Cover image: Meelup Farmhouse. Venues listed in no particular order.
Easter is hopping our way, and if your long weekend plans involve good food, great drinks and even better company, you’re in the right place.
Now Book It has rounded up a lineup of must-book venues across Australia and New Zealand, from buzzing pubs and neighbourhood favourites to special-occasion spots worth lingering over.
Whether you’re planning a long lunch, a family feast or a cheeky round with friends, consider this your shortcut to where to book this Easter weekend.
Perth, Western Australia
1. Stirling Arms Hotel
If you’re chasing classic pub vibes this Easter long weekend, Stirling Arms Hotel in Guildford is a great pick. Open all weekend long, this historic local has been pouring pints and welcoming guests since 1852, making it the perfect spot for a relaxed catch-up, long lunch or casual dinner with friends and family. Set in the heart of Guildford on the edge of the Swan Valley, the venue blends old-school charm with plenty of space to settle in, from cosy indoor areas to a lively beer garden.
The menu leans into all the pub classics you know and love, alongside woodfired pizzas available from Thursday to Sunday. With live acoustic music in the beer garden, big screens for the sport and Percy’s Playground to keep the kids entertained, it’s an easy choice for an Easter weekend outing that could quickly turn into a full afternoon.
Location: 117 James St, Guildford
Hours: Daily 11am – late
2. Meelup Farmhouse
If your ideal Easter Sunday involves sunshine, good food and a scenic spot to spread out, Meelup Farmhouse is serving up the perfect plan. Set on beautiful farmland just outside Dunsborough, they’re hosting a relaxed family brunch picnic on the lawn, giving guests the chance to slow down, settle in and soak up the surroundings.
Each pre-ordered hamper is designed for up to four people and comes packed with Easter favourites, think hot cross buns with butter, orange and poppyseed muffins, seasonal fruit salad, pork sausage rolls with tomato relish, roasted vegetable frittata and a dark chocolate and pistachio brownie to finish, plus cold-pressed orange juice. Bring a picnic rug, bring the dog (they’re welcome too), and enjoy a laid-back morning on the grass. If you’re still peckish, the Meelup Dairy will also be open from 8am with extra bites available.
Location: 54 Sheens Road, Naturaliste
Hours: Daily 9am – 5pm
3. Bayswater Hotel
If you’re after a lively local for the Easter long weekend, the Baysie is bringing the fun for the whole crew. At Bayswater Hotel, the pub will be pouring ice-cold beers and serving up classic pub feeds all weekend, with live music across Saturday and Sunday to keep the atmosphere buzzing.
Easter Sunday is especially family-friendly, with an Easter egg hunt kicking off at 11am in the venue’s epic playground, followed by a visit from Old McDonald’s Farm from 3pm to 6pm where the kids can meet and cuddle farm animals. With its huge family dining areas, buzzing sports bar and spacious beer garden, it’s an easy choice for a relaxed Easter catch-up with mates or a day out with the kids.
Location: 78-80 Railway Parade, Bayswater
Hours: Daily 11am – late
Brisbane, Queensland
4. Bearded Dragon Hotel
Kick off Easter Sunday with a bit of country charm and a whole lot of character at the Bearded Dragon Hotel on Tamborine Mountain. This Scenic Rim favourite is throwing a proper Easter Sunday paddock party, think live acoustic vibes courtesy of Brendan the Bard in the beer garden, cold drinks flowing and plenty of suns oaked lawn to stretch out on.
But the fun doesn’t stop there, from toad racing to kids’ colouring and plenty of space for the little ones to run wild, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Foodwise, the kitchen’s serving up all day dining with Easter blackboard specials and classic pub picks, perfect for long lunches with family and friends in the fresh country air.
If you’re coming from Brisbane, the Gold Coast or beyond, it’s the kind of laidback, fun filled Easter outing that’ll keep the whole crew happy.
Location: 2-22 Tamborine Mountain Rd, Tamborine
Hours: Daily 9am – late
5. Pier 33
Right on the waterfront in Mooloolaba, Pier 33 is turning this Easter long weekend into a full on coastal celebration by the marina. Across the break the vibe is all about good food, chilled drinks and festive fun. They’re open from Good Friday afternoon, followed by an adult Golden Egg Hunt with prizes on Saturday, and a family friendly Easter Sunday from midday, complete with a kids’ Easter egg hunt, bunny photo ops and games to keep little ones entertained. Sunday arvo then swings into gear with a live pianist from 4 pm to 7 pm before the DJ takes over to keep the energy alive as the sun dips over the water.
With bright, breezy dining both indoors and outdoors, panoramic marina views and coastal inspired plates perfect for lingering over, it’s one of the Sunshine Coast’s go to spots for an Easter long weekend that feels like a holiday on its own.
Location: 33 – 45 Parkyn Parade, Mooloollaba
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 12pm – late
Sydney, New South Wales
6. Robertson Public House and Kitchen
Perched in the charming Southern Highlands, Robertson Public House & Kitchen is serving up a seriously good Easter Sunday with a relaxed lashings of fun vibe that feels like a holiday in itself. This year, they’ve got a big Sunday session planned, think an all day feast with a special Easter menu, craft drinks on tap, laidback tunes and plenty of space to settle in with family or friends on their sunny lawns and stylish indoor outdoor dining areas. The kids are covered too with Easter egg hunts and activities, making it a proper day out for all ages.
Whether you’re in for a long lunch of elevated pub style classics, grazing boards paired with local wines, or just lingering over dessert and drinks in the garden, it’s the kind of weekend plan that turns a simple Sunday into a standout celebration.
