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Summer in Australia isn’t complete with a visit to at least one beach bar, if not several beach bars! After enjoying the sunshine, who doesn’t want to enjoy a cool beverage on the beach, sand between your toes, soaking up the views as the sun goes down?
Compared to places in Europe and worldwide, you’d think Australia wasn’t making the most of its stunning coastline by having more beach bars. However, with tighter alcohol regulations, sometimes that perfection is just a step away from the beach rather than actually on it. Let’s just say more often than not, they are more ‘beachfront’! Either way, you can still relax with sand between your toes (from walking along the beach) and chill out in an incredible environment around you.
Check out these top beach bars around Australia:
New South Wales Beach Bars
Havana Beach, Manly
There is something about Manly’s vibe that takes us back there again and again, and the Havana Beach bar has a lot to do with it!
Kick back in one of Sydney’s best cocktail bars, with chilled Cuban vibes and the ocean views that Manly is famous for. This place rocks, and it’s no wonder their hashtag is #havanagoodtime.
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Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Watson’s Bay
Be a part of the Beach Club at Watsons Bay and enjoy the views from one of Sydney’s most iconic harbour beaches. Sitting right on the water’s edge, nothing gets in the way of the panoramic views of the city skyline and harbour, except the cold refreshing beverage right in front of you.
This stylish venue is the perfect place to unwind and relax with a beverage. And there’s even accommodation if you don’t want to leave, and we wouldn’t blame you!
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Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
If there was a place that packed a serious punch with summer attitude, you’ve found it right here.
The Beach Hotel in the heart of Byron Bay is by far Byron’s most famous pub – just a jump across the road from the main beach. It’s got something for everyone with live entertainment, a fantastic beer garden, accommodation, a beach resort and a range of cuisines to feast upon.
Needing to cool down in the heat of summer? The Beachy is the place to go!
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Queensland Beach Bars
Foxy’s Bar, Fitzroy Island, Cairns
Want a cold, crisp beer after a salty swim? Look no further than Foxy’s Bar, situated right on the beachfront on Fitzroy Island. With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, pool tables, a wide range of beers, wines, cocktails and soft drinks, you’ll be relaxed in true Fitzroy style before you know it!
Open daily with live entertainment during the weekends.
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The Beach Shack, Kewarra Beach, Cairns
Want a snorkel with your drink? If the Beach Shack got any closer to the water, this is exactly what you would need!
Views don’t get much better than this of the Coral Sea whilst sipping an ice-cold beverage, barefoot on a private beach. Open from May to December on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays with tables often reserved weeks in advance, so plan ahead and book early.
You won’t be disappointed you did!
Pool Club, Hayman Island, Great Barrier Reef
After the devastating impact of Tropical Cyclone Debbie, Hayman Island by InterContinental will open in July 2019. This spectacular island resort is completely reimagined with breathtaking beauty and paradise.
With five new restaurants and bars opening, you will be spoilt for choice. And the new beachfront Pool Club next to the crystal clear waters of the Coral Sea will not disappoint.
A visit to this beach bar will need a hop over to the island, but it will be worth every moment.
Corrugation Bar, Cape York
Not only is this Australia’s most northern tap beer, but also Australia’s most northern wood-fired pizzas on Australia’s most northern beach bar! And its name is pretty ironic too, given the road conditions in northern Australia!
No trip to the top end tip would be complete without a visit to Corrugation Bar. With a range of cool beverages on offer, it’s the perfect place to meet fellow travellers and share your own stories about how you finally got there!
The beach bar is part of Cape York camping at Punsand Bay and is absolutely beautiful.
Victoria Beach Bars
Republica, St. Kilda
We reckon this is the best beachfront bar in the whole of Victoria! We popped in for just one drink, and didn’t leave until several hours later!
Located right on the iconic St. Kilda promenade, anyone who has already been to St. Kilda knows it is the perfect place to people watch! Take in the fascinating views with a stunning backdrop of the white sandy beach and kitesurfers doing their thing.
With a menu of Asian and Italian influences, this funky and hip venue adds to the coolness that is St. Kilda. We dare you to just pop in for only one drink!
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Pontoon, St. Kilda
We love this bar with its nautical feel and hair of the dog attitude! It’s the perfect place to soothe your soul with hangover bites and cocktails.
Soak up the waves (ok, maybe there aren’t that many waves in St. Kilda, but it’s worth a try) whilst sipping a ‘Windy Sail’ or ‘Pontoon Colada’ cocktail. It’s pure paradise from the Pontoon.
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The Sandbar Beach Cafe, Middle Park
If you are looking for a slightly more relaxed and low-key venue, check out the Sandbar Beach Cafe in Middle Park. Located right on the beach, take in the breathtaking view of Port Philip Bay, or why not have a go at beach volleyball if you’ve conserved enough energy after the beach?
Open every day from morning to late afternoon, this really is the place to soak in some sun rays in a family-friendly environment.
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Western Australia Beach Bars
Scarborough Beach Bar, Perth
This ultimate beachfront bar in Scarborough is, what we think, the best beach in Perth. It is located a bit further back from the beach, but the views are amazing, and the vibes are super chilled. Scarborough Beach Bar is a popular place, so book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Don’t miss stopping by for a few cold beers and checking out their Facebook page for upcoming events.
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Cottesloe Beach Hotel, Perth
Cottesloe Beach Hotel offers the absolute beach club experience. Situated right opposite one of Perth’s favourite beaches, this isn’t just any ordinary beach bar. Offering accommodation, function, bar and dining options, it will be hard for you to leave a place that really has it all!
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Bathers Beach House, Freemantle
This Freemantle beachfront bar is only 3 steps away from the white sands of Bathers Beach, Freemantle. Soak up the sand and waves whilst lazing on a sunbed directly on the beach, umbrella at your side and cocktail at the other. Does life get any better than this?
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South Australia Beach Bars
Check out our latest post for summer pop up beach clubs in Adelaide, right on the sand!
The Moseley Beach Club, Glenelg
This pop-up beach bar is right on the popular beach of Glenelg and is a serious hot spot during Adelaide’s summer months. It’s been a long time coming, but Adelaide finally got their beach bar on the sand!
With premium sunbeds or fully serviced lounges, grab a cocktail and soak up the vibes, with live music and DJ’s spinning summer tunes. Or plonk down on one of the bean bags for the evening and enjoy one of the best sunsets in Australia!
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Bacchus Bar, Henley Beach
Enjoy one of the best beaches in Adelaide at the Bacchus beachfront bar. Named after the Greek God of food, wine and debauchery, it’s hard not to have a good time at this popular location.
Making the most of South Australian local produce and wine, there really is no excuse to go anywhere else!
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Hortas, Port Noarlunga
In its premium location overlooking the gorgeous Port Noarlunga beach and jetty, enjoy a cold beer, wine, cocktails, seafood and tapas with a Portuguese influence at Hortas.
This award-winning venue is a popular beach bar. Book ahead if you want your senses bought alive with contemporary Australian and Portuguese inspired dishes.
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West, Henley Beach
There’s a new kid on the block! Henley Square is turning into a super chilled place to be this summer.
West bar is located one level up on the Square, meaning it can show off its uninterrupted views of the white sands on Henley Beach. Inside is a classic walnut timber bar, perfect for cooling down with a beverage or two of your choice. Head outside, and you’ll find the stunning outdoor seating area – perfect for any lazy weekend afternoon.
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Northern Territory Beach Bars
Darwin Trailer Boat Club, Darwin
When you think trailers, you don’t necessarily think beach bar, but Darwin has got this one nailed!
Relax and unwind on their gorgeous beachfront lawn, play in the shaded playground area, take a dunk in the pool and watch the big screen as the sun goes down. There’s a massive line up of events, big bar area, bistro and function area for any event.
This is the perfect location to enjoy everything Darwin has to offer.
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Darwin Ski Club, Darwin
Soak up the top ends best sunset beach bar as the sun melts into the ocean at Darwin Ski Club. This popular little place is the most chilled out space along the beachfront.
Grab a drink. Enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting. Soak in the sunset. As you are about to witness something very magical.
And don’t forget, surf clubs around Australia often have some of the best local views! Grab a drink and a bite to eat whilst supporting a great cause that saves lives every day.
What’s your favourite beach bar in Australia? We’d love to know . Leave a comment in the box below.
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