The Ultimate Guide to Western Australia’s Beer Sizes and Names

Australia’s beer sizes range between 140 mL and 1140 mL, and names vary by state, sometimes by suburb, and they make almost no sense to newcomers. A schooner in Western Australia is not the same experience as ordering one in South Australia. A pint here isn’t always a pint there. It is different. 

Western Australia has its own pub culture, beer traditions, and serving sizes. Knowing which beer glass to choose helps you order with confidence and enjoy your drink the way it was meant to be served. 

So, if you’ve ever stood at an Australian pub bar feeling mildly betrayed by the English language, this article is for you. 

Why Does Knowing About Australia’s Beer Sizes Matter?

Australia does not use the same beer names across all states. Each colony had its own pub culture, and by the time anyone thought to fix beer names, the local terms were already becoming popular. This left every state to keep calling its glasses whatever they liked. 

For example, A schooner in Perth may mean something different somewhere else. This confuses travellers trying to understand how many mL are in a schooner or how many mLs are in a pint.

This results in a country where the same volume of beer can have three different names depending on which side of the border you’re standing on. 

6 Common Beer Sizes And Names In Western Australia 

Here are the most common beer sizes you’ll see in WA pubs and sports bars.

1- Pony — The Quick Cold Refreshment 

The pony is one of the smallest traditional beer serves in Australia have a capacity of 140mL. Some venues use it as a sample for people trying for the first time.

You won’t see it on every bar menu, but only at heritage pubs and sports bars. If you’re trying an unfamiliar beer before committing to a full glass, a pony is the smart option. 

A pony-sized beer glass is best for 

• Quick refreshment
• Lighter drinking sessions

Because the glass is smaller, the beer stays colder and fresher until the last sip.

2- Middy — Small Pour, Big Pub Tradition 

The middy is roughly half a pint, containing  285mL; it’s the same volume as a pot in Victoria or Queensland. 

In WA, “middy” is the standard term. It’s a solid choice when you want something cold. It is a great choice as a 

• Quick alternative for water

• Casual social drinks
• Mid-week catch-ups

The smaller volume helps prevent beer from warming up too quickly. Many people choose this size when they want a cold drink without having too much at once. 

3- Schooner — Australia’s Favourite Pub Classic 

So, what exactly is a schooner? Well, with the size having 425mL, it is the favourite pub classic in WA, which hits that sweet spot and is enough to enjoy beer properly, small enough to stay cold before you finish it. A schooner is the go-to option that many pubs default to when you don’t specify. 

In the pint vs schooner debate, the schooner always wins. A schooner is ideal for

• Watching AFL games
• After-work drinks
• Pub lunches
• Weekend gatherings
• Sports bar sessions

The schooner glass usually has a slightly tapered shape. This helps maintain foam and keeps the beer easy to hold during busy social events.

4- Pint — Made For Long Sessions 

A pint of size 570mL in WA is a standard Australian beer glass. You can say a pint of beer is the bigger brother to the schooner, and it’s the preferred size at Irish-style pubs and among regulars who sit in for a longer session. 

The pint size in WA is the same in most parts of Australia (except South Australia). It is a perfect option when you are planning to spend a long time in a bar.

When it comes to a schooner vs a pint, the pint gives you roughly 145mL more beer, about a third of an extra schooner’s worth. For many locals, that’s the difference between a quick drink and a proper drinking session.

5- Jug — Best Shared With Mates 

The jug is exactly what it sounds like, a big pour, meant for sharing. So, that is why it has a huge capacity of holding 1140mL of beer. That means it can hold about two pints or almost three schooners. 

These jugs are designed to pour a beer easily. Most of them have thick handles and wider tops that help maintain the beer’s head when pouring into smaller glasses.

It’s the standard table option at WA sports pubs when a group wants to share without waiting for the next glass to serve. Most pubs serve jugs in a plain handled pitcher, and the price per mL is usually the best value on the menu.

Ordering a jug is one of the easiest ways to avoid confusion about beer sizes in Australia. If your group is unsure whether to order a schooner or a pint, sharing a jug is often the simple option.

6- Bobbie/Bobby — Traditional Size For Easy Drinking

The bobbie, sometimes called a bobby, is a WA-specific term for around 170-200mL, a mid-point between a pony and a middy. It’s more like a classic beer glass these days and isn’t available on every menu. 

