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Cheers the weekend with the best Brisbane pubs for all-day good vibes

Kristie Lau-Adams Kristie Lau-Adams
Toast your favourite people, or the end of a long day, with our guide to the cheeriest Brisbane pubs.

Milestone celebrations. After-work debriefs. Sun-drenched Sunday sessions. Like a seagull to hot chips, my magnetism to pub life is unbudgeable. Whether I’m in the mood for freshly poured pints overlooking the water, golden-crumbed schnittys as big as one’s head, catching the weekend’s sporting triumphs on super-jumbo screens or just a good quality catch-up that won’t break the bank, my favourite Brisbane pubs are just the ticket. Here, I shine a light on the city’s gem drinking holes.

In short

If you only visit one of the best Brisbane pubs, make it The Beaumont Hotel as it’s one of the newer spots in town and after-work crowds flock due to its inner-city location. Plus, they do five unique margaritas to help seal the deal.

1. The Beaumont Brisbane

an al fresco seating area with bright yellow umbrellas at The Beaumont Brisbane
Chill out under bright orange umbrellas. (Image: The Beaumont Brisbane)

My favourite Brisbane pub, The Beaumont Brisbane opened in April 2025 and wins instant points for its cruisy rooftop beer garden. It’s in the middle of town, too, so there’s a buzz even before after-work drinks officially ring in. Inspired by Australia’s natural landscapes, it’s flush with caramel and terracotta shades (think umbrellas, soft cushions and timber bench seating) while bursts of greenery add vibrance. The menu also takes its cue from our beloved shores, dotted with Mooloolaba king prawns, stone-fired pizzas with pepper berries here and nduja there, Moreton Bay bug risotto and more. It’s open from 11am between Wednesday and Sunday.

Address: 608 Ann St, Fortitude Valley

2. Bracken Ridge Tavern

the semi-al fresco dining area at Bracken Ridge Tavern, Brisbane
Sink a cold one at the semi-al fresco dining patio. (Image: Bracken Ridge Tavern)

If I’m hanging on the northside of Brisbane, Bracken Ridge Tavern is a no-brainer for its outstanding woodfired pizza and chilled-out vibes. The Brisbane pub stalwart underwent significant renovations in 2025, and the results have blended the venue’s renowned warmth with serious contemporary style. Embrace the natural light flooding in over the semi-al fresco dining patio by settling in with cold ones and a menu of those flavour-jammed pizzas plus steaks, ribs, and other pub classics.

Address: 154 Barrett St, Bracken Ridge

3. Regatta Hotel

the pub exterior of Regatta Hotel, Brisbane
The Regatta Hotel is a titan among the city’s pub scene.

A Brisbane must-visit, the Regatta Hotel is a titan among the city’s pub scene, located in the riverside suburb of Toowong. Entertaining locals since 1874, the Brisbane pub is unmissable as its white lace-iron verandas transport you to a bygone era. Inside, I can wander between the Front Bar, the Courtyard, the Boatshed fine dining restaurant, and the River Road Cafe, serving your morning caffeine fix from 6:30am. There are also multiple private spaces to hire out (including an intimate Den and Whiskey bar) if you’re planning something special. It opens until the wee hours (3am in the gaming room from Thursday to Saturday), daily.

Address: 543 Coronation Dr, Toowong

4. Story Bridge Hotel

a delicious pub grub at Story Bridge Hotel, Brisbane
The bistro has an extensive menu featuring much-loved pub grub. (Image: Story Bridge Hotel)

Another Brisbane icon, set right beneath the heritage-listed Story Bridge, is the Story Bridge Hotel. Hydrating patrons since its doors first opened in 1886, the Brisbane pub features a bunch of bars and an always-kicking vibe, particularly in the greenery-splashed Bridge Garden where singles mingle and big-screen TVs air whatever sports are on. Friday and Saturday nights bring some of the best local DJs out to spin their stuff, while the menu is always an occasion, delivering some of the best steaks in town and one legendary Guinness pie.

Address: 200 Main St, Kangaroo Point

5. The Lord Alfred

the dining room with vintage paintings at The Lord Alfred Hotel, Brisbane
The historical Lord Alfred Hotel dates back to the 1860s.

