The 25 cosiest pubs to add to your winter hit list

Warm your cockles as winter descends at these cosy pubs and bars around Australia that offer everything from fireplaces to great pub grub and craft beer.

Gathering with friends or family in a cosy pub is one of the best ways to embrace winter in Australia. Whether you’re tempted by Aussie pubs with a fireplace or are simply looking for an excuse to enjoy a strong toddy, nothing beats that feeling of being warm and snug in a pub on a blustery day.

Here is our ultimate guide to 25 of the best cosy pubs around Australia that are must-visits when the mercury drops.

NSW | Tas | WA | Vic | Qld | SA

1. Forrester’s, Surry Hills, Sydney, NSW

Sydneysiders have been eating, drinking and getting very merry at the Forrester’s for more than a century. Applejack Hospitality brought out the best of the pub’s attributes when it unveiled its $1.5 million transformation in 2021.

The light-filled pub is now divided into three distinct drinking and dining spaces and what really warms our hearts is the historic tavern’s dedication to the Sunday roast served within the iconic Yorkshire pudding the size of your head with a generous helping of gravy and crispy spuds. We’re not telling porkies: the Big Yorkie, the best pud in the ‘hood, is so popular it’s on offer every day of the week. Iconic.

Address: 336 Riley St, Paddington

2. The Lord Dudley, Paddington, Sydney, NSW

It’s clear to anyone who loves a pint that the Brits know a thing or two about creating a bit of warmth and atmosphere in a good old-fashioned pub. Enter The Lord Dudley. The family-run pub has been an institution since 1889.

And, if you’re after a snug evening in Sydney, this Paddo institution is where you will find a fireplace, live music and Sunday roasts. The Lord Dudley is also a draw for British visitors to Sydney for its iconic pub grub such as pot pies and bangers and mash well as comforting classics such as lamb shanks and chicken schnitties.

Address: 236 Jersey Rd, Paddington

3. Woolwich Pier, Woolwich, Sydney, NSW

A cosy pub does not necessarily need to be dimly lit. Cosy can also mean warm and cheerful, friendly, congenial and comfortable as this charming light-and-bright pub on Sydney’s lower north attests.

Do a few laps in the Woolwich Baths before nabbing a spot near to the roaring fireplace at the Woolwich Pier Hotel. The iconic harbourside pub, surely one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets, has sweeping views of Sydney Harbour and has been a cornerstone of the community since as far back a 1885. Stay warm with the Sunday roast served with seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes, apple puree, gravy and a Yorkie.

Address: 2 Gale St, Woolwich

4. The Burrawang Village Hotel, Burrawang, NSW

Corporate casualties fleeing the city for the weekend should make a beeline for The Burrawang Village Hotel. This much-loved summertime destination transforms into one of cosiest pubs in the Southern Highlands for fireside drinks during winter.

Embrace the warmth of the winter sun in the historic country hotel’s beer garden, which boasts bucolic views over the surrounding countryside, or retreat indoors with Mauger’s sausages and mash or a plate of Young Henry’s beer-battered fish. As well as being plush and cosy, the ‘Wang is family friendly.

Address: 14 Hoddle St, Burrawang

5. Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Sydney, NSW

This iconic Sydney waterfront pub is known primarily for being a destination in summer. But what many Sydneysiders don’t know is that it also fits the cosy category. The Sunset Room is tucked away upstairs at the back of the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel away from all the see-and-be-seen scenesters sipping spritzes by the sea.

As well as being a top spot for a bottomless brunch, which will make you feel very ‘in the know’, the pub has comfy sofas arrayed around a log fire. As far as fireside drinking dens go, it’s the kind of place you want to linger while sipping seasonally inspired cocktails. Spotting A-list celebs off to the side only adds to the cachet of this cosy Sydney pub.

Address: 10 Marine Parade, Watsons Bay

6. The Duke of Clarence Hotel, Sydney, NSW

The Duke of Clarence is the pub to go to when you’ve got a homesick mate visiting from Great Britain. You will feel like you’ve time-travelled back to London in the 18th century in this cosy Sydney CBD pub where the food ranges from snacks such as curried peanuts and Walker’s crisps – both iconic – to more substantial mains such as beef brisket and Guinness pie.

The Duke of Clarence also does one of the best Sunday roasts in Sydney, which comes with the option of a pig in a blanket. Find colleagues glued to the bar stools drinking cask ale. Couples congregating in the corners. And solo diners sitting in the dimly lit room lined with bookcases. It’s a ridiculously convivial and cosy pub.

