What could be better than sitting by the beach with a cocktail taking in a lovely view of the sun dipping below the ocean horizon?
Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it? Well, in the Lucky Country, there are several coastal regions where you can enjoy a splendid moment like this.
From romantic date nights to cool catch-ups with friends, Australia’s best beach bars offer terrific places to enjoy a special moment with your nearest and dearest.
Some of them are upscale venues with trendy decor and an exceptional range of alcoholic beverages, while others are more laidback shack-style establishments that let the good times roll.
But which are the best places to go?
Outlined below is our take on the best beach bars in Australia. Head to any of these venues and you are sure to enjoy a fabulous experience.
The Best Beach Bars in Melbourne
Should you find yourself in Melbourne, be sure to check out the following establishments:
Republica St Kilda Beach
Residing within the St Kilda Sea Baths Complex, Republica is the kind of place you could easily spend a good few hours in.
Flooded with light and featuring a decor of wood furnishings, the venue is a relaxed, casual and inclusive setting that radiates a convivial atmosphere.
As well as offering a full range of alcoholic beverages, its food menu caters to all tastes and dietary requirements, serving up hearty portions of meals that represent outstanding value for money.
At the weekend, they even host live music, often showcasing the talents of local up-and-coming bands and artists.
Address: 1A-1D, 10-18 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda VIC 3182
Phone: (03) 8598 9055
Hours: 12 pm – 11 pm Every Day
Sebastian
For those wanting a luxurious beach bar experience, it would be worth scheduling a trip to Sebastian in Williamstown.
Offering a decadent and exclusive lounge experience, the venue takes inspiration from the Basque Country region of Spain. Presenting a blue and white nautical style décor and a menu of Latin-
inspired gastronomy that would not look out of place anywhere in the Mediterranean.
Once you find it on the Esplanade, you will instantly be impressed by the quality of the service its team extends to patrons.
Address: 26 Esplanade, Williamstown VIC 3016
Phone: (03) 9088 8989
Hours: Mon & Tues Closed, Wed to Sat 12 pm – 10 pm, Sun 12 pm – 5 pm
The Best Beach Bars in Sydney:
When in Sydney, be sure to visit:
El Camino Cantina
Mexicans know how to have a good time, which is a large part of the inspiration behind El Camino Cantina in Manly.
Situated on the Wharf, this establishment has a distinctly Mexican vibe which permeates through the venue. Resplendent with vibrant and colourful decor, it is the place to come for delicious margaritas and superb Tex-Mex cuisine.
It is also a wonderful place to visit at sunset when the warm hues of the setting sun illuminate the sky as it begins its descent – which is something you can’t always see in Sydney on its east-facing coastline.
If you have the time, come here about an hour before dusk. That way, you can enjoy a visit that incorporates daylight, sunset and the starry skies of the night!
Address: Manly Wharf, Manly Ferry Wharf, Belgrave Street and West Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095
(02) 8099 7075
Hours: Sun – Wed 12 pm – 10 pm, Thurs 12 pm – 11 pm, Fri & Sat 12 pm – 12 am
The Bucket List
Ask any non-Aussie to name you a beach in Australia, and the chances are they will say Bondi Beach – possibly due to the internationally famous TV show Bondi Rescue.
Well, if you head to The Bucket List in the Bondi Pavilion, you will get a front-row seat to the action that takes place at this fantastic beach.
You’ll have to wait until it re-opens, having been temporarily closed for renovations since June 2020. However, once it does, you will get to enjoy a fabulous selection of beers, cocktails and wines, some outstanding food, and a coastal view that will render you the envy of many people around the world.
Address: Bondi Pavilion, Shop, 1 Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Phone: (02) 9365 4122
The Best Beach Bars in Queensland:
If ever in Queensland, be sure to make your way to:
Bistro C
Upscale Noosa has a number of excellent beach bars. But one of the best of them is the Bistro C on Hasting Street.
Situated on the Sunshine Coast, about an hour north of Brisbane, the bar overlooks the main beach in Noosa Heads. Its stunning waterside setting provides a fabulous backdrop in which to enjoy a curated bar and restaurant menu that has been inspired by Queensland’s excellent reputation for quality produce.
