Beachfront Bars To Visit This Summer

Sand, sunset and spritz. When it comes to indulging in some summer drinks, it doesn’t get much better than these Australian beach bars.

Compared to Europe, the Australian beach has a reputation that’s less about booze and more about boards.

But if you’re dying to sip some prosecco with sand still clinging to your feet, don’t despair. Slap on some sunscreen and gather your mates — we’ve lined up the best beach bars in Australia.

1. Raes Cellar Bar, Byron Bay NSW

Overlooking Byron Bay’s Wategos Beach, the institution that is Raes’s on Wategos is a luscious boutique hotel that was even voted as one of the world’s top 25 hotels. But while the hotel itself might be out of the budget for now, their Cellar Bar could be just the ticket to experiencing its delicately pastel-hued, and Mediterranean interiors, and Northern Rivers ambience.

the exterior of Raes Cellar Bar, Byron Bay NSW — Raes Cellar Bar is Mediterranean-inspired.

For the optimal experience, come here before sunset to sip a sundowner and munch on a roll of bay lobster tail and old bay spiced mayo, and watch the sun sink over the sand. Walk-ins only.

Mediterranean interiors at Raes Cellar Bar, Byron Bay NSW — Sip a sundowner under the yellow umbrellas.

Address: 6-8 Marine Parade, Byron Bay, NSW

2. Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Watsons Bay, NSW

Where else to go on those classically beautiful Sydney summer days, but overlooking its world-famous harbour? Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel in Sydney’s eastern suburbs has water views in spades from its rooftop bar, as well as close access to the sandy beach below.

Sydney Harbour views from the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel — Dine with views of the harbour at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel. (Image: Destination NSW)

Its bottomless rose brunches and DJ Sunday sessions make it a popular choice among the Sydney bars — so get there early for a spot!

the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel at sunset — Head to Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel for sunset. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 1 Military Rd, Watsons Bay, NSW

3. Clancy’s Fish Bar City Beach, Perth, WA

There’s something universal about being by the ocean and getting that craving for fish and chips. When it hits (and if you’re in Perth), Clancy’s Fish Bar is just the place to go. With four different locations across Western Australia, the funkily coloured City Beach locale is right on the sand and gives beach shack vibes, complete with live music, while overlooking the Indian Ocean.

the interior of Clancy’s Fish Bar City Beach in Perth, WA — Take in majestic beach views from your seat at Clancy’s Fish Bar City Beach.

While they have craft beers, local wine and classic cocktails on offer, it’s Clancy’s seafood that really shines here. From buckets of cold Queensland prawns to katsu fish burgers made of local saddletail snapper, with ginger sesame slaw, the fare here is anything if not original.

the Clancy’s Fish Bar City Beach in Perth, WA — Order your drinks with fresh seafood at Clancy’s Fish Bar City Beach.

Address: 195 Challenger Parade, City Beach, WA

4. Burleigh Pavilion, Burleigh Heads, Qld

Seafood, cocktails and views over the sand and the skyline — what could make a better bar on the sunny Gold Coast? At the Burleigh Pavilion , you get all of this and more. Head to the bar, The Terrace, for casual hangs at its white picnic tables, freshly shucked oysters and salt and pepper calamari, and tropical cocktails to be enjoyed to DJ beats (playing Thursday to Sunday), while keeping the iconic surline in sight.

beachside dining at Burleigh Pavilion — Enjoy drinks by the beach at Burleigh Pavilion.

After more of a sit-down meal? The Tropic restaurant (think Mediterranean-style meets Modern Australian, with a hearty dose of seafood) serves everything from cold seafood plates to share, to extravagant bumps of Caviar Oscietra, served with vodka.

a surfer seen from the waterfront dining at Burleigh Pavilion — You can even watch surfers ride on the waves from your seat.

Address: 3a/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads, Qld

5. Salt House, Cairns City, Qld

If you’ve ever been to the tropical hub of Cairns, chances are you know what a laidback city it is — which is half its charm, of course. But if you are after a touch of pizazz, head down to the waterfront, where you’ll find Salt House .

al fresco seating at Salt House, Cairns City, Qld — Pull up a chair at Salt House.

Jutting out into the water, Salt House is all about the al fresco drinks with flavours of the far north — like a Davidson plum sour with hibiscus syrup and Lūla white rum — best enjoyed as the sun dips over the nearby mountains, and live music plays.

If its delectable bar snacks, like crumbed prawn sliders or grilled calamari with agrodolce, kombu salt and lemon, aren’t filling enough, the Salt House restaurant has more substantial fare, in a quieter atmosphere. Meanwhile, out the front, you can buy pizzas, served hot from a brick oven.

the waterfront beach bar at Salt House, Cairns City, Qld — You’ll find Salt House by the waterfront.

Address: Marina Point, 6/2 Pier Point Rd, Cairns City, Qld

6. Baillie’s Bar, Heron Island, Qld

How special can a beach bar really be, if it’s not a bit of a challenge to get there? Enter Baillie’s Bar . At 72 kilometres off the coast of Queensland on the coral cay island of Heron Island, it definitely has those Castaway vibes. But instead of a coconut as your only companion, you have a friendly bartender serving you glasses of sparkling.

an al fresco dining at Baillie’s Bar, Heron Island, Qld — Take in views of the Great Barrier Reef from the outdoor terrace.

