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Sun-soakers


Just as the sun is finally starting to come out from behind the rain clouds (sort of), we're being told that an unexpected number of us are suffering from vitamin D deficiency. I'm sure the medical experts would stress that this isn't giving us carte blanche to chuck out the sunscreen, but it does offer a great excuse to soak up some guilt-free rays. After all, it's for the good of your health.

So, start taking some extended lunches (your boss will totally understand if you explain it's for medical treatment) and find a nice spot in the sun - preferably with table service and a decent wine list. Your pasty white arms and still winter-sallow cheeks will thank you for it.

1
 
Doyles on the Beach
Watsons Bay
If you've been in Sydney for more than five minutes, you will have heard of the Doyle family and their seafood legacy. Their Watsons Bay base serves the fresh and simple seafood they're known for, but also offers a unique view of Sydney Harbour. Snag a seat outside and you'll be able to taste the brine as the sea washes onto the sheltered little beach in front of you.

2
 
North Bondi Italian Food
North Bondi
As with all indoor/outdoor dining venues, the alfresco tables here are at a premium. Your best bet is to come at lunchtime and then just ride out the afternoon sitting in the sun, looking out over Bondi Beach. Located at the end of the promenade, this place is about as close to the beach as you can get without crunching sand along with your carpaccio.

3
 
Little Creatures
Fremantle
Beer is up there with barbecues, bikinis and beach cricket for giving you that summery feeling. So when the weather starts to warm up, where else would you go but a brewery? Aside from having great beer, this massive tin shed also houses a decent kitchen, serving woodfired pizzas and tapas dishes. Best of all, there's a beautiful tree-lined courtyard, which is usually packed with sun-seeking locals from Fremantle and Perth.

4
 
The Stokehouse
St Kilda
The Stokehouse is one of St Kilda's treasures, set overlooking the beach. The upstairs restaurant offers posh food and service, stylish decor and a glamorous clientele, but if you want to soak up the sun, opt for the bistro downstairs. The pizza-and-burger-style menu is a lot more casual than that of its upstairs neighbour, but in return you get to wave to other sun-chasers passing on the promenade, while sipping a cold beer.

5
 
The Deck
Southbank
Melbourne may not be blessed with quite as many ocean views as some of its northern neighbours, but lets not forget the Yarra. You might not want to swim in it, but overlooking it as it winds languidly through the suburbs can be a very relaxing way to spend an afternoon. As the name implies, the deck seating is a highlight here, where diners can indulge in a long lunch while quietly baking in the heat.

6
 
The Cottage Garden Lunch Bar
East Brisbane
A little outdoor oasis in the middle of the city like this one is a priceless find. Set in the middle of a garden centre, you can stretch out on the hardwood furniture and drink in the scents of fresh flowers and rich earth. This is no fine diner, but there's still plenty to linger over with a cafe-style menu of homemade nibbles. They're not licensed, but if you don't feel right about catching your rays without a glass of wine in hand, you can always BYO.

7
 
Pangaea
Manuka
Canberra restaurants feature outdoor dining way more often than many people would expect (Sydneysiders, I'm looking at you). Pangaea proves that you don't have to have sparkling water views and a famous bridge to lure sun-seekers. Diners here can nab a shady patch under the tree or just brazenly bare their limbs over a few drinks and some little tasting plates.