Grab A Seat At One Of Byron’s Local Country Pubs And Coastal Beer Gardens
There’s little as refreshingly satisfying as settling in for a session at a classic country pub or breezy beer garden. And so, although we’re surrounded by boujee bars and quality cheap eats here in Byron Bay, you’d be forgiven for instead escaping the crowds and grabbing a beer and a bite at a locally-loved watering hole.
Love a pub sesh? You’re in good company. From cosy country pubs (made even better on a rainy Byron Bay day) to sunny beer gardens and sprawling lawns, we’ve rounded up some of the best in Byron and surrounds.
Many of these locally-loved pubs are a pleasant drive away. If you’re hiring a car, make the most of The Surf House’s inexpensive secure onsite parking.
1. Eltham Hotel
30min drive from The Surf House
There perhaps isn’t a pub that so perfectly encapsulates ‘country charm’ as The Eltham Hotel. This quintessentially Aussie pub was originally built in the early 1900s. Fast forward to 2019, and its restoration will have you walking past towering palm trees and a retro paint job, into the world of pub grub done well. Just as great as the menu (which features usual suspects like Chicken Parmies and Beef Burgers alongside tempting vegetarian and vegan fare, like Eggplant Parmigiana and Cauliflower Burgers and Eltham Congee), is the outdoor dining options and regularly impressive live music lineup.
2. Roadhouse Byron
5min drive from The Surf House
Just a five minute drive from The Surf House, and you’ll have ended up in the relaxed-to-the-max atmosphere of The Roadhouse. Come for the $10 margs poured during sunset-spiked happy hour. As the sun goes down, stay for Roady Nights where the woodfired pizza is a non-negotiable for carnivores, vegetarians and vegans alike. (May we add, the pizza bar is a perfect spot to get cosy if it’s raining in Byron Bay.) Our cravings for the ‘za are spiking hard as we write this, so let’s cut to the chase and just say – add this one to your list!
3. Hotel Brunswick
20min drive from The Surf House
Hotel Brunswick in Brunswick Heads is a bit of an institution this side of town, and it’s easy to see why. Grab a seat at The Bruns’ (as it’s affectionately known) beer garden. With front row views to the Brunswick River, this large breezy area is shaded by leafy Poinciana trees and a prime place to while away a sunny arvo with mates. And with 16 beers on tap and a constant live music agenda, it’s very easy to do just that.
4. North Byron Hotel
7min drive from The Surf House
You’ll be hard pressed to find a more tropical, lush and all-round-good-vibes pub setting than the North Byron Hotel. Indoor seating flows into the outdoor area, so no matter if you’re in the mood for cocktails on the sun drenched deck, or would prefer to relax on the lawn with rugs and oversized cushions; there’s a spot with your name on it. By night, the space transforms into an idyllic, fairy light-lit hub of good vibes, live music and Byron Bay buzz.
5. Husk Distillery
45min drive from The Surf House
If you’re less of a ‘beer garden’ type, and more of a ‘sipping seasonal cocktails on sprawling lawns with a gin distillery in the background’ kind of holiday maker, then may we suggest Husk Distillery. At this family farm in North Tumbulgum, stretch out in a picnic-style setup outside accompanied by a Husk grazing board or fresh snacks from their Planter’s Lunch menu. Between drinks, wander through the kitchen and cocktail gardens to see what’s in season and soak up the sunshine. On a beaut’ day, it can get busy so we recommend booking your spot!
6. Wandana Brewing
20min drive from The Surf House
Head just outside of the free-spirited town of Mullumbimby, and pull into Wandana Brewing. The vibe of this craft brewery hits just right. Uber friendly and locally loved, Wandana Brewing is home to the kind of beer garden (and tap room) that you could comfortably sit at with a group of mates for the rest of the day. Their small batch handcrafted brews are served alongside local food trucks, live music and DJ tunes, and Mt Chincogan and Hinterland views to top it all off. A killer option in both the heat of summer and on a rainy Byron day in winter.
7. Beach Hotel
3min walk from The Surf House
A pub that needs no introduction; set your sights on Byron’s iconic Beach Hotel, mere steps from The Surf House. Their laidback beer garden is huge and overlooks Main Beach, making that refreshing bevvie taste all the sweeter. Live artists play here everyday, and weekends are particularly pumping, so book a spot in advance!
Still Thirsty?
Head on up to the Rooftop Bar at The Surf House. Exclusive for guests, join us as we pull the perfect pints and serve local brews, amongst old school surf-inspired decor.