Got tickets to a game at Suncorp Stadium? Dropping into the Lord Alfred Hotel for a pre-game tipple (or few) is always the first thing on my to-do list. Grab a schooner of your favourite brew and elbow your way through to the upstairs balcony which packs out come game day. I love it up there for people watching as Caxton Street down below is always action-packed. Its historical bones date back to the 1860s so it’s filled with authentic character, and $16 weekly lunch specials are a great deal. The hot tip: get there on Wednesdays to score a kilogram of smoky barbecue wings for $25.

Address: 68 Petrie Tce, Brisbane

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6. The Normanby Hotel

a look inside The Normanby Hotel bistro in Brisbane
Find leather booths inside the intimate bistro.

Featuring yet another one of my favourite fun-fuelled beer gardens in the city, The Normanby Hotel is a vibrant spot that’s always humming. I like to set up shop within the mammoth al fresco space or its Public Bar (where all the live sporting streams are), Bistro or multiple balconies. No matter where you’re perched, this most-loved pub is a guaranteed good time. Weekly entertainment includes Wednesday trivia nights and live music from Friday to Sunday.

Address: 1 Musgrave Rd, Red Hill

7. Jubilee Hotel

the pub seating area at Jubilee Hotel, Brisbane
The iconic Jubilee Hotel has been transformed into a contemporary mecca.

Looking for something more sleek than sentimental? At the Jubilee Hotel in the inner city, you’ll score the best of both worlds. Built in 1887, it’s a heritage-listed haunt with an incredible history but recent years have seen it transformed into a contemporary mecca for classy (and sometimes not-so-classy) revelry. Two levels, decked out with polished timber floors house big group gatherings and intimate date nights as a stream of crafty cocktails, top-shelf booze and beautifully executed pub grub keeps the party going into the late hours.

Address: 470 St Pauls Tce, Fortitude Valley

8. The Plough Inn

people chilling out at the beer garden of The Plough Inn, South Bank
Nab a table in the beer garden. (Image: Vethaak Media)

No visit to South Bank is complete without a cheeky wine or pint inside The Plough Inn. The sprawling Brisbane pub spills over with infectious good vibes, encompassing a main two-level bar with an ornate balcony that overlooks the strip, a covered two-story entertainment space and further seating in the beer garden. Whenever you visit, there’s always something special going on, including Local’s Day on Wednesday which includes a meal and a drink, and there’s live music over the weekend.

Address: 29 Stanley Plaza, South Bank

9. The Rose & Crown

the pub dining room at The Rose & Crown, Brisbane
Grab a pint or two at the grand Rose & Crown pub in South Brisbane.

A grand Brisbane pub that blends its Queensland bones with English-inspired wining and dining, The Rose & Crown in South Bank is worth a pint or two. The 19th-century building, complete with lace-iron balconies, French doors, original fixtures and ornate finishes, is built with multiple areas to cosy into. Whether you’re somewhere inside, lost in a homely nook, or perched within an al fresco space, you can take your pick from a smorgasbord of beers, wines and spirits, plus traditional English meals (yep, a scotch egg and pork scratchings are both there). Head over on Sunday to score a Sunday roast with Yorkshire pudding and mini puddings for dessert, too.

Address: 271 Grey St, South Brisbane

10. Breakfast Creek Hotel

the Spanish garden at the Breakfast Creek Hotel
Pull up a chair in the charming Spanish-inspired beer garden.

One of the most legendary Brisbane pubs, the Breakfast Creek Hotel in Albion, located in the north-eastern suburbs of the city, is a must-visit. It’s renowned for its live footy match screenings, which draw huge crowds, propelling this Brisbane pub’s ambience to soaring heights. In November 2025, its new-look Spanish Garden Steakhouse and pizza kitchen upgraded its menus, while more exciting bar upgrades (including extra outdoor dining spaces) are set to roll out in 2026. Make sure you check out its selection of rum, one of the largest collections in the southern hemisphere.

Address: 2 Kingsford Smith Dr, Albion

11. Koala Tavern

a selection of share plates at Koala Tavern, Brisbane
A wide selection of delicious pub grub at Koala Tavern.

Beloved by my little ones, Koala Tavern is a laid-back Brisbane pub with one especially wonderful, family-friendly beer garden. Complete with a playground (every pub parent’s dream come true, right?), the space is dressed in faux grass so kids can run around with greater ease. Regular events include Trivia Thursday and live music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. And, arguably most importantly, the meals are abundantly served and always finessed.