This size is suitable for

• Trying different beers
• Daytime drinking
• Lighter social sessions
• Traditional pub experiences

Today, the bobbie is less common in modern pubs, but still a part of Australia’s beer history.

A Quick Western Australia Beer Size Guide 

Common Mistakes Tourists Make When Ordering Beer In Australia

WA pubs are so welcoming, and bar staff won’t judge you for not knowing the lingo. But a few common mistakes are worth avoiding.

1- Ordering a pint and expecting a UK-sized pour:  A British pint is 568mL, which looks the same as an Australian pint. But Americans ordering “a pint” sometimes expect a US pint, which is only 473mL. In WA, you’re getting 570mL, so no complaints there.

2- Asking for “a large beer.”: This isn’t a standard order in WA. “Large” doesn’t map cleanly to any glass size. You’ll likely get a pint, but it’s better to just say schooner or pint.

3- Assuming a schooner is the same everywhere: In most of Australia, it is 425mL. But if you’re coming from South Australia, where a schooner is only 285mL, you may be pleasantly surprised. In WA, schooner mL is always 425.

4- Confusing middy, pot, and schooner: If you’re from Victoria or Queensland, what WA calls a middy (285mL) is what you call a pot. Don’t ask for a pot in WA, you’ll likely get a blank look or a schooner by default.

How To Order Like A Local In Western Australia 

A few helpful tips that’ll make you sound like you’ve been drinking at WA pubs your whole life.

1- A schooner is the safe default:  Most locals order a schooner without thinking twice. It’s the right size for most occasions, not too expensive and not too much.

2- Say “pint” if you’re staying a while: When you’re settling in for the afternoon, a pint of beer signals that you’re not in a rush. At 570mL, it’s a good value and the right size for a long afternoon of sport on the screens.

3- Order a jug for the table: If you’re with three or four people, a jug is the most efficient and social option. It removes the awkward “whose round is it” question for at least the first 20 minutes.

4- Ask the bartender what’s fresh on tap: The best beer at any pub is whatever’s moving fastest through the lines. A good bartender will tell you exactly what to order, and at a proper local pub, that’s free advice worth taking.

Conclusion

Australia’s beer sizes and names are a genuine quirk of the country’s history. In WA, the system is relatively simple once you know the key sizes, such as middy at 285mL, schooner at 425mL, pint at 570mL, and jug at 1140mL. 

Knowing how many mL in a pint (570) and how many mL are in a schooner (425) covers about 90% of what you’ll ever need to order at a WA pub. The rest is just pub culture, and the best way to learn that is by pulling up a stool and ordering a round.

Ready to Order the Right Beer Size?

Come in and drink like a local at Midland Tavern Sports Bar & Grill!

At Midland Tavern, we bring together classic pub culture, sports bar atmosphere, and relaxed dining in the heart of Midland. Whether you are catching live sport with mates, enjoying a pub meal, or learning the difference between a schooner and a pint, our team is always ready to help you order like a local.

Visit Our Bar & Restaurant Today!

FAQ

1- What are the different beer sizes in Australia?

Australia’s main beer sizes are: Pony (140mL), Middy/Pot (285mL), Schooner (425mL), Pint (570mL), and Jug (1140mL). These names may vary by state; what’s called a middy is called a pot in Victoria and Queensland. 

2- What is a half pint called in Australia?

A half pint (approximately 285mL) is called a middy in WA, NSW, and the ACT, and a pot in Victoria, Queensland, and Tasmania. 

3-  Is a schooner 2/3 of a pint?

It is close to it as a schooner is 425mL and a pint is 570mL. That makes a schooner roughly 74.5% of a pint, not quite two-thirds, but nearest to it. When comparing a pint vs. a schooner, the pint is the bigger glass by about 145mL. 

4- How many mL in a pint?

In Australia (including WA), a pint is 570mL. This is based on the metric conversion of 20 fluid ounces. So if you’re asking how many mL are in a pint or mills in a pint, 570 is your number. 

5- How many mL are in a schooner?

A schooner is 425mL in WA and most Australian states. Except in South Australia, where 425mL is called a pint.