Address: 152-156 Clarence St, Sydney

7. Charlie Parker’s, Paddington, Sydney, NSW

The moderate-sized Charlie Parker’s has a decidedly cool quotient of customers by virtue of the fact it’s one of Merivale’s hotspots. While it’s technically more of a cocktail bar than a pub, the venue downstairs from Fred’s restaurant in Paddington is dark and dimly lit, like a nostalgic sepia-toned postcard of ‘Sydney in the olden days’.

What you will be instantly struck by is the warm, cosy vibe and low beamed ceilings, exposed brick and sandstone and dark timber tones. The cocktails from mixologists Toby Marshall and Sam Egerton will knock your socks off. And the food? Well, it’s brought to you by the chefs from Fred’s so you will drink and eat well.

Address: 380 Oxford St, Paddington

8. The Rockley Pub, Rockley, NSW

Play scissors, paper, rock to determine the designated driver when you’re road-tripping through Rockley, in the Central Tablelands region of NSW. When Matt Moran reopened The Rockley Pub to reveal its extensive renovations, he put this great Australian town on the map for adventurous epicureans. 

Matt grew up on his family’s farm in Rockley and his family’s connection to the region dates back to 1883, so it’s been his dream to see the township come to life. Taking the reins at The Rockley Pub, which offers boutique accommodation, has certainly invigorated the historical building if not the tiny township itself.

Sightings of celebrity chefs are highly likely here as Moran has a lot of high-profile hospo mates. But regardless, the staff will still treat you like a million bucks. Do as they say and order The Moran Family Farm sausage with garlic mash and peas; it’s a must.

Address: 2 Budden St, Rockley

9. The Old Fitzroy Hotel, Sydney, NSW

The Odd Culture Group are responsible for enlivening Sydney’s nightlife. So, when news came out that it had taken over The Old Fitz, Sydneysiders breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Yes, the old bargain-basement laksa, beer and a show deal have gone the way of the dodo. But the charm of The Old Fitz remains and the pub, bistro and theatre that has been serving Woolloomooloo luvvies for some 160 years gets a second act.

Expect British pub food classics such as a chip butty with curry sauce and a roster of regular pub grub with an Aussie accent such as the rissole sanga.

The renovations to the Old Fitz have been faithful, which means the old blokes smoking durries out the front have not been deterred. And therein lies the inclusivity that is at the heart of The Odd Culture Group, which is making our cities more exciting one venue at a time.

Address: 129 Dowling St, Woolloomooloo

10. The Clarendon Arms, Evandale, Tas

A cracking community is what visitors to The Clarendon Arms will find after following the crowds from the quaint Sunday market into this surprisingly happening pub.

The cosy pub in northern Tassie is near to Launceston and known for celebrating the produce the region is famous for such as Barilla Bay oysters and local artisan cheeses. Take a moment to step outside and admire the kitchen garden, enjoy live music, or simply relax indoors with a glass of local wine. You can’t go past a crumbed lamb rack with jus, Dutch carrots, cauliflower puree and asparagus.

Address: 11 Russell St, Evandale

11. The New Sydney Hotel, Hobart, Tas

Find the warmest couch near the fireplace in this cosy watering hole dubbed the ‘best little pub in town’. New Sydney Hotel is one of the best Irish pubs in Australia, as it’s said to have the best Guinness in Hobart.

It makes our list of cosy pubs because it was established in 1853 and has the kind of warm and friendly atmosphere that cannot be manufactured. The walls are lined with framed photographs and ephemera. And the menu offers a rotating roster of classic pub grub with a Tassie twist such as the Cape Grim beef and Guinness pie and crispy-skinned pork knuckle. All up, there are 18 beers on tap and more than 125 Irish whiskies on offer.

Address: 87 Bathurst St, Hobart

12. Empire Hotel, Queenstown, Tas

Make sure you ask Siri for directions to Queenstown Tasmania, not Queenstown NZ. In any case, you’ve still got to cross the ditch from the mainland. Just a different one. But once you get to the Empire Hotel, you need not go anywhere for the rest of the afternoon.

A large traditional dining room awaits at the Empire with a roaring log fire that adds to the ambience and cocktails to keep the conversation flowing. The pub was built in 1901 and is a great place to base yourself before embarking on a scenic journey onboard the West Coast Wilderness Railway, one of many amazing train journeys in Australia. Keep it simple with a warming bowl of soup served with a crusty bread roll.

Address: 2 Orr St, Queenstown

13. River Run Lodge, Strathblane, Tas

A cosy pub with accommodation in Tasmania is the stuff of romance. Snag one of the tables at River Run Lodge near the fireplace in this snug Tassie tavern for locally made whiskies and gin.

