Is there anything that says “coastal Australia” quite like a cold beer at a pub with an ocean view? We don’t think so. Here are five of our favourites dotted along the southern coast of New South Wales.
1. MILTON HOTEL: MILTON
With (in our opinion) the best pub food on the South Coast, interesting beverage options and an ocean view to boot, we can’t go past the Milton Hotel. This 1800s pub was thoughtfully restored in 2019 and the current owners brew their own craft beers as well as run a kitchen that pumps out elevated cuisine. A note, if you’re in the mood for schnitzel and gravy this isn’t the right place.
Our favourite here? The wood-fired prawns with curry butter, tamarind and lime are the perfect accompaniment to a cold beer on a sunny day.
2. TATHRA HOTEL: TATHRA
Sitting on the hill in Tathra with 270-degree views over the ocean, the Tathra Hotel is a great spot for elevated pub fare enjoyed with one of their many beers that are brewed on-site.
Our favourite here? Enjoying a schooner of one of the several beers brewed on site whilst taking in the view over the ocean and seeing whales breaching during whale season.
3. THE WHALE INN/QUEEN CHOW: NAROOMA
Whilst not a traditional pub, this Asian restaurant recently developed by the famed Merivale group continues the trend of a more sophisticated offering coming to the South Coast. Queen Chow is all about turning incredibly fresh Australian produce into Cantonese Classics.
Our favourite here? The honey-glazed char siu pork is so good you’ll be thinking about making a reservation to return the next day just to eat it again.
4. GREAT SOUTHERN INN: EDEN
A salt-of-the-earth pub sporting an expansive deck with beautiful views over the bay, this is the sort of place that has stood the test of time and could not change for another 100 years and still be as popular as it is today.
Our favourite here? A cold beer on tap, best enjoyed with a view from the deck.
5. HUSKISSON HOTEL: HUSKISSON
Locally known as the Husky, this recently renovated pub sits right over the water and is equally good for a drink or a meal.
Our favourite here? Land a table in the “Pavillion” when the smoker is fired up and enjoy the Brisket Plate, made up of house-smoked brisket, corn, sliders, house pickles, cos lettuce salad, wedges and a chipotle BBQ sauce.
