Perth’s Best Waterfront Pubs: Sip, Snap, & Slay

Intro: Why Your Next Pub Crawl Needs a View

Let’s be real—if you’re drinking by a river, lake, or any body of water that isn’t a bathtub, you’re automatically 10% cooler. Perth’s coastline is basically the Instagram gods’ favorite backdrop, and the pubs that hug the water are the real MVPs of the city’s nightlife. This guide isn’t your grandma’s travel brochure; it’s a meme‑infused, sarcasm‑laden, SEO‑friendly deep dive into the best pubs on the water in Perth for people who treat a night out like a competitive sport.

Grab a pint, strap on your sarcasm helmet, and let’s sail through the spots where the beer is cold, the jokes are hotter, and the Wi‑Fi is as reliable as a 90’s dial‑up connection (just kidding, it’s actually decent).

1. The Riverbank Rager: The Old Brewery

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a pirate without the risk of walking the plank, The Old Brewery on the Swan River is your port of call. This place has more character than a Netflix true‑crime docuseries and a beer selection that would make a hop‑head weep.

• Vibe: Industrial chic meets “I just got off a boat” swagger.
• Must‑Try: The “Swan Dive IPA” – it’s as bold as your last Tinder swipe.
• Why It’s on the List: Floor‑to‑ceiling windows that turn every sunset into a personal lightshow.

Pro tip: Order a flight and pretend you’re a sommelier for the night. The staff will love you, and the Instagram algorithm will reward you.

2. Sunset Sips at The Dockside

When the sun decides to drop the mic, The Dockside pulls out all the stops. This joint is basically a liquid version of a sunset filter—except it’s real, and you can actually drink it.

1. Grab a seat on the patio and watch the river turn into a liquid gold runway.
2. Order the “Dockside Lager” – it’s crisp, refreshing, and doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not.
3. Snap a pic, add the hashtag #PerthSunsetSips, and watch the likes roll in faster than a bar tab on a Friday night.

Bonus: The Dockside runs a weekly “Meme Night” where the best meme about beer gets a free round. Yes, you read that right.

3. The Hipster Hideout: The Watering Hole

Ever walked into a place that feels like a curated Pinterest board? That’s The Watering Hole. It’s the kind of spot where the bartenders have man‑bun haircuts and the cocktails are named after obscure 90’s sitcom characters.

• Signature Drink: “Friends with Benefits” – a gin‑forward concoction that’ll have you quoting Chandler’s sarcasm all night.
• Seating: Vintage sofas that scream “I have a doctorate in couch‑potatoing.”
• Why You’ll Love It: The view of the river is so perfect you’ll consider moving in.

If you’re into Custom Beer options, ask the bartender about their rotating “brew‑of‑the‑month” – it’s basically a surprise party for your palate.

4. The Classic: Riverside Tavern

Sometimes you just want a place that doesn’t try too hard. Enter Riverside Tavern, the granddad of Perth’s waterfront pubs. It’s got the charm of a classic British pub, the beer selection of a micro‑brewery, and a view that makes you forget you’re actually in Australia.

1. Take a seat at the bar and order a “Traditional Stout” – it’s like a warm hug from your dad, but with more carbonation.
2. Enjoy the live acoustic set on Tuesdays. Nothing says “I’m sophisticated” like pretending you understand folk music.
3. Check out their “Beer & Bites” menu – the fish and chips are so good you’ll consider converting to a pescatarian.

Riverside Tavern also offers a loyalty program. Collect enough stamps and you’ll get a free pint, which is basically a free ticket to brag about on your socials.

5. The Trendsetter: Aqua Lounge

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re in a music video, Aqua Lounge is your stage. Neon lights, a DJ booth that looks like it was ripped straight out of a 2010s club, and a bar that serves drinks with more flair than a circus performer.

• Best Drink: “Neon Wave” – a neon‑green cocktail that glows under blacklight. Perfect for those “I’m at a rave but I’m actually at a pub” moments.
• Atmosphere: Loud enough to drown out your existential dread, but not so loud you can’t hear your own thoughts.
• Why It’s Worth the Hype: The rooftop deck offers a panoramic view of the river that will make your Instagram followers think you’ve hired a professional photographer.

Pro tip: Book a “VIP Booth” for your squad. It comes with a private bartender, a mini‑fridge stocked with craft brews, and a sense of superiority that’s hard to beat.

6. The Family‑Friendly Float: River’s Edge Café

Not every night out has to be a wild frat party. River’s Edge Café caters to the “I have a toddler in the backseat and a beer in my hand” crowd. It’s laid‑back, kid‑friendly, and still manages to serve a killer selection of ales.

1. Order the “Kid‑Free IPA” – it’s basically a grown‑up’s reward after you’ve survived the chaos of parenthood.
2. Enjoy the river view while the kids play in the safe, fenced‑in area.
3. Take advantage of their free Wi‑Fi to scroll through memes about parenting while you sip.

They also have a partnership with Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer, so you can order your favorite craft brews to your doorstep while you’re still at the pub. Talk about multitasking.

7. The Hidden Gem: The Wharfside

Sometimes the best spots are the ones you have to hunt for. The Wharfside is tucked away behind a warehouse, accessed by a narrow alley that looks like a set from a cyber‑punk film. Inside, you’ll find a cozy bar with a view that makes you feel like you’ve discovered a secret level in a video game.

