The best beer gardens across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs to check out this spring
Here’s our selection of the best locations you can quench your thirst while soaking up some rays.
Matthew Sims
October 06, 2025
With the sun finally peeking out behind the clouds and rainy days, here are some new watering holes to check out and sit back with a pot, schooner or a pint of your choosing.
Did we miss your favourite local beer garden? Reach out to [email protected] and we’ll add it to our online list.
The Rogue Squire, Wheelers Hill
This spot has an open upstairs terrace, a microbrewery aesthetic (think copper and timber finishes and tasting paddles), and the full range of this craft beer and cider brand.
Grab a classic parma for $32 and share a paddle of four beers for $18 while enjoying views of the sun setting onto Mount Dandenong on the horizon.
When: Sunday to Thursday 11.30am-11pm, Friday and Saturday 11.30am–midnight, Sunday 11.30 am-11pm
Where: Corner of Jells Road and Ferntree Gully Road, Wheelers Hill
Notting Hill Hotel, Notting Hill
The Notting Hill Hotel, affectionately known as “The Nott”, has been around since 1870, and it wears its history proudly.
The sprawling beer garden is a major draw, with The Nott themselves proclaiming it as “quite possibly Melbourne's biggest & best beer garden”.
You'll find summer music sessions in the beer garden on most weekends and ticketed events throughout the year.
When: Monday 11.30am-9.30 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 11.30am-10pm, Thursday to Saturday 11.30am-11pm, Sunday noon-9.30pm
Where: 260-262 Ferntree Gully Rd, Notting Hill
Hop Hen Brewing, Lilydale
Local couple Mike and Jodie Leonard launched Hop Hen Brewing in 2016 after discovering the brewery culture down the country’s west coast. Mike quit his job as a primary school principal and hasn’t looked back.
Hop Hen is tucked away in the Lilydale Industrial Estate. Expect small-batch craft beers, an easy outdoor setup, and Thursday pizza nights that draw a loyal following.
Thursday pizzas come with a free pot: $16 for a small or $20 for a large (or $22 gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan).
When: Wednesday and Thursday 4-9pm, Friday 2-10pm Saturday noon-10pm, Sunday noon to 8pm, closed Monday and Tuesday
Where: 17/64-86 Beresford Road, Lilydale
The Firehouse, Ringwood
This heritage-listed building has been standing since 1929 and was once home to the Ringwood Fire Station, hence the name.
Now, it's home to a modern smokery, cocktail bar and a beer garden, complete with a “garage bar” styled in a way that’s reminiscent of an American dive bar.
Prices for a pint range from $12 to $17. Or if you’re feeling particularly parched, share a 2.4-litre beer tower for $35 to $55.
When: Monday and Tuesday, 4-11pm, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday noon-11pm, Friday and Saturday noon-12.30am
Where: 253-257 Maroondah Hwy, Ringwood
The Suburban Rooftop and Dining, Ringwood
Located conveniently in Eastland’s Town Square, directly opposite Ringwood Station, you can snag a pub classic - Wednesday is parma night from $20, and a steak on Thursday nights starts at $25 - while enjoying a view across Ringwood’s CBD from the rooftop garden.
When: Sunday to Thursday, 11am-10pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-midnight
Where: Eastland’s Town Square, 175 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood
The Grand Hotel, Warrandyte
This old-style two-storey classic pub sits on the edge of the Yarra River in Warrandyte, offering classic feeds - including a steak sandwich for $32 or a Wagyu beef burger for $30.
The beer garden gets busy for Thirsty Thursday from 7-10pm every Thursday night, with $8 schooners of Carlton Dry or Carlton Dry Mid or $22 for two mimosas.
Or go for a relaxing Sunday afternoon and listen to local live music talent from 3-6pm.
When: Monday to Wednesday noon-10pm, Thursday noon-11pm, Friday and Saturday noon-midnight, Sunday noon-9pm
Where: 110 Yarra Street, Warrandyte