The pleasure of sitting near the fireplace, watching the flames lick the bricks, will put all other plans on hold for the day. Southern Tasmania comes into its own year-round.

But as visitors drawn to the Huon Valley in winter will attest, it’s a truly magical destination at this time of year. Think earthy wood panelling. Oversized furniture. And an amorous atmosphere that channels the warmth of a Canadian ski lodge.

Make like a Kardashian and drape yourself in faux fur and sit, limbs akimbo, on a leather sofa. Meals are also curated with care from locally sourced ingredients. Strewth Strathblane. Who knew?

Address: 247 Narrows Rd, Strathblane

14. The Royal, Perth, WA

You can be sure of a warm welcome at this cosy Perth pub where locals have been propping up the bar since 1882. The Royal reopened in 2019 after undergoing a major renovation that maintained the pub’s history, charm and heritage feel.

Head upstairs to settle on a Chesterfield couch and sip wine from the hyperlocal list. The Royal is the perfect Perth CBD location drawing the after-work crowd looking for a comforting pub meal and drink during winter. Pair the free-range half chicken, with chilli garlic vinegar, rice noodles and charred spring onion with a local ale.  Happy days.

Address: 531 Wellington St, Perth

15. The Cottesloe Beach Hotel, Perth, WA

The Cottesloe Beach Hotel is a welcoming retreat after a weekend exploring the many unmissable wineries of WA. This Perth institution is famous for its beachside location right on Cottesloe Beach and is the go-to venue to watch the sun sink over the sea.

Rug up with your friends and sit outdoors in The Terrace in the Beach Club where there are three outdoor fireplaces blazing to keep patrons warm. Beachgoers will also vie for position by the fire inside the Verandah Bar which offers coastal views along the length of Cottesloe Beach.

The chefs pride themselves on provenance, the wines on offer are from local boutique wineries and there are WA craft beers on tap. Settle in to watch a winter storm roll in over the Indian Ocean.

Address: 104 Marine Parade, Cottesloe

16. The Brisbane Hotel, Perth, WA

If you’re on the lookout for a cosy Perth pub with a fireplace that is also dog-friendly, look no further. In a plot twist to the tale of two cities, The Brisbane Hotel is your best bet in Perth.

Dating back to 1898, this Perth establishment offers a beer garden dotted with palm trees and live music that will make you feel like you’re in Hawaiʻi rather than Highgate.

The Brisbane attracts a boho crowd who look like they’re in auditioning for an episode of Portlandia. The Brissy, as it’s affectionately known, defines the genre of cosy pub. Especially when there’s a bowl of pumpkin gnocchi in the mix.

Address: 292 Beaufort St, Perth

17. The Gertrude Hotel, Melbourne, Vic

What do you get when you merge Aussie pub culture with inspiration from Italy? The kind of ‘cosy’ that feels more Milan than Melbourne. Accogliente, if you will.

The Gertrude Hotel, on the corner of Napier and Gertrude streets, is not a ye olde kind of cosy pub. There are no vintage couches in sight. Instead, it’s modern and bright with natural wood finishes and heritage stonework.

But what makes the case to while away a Sunday afternoon is the menu. Diners can cross continents with comforting dishes created by chef and co-owner Andy Lockyear (ex-Rockpool) such as hand-stretched pizza and the signature crab linguine. Mangiare.

Address: 148 Gertrude St, Fitzroy

18. Tooborac Hotel and Brewery, Tooborac, Vic

Ask your teetotaller mate with the vintage car to take you for a cruise to the Tooborac Hotel and Brewery for a pub lunch. The bluestone brewery and hotel built around 1857 is the oldest National Trust-listed country pub in the state, dating back to the wild times of gold mining and bushrangers.

And the character-filled pub, a 90-minute drive north of Melbourne, is nothing if not cosy. Book a brewery tour and find out how the lagers and ales are crafted, quench your thirst with a cold one, and then tuck into a mouthwatering lamb and shiraz pie.

Address: 5115 Northern Hwy, Tooborac

19. The Napier Hotel, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Vic

Melbourne‘s cooler climes call for a hit list of cosy pubs. The Napier Hotel tops it, thanks to its fun British pub atmosphere, friendly vibe and welcoming local clientele.

Sink into the velvety comfort of a chair near the open fireplace or forget the grey of the winter sky over a game of pool with some beardy locals.