• Signature Ale: “Wharf Whisper” – a low‑key, smooth lager that whispers sweet nothings to your taste buds.
• Ambiance: Dim lighting, vintage posters, and a jukebox that only plays 80’s synth‑pop.
• Why It’s Worth the Hunt: The bar staff are locals who will recommend the best hidden spots in Perth, turning you into a “local insider” overnight.

Don’t forget to ask about their “brew‑your‑own‑night” – a perfect excuse to bring your own custom recipe and let the bartender work their magic.

8. The Business‑Savvy Spot: Strategy Pub

For those who like to blend networking with nipping a cold one, Strategy Pub is the answer. It’s a place where you can close a deal, discuss market trends, and still enjoy a perfectly poured pint.

1. Reserve a booth via Contact and let the staff know you’re there for “business and brews.”
2. Order the “Growth Hops” – a craft beer that’s as ambitious as your startup’s pitch deck.
3. Take advantage of free power outlets for your laptop, because who says you can’t work while you’re sipping?

And if you’re looking to expand your own brand, check out Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer. They’ll help you turn your love for hops into a revenue stream faster than you can say “unicorn.”

9. The Late‑Night Legend: Moonlight Marina Bar

When the clock strikes midnight and the city’s lights turn into a glittery blur, Moonlight Marina Bar comes alive. This place is the perfect blend of “I’m still awake” and “I’m definitely not going home.”

• Late‑Night Special: “Midnight Mule” – a ginger‑beer‑based cocktail that will keep you buzzing until sunrise.
• Vibe: Soft jazz, low‑key lighting, and a view that makes you feel like you’re on a yacht.
• Why It’s Worth the Late‑Hour: The staff stays until 2 AM, so you can keep the party going without the hassle of finding a new venue.

Pro tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, ask for the “Moonlit Mystery” – a rotating secret brew that changes every week. It’s the pub’s way of keeping you on your toes.

10. The Eco‑Warrior’s Choice: Green Wave Bar

For the environmentally conscious drinker who still wants a good time, Green Wave Bar is the answer. They source all their ingredients locally, use biodegradable straws, and even have a “plant‑a‑tree” program where every pint sold plants a sapling.

1. Order the “Eco‑Ale” – a sustainably brewed beer that tastes as good as it sounds.
2. Enjoy the river view while you watch the solar panels glimmer on the roof.
3. Participate in their weekly “Clean‑Up Cruise” – a volunteer event that combines cleaning the riverbank with happy hour specials.

Bonus: The bar partners with Beer distribution marketplace (Dropt.beer) for eco‑friendly packaging, so you can rest easy knowing your brew didn’t travel the world just to end up in your glass.

11. The Instagram‑Ready Spot: Harbor Lights

If your primary goal is to rack up likes, Harbor Lights is the place to be. Every table has a perfect angle, the lighting is curated by a former TikTok influencer, and the drinks are served in glassware that looks like it belongs in a museum.

• Must‑Snap Drink: “Neon Nectar” – a bright pink cocktail that glows under the bar’s LED strips.
• Best Photo Op: The “Infinity Mirror” wall that makes it look like you’re standing in a portal.
• Why It’s Worth the Hype: The bar hosts a weekly “Meme‑Monday” where the best meme about Perth’s weather wins a free round.

Don’t forget to tag Strategies Beer in your post – they love a good repost, and you’ll get some extra street cred for supporting local businesses.

12. Bonus: How to Turn Your Pub Crawl into a Side Hustle

Okay, you’ve survived the ultimate guide to the best waterfront pubs in Perth. Now, why not monetize that expertise? Here’s a quick cheat‑sheet:

1. Start a Blog: Use the knowledge you’ve just gained to write reviews. SEO‑friendly, meme‑laden, and packed with internal links to Home and Contact for extra juice.
2. Affiliate Partnerships: Sign up with Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer. Earn commissions every time someone orders a craft brew through your link.
3. Host Pub‑Crawl Events: Partner with the venues you love. Offer a “Perth Waterfront Tour” package that includes discounts, merch, and a curated playlist.
4. Merchandise: Design t‑shirts with slogans like “I survived the Riverbank Rager” and sell them via your blog or through Dropt.beer’s marketplace.

Remember, the key is to be authentic, stay witty, and keep the memes flowing. If you can make people laugh while they sip, you’ve already won the internet.

Conclusion: Grab a Pint, Make a Meme, Conquer Perth

There you have it—your definitive, unapologetically sarcastic, meme‑meets‑journalism guide to the best pubs on the water in Perth. Whether you’re a solo wanderer, a group of friends looking for the next Instagram gold, or a business‑savvy networker, these spots have something for every type of drinker.

So what are you waiting for? Get off the couch, put on those sunglasses (even if it’s night), and start ticking these venues off your bucket list. And hey, if you end up loving the experience, don’t forget to drop a link back to Make Your Own Beer—because nothing says “I’m a true beer connoisseur” like brewing your own batch after a night of pub‑hopping.

Ready to turn your next night out into a legendary story? Click the links, grab a cold one, and let Perth’s waterfront pubs write the next chapter of your meme‑filled life.