Queensland’s best beachside pubs

Championing the laidback ‘beach-to-bar’ lifestyle Agnes Waters and the town of 1770 is famous for, ‘The Tree’ - as locals like to call it - is the definition of a beachside pub. A mere 10 paces from the sand, 1770 Beach Hotel and The Tree restaurant is the beating heart of this tiny hamlet, operating since the 1970s in this beautiful sleepy beach town.

Drop in for a late lunch after a morning at the beach, a quick bite to eat in between ocean swims, or settle in for a sunset dinner overlooking 1770’s pristine beach in one of the most picturesque pockets of of Queensland, this beachside pub oozes coastal charm.

The Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast

Having been a part of the local community since the 1950’s, The Coolangatta Hotel has long-established itself as Coolangatta’s go-to beachside brewhouse. Lovingly referred to as ‘The Cooly’, it has everything you want in a beachside pub; ice cold beers on tap, great pub food and a sprawling front deck taking full advantage of those ocean views.

Tip: pay a visit on one of the pub’s regular live music nights. The Cooly is famous for its live music scene, hosting both emerging and big-name artists.

Ellis Beach Bar and Grill, Cairns

With Kuranda National Park out the back and stunning views across the Coral Sea to the front, there’s a lot to love about Ellis Beach Bar and Grill.

Located just north of Cairns and Palm Cove, escape the tourist throngs and venture in for a frosty at One of Queensland’s most northerly beachside pubs, but stay for Ellis’ infamous ‘Sunday Sessions’ with live music and $1 oysters for a real taste of how locals get down in the tropics.

The Miami, Gold Coast

Undergoing extensive renovations in recent years, The Miami (formerly The Miami Tavern) is the light and airy beachside pub the Southern Gold Coast deserves. You won’t find any pretentiousness here, though; The Miami still retains its quintessential community spirit, beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Cool off from a scorching GC afternoon with lunch paired with sea breezes on the second-level deck. With wraparound windows overlooking Miami Hill and the Coolangatta skyline, you’ll struggle to pull yourself away from such stellar views.

Sandstone Point Hotel, Brisbane

Revered for its 180-degree waterfront views overlooking the mangrove-strewn waters of Pumicestone Passage and Bribie Island, Brisbane’s Sandstone Point Hotel embraces the balmy QLD lifestyle.

With extensive live music line-up and outdoor seating options, including picnic areas, benches, and umbrellas, the almost palatial sized grounds also boasts a second on-site eatery, The Oyster Shed, serving up locally caught fish, oysters and prawns, perfect for lazy afternoons by the sea. Kick back with a beer at sunset or toast a special occasion with friends overlooking the property’s restored jetty overlooking the glistening waters of Sandstone Point.

Featured image: Sandstone Point Hotel

Foxy’s Bar, Fitzroy Island

Arguably one of Queensland’s most unique beachside bars, Foxy’s resides on the magnificent Fitzroy Island National Park off the coasts of Cairns.

Surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef and engulfed by unspoilt tropical rainforest, hop off one of the island’s white sandy beaches and head straight to Foxy’s for post-snorkelling snacks and a refreshing drink. Shoes are optional – the views, however, are not.

O'Donnells Irish Bar & Grill, Palm Cove

Stroll along the Esplanade at Palm Cove and you’ll likely stumble upon the Irish bar that is O’Donnells. Almost touching Palm Beach and waters of the balmy Coral Sea, locals and visitors alike come here for the famous hospitality and ‘good craic’ the Irish are known for – and some of the best views money can buy.

Kick back on the deck with a cold beer, frozen cocktail, or Guinness (to blend in with the locals) and luxuriate in the fact you’ve found yourself a cracker of a beachside pub in the heart of the tropics.

The Courthouse Hotel, Port Douglas

A big, beautiful Queenslander in the tropical north, ‘The Courty’ is Port Douglas’ premium beachside pub with a whole lot of soul.

One of the oldest pubs in Port Douglas, The Courthouse Hotel oozes a very specific kind of traditional pub charm; a wraparound veranda and deck stealing view out across Anzac Park and harbour, lofty ceilings, and heritage façade, it’s no wonder it’s a popular venue for all who visit Port Douglas.

Marlin Bar, Magnetic Island, Townsville

Hop over to Magnetic Island for a long lunch or sundowners at Marlin Bar; Magnetic Island’s beachside outpost.

Overlooking the calm waters of Horseshoe Bay Lagoon, Marlin Bar sits 8km off the coast of Townsville, drinking in glorious, panoramic ocean views. Catch a ride from Townsville’s town centre (or wander down on foot if you’re holidaying on the island) and settle in with a beer and a pub feed in paradise.

Bayswater Hotel, Hervey Bay

For sundowners and a bite to eat with unspoilt views right out across Hervey Bay, look no further than the Bayswater Hotel. Boasting a prime location on the water’s edge, this local haunt dishes up locally caught seafood straight from the bay – ideal if you’ve just done a day of sightseeing or whale watching.

Head out to the deck for picturesque views of the Fraser Coast region’s rugged coastline and famous Urangan Pier. Rumour has it that during the annual humpback whale migration season, you can even spot these magnificent creatures breaching the ocean from the pub veranda. 

Baillie’s Bar, Heron Island

72kms off the Queensland coast might seem a bit of a journey for beers with a view, but at Baillie’s Bar on Heron Island it’s a distance worth travelling for. Making up part of the island’s resort, Baillie’s is a breezy beachside pub nestled in the heart of Mother Nature, the Great Barrier Reef. Ocean views, sea breezes, and turtle sightings come as standard here.

The bar itself features a large outdoor terrace, library, pool tables and entertainment lounge, all designed for lazy days by the ocean – or for moments when you’re not busy exploring this magnificent part of the world. A beachside pub on a world-famous coral cay island with jaw-dropping natural surroundings and views found nowhere else on Earth… did you expect anything less than perfection?

Bargara Beach Hotel, Bundaberg

Tucked just behind Bargara’s famed esplanade, the newly opened Bargara Beach Hotel is making a name for itself as the go-to local beachside pub on the outskirts of Bundaberg.

Taking full advantage of the region’s gentle coastal breezes and sunshine, it’s Bargara Beach Hotel’s sweeping deck which takes centre stage, making for an easy afternoon with friends. Nab a picnic bench under the umbrellas before tucking into some proper pub grub.

Looking for a pub further inland? Check out our pick of Southern Queensland Country pubs.