Melbourne, VIC — Albert’s Wine Bar exudes Parisian charm. (Image: Kate Shanasy)

With its carriage green palette, lattice detailing, cosy vibe, and street front seating, this neighbourhood cafe by day and wine bar by night would feel right at home in Paris. The rotating list of wines is sourced from authentic small-batch producers from all over the world and is to be enjoyed with small plates like charred leeks with parmesan custard, hazelnuts, capers and burnt butter or larger plates like rigatoni with vodka sauce and smoked ricotta.

8. The White Horse, Sydney, NSW

the lush rooftop terrace at The White Horse — Enjoy breezy cocktails on the lush rooftop terrace. (Image: Gavin Green)

This Sydney stalwart received a major renovation last year that transformed it into the chic hotspot it is today. Head upstairs to the lush rooftop terrace for breezy cocktails like the Bizzarro × PS40 strawberry and yuzu spritz and seasonal bites like fried prawns with nahm jim and four cheese croquettes.

9. Pinchy’s Lobster & Champagne Bar, Melbourne, Vic

alfresco dining at Pinchy's Lobster & Champagne Bar, Melbourne, VIC — Head upstairs to indulge in lobster rolls and champagne.

When the weather warms up, champagne and seafood really are where it’s at, and Pinchy’s Lobster & Champagne Bar in the CBD delivers the goods. Swathed in lashings of pink, this playful rooftop bar is a go-to spot for lobster rolls and Alaskan crab paired with a glass of bubbles or chablis.

10. The Fig Tree, Kangaroo Island, SA

dining under lush greenery at The Fig Tree, Kangaroo Island, SA — Taste your way through the hyper-local seafood menu underneath an ancient fig tree.

When it comes to special dining experiences in Australia, it’s hard to look past a meal at this Snelling Beach wilderness eatery on Kangaroo Island. Diners tuck into a three-hour Mediterranean-inspired feast that takes place underneath an ancient fig tree. Dishes hero coastal foraged ingredients and hyper-local seafood. Think: saltbush porchetta with apple and cavolo nero, and golden kelp focaccia with whipped ricotta and Ligurian honey.

11. Meelup Farmhouse, Cape Naturaliste, WA

Nestled in a beautiful rural setting on a charming hobby farm at Cape Naturaliste, Meelup Farmhouse is a delightful spot to enjoy delicious seasonal dishes and breathe in fresh country air. Sip on vino from local wineries and tuck into plates that champion ingredients from WA’s south-west like chicken, leek, and bacon terrine with croutons, farmhouse-made gherkins and relish.

12. RAFI, Sydney, NSW

the alfresco dining spot at RAFI, Sydney, NSW — RAFI will transport you to the Mediterranean.

An underrated gem in Sydney’s North Sydney, RAFI’s alfresco areas feature orange umbrellas and lush foliage that will transport you to the Mediterranean. The menu is inspired by the coastal elements of Sydney, so expect ceviche, oysters, whole fish, lobster and prawns (hummus with crispy chickpeas and green chilli is also not to be missed), alongside refreshing yuzu and peach spritzes. RAFI has also recently opened a sister venue at URBNSURF Sydney.

13. Herringbone, Adelaide, SA

the light-filled courtyard at Herringbone, Adelaide, NSW — Dine on great food in the cosy courtyard.

This laidback restaurant in the Adelaide CBD is known for its charming ambience and great food. The light-filled courtyard, where diners sit under a tree, is the perfect spot to while away a few hours sipping South Australian drops and nibbling on modern Australian dishes including standout options like local prawn mafaldine and hot smoked mulloway crostini.

14. Rizla, Canberra, ACT

Riesling and summer are a match made in heaven and if you’re a fan of the grape, you’ll find yourself in good hands at Rizla . Renowned as Braddon’s best wine bar, this venue has a 14-page strong wine list with a strong focus on the white grape and a menu of snacks designed to pair perfectly with it. Swing by for afternoon bevs in the relaxing outdoor space.

Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

In the credits of the new Australian film Kangaroo , the first name under ‘cast’ should read ‘The Northern Territory ’. Not only is Alice Springs (and the surrounding landscape) integral to the movie itself, but the spiritual heart of Australia and its local Indigenous owners also inform the look and feel of every frame, explains Producer Trisha Morton-Thomas of Brindle Films, who also plays Charlie’s grandmother Gwennie.

“By setting Kangaroo in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the film embraces how visible Aboriginal people are here, and the living Aboriginal culture that is woven through this community,” she explains.

still from kangarro film — See *Kangaroo*, then visit the real-life filming locations.

And while shooting in such a sacred part of the Northern Territory required extra planning, it was something the cast and crew were highly invested in.

“There are incredibly significant sacred sites and places of deep cultural stories in the area, that at times are very gender-specific, which we’ve kept out of the production,” she explains. “Even if overhead drone footage captures a sacred site that isn’t meant to be seen by other people outside of that clan, we’ve made sure to omit it from the film.”

