Eat & Drink

The ultimate guide to beer gardens on the Central Coast

There’s nothing like a lazy sunshine session in an open beer garden with friends. Here’s a roundup of the top spots for a bevvy on the Central Coast. 

Bateau Bay Hotel

A beer garden with both undercover and outdoor seating, a large open grass area plus a children’s playground makes Bateau Bay Hotel a relaxed and family-friendly option. A classic Aussie pub with reliable grub and flowing drinks, you can enjoy a family night out, live music every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, or a celebration over the sports you love with the large outdoor TV.
Where: 65 Lumby Dr, Bateau Bay

Bay Rd Brewing

Discover the microbrewery and taproom in Gosford. Bay Rd Brewing’s venue and beers are best shared with great friends.
Where: 89 Donnison St, Gosford

Block ’N Tackle

Tucked away in an industrial unit, Block ’N Tackle’s taproom and brewery is in a relaxed space in Kincumber. The family-friendly and dog-friendly space is the perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon beverage.
Where: 11/13 Cochrone St, Kincumber

Budgewoi Hotel

Nestled within Budgewoi, the Budgewoi Hotel has a pretty cool beer garden, that comes with live music every weekend, The Budgie provides a laid-back atmosphere for patrons to unwind with friends and savour a cold drink.
Where: 169 Budgewoi Rd, Budgewoi

The Beachcomber

On the banks of Budgewoi Lake ‘The Beachie’ has a Hamptons-inspired ambiance with uninterrupted waterfront views and multiple eateries and bars. The blue and white nautical theme with picnic tables, beach umbrellas, and chic decor make this a resort stay without the airfare! Whether it’s a bucket of prawns and cold beers amongst friends or a long lunch from the bistro menu, The Beachie is a great place to chill.
Where: 200 Main Rd, Toukley

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Hadleys Bar

Offering a variety of seating options from communal tables and booths to couches and private dining. Relax and indulge with a cocktail or craft beer or explore their extensive gin and whiskey. The outdoor area also hosts live music and a Mexican kitchen, open Thursday to Sunday.
Where: 12-14 Mingara Dr, Tumbi Umbi

Kincumber Pub

If you’re after a beer and a pub lunch without leaving the pets at home, the Beer Garden of the Kincumber Pub is your answer! The huge courtyard also has a kid's play area and sandpit so this is a venue for the whole family.
Where: 6 Carrak Rd, Kincumber

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Lyon’s Den

Discover their impressive tap beer selection, with one tap rotating through Central Coast local beers such  Bay Rd, Six String Brewing, and Block ‘n Tackle, which are best drunk in Gosford’s newest (and potentially only) outdoor beer garden at the forecourt of the Den.
Where: 37a Mann St, Gosford

Margarita Daze

At this beachside hangout in Umina, you can enjoy your bevvies overlooking an endless waterfront horizon, and perhaps catch an Instagram-worthy sunset while you’re at it! Perch at a high table or bench bar under the festoon lights and tuck into one of the eight variations of Margarita on the cocktail menu, or grab a jug to share with your besties. Cocktails are the go here but an ample beer and wine list will have everyone sorted.
Where: 345 Trafalgar Ave, Umina Beach

Mumbo Jumbo’s

It might not necessarily fall under the ‘beer garden’ category, but Mumbo Jumbo’s brings one of the best outdoor dining and drinking experiences to the coast.
Where: 92 Terrigal Esp, Terrigal

Shady Palms

An eclectic Hawaiian-inspired surf shack nestled amongst the trees on Avoca Drive, Shady Palms is a laid-back and leafy spot for a drink. The tropical theming, bright-coloured umbrellas, and lush greenery make this a place you can escape to and feel like you’re on holiday.
Where: 366 Avoca Dr, Kincumber

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Six String Brewing Co.

Drop into this Erina-based brewery and taproom and taste test an ever-changing range of beers, cider, and soft drinks all of which are packaged and brewed on site.
Where: 4/330 The Entrance Rd, Erina

Terrigal Beach House

Considered by many as the OG beer garden on the Central Coast, Terrigal Beach House is a solid choice for a meeting spot. Enjoy endless good times with stunning beach views and fresh ocean breezes in the spacious outdoor terrace area. There’s plenty of shade, large tables for groups, regular live music to go with your icy cold drinks, and a menu of classic meals.
Where: 40 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal

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The Boathouse Hotel Patonga

With white nautical beach vibes overlooking the Hawkesbury River, this idyllic venue is a must-visit on the Central Coast and an easy day trip by ferry from Palm Beach. The Boathouse Hotel is one the trendiest and most picturesque beer gardens you’ll find on the coast, and its delicious food menu makes it the perfect spot for a long, lazy, summer session.
Where: 6-8 Patonga Drive, Patonga

The Entrance Social Club

Check out the jaw-dropping Instagram-worthy, indoor and outdoor area of Mrs May’s Bistro and Bar at The Entrance Social Club. The statement space was designed by Sydney-based design studio, Pony Design Co, and flows outside into a dog-friendly, stunning courtyard, and sundrenched deck which comes complete with umbrellas and greenery throughout.
Where: 87 The Entrance Rd, The Entrance

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