Drink in the atmosphere at these alfresco bars in the Sunshine State.

Tippler’s Tap

Blink and you’ll miss it. This hip pint-sized deck is tucked away in a commercial complex in inner-city Newstead. The vibe is chilled and the abundant craft beer selection is an astonishing, ever-changing labour of love. You’ve discovered Brisbane’s beery garden of Eden, smack-bang in the middle of the concrete jungle.

Merthyr Bowls Club

The standard of bowls played here on a weekend is utter rubbish. It’s just an excuse to enjoy well-priced frosty pints right on the Brisbane River. In a suburb of bars desperately vying to out-hipster one another, this place keeps it real. Skip the bowls and settle in for a session in the city’s most relaxed beer garden.

The Triffid 

The sky-high wall of this large courtyard is adorned with graffiti art that reads like a who’s who of the Brisbane music scene, one cool cassette tape at a time. If you’re old enough to remember cassettes then chances are you’ll love this inner-city haunt as much for the great music as its exceptional range of booze.

Garden Bar, Woolly Mammoth Alehouse

If you’ve had your fill of the down-and-dirty pubs and bars for which Fortitude Valley is renowned, head upstairs to this lush little Hamptons-style haven. Enjoy some good clean fun, in the form of bocce or giant Jenga on the artificial lawn, and choose from a very civilised selection of beverages.

Miami Marketta

Look beyond the bikini-clad meter maids and tourist traps on the main drag: there are cool bars on the Gold Coast to challenge the old clichés. With live music, food trucks and an up-beat vibe, this industrial car-park beer garden is more fun than a day at the beach.

 

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