Christmas in Australia is all about sunshine, seafood, and spritzes. Forget the snow—our festive season calls for alfresco dining, coastal breezes, and long, lazy lunches shared under striped umbrellas with a wine in hand. Whether you’re in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, or Byron Bay, this is your guide to the best outdoor dining experiences across the country—perfect for celebrating an Aussie summer Christmas in style.
Alfresco Dining Spots in Sydney
Best Alfresco Dining Restaurants
When it comes to outdoor dining in Sydney, the options are endless. From fine dining terraces overlooking the city skyline to casual dining courtyards where local produce takes centre stage, Sydney does alfresco like no other. Head to Three Blue Ducks in Bronte for share plates that hero sustainable ingredients, or book a table at Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, where ocean views and a refined menu create an unforgettable dining experience.
Wine Bars with Outdoor Seating
Sydney’s wine bars are the ideal spots to sip and celebrate. Try Dear Sainte Éloise in Potts Point for a curated wine list and Mediterranean-inspired bites on the outdoor terrace, or NOMAD in Surry Hills for pan-Asian flavours and an inviting dining area filled with lush greenery.
Foodie Events in Sydney
For a festive twist, explore NSW’s foodie events throughout December. From the Barangaroo precinct’s outdoor food markets to rooftop bars hosting live DJ sets and cocktail pop-ups, Sydney’s outdoor spaces come alive with flavour and ambience.
Melbourne's Outdoor Dining Experiences
Top Alfresco Dining Locations
Melbourne’s love for alfresco dining shines across the Yarra River and hidden courtyards. The Arbory Afloat offers unobstructed views of the river, with orange umbrellas, king prawns, and spritzes aplenty. Meanwhile, Higher Ground transforms the humble café into a fine dining oasis—perfect for those lazy lunches between Christmas shopping sprees.
Popular Wine Bars in Melbourne
Explore Embla for a wine bar experience that feels both intimate and energetic, with a menu featuring wood-fired dishes and a selection of food sourced from local producers. Or head to Siglo, where the outdoor terrace offers views of the city and the perfect spot to sip under the stars.
Festive Foodie Gatherings
December brings a calendar of foodie events and outdoor dining experiences across the CBD. Look out for pop-up markets and rooftop bar takeovers showcasing local wines, ceviche, and casual dining delights that celebrate Melbourne’s creative spirit.
Exploring Queensland's Alfresco Dining
Best Alfresco Spots on the Gold Coast
On the Gold Coast, alfresco dining means seaside ambience and coastal charm. Burleigh Pavilion serves Moreton Bay bug rolls with unobstructed ocean views, while Rick Shores plates up Asian-inspired dishes that are perfect for lunch and dinner by Burleigh Beach.
Byron Bay's Unique Dining Experiences
Byron Bay’s dining scene is an ode to local produce and laid-back outdoor dining. Visit The Mez Club for Mediterranean-inspired share plates in a courtyard oasis, or Beach Byron Bay, where fine dining meets barefoot luxury.
Cellar Doors for Wine Lovers
Queensland’s Moreton Bay and hinterland regions are home to boutique cellar doors where you can sip wines matched with local cuisine highlights. For those who love a kitchen garden aesthetic, The Calile Hotel in Brisbane offers poolside alfresco spots for festive drinks and sun-soaked dining options.
Alfresco Dining in Adelaide
Must-Visit Restaurants in Adelaide CBD
Adelaide’s alfresco dining scene blends South Australian produce with chic outdoor furniture and relaxed ambience. Try Peel St for fresh flavours, or Africola for bold, pan-Asian and Mediterranean-inspired bites in the heart of Adelaide CBD.
Outdoor Wine Bars to Enjoy
For a more relaxed outdoor bar vibe, Leigh Street Wine Room offers a wine list packed with Barossa favourites and a warm, minimalist dining space.
Foodie Events in South Australia
From cellar door tours in the Barossa to festive foodie festivals in Glenelg, South Australia is the ultimate destination for wine and outdoor dining experiences this Christmas.
Outdoor Dining in Perth
Top Alfresco Dining Venues
Over in Perth, the ultimate outdoor dining experience awaits along the Story Bridge and riverfront precincts. The Reveley and Cooee Perth offer sleek dining areas with views of the city, while Fannie Bay’s coastal eateries deliver the perfect menu features for a perfect summer feast.
Wine and Dine in Perth's Best Spots
From rooftop bars to beachside cafés, Perth’s wine and dine scene sparkles with local produce, cocktails, and casual dining menus that invite you to linger.
Foodie Festivals in Western Australia
Don’t miss the WA Gourmet Escape, where foodies can discover selection of food from local chefs paired with fine wines—an essential stop for any travel insider chasing sun, flavour, and fun.
Hobart's Alfresco Dining Options
Unique Outdoor Dining Experiences
Down in Hobart, alfresco dining takes on a cool, intimate charm. Think beer gardens tucked behind sandstone walls and courtyard cafés with a coastal edge. Templo and Franklin Wharf offer unobstructed ocean views, perfect for lunch and dinner gatherings.
Local Wine Bars to Explore
Hobart’s wine bars—from Sonny to Tom McHugo’s—celebrate local produce and Tasmanian wines in relaxed dining spaces filled with character and charm.
Foodie Events in Tasmania
As summer rolls in, Hobart’s foodie events bring together outdoor terraces, live music, and wines matched with seafood favourites. It’s the perfect way to close out the festive season.
Alfresco Dining in Burleigh
Best Restaurants with Outdoor Seating
Back on the Gold Coast, Burleigh continues to set the standard for best outdoor dining. From Taverna’s Mediterranean-inspired plates to Rick Shores’ seaside dining area, each venue captures that effortless Aussie summer charm.
Wine and Food Pairing Events
Join local foodie events celebrating wine and food pairing, where wines matched with Moreton Bay bug, ceviche, and share plates highlight the richness of local cuisine.
Local Cuisine Highlights
For those who prefer something relaxed, Burleigh cafés offer the perfect mix of casual dining and flavourful menus—think kitchen garden salads, chilled spritzes, and sunshine-filled outdoor terraces.
The Final Sip
From Sydney’s rooftop bars to Byron’s beachside terraces and Adelaide’s cellar doors, alfresco dining is the essence of an Aussie Christmas. Wherever you choose to dine, celebrate the season with sunshine, wine, and good company—because this year, the ultimate outdoor dining experience is about savouring every moment under the summer sky.
