What is a schooner in Australia?
In Australia, a schooner is a beer glass size, but the volume depends on the state. In New South Wales and Queensland, a schooner holds 425 millilitres, while in South Australia it holds 285 millilitres.
Australian beer glass names vary widely from state to state, which can confuse visitors and even Australians traveling interstate.
In New South Wales, the main sizes are the middy, about 285 millilitres, the schooner, 425 millilitres, and the pint, 570 millilitres.
Different names in different states
In Victoria and Queensland, a 285 millilitre glass is called a pot, while in South Australia it is a schooner. South Australians call a 425 millilitre glass a pint.
In Western Australia, a 285 millilitre glass is called a middy, and in Tasmania it is called a ten.
The 570 millilitre imperial pint is common across most of Australia. Some bars use the term jug for a large shared container of beer. Ordering beer correctly is part of learning local culture.
When in doubt, many visitors simply ask the bartender to show them the glass sizes on offer.