Location: 89 Hoddle St, Robertson
Hours: Daily 11am – Late
7. Brady's Railway Hotel
Set right in the heart of Brady’s Railway Hotel, this Easter long weekend is shaping up to be a proper local celebration with loads to keep everyone entertained. Across the weekend the pub will be open from midday on Good Friday, serving up classic pub favourites, chilled drinks and relaxed vibes from the moment you walk through the door. On Easter Sunday there’s plenty going on too, including kids’ activities and an Easter egg hunt, live entertainment and all day menus that make it a great spot to bring family and friends for a long lunch or arvo session.
With a lively beer garden, big screens for the sport and hearty pub fare that pairs perfectly with a cold drink, Brady’s is a top pick for anyone wanting a laidback Easter weekend that feels like a celebration without the fuss.
Location: 450 Smollett Street, Albury
Hours: Daily 10am – late
Melbourne, Victoria
8. Rufio
Rufio in St Kilda is bringing Latin-fusion vibes to your Easter long weekend, staying open all weekend with plenty to love. Kick off your day with their bottomless brunch, featuring flowing margaritas and sharable plates like grilled half chicken with mango chilli salad or glazed pork belly with pineapple salsa.
Later, their Latin-style Sunday roast, think smoke-roasted picanha or vegetarian champignon loaf, adds a fun twist to classic comfort food. With bold flavours, playful cocktails, and a breezy rooftop bar, Rufio is the perfect spot for relaxed, festive Easter dining.
Location: 188 Carlisle Street, St Kilda
Hours: Wednesday to Friday 5pm – late; Saturday to Sunday 12pm – late
9. Flying Duck Hotel
Flying Duck Hotel in Prahan is a go-to spot for a laid-back Easter long weekend. Open all weekend, this lively local pairs craft beers, ciders and creative cocktails with a menu full of modern pub favourites, think juicy burgers, loaded fries, crispy chicken and shareable snacks perfect for grazing.
With a relaxed indoor bar, a spacious outdoor area and big screens for live sport, it’s ideal for long lunches with friends, casual dinners with family, or a chilled sunset session with a drink in hand. Add in friendly service and buzzing weekend vibes, and the Flying Duck is a top pick for a fun Easter hangout in Prahan.
Location: 67 Bendigo Street, Prahran
Hours: Daily 12pm – late
Tasmania
10. Alchemy Bar & Restaurant
Set in the heart of Launceston, Alchemy Bar & Restaurant is all about relaxed sophistication and seasonal flavours, and they’re keeping things delicious over the Easter long weekend. Open for lunch and dinner throughout the break, Alchemy serves up creative, flavour forward dishes made with local Tasmanian produce, from beautifully plated mains and shareable starters to elevated desserts that feel just right for a festive feast.
Pair your meal with a glass from their thoughtful wine list or a signature cocktail on the terrace, and you’ve got the perfect balance of laidback vibes and polished dining.
Location: 90 George Street, Launceston
Hours: Daily 12pm – late
Adelaide, South Australia
11. Arkaba Hotel
Arkaba Hotel in Adelaide is pulling out all the stops this Easter long weekend with plenty of pub classics, chilled drinks and relaxed vibes to keep the celebrations rolling. Open throughout the break, this beloved local boasts a menu packed with hearty favourites, from juicy burgers and crispy schnitzels to fresh seasonal mains and shareable snacks that pair perfectly with a cold pint or a cocktail in hand.
Over the long weekend you can expect plenty of reasons to linger, whether you’re settling into sunny outdoor seating with the crew, catching the game in the lively bar, or enjoying dinner with family after a big day out. With friendly service, a buzzing atmosphere and solid pub fare done well, Arkaba is a great pick for laidback Easter plans in Adelaide.
Location: 150 Glen Osmond Rd, Fullarton
Hours: Daily 7am – late
Canberra, ACT
12. Walt & Burley
Right in the heart of Kingston, Walt & Burley is bringing sunny vibes and seriously good food to your Easter long weekend plans. The beloved local is all about fresh, flavour packed dishes, with a menu that’s perfect for grazing and lingering, from house made pasta and woodfired pizzas to vibrant salads and hearty mains that showcase quality local produce.
Pair your meal with one of their creative cocktails, a crisp wine or an ice cold beer, then settle into the laid-back indoor outdoor spaces that make every visit feel like a celebration. Whether you’re catching up over a relaxed lunch, grabbing dinner with friends or enjoying a few drinks in the sunshine, Walt & Burley delivers that easy going Easter energy Canberra locals love.
Location: 70/17 Eastlake Parade, Kingston
Hours: Daily 11 am – late
Queenstown, New Zealand
13. Ayrburn
If a weekend escape full of variety, vibe and great food sounds like your kind of Easter, Ayrburn in New Zealand has you covered with a whole lineup of spots to explore over the long weekend. Spread across charming grounds just outside Cambridge, it’s home to a cluster of venues, from the classic Kiwi pub at Billy’s, lively vibes at The Woolshed and bakery delights at The Bakehouse, to cosy sips at The Burr Bar, hearty eats at The Manure Room and local drops at The Barrel Room. You can also enjoy fresh produce from R.M Prime Produce, creamy treats from The Dairy and relaxed grazing at The Dell, all in one life style meets hospitality precinct where every stop feels like part of the celebration.
Across Easter there’ll be plenty to keep everyone happy, whether you’re lining up long lunches with family at Billy’s, grazing on artisan fare and coffee at The Bakehouse, sipping fine wines under the sun or settling in for a relaxed dinner with friends. With laidback Kiwi hospitality, outdoor spaces perfect for lingering and a mix of casual and elevated experiences, Ayrburn makes it easy to turn your Easter long weekend into a proper mini getaway
Location: Ayr Avenue, Arrowtown
Hours: Varies across venues
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