The pubs with fireplaces you need to add to your winter hit list

The weather has well and truly cooled down and there’s nothing better than getting cosy by a fireplace.

Australians are renowned for their love of warmth, whether it’s basking in the sun or riding the wave. But when winter arrives, it’s time to seek heat in a different form: through cosying up in one of these pubs with fireplaces.

1. Lord Dudley Hotel, Paddington NSW

Say what you like about the English. But it’s clear to anyone who’s a fan of a pint that they know how to run a good old-fashioned pub. Enter the Australian-British establishment, The Lord Dudley.

If you’re after a snug evening in Sydney, complete with a fireplace, live music and Sunday roasts, this is the place to go. The Dudley kitchen has old-world staples, like home-cooked scotch eggs, pot pies and lambs fry, as well as Aussie classics like schnitty and burgers.

Get cosy by the fireplace at the Lord Dudley. (Image: Jessica Nash Photography)

Address: 236 Jersey Rd, Paddington NSW 2025

2. The Clarendon Arms, Evandale Tas

Experience fireside dining at The Clarendon Arms, a northern Tasmanian pub, that is located a hop skip and a jump away from Launceston.

This charming establishment showcases produce the area is famous for, including Barilla Bay oysters and fresh Tassie 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.

Explore fireside dining at the Clarendon Arms.

Address: 11 Russell St, Evandale Tas 7212

3. The Burrawang Village Hotel, Burrawang NSW

Escape the city for The Burrawang Village Hotel, a much-loved summertime destination that transforms into one of the Southern Highlands‘ best pubs for fireside drinks during winter.

Choose to embrace the midday sun in their beer garden, with its panoramic views over the hills below, or retreat indoors with a plate from Burrawang’s modern Australian menu.

Address: 14 Hoddle St, Burrawang NSW 2577

4. The Napier Hotel, Fitzroy VIC

Melbourne‘s famously unpredictable weather calls for a hit list of warm pub retreats… and The Napier Hotel tops it, thanks to its fun British pub atmosphere, friendly vibe and welcoming local clientele. Relax with a beer next to its open fireplace, or warm up differently — with a game of pool.

Relax with a beer next to the Napier Hotel’s open fireplace.

Address: 210 Napier St, Fitzroy VIC 3065

5. The Scenic Hotel, Norton Summit SA

Known for its cold winters as much as its scorching summers, Adelaide is also no stranger to crafting the perfect cold-weather pub experience. Embrace its wintry charm at The Scenic Hotel, located up near Mount Lofty in the Adelaide Hills.

Not only are there epic views past the gumtrees down to the city below (although you may sometimes have to peek through clouds to see it), but there are outdoor firepits you can sip a glass of wine over too.

Address: Old Norton Summit Rd, Norton Summit SA 5136

6. St Bernard’s, Tamborine Mountain QLD

Don’t be surprised – you do encounter cold weather in Queensland on occasion. When it happens, embark on a day trip to the Scenic Rim, and 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 their fireplace or, even better, enjoy the company of the resident St Bernard dogs (a belly rub wouldn’t go amiss either).

Address: 101 Alpine Terrace, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272

7. The Brisbane Hotel, Perth WA

If you’re on the lookout for a West Coast pub with a fireplace, that is also dog-friendly, look no further.

In Perth, The Brisbane is your best bet. Dating back to 1898, this Perth establishment offers a beer garden filled with palm trees, live music, and a diverse range of pub grub. What else could a dog and their best friend ask for?

Address: 292 Beaufort St, Perth WA 6003

8. The New Sydney Hotel, Hobart TAS

If you’re looking for some of that fireplace ambience down in chilly Hobart, this pub has it in spades.

With its warm and friendly atmosphere, adorned with fun decorations in the wood-lined bar, the New Sydney Hotel becomes an inviting haven on cold nights. Book a table for dinner, revel in the live music, and explore The New Sydney’s impressive selection of 18 beers on tap.

The New Sydney Hotel is a perfect spot to drink booze.

Address: 87 Bathurst St, Hobart TAS 7000

9. Tooborac Hotel and Brewery, Tooborac VIC

Take an afternoon drive out for a Sunday pub lunch at the Tooborac Hotel and Brewery. Just an hour and a half north of Melbourne, this bluestone brewery is the oldest National Trust-listed country pub in the state and dates back to the wild times of gold mining and bush rangers.

Tooborac Hotel and Brewery is one of the most iconic pubs in the state.

Book their brewery tour and find out how they make historically-inspired and classic-style beers or settle in the dining room with a mouthwatering lamb and shiraz pie.

Cap the week with a beer toast at Tooborac Hotel and Brewery.

Address: 5115 Northern Hwy, Tooborac VIC 3522

10. The Crafers Hotel, Crafers SA

On a cold winter’s day, a visit to The Crafers Hotel, with its stonework and open fireplace, feels like a stop-off at a European tavern. One of Adelaide’s oldest pubs, today Crafers is recognised for its French-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 the wines that Adelaide is famous for.

Dine by the fireplace at The Crafers Hotel.

Address: 8 Main St, Crafers SA 5152