Front Bar Vs Outside Dining at a Phillip Island Bar
Choose Your Ideal Phillip Island Bar Experience
Finding the right bar in Phillip Island often comes down to what you feel like doing. You might be stopping in after exploring San Remo, planning a family meal, catching up with mates or settling in for an evening of music and drinks.
At The Westernport, we give you more than one way to enjoy your time by Westernport Bay. Our front bar brings you close to the footy, the music and the social buzz, while our outside dining area offers a more open, easy-going place to eat, drink and take in views of the bridge to Phillip Island.
Enjoy the Energy of the Front Bar
For a spontaneous catch-up or a livelier afternoon, our front bar is where the action tends to be. It is a comfortable place to drop in for a cold drink, share a casual bite or meet friends before heading home or continuing your plans around the coast.
Every week, we show AFL Footy on the big screen, so supporters can settle in with fellow fans, food and drinks close by. Whether your team is playing or you simply enjoy the atmosphere of match day, the front bar brings people together in a relaxed, social setting.
Music also shapes the mood here. Across our entertainment program, we host ticketed shows featuring touring artists, DJ nights and tribute bands, alongside local artists playing acoustic or blues sets. Some shows are held in the front bar, giving the night a closer, more energetic feel.
The front bar can suit:
A quick drink after a day out
Watching weekly AFL Footy on the big screen
Casual meals with mates
Ticketed music nights and live entertainment
If you enjoy being near the crowd and like having something happening around you, this is a great side of our venue to choose.
Relax Over Food and Bay Views Outside
When fresh air and a slower pace sound more appealing, our outside dining area offers a different kind of Phillip Island bar experience. With Westernport Bay and the bridge to Phillip Island as part of the view, it is an inviting spot for a long lunch, an early dinner or drinks as the light changes over the water.
Families, visiting friends and groups catching up after a beach day often enjoy the extra breathing room outside. The setting makes it easier to linger over a meal without feeling rushed, while still keeping you close to the food, drinks and friendly atmosphere of the hotel.
Local acoustic and blues performers may also play in our outside dining area. These sets add a relaxed soundtrack to your visit, without taking over the conversation at the table. You can enjoy the music while still chatting, sharing a meal or spending time with the kids.
Outside dining can be a natural fit for:
Post-beach meals with family
Sunset drinks with friends
A relaxed lunch overlooking the bay
Early dinners before or after island plans
There is no need to choose between a good meal and a pleasant place to sit. Outside, you can enjoy both at an unhurried pace.
Match Your Visit to the Right Setting
The best choice depends on the kind of visit you have in mind. If footy, drinks, a lively crowd or a music-focused evening are at the top of your list, our front bar is likely to suit you best. It is flexible, social and easy to drop into when plans come together at the last minute.
Outside dining is usually the better match when the meal and the outlook are the main event. It gives you space to settle in, enjoy the bay views and make the most of a longer catch-up with family or friends.
From spring through to March, bookings for our bistro restaurant are essential, particularly for families, groups and visitors heading towards Phillip Island. If you are simply meeting someone for a drink or hoping for a more spontaneous stop, the bar remains a flexible option.
Both spaces are part of the same welcoming local venue. You can choose the setting that suits your plans while still enjoying the food, drinks, sport and entertainment that bring people through our doors.
Bring the Whole Family Together
A family outing does not mean everyone has to enjoy the day in exactly the same way. We welcome kids of all ages, along with parents, grandparents and extended families who want a place where everyone can feel included.
For little kids, our kids room is equipped to help keep them busy during a meal or longer visit. Primary school-aged children can enjoy arcade games, colouring-in paper and kids meals, giving them their own things to look forward to while adults relax nearby.
Older kids are part of the fun too. Live music, AFL Footy on the big screen and the shared buzz of a busy venue can give teenagers and parents something to enjoy together. Whether you choose the front bar atmosphere or the open comfort of outside dining, different generations can gather without anyone feeling left out.
Plan Your Next Visit to the Westernport
Before making plans, it helps to think about what will shape your visit most. A ticketed show, touring artist, DJ night, tribute band or local acoustic or blues set may guide you towards a particular space, as show locations can vary between the front bar and outside dining area.
For bistro dining from spring through to March, bookings are essential for family meals and group catch-ups. For a casual drink, footy viewing or an impromptu meet-up, the front bar gives you room to keep things simple. Choose the setting that matches your mood, whether that means music and crowd energy or an open-air meal with bay views.
Make Your Next Catch-Up Easy
At The Westernport, we make room for family meals, big-screen footy and relaxed drinks with friends. Find out what’s on at our bar in Phillip Island and choose the right time to drop in. From acoustic local sets to DJ nights and touring shows, there is always another reason to bring the crew together.