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.

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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.

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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.

With unhurried mornings, long, sun-filled afternoons, evenings shaped around sunset, this iconic beach offers an all-day experience (and it’s about to get even better).

As the sun slowly rises over the languid waves and fine sand of Broome’s Cable Beach, the morning colours shift from rich apricot to pale gold and frosty pearl. Remnants of life reveal themselves in the subtle shadows – crab claw marks, towel impressions, footprints. Life here is unhurried, but don’t be fooled. This town is continually shifting like the desert dunes that surround it.

And with a $75 million upgrade – offering easier and more inclusive access for people of all abilities – it’s getting even better.

Cable Beach upgrade foreshore redevelopment stage 1 — Discover the Cable Beach redevelopment.

The addition of comfortable and welcoming spaces has begun (and will continue). This means visitors will be able to spend longer enjoying this beautiful environment, while knowing that the upgrade will create a more environmentally protected setting that preserves the natural character visitors come for. Come sunset, soak it in all the better thanks to the already improved foreshore areas, made for lingering while the light changes. And for the kids, a new splash park and accessible dry playground will make it easy to while away the hours.

Think you know what a day at this beach is like? Think again.

Morning colours

car on cable beach at sunrise — Cable Beach comes alive after sunrise. (Credit: Tourism WA)

As the sun colours the sky, Cable Beach shows signs of life (and not just the aquatic kind). Locals and visitors alike float in the cool water as it laps the shore, landlubbers explore the coast on foot, runners pace and beachside yoga classes bring quiet movement to the day.

When the sky is blue and the sun is firmly in position, head down to the well-known Cable Beach House for a long, slow breakfast overlooking the ocean. Think fresh tropical fruit, eggs cooked your way and strong coffee in the warm morning breeze.

Afternoon adventures

camel train on cable beach in broome at sunset — Join a camel train at sunset. (Credit: C J Maddock)

When you’re ready to explore, carve a path along the Minyirr Park Trail – a gentle 1.5-2km track through coastal bushland with spectacular views of the dunes. Refuel at the nearby Spinifex Brewery for lunch with its low-key, outdoor beer garden. There’s even an outdoor playground if you’re travelling with young humans.

Walk off your lazy lunch by watching (or joining) one of the beach soccer or volleyball games, or even try Silent Beats Broome – a silent walking disco through the dunes. Or book a spot on the famous camel trains, watching the sun drop below the horizon along the way. They’re a constant reminder of the fascinating history, landscape and cultural mix in this part of the country.

Evening degustation

server at Cable Beach Club — Stop into the Cable Beach Club. (Credit: Tourism WA)

As the day closes, watch the world-famous Cable Beach sunset from the appropriately named Sunset Grill at Cable Beach Club. This open-air terraced dining spot overlooking the beach is the kind of place where the view takes centre stage.

While you sip on a lychee, lime & lemonade mocktail or a local beer, enjoy the bustle of life and nature outside as the day comes to an end.

For dinner, nab a table at the Bali Hai Cafe, where they offer pan-fried crispy barramundi, Abrolhos Island scallops and deep-sea snow crab. When you’re ready for bed, check in to Pinctada Hotel Broome – a lush, tropical resort with palm-dotted gardens and a large, lagoon-style pool to cool off in.

Beyond the beach

Beyond the wide, open beach and never-ending sky of Cable Beach, there are many more reasons to visit North West Australia. These are just a few.

Unmatched experiences

Shinju Matsuri Festival's popular Long Table Dinner on cable beach — Join Shinju Matsuri Festival’s popular Long Table Dinner. (Credit: Tourism WA)

Engage with the history of the land and its people on an Indigenous cultural tour exploring everything from the local wildlife to the tastes of bush tucker. To understand the importance of pearling to this town, take a tour of Chinatown, or head outside of town to the live pearl harvests at Willie Creek or Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, one of Australia’s oldest pearl farms.

Learn why Japanese pearlers were central to Broome’s pearling success and visit the largest Japanese cemetery in Australia, where 900 Japanese pearlers were buried – a testament to the risks and rewards of this dangerous profession.

And book ahead every spring for when communal tables, freshly cooked local fare and festoon lighting fill the beach for the extremely popular Long Table Dinner on Cable Beach. It’s a highlight of the Shinju Matsuri Festival, along with the Floating Lanterns Matsuri, where you can personalise a lantern and gently release it into the sea to honour those you love.

Dining discoveries

Further your culinary adventure at the laid-back Sunday Sesh at Matso’s Broome Brewery. Chow down on smoked crocodile or Aussie barramundi while kicking back to a local DJ as the heat of the day fades.

For more tunes, the beautiful outdoor Bay Club at the Mangrove Hotel is a great choice for dinner with live music, DJs or an event that stretches on into the early hours. Still hungry? Pop by Johnny Sausage for Italian-influenced meals paired with impeccable wines.

Natural beauties

Gantheaume Point cabnle beach broome — Experience the striking colours of Gantheaume Point. (Credit: Tourism WA)

Avoid the crowds and head to Town Beach for a quieter vantage point to see the phenomenal Staircase to the Moon – a natural illusion where the rising full moon is reflected on the tidal flats, creating a shimmering ‘staircase’ stretching up to the sky.

Just south of Cable Beach are the deep red cliffs and dramatic ocean views of Gantheaume Point, where 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints can be seen, revealed at low tide. Or head to Roebuck Bay to visit the internationally significant wetlands, where vast tidal flats are home to shorebirds and coastal fauna.

Between October and March, watch turtles nesting and hatchlings emerge from the sand. You’ll be holding your breath as they make their way down to the shoreline, ready to start their life in one of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes.

For more on Cable Beach and Australia’s North West, visit australiasnorthwest.com.