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Kid-Friendly watering holes


Smokers Australia-wide may be complaining about rejection following the implementation of smoke-free pubs and clubs across the nation. But perhaps those with a penchant for cancer sticks should quit their belly-aching and think about the mums and dads, who have long had to suffer being ousted from bars, owing to their underage offspring.

While a parent-with-child in the middle of a nightclub would certainly be odd (not to mention illegal), beer gardens have long served as a great place for a family catch-up of a Sunday afternoon. With this in mind, we've tracked down a few of Australia's most family-friendly establishments, where parents can enjoy a drink and kids can play safely.

1
 
Beach Road Hotel
Bondi Beach
The Beach Road's beer garden has been a second home to locals and their little ones for years. Every time I'm there though, some smart-arse kid breaks my heart and drops a delicious schnitzel into the fountain... Why?

2
 
Pineapple Hotel Steakhouse
Kangaroo Point
Extremely kid-friendly, the Pineapple Hotel features one of those playgrounds that looks like a NASA shuttle ate candy and threw up. You know the kind - all tunnels, bubbles and colours.

3
 
Chalk Hotel
Woolloongabba
The Chalk Hotel's in-house restaurant, Sticks, hosts their Kids Club every Sunday, leaving parents free to enjoy the live music on offer.

4
 
Full Moon Hotel
Sandgate
Kids here have their very own space - the Milky Way Room - where they can annoy each other and not you.

5
 
Esplanade Hotel
Brighton
This place has a whole separate kids' entertainment area, with Playstations no less, so feel free to settle in for a long, leisurely afternoon.

6
 
Newport Arms Hotel
Newport
Featuring Australia's largest beer garden, it's no wonder the Newport Arms has room for three playgrounds.

7
 
Gladesville Hotel
Gladesville
Some kids don't like slippery dips; they can induce claustrophobia. I was one of these delicate children. If only the Gladesville Tavern had had its video-game-dedicated kid zone back in my day.