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

The East Kimberley should be on every bucket list, and here’s why.

Livistona palms soar out of chasms the colour of Valencia oranges. Shady waterholes beckon travellers daring to venture off the bitumen. From the air, fruit farms give way to vast plains that meet rolling hills and fascinating geological formations centuries in the making. The East Kimberley is one of Australia’s most treasured wilderness areas, but don’t be fooled by its rust-coloured roads. This north-eastern corner of Western Australia is home to some of Australia’s most iconic stays by Discovery Resorts that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

A group of people enjoy an intimate dining experience at El Questro Homestead. — Dine in the heart of nature.

Your guide to Lake Argyle

The backstory

With rolling hills that glow amber at sunrise and glassy water that reflects the Kimberley’s bright blue sky, a visit to Lake Argyle is nothing short of awe-inspiring. As Australia’s second-largest man-made freshwater lake, travellers flock here to soak in the views from boats, helicopters and Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle .

The latter is a lakeside oasis, a resort where travellers crossing from Western Australia into the Northern Territory (or vice versa) converge. Fifty minutes’ drive south of Kununurra, the property is perched atop a cliff overlooking the sprawling Lake Argyle.

Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle was originally built in the late 1960s to provide accommodation for builders of the Ord River dam, which formed Lake Argyle. In the decades that followed it had several owners, until a Kununurra local took the reins in 2004 and reinvented the property with luxury villas and its now world-famous infinity pool. The iconic property was added to the Discovery Resorts portfolio in 2021, undergoing a major upgrade that took the resort from a beloved campground to an all-encompassing resort with premium waterfront villas.

A boat glides across the expansive waters of Lake Argyle, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Kimberley. As part of the Discovery Holiday Parks experience, this unforgettable journey offers adventure and relaxation. