Overview
Melbourne has certainly seen its fair share of frosty mornings and rainy days. And it's not quite the show-off that Sydney is when it comes to sheer volume of sunny days. But, don't despair — they do come around occasionally. And while the sun usually visits between nine-to-five, while most of us are at work, sometimes it even pokes its head out on the weekends.
You need to strike while the iron — or sun — is hot and make full use of any rare sunny days. Cancel the rest of your weekend plans immediately, and head out to one of these beer gardens or rooftop bars. Pump class can wait — the sun is equally as good for you. Have a beer or two now, and worry about the gym on the next rainy day.
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Campari House is more than just a venue that slings you warming Italian fare when it’s cold. It’s a four-level windfall of nice vibes and good food, culminating in the rooftop bar. A retreat from the hustle of the CBD, the Hardware Lane venue is open from noon every day — perfect for those who want to start their session early. There are heaters if you’re drinking beers into the night, a decent antipasto and snack platter selection, and, when the inevitable mid-sesh carb cravings hit, pizza. If you’re whiling away the hours on a Sunday, trivia starts on the rooftop from 3pm with all pizzas an easy $15.
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High Street, Prahran is home to The Smith: a greenery-strewn gastropub that knows what the people of Prahran want — and delivers. We’re talking beer and $1 oysters. If oysters aren’t your strong suit, that’s okay, because there are plenty more on the menu, especially on the weekends. The Smith’s Good Times Sundays bring DJs to the bar, along with $15 cocktail specials and rotisserie BBQ buns for modest $4 — anytime we can get five of kinds of hot food for $20 is a serious win. Sit out in the all-weather atrium and keep your sunny summer dreams alive — for the time being, at least.
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South Wharf is home to the Common Man: an all-day eatery and bar with a jazzed-up outdoor space featuring astroturf and strings of lights. It’s got a comprehensive menu on offer, so you can start with breakfast and carry on all the way through to dinner. There’s live music, dinners and tastings — plenty of things to keep you entertained. During the day, though, the Common Man is conducive for a low-key hang — it’s got a great atmosphere for whiling away the day with a Heineken 3 in-hand.
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This Richmond bar-bistro hybrid is the perfect place to catch some rays and chew the fat (and pizza). With a beer garden to end all beer gardens — which features a leafy Moreton Bay fig tree — and tasty Italian-inspired fare, you’ll feel as though you are in your very own inner city oasis. The crispy artisan pizzas are arguably the crowd favourite and are available on Tuesdays for just $10. Oh, and they go very well with beer.
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The Woolshed in Docklands was felled briefly by fire in late 2016, but it has made its way back in style, and landed capably on its feet. These days, it’s a one-stop shop with a waterfront location, live music and meal specials every day of the week. Full of exposed beams and bricks, it boasts an understated rustic charm that’s definitely worth trekking to the Docklands for — particularly if you’re off to a game at Etihad. The large outdoor area with harbour views is the perfect backdrop for your lazy, long day in the sun.