If Kangaroo piqued your interest in a Central Australian holiday, we don’t blame you. Read on to discover eight places featured in the movie that you can visit in real life – and get planning. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat.

1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

artist at Many Hands Art Centre — Visit the galleries of Alice Springs, like Many Hands Art Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr/ Many Hands Art Centre)

The red and dusty streets of the film’s fictional town of Silvergum were filmed on the outskirts of Alice Springs. And, while the art gallery featured in the film is fictional, Alice Springs is a hub of creativity. See the work of local artists at the Araluen Art Centre , Yubu Napa Art Gallery , Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and the famous Tjanpi Desert Weavers .

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, the inspiration for the Kangaroo move — Visit the movie’s inspiration at Kangaroo Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism NT/ Kangaroo Sanctuary)

Kangaroo was inspired by the journey of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who founded the now world-renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary based in Alice Springs. For lead actor, Aussie Ryan Corr, the animals were central to the movie, alongside the landscapes.

“The animals in this story were a real calling point for me,” he explains. “What this story tries to tell us about the connection between humans and animals is beautiful.”

To gain a real insight into the fauna and flora of the Red Centre, you can visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary on a sunset tour, where you might even get the chance to hold a baby kangaroo.

3. Ormiston Gorge

woman walking along the edge of Ormiston Gorge near alice springs — Take a dip in Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/ @domandjesso)

The film captures the raw beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known in the Arrernte language as Tjoritja. This national park is rich in Indigenous culture and stark geological wonders.

Only a 15-minute drive from Alice Springs, Tjoritja offers visitors the chance to camp, hike and swim among ancient landscapes (most attractions are less than a three-hour drive away).

Ormiston Gorge , a cooling oasis in among the red desert sands, is one of the most popular destinations, no doubt because of the permanent swimming hole and towering red cliffs. From here, visitors can also embark on the beautiful Ormiston Pound Walk and the shorter – more accessible – Ghost Gum Walk. Bring your bathers – it’s safe for swimming.

4. Standley Chasm

woman walking through Standley Chasm near alice springs — Wander through Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT)

The 1.2-kilometre walk to nearby Standley Chasm will be a highlight for any visitor as the imposing 40 metre-high chasm walls project strength and ancient wisdom.

Visit at midday to experience the path illumined by the midday sun. Not only will you fill your camera roll with vibrant red images of the gorge and its intoxicating shadows, but you can also camp nearby in a powered or unpowered site so you can watch the brilliance of the desert stars fill the night sky after dusk.

5. Simpsons Gap

three people walking on path through simpsons gap near alice springs — Walk the trails of Simpson’s Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr)

Closer to Alice Springs, the photogenic Simpsons Gap is the perfect place to spot the endangered Black-footed Rock wallaby near the permanent watering hole. While swimming isn’t permitted, soaking up the sun and views certainly is.

Explore the area’s numerous walking trails, appreciate the soaring cliffs on either side of the ‘gap’ and pick out the shooting locations of Kangaroo in the area.

6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

aerial of Ellery Creek Big Hole near alice springs — Dive into Ellery Creek Big Hole. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

When it comes to classic Northern Territory landscapes, you can’t go past Ellery Creek Big Hole/ Udepata : tall gum trees sidling up to a refreshing watering hole (fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges and surrounded by rugged red cliffs.

Swim in the cooling waters, hike the cliff tops, watch for birds and even stargaze as you camp here overnight. It’s locations like this that attracted the film’s director Kate Woods to the project.

“It humbles you to be in this environment: it’s so beautiful, so old and so vast,” she explains. “I was thrilled to get a chance to … shoot such a beautiful story in the incredible landscape of the Northern Territory.”

7. Larapinta Drive

aerial of Larapinta Drive into alice springs — Drive along Larapinta Drive. (Image: Tourism NT)

There is no better way to get a feel for how the characters arrived at the fictional Central Australian town of Silvergum than to travel along the iconic state road, Larapinta Drive.

Connecting Alice Springs to the mighty King’s Canyon in the west, via the historic community of Hermannsburg, this road takes in the West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs Desert Park and artist Albert Namatjira’s house, among other attractions. Take your time, bring a camera and prepare for numerous stops along the way.

8. Todd River

competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta, alice springs — Join in the fun of the quirky Henley on Todd Regatta. (Image: Tourism NT/ TImparja Creative)

Meandering through Alice Springs like a lazy Western Brown snake, the Todd River is a central part of Alice Springs culture. Known as an ‘intermittent river’, the Todd can go from a dry dusty riverbed to a flowing waterscape in less than 15 minutes after heavy rainfall.

When it’s dry, the famous Henley on Todd Regatta fills the sandy riverbed with handmade ‘boats’ carried by sailors. This is the world’s only dry river boating event, and it’s referenced in the ‘Silvergum Boat Race’ in the movie. Inspired by the real-life event, the characters built quirky “Flintstones-style boats” and competed in teams.

See Kangaroo in cinemas now, and start planning your NT getaway at northernterritory.com.