Northern Grounds

Overview

One of Australia's bestselling beers is launching its first-ever flagship venue. Say hello to Northern Grounds, a laidback and family-friendly venue from Great Northern Brewing Co. set to open soon on the banks of the Maroochy River, with open fires, sweeping waterfront views and a food and drink menu built for long, lazy afternoons.

Taking over the former Waterfront Hotel in Diddillibah, the venue — which pours its first beers on Friday, August 15 — channels a classic Queensland camping trip, complete with firepits, communal lounges and a kids' playground on the wraparound deck. Designed by Brisbane studio Cayas + Ward and delivered via a $5.1-million renovation, the venue retains its sweeping balcony and waterfront outlook, now enhanced with open fireplaces and timber accents. There's also a playful mural wall that maps locals' favourite fishing, hiking and camping spots, a nod to the Sunny Coast's outdoors culture.

Similar Queensland iconography can be seen throughout the sprawling pub, which has been designed with gathering in mind. At the heart of the action are the lively dining hall and bar. Both overlook the water and extend onto the deck, an expansive outdoor space ideal for long lunches, casual dinners or drinks by the fire as the kids play nearby. Northern Grounds also boasts two dedicated event spaces — The Lodge accommodates up to 160 guests with deck access and AV capabilities, while The Cabin offers a more intimate setting for smaller groups at the end of the deck.

At the bar, 24 taps pour the full Great Northern range, as well as other crowd favourites from across the spectrum of carbonated booze, like Balter, Green Beacon and Hard Rated. The food menu follows suit, spotlighting seasonal produce from Queensland suppliers, including fresh-off-the-boat seafood from nearby Mooloolah River fisheries. Rooted in pub standards, the wide-ranging menu spans snacks, share platters and hand-stretched pizzas perfect for grazing, through to hearty mains like parmies, a seasonally rotating pie and coal-cooked proteins served with damper and cultured butter. You'll want to nab a place by the open fire for dessert — house-made s'mores arrive toasty and gooey, just like the campsite classic.