Address: 36-40 Moreton Bar Rd, Capalaba

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12. The Glen Hotel

a spread of food plates on the table at The Glen Hotel, Brisbane
The menu offers a range of pub meals, desserts, gelato and coffee.

Speaking of places my kids are into, I recommend getting amongst the Brisbane ‘burbs with a family-friendly session at The Glen Hotel in Eight Mile Plains. An incredible outdoor play area fitted with a life-size model tractor, cubby holes and other fabulous time-suckers will keep little ones happy while the beer garden’s very convenient vantage point helps you keep watch. The food is always generously portioned, and there’s even a cafe menu that offers a range of desserts, gelato and coffee. Everyone is endlessly sorted at this great Brisbane pub.

Address: Corner Logan Rd and Gaskell St, Eight Mile Plains

13. Frogs Hollow Saloon

two people sitting at a bar, Frogs Hollow Saloon, Brisbane
The whiskey den resides in a century-old warehouse. (Image: Mitch Lowe)

If you’re keen to escape scorching conditions outside, Frogs Hollow Saloon in Brisbane’s CBD is a stellar, dimly lit choice. A hipster hang adored by the city’s in-the-know hospitality scene, it’s moody yet relaxed, offering an ideal sanctuary where mixology excels. A little bit country (don’t miss the whiskey range) and a whole lot of fun, it’s a late-night gem to mix with the coolest of kids. It’s open from midday until 1am daily.

Address: 26 Charlotte St, Brisbane

14. QA Hotel

a look inside the QA Hotel, Brisbane
Cosy up in one of the booths at QA Hotel.

It mightn’t look like much from the outside, but the QA Hotel, also known as the Queens Arms Hotel, is a historical Brisbane pub with plenty to fall for. Built in 1884, it’s in fact one of the oldest surviving pubs in the area. It’s been spruced up multiple times since its arrival, and the current iteration is a warm and contemporary space with touches of exposed brick and timber in various shades of chocolate. Fill your belly with an extensive menu of pizzas, pastas, burgers, grilled meats, salads and starters and keep spirits high with, well, spirits, shaken and stirred to pastel-hued perfection.

Address: 64 James St, New Farm

15. The Pineapple Hotel

Lovingly dubbed ‘The Piney,’ Kangaroo Point’s Pineapple Hotel is a rowdy Brisbane institution that’s always entertaining. Family-owned and family-friendly, the hot spot is the place to visit if you’re on your way to The Gabba stadium, as it’s less than a ten-minute walk from the venue. Other drawcards include live screenings of every footy match imaginable and Wednesday night trivia.

Address: 706 Main St, Kangaroo Point

16. The Transcontinental Hotel

the bar at The Transcontinental Hotel, Brisbane
Head to the heritage-listed Transcontinental Hotel for after-work drinks.

Right across the road from Roma Street Station, The Transcontinental Hotel is an outstanding place for after-work drinks. The heritage-listed beauty, built in 1888, features multiple bars in addition to a beer garden and dining hall, and each space is roomy enough to house your gathering without feeling as though you’re on top of other groups. Expect beautifully executed classics, including chicken parmi, steaks and burgers, on the menu, as well as internationally inspired small plates.

Address: 482 George St, Brisbane

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Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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Can’t handle the cold? Hamilton Island serves a slice of summer in winter

(Image: Hamilton Island)

    Eleanor Edström Eleanor Edström
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    When the winter chill settles in, an escape to Hamilton Island’s year-round tropical shores is the only acceptable coping mechanism.

    As a heliophile with the cold tolerance of a Mediterranean house cat, the arrival of winter tends to spark a particular panic. How will I survive? Must I really start layering? What do you mean, Aperol season is over? But there are far better ways to spend the cooler months than sulking in the depths of your doona.

    Enter, Hamilton Island. With its year-round sunshine and permanent on-holiday atmosphere, this Whitsundays favourite promises a veritable slice of summer in winter.

    Think salt-stiff hair and the smug pleasure of devouring seafood beside the water while friends back home are defogging their windscreens. Here’s why Hamilton Island should figure into your winter plans.

