Dining with a View: Best Outdoor Tables in Australia
There’s something undeniably special about dining outdoors, especially in Australia. Maybe it’s the sunshine, the sea breeze, or just the laid-back lifestyle we’re known for – but eating al fresco is part of our culture. Whether you’re sipping wine by the harbour or enjoying fish and chips with your toes in the sand, Australia offers some of the most scenic dining experiences in the world.
Let’s take a little journey through some of the best spots in the country where the outdoor tables are as much a draw as the food itself.
1. Sydney’s Waterfront Wonder: The Boathouse, Shelly Beach
Sydney knows how to do dining with a view. The Boathouse at Shelly Beach in Manly is one of those rare places where the vibe is casual, but the scenery is five-star. Sit outside and watch snorkellers paddle through the crystal-clear water while enjoying a plate of fresh prawns or a flat white. The view stretches out over Cabbage Tree Bay, a protected marine reserve, making it a relaxing spot with a side of nature.
2. A Melbourne Favourite: Arbory Afloat
Melbourne may be known for its laneway cafes, but when summer rolls around, locals head straight for the Yarra River. Arbory Afloat is a seasonal floating bar and restaurant that turns heads with its bright umbrellas, Mediterranean menu, and city skyline views. Grab a table on the deck and enjoy wood-fired pizza and cocktails while riverboats cruise past. It’s a taste of Europe in the heart of Victoria.
3. Tropical Bliss: Hemingway’s Brewery, Cairns
Up in Far North Queensland, where the pace is slower and the views are greener, Hemingway’s Brewery in Cairns is the perfect outdoor hangout. Overlooking the Trinity Inlet with a backdrop of rainforest-covered mountains, it’s hard to beat the location. The brewery serves up craft beers made on-site, paired with local seafood and pub favourites. You can watch reef boats come and go while soaking in the balmy weather – it’s very Cairns.
4. The Perth Sunset Spot: Odyssea, City Beach
Perth’s western coastline is famous for its sunsets, and Odyssea at City Beach delivers front-row seats. This modern Australian restaurant is perched right by the water, with a huge outdoor dining area that’s perfect for warm evenings. Locals love it for Sunday lunch that rolls into golden hour. Their menu champions West Australian produce, with standout dishes like Exmouth prawns and Margaret River beef.
5. Wine and Views in the Barossa: Harvest Kitchen
If vineyards and rolling hills are more your style, you’ll fall in love with Harvest Kitchen in the Barossa Valley. South Australia’s wine country is packed with cellar doors and restaurants, but this one nails the outdoor dining brief. Their deck overlooks lush vines and offers a seasonal menu that’s all about fresh, local produce. Try their ‘Feed Me Like a Barossan’ menu for a real taste of the region – and don’t forget to pair it with a local Shiraz.
Why Outdoor Dining Is So Loved in Australia
Australia’s climate plays a huge role in our love for outdoor dining. Most major cities enjoy over 250 sunny days a year – and with coastlines, rivers, bushlands, and vineyards all within easy reach, it’s no wonder restaurants lean into the scenery.
There’s also a strong social culture around food here. We enjoy long lunches, Sunday sessions, and relaxed family dinners that stretch into the evening. Outdoor tables are made for that. Whether it’s a picnic bench by the beach or a chic courtyard in the city, the experience is about more than what’s on the plate – it’s about connection, sunshine, and slowing down for a while.
So next time you’re planning a meal out, skip the indoor table and opt for the view instead. From coastal cliffs to leafy wine regions, Australia serves up outdoor dining like nowhere else. And with so many options, you’re never far from your next unforgettable meal under the sky.