It’s difficult to pick a favourite from the menu of this old-school pub but the steak sanga and spaghetti marinara are up there. The solid fare, paired with excellent service, makes a visit to this warm and welcoming Melbourne pub a must.

Address: 210 Napier St, Fitzroy

20. Portarlington Grand Hotel, Bellarine Peninsula, Vic

You have the Melbourne-based architects Technē Architecture + Interior Design to thank for the considered redevelopment of this grand old dame, dubbed ‘the Jewel of the Bellarine’.

The Victorian-era beauty was built in 1888 and has been faithfully restored in the most sensitive of ways thanks in part to that whopping $10 million budget. The Portarlington Grand Hotel is a short 70-minute ferry ride from the Docklands of Melbourne and the bar staff sound a warning bell for ‘Last Drinks’ so you don’t miss your return ferry home.

Alternatively, you can book a stay at the pub or somewhere nearby in the Bellarine, one of the best places in Victoria for a getaway. The pub has sweeping views of the water, the You Yangs and the Melbourne city skyline. Hunker down here on a cold day for Portarlington Provencale mussels or prawn linguine.

Address: 76 Newcombe St, Portarlington

21. The Victoria Hotel, Rutherglen, Vic

The Rutherglen community is justifiably proud of The Victoria Hotel. Stage one of the multimillion-dollar redevelopment of the pub is now complete and, as locals will tell you, home is where the hearth is.

Spend the morning cycling on one of Victoria High Country’s rail trails before you settle in at The Victoria Hotel. Book the 1868 dining space replete with a fireplace. Or simply celebrate reaching the end of the line with refined pub grub, such as whipped cod roe or slow-cooked lamb shoulder. These two dishes likely contributed to the pub winning the Best Regional Pub Restaurant award for 2024.

Those in need of rest and refreshments while on a road trip from Melbourne can also book a room and hole up here for the night.

Address: 90 Main Street, Rutherglen

22. St Bernard’s, Tamborine Mountain, Qld

Yeah, yeah, we know this cosy pub is in Queensland. But you’d be surprised to hear that the Sunshine State does experience bouts of cold weather on occasion. Especially when you’re in the Scenic Rim.

Road-trippers touring Tamborine Mountain should include a stop at St Bernard’s Hotel. Perched on a volcanic escarpment, this classic Queensland pub treats guests to stunning views that stretch all the way to the Gold Coast and Stradbroke Island. Unwind near the cosy pub fireplace or, even better, take a selfie with one of the resident St Bernard dogs. Just don’t forget to deploy the #iloveyourdog hashtag.

Address: 101 Alpine Terrace, Tamborine Mountain

23. Imperial Hotel, Eumundi, Qld

You’ve got to head for the hills of the Sunshine Coast hinterland to really justify pulling on those boots and donning that knitted beanie. Do that and you’ll fit right in at The Imperial Hotel where the unofficial Eumundi uniform is worn by everyone from in-the-know Brisbanites to young parents and couples having dinner in the dimly lit dining room.

It’s a lively atmosphere, especially when you add acoustic music to the mix. The majestic old Queenslander hotel is right across the road from the iconic Eumundi markets, a visit to which is one of the best things to do in Noosa. The schnitties here are so big they need their own postcode, and the cosy pub is a great place to gather for a Sunday sesh.

Address: 1 Etheridge St, Eumundi

24. The Scenic Hotel, Norton Summit, SA

Yes, South Australia has some scorching summers. But it also flips the switch in winter when it averages lows of about eight degrees Celsius. Embrace the southern charm of Adelaide at The Scenic Hotel, sitting near the summit of Norton near Mt Lofty in the Adelaide Hills.

The epic views from this welcoming watering hole make it a destination in its own right. But a visit to the pub is made more enjoyable in winter thanks to the addition of outdoor fire pits where you can sip a glass of whisk(e)y to keep warm. The pub, which was established in 1869, has been faithfully restored and is a top spot to perch for a lamb rogan josh pie.

Address: Old Norton Summit Rd, Norton Summit

25. The Crafers Hotel, Crafers, SA

Ask AI to conjure up the image of a cosy pub in SA and it’s likely to look a lot like The Crafers Hotel. The iconic pub, with its stonework and open fireplace, is literally hard to go past. The stonework for the original pub on the site was laid in 1839 but the pub sadly burnt down in 1926.

The restored heritage hotel is today lauded for its French-bistro-style cuisine, crafted using South Australian produce. Try delectable dishes like chargrilled kangaroo fillet and confit duck rillette, which can be complemented by a glass or two of wine plucked from a wine room with a 2000-strong collection.

Address: 8 Main St, Crafers

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