    1. Year-round summer weather

    A woman hiking along the Passage Peak trail on Hamilton Island.
    Hike under sunny winter skies on Hamilton Island. (Image: Andrew Caitens)

    In the crisper months, Hamilton Island offers perfectly mild, sunny weather (17-24°C) that lends itself to morning swims and afternoon spritzes. Better still, you can enjoy the island’s outdoor adventures – from hiking to mountain biking – without the humidity or rain you’ll often find in summertime. With direct flights from most major Australian cities offering ease of access, Hamilton Island is the ideal place to flee the cold.

    2. Getting active without the humidity

    A buggy parked overlooking Hamilton Island’s golf course, with sweeping views of the sea at Whitsundays in winter.
    Zip around Hamilton Island by buggy. (Image: Hamilton Island)

    Whether you’re hiking up to Passage Peak or exploring the island by buggy, tropical Queensland humidity is nobody’s friend. The one way to guarantee you will avoid the inevitable stickiness and fluffy hair? Visit during winter. There’s plenty to be enjoyed, from sunrise yoga at The Sundays (exclusive to guests of The Sundays) to playing golf on Dent Island.

    3. Hamilton Island Race Week

    Yachts racing across the sparkling Whitsundays during Hamilton Island Race Week.
    Feel the thrill of Hamilton Island Race Week. (Image: Salty Dingo)

    Taking place in August, Hamilton Island Race Week is a destination in its own right that attracts spectators and racers from around the globe. Boating enthusiasts and thrill-seeking holidaymakers flock to the island, which is palpably energetic as the first yachts set off for Dent Passage from Hamilton Island Yacht Club. The annual action-packed week, taking place from 15 to 22 August in 2026, offers an exciting calendar of on- and off-water events – spanning everything from celebrity chef dinners to golfing comps and wine tastings.

    4. Best time for snorkelling

    A woman snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
    Explore Hamilton Island’s winter waters. (Image: Andrew Caitens)

    While the crowds on Hamilton Island may disperse with the cooler weather, the marine life certainly doesn’t. Winter is widely considered one of the best times to snorkel and dive in the Whitsundays.

    It’s down to a number of reasons: excellent water visibility, higher chances of seeing whales as they migrate north and – best of all – no nasty stingers. This means no need to wear those notoriously unflattering full-body wetsuits visitors have to wear in warmer months. On top of all this, you’ll find calm seas ideal for sailing and Great Barrier Reef tours.

    5. Fewer crowds

    People kayaking.
    Experience a quieter Hamilton Island on a kayaking adventure. (Image: Hamilton Island)

    Winter is often the quietest time to visit Hamilton Island, with the peak season crowds thinned to a relaxed trickle. You can snorkel or dive straight off the reef-laced waters of Catseye Beach, then swap fins for a buggy and zip between One Tree Hill, the marina and sunset cocktails without the usual summer queues. Active days stretch from kayaking, sailing and jet skiing to hopping over to famous Whitehaven Beach to witness those breathtaking white swirls of silica sand. You won’t have to elbow your way to the front of the crowd to get a good snap.

    6. Delicious dining

    The interiors of Bommie Restaurant, featuring modern coastal design with warm lighting and elegant detailing.
    Treat yourself to Bommie Restaurant’s fine dining featuring fresh, seasonal Aussie produce. (Image: Nikki To)

    The food on Hamilton Island tastes just as good any time of year, and winter is still perfect weather for sundowners. Start with an iced tea Negroni at harbourside Bommie Deck, before transitioning to Bommie Restaurant for a fine-dining feast centering on seasonal Aussie ingredients. Or perhaps enjoy a more casual poolside evening at Sails Restaurant, where plates of chermoula chicken skewers, baked cauliflower steak and crispy sumac squid come served with ocean views. From family-friendly pub meals to elevated wine tastings, there’s something for everyone.

    5. Clear skies for idyllic views

    The golden hour across the Whitsundays in winter.
    End your day with golden Hamilton Island sunsets over the water. (Image: Hamilton Island)

    Never let a cloud rain on the parade of Hamilton Island’s spectacular scenery. Winter brings clearer skies and more stable weather to the Whitsundays, meaning your picture-perfect sunset at One Tree Hill is likely to remain that way. And after putting in the legwork to hike to a scenic lookout, the last thing you want is a vista hidden behind low cloud and haze.

    To learn more about travelling to the Whitsundays in winter, visit hamitlonisland.com.au.