The bar has a library and pool tables for those who want to happily entertain themselves. However, it might be hard to focus on this when the view is really the star here, with the magnificent Great Barrier Reef in sight from the outdoor terrace. So, keep your eyes peeled for turtle sightings!

two people admiring the sunset at Baillie’s Bar, Heron Island, Qld — Raise a glass at Baillie’s Bar.

Convinced? To get here, take the regular Heron Island boat .

Address: Heron Island, Qld

7. Moseley Beach Club, Glenelg, SA

Get that dose of Amalfi lifestyle when you drop by Moseley Beach Club at Glenelg Beach. Operating in summer at the popular beach (about 20 minutes from the Adelaide CBD), this Greek island-style beach club has become a firm favourite among locals for its uber-aesthetic blue and white deck chairs, day lounges and beach umbrellas, live music, beachy frozen pink lemonade cocktails and general sunshine vibes.

blue and white deck chairs, day lounges and beach umbrellas at The Moseley Beach Club, Glenelg, SA — You can wriggle your toes in the sand at Moseley Beach Club. (Image: Nathan Godwin)

Also, did we mention Moseley Beach Club is literally on the sand? So, if you want to burrow your toes in it (while sipping on Pimms, of course), get here fast. The club is only open between December and April.

The Moseley Beach Club, Glenelg, SA at sunset — Chase sunsets at The Moseley. (Image: Ryan Formosa Photography)

Address: Glenelg Beach, Glenelg, SA

8. Bacchus Bar, Henley Beach, SA

Want to try something outside of Adelaide’s most popular beach? Henley Beach is just up the road from Glenelg Beach and offers an alternative beach watering hole with its Bacchus Bar . A few steps from the sand, the dog-friendly Bacchus Bar offers fruity cocktails and DJ sets, perfect for overlooking the Southern Ocean on a summer day

Address: 253 Esplanade, Henley Beach, SA

9. The Darwin Ski Club, Fannie Bay, NT

Named for the water skiers you might see jetting about in the Timor Sea, off the shore of this iconic Top End bar, The Darwin Ski Club is perhaps the best beach bar to watch a sunset from in Darwin.

sunset views at The Darwin Ski Club, Fannie Bay, NT — Dramatic sunset views are common at The Darwin Ski Club.

To liven things up, start at The Bali Bar, with its harbour views and live music. Feeling peckish after a day exploring Darwin? The Epikur restaurant bistro has your back, with Modern Australian fare like buckets of local prawns, grilled fish and vegan plates.

Darwin Ski Club at sunset — Sink into a cold one at Darwin Ski Club.

Address: 20 Conacher St, Fannie Bay, NT

10. Bomboras Beach Bar, Torquay, Vic

Planning a Great Ocean Road trip this summer? Then make a (responsible) stop at the pop-up bar, Bomboras Beach Bar . Running every summer, this dog-friendly Torquay bar faces out over the waters of the famous surf town at Fishos Beach.

cocktail drinks at Bomboras Beach Bar, Torquay, Vic — Sip refreshing cocktails at Bomboras Beach Bar.

Grab some food from the idling food truck out the front (or order half a dozen Bruny Island oysters), and plonk yourself down in the open air to listen to live music. With the ocean breeze blowing in your hair, and the Great Ocean Road stretching out before you, it doesn’t get much better than this.

al fresco seating with fairy lights at Bomboras Beach Bar, Torquay, Vic — Bomboras Beach Bar gives beach shack.

Address: 48 The Esplanade, Torquay, Vic

11. Republica, St Kilda, Vic

Sydney might get all the kudos for its beach lifestyle, but a hop, skip and jump away from the Melbourne CBD, you’ll find Republica — one of the Victorian capital’s best beach bars.

people dining al fresco at Republica, St Kilda, Vic — Cheers to good food and live music at Republica.

Overlooking St Kilda’s Beach, this relaxed restaurant-meets-bar combines laidback vibes, happy hour specials that cover everything from espresso martinis to pizzas, and live music to great effect.

palm trees dotting the beach at Republica, St Kilda, Vic — Republica is a laidback beachfront bar.

Address: 1A-1D, 10-18 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda, Vic

12. Sebastian, Williamstown, Vic

Forget about the Australian coastline. For a touch of that Spanish beach life, head to the restaurant and bar Sebastian in Williamstown, Victoria.

hands raising cocktail glasses at Sebastian, Williamstown, Vic — Drink cocktails by the water at Sebastian.

Modelling itself after the flavours of the Basque country (and named after the famous beach city of San Sebastian), the dishes are a delectable fusion of Modern Australian and Northern Spanish pintxos. To drink, the Europe vibes at this bar call for Aperol Spritz, as well as chilled sangria and camparis.

al fresco dining at Sebastian, Williamstown, Vic — Head to Sebastian for a touch of Spanish beach life.

Address: 26 Esplanade, Williamstown, Vic

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

Australia’s 12 best beachfront bars for summer