The vibe here is refined and elegant, befitting the elevated nature of this resort town.
Address: 49 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads QLD 4567
Phone: (07) 5447 2855
Hours: 11 am – 12 am Every Day
The Best Beach Bars in Perth:
Over in Perth, here are the best beach bar venues to head to.
Clancy’s Fish Bar
Located in City Beach, Clancy’s refers to itself as a ‘fish pub’, which is reason enough to go there just for the intrigue of what exactly that means!
Open from early in the morning to well after dark, this venue showcases some of the best coastal scenery in Western Australia in all its glory. Whether it be first light, the midday sun, sunset or under the stars at night, the changing face of the shoreline is fascinating to take in.
Whilst enjoying it, you can indulge in something from its terrific food and drink menus, which include a strong seafood game and various share plates, as well as a marvellous selection of cocktails.
When it comes to entertainment, they even lay on performances by everyone from jazz bands to samba dancers.
Address: 195 Challenger Parade, City Beach WA 6015
Phone: (08) 9385 7555
Hours: Sun – Thurs 6 am – 9.30 pm, Fri & Sat 6 am – 10 pm
Scarborough Beach Bar
For many Perth residents, the Scarborough Beach Bar holds a very special place in their hearts.
A buzzy, bold and bright venue, the cocktails here are carefully curated to match its colourful décor, while the food menu comprises popular dishes which are perfectly cooked and generously portioned.
One of the best things about this establishment is that it occupies a second floor position. Therefore it offers patrons an exceptional, elevated view of the beach and ocean that stretches for as far as the eye can see.
All things considered, it is a terrific spot to spend a few hours with family or friends. Though, as it does get busy, booking a table in advance is always a good idea.
Address: Level 1/1 Manning Street, Scarborough WA 6019
Phone: (08) 9205 1200
Hours: Mon – Fri 11 am to 11 pm, Sat & Sun 10 am – 12 am
The Best Beach Bars in Adelaide:
In Adelaide, a good beach bar to head to is:
The Grand Bar
Located just a stone’s throw from Glenelg Beach and set within the plush Stamford Grand Adelaide Hotel, The Grand Bar strives to be one of Australia’s best beach bars.
Aptly named, it is a stunning waterfront beach bar that welcomes people with a relaxed and casual vibe.
If you are hungry, their delectable selection of fresh fish, delicious burgers and hot chips will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. Their range of beers, cocktails and wines will also satisfy most preferences when it comes to accompanying beverages.
At the weekend, live performances further add to its appeal, so be sure to book yourself a table early, as it really fills up at this time.
Address: Stamford Grand Adelaide, 2 Jetty Road, Glenelg SA 5045
Phone: (08) 8376 1222
Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Every Day
The Moseley Beach Club
Fusing South East Asian, European and Aussie vibes, The Moseley Beach Club is a popular beach bar in the Glenelg region of South Australia.
One of the main drawcards here is the Moseley Bar & Kitchen which serves up a delicious selection of meals and cocktails, including their signature Coconut Margaritas which is made with coconut flakes, coconut and Don Julio Tequila.
Located directly on the beach, the bar is only open for the summer season. So it is best to make the most of it in the limited time you have available during the year.
Address: 11 Moseley Square, Glenelg, SA 5045
Phone: 0407 729 983
The Best Beach Bars in Darwin:
Up at the Top End, be sure to pay a visit to:
Darwin Trailer Boat Club
Located in the charming sounding Fannie Bay, the Darwin Trailer Boat Club has been an institution in the city since its first opening way back in 1954.
Boasting beautiful beach views, it is highly regarded for its sensational selection of seafood dishes. It is also a family friendly venue that has several child-friendly play areas as well.
A huge attraction here is the opportunity to take in one of Darwin’s famous sunsets, which will give you goosebumps as it hits the sea. It is an amazing experience, a testament to the various accolades they have won at the Hospitality NT Awards over the years.
Address: 8 Atkins Drive, Fannie Bay NT 0820
Phone: (08) 8981 6749
Hours: 10 am to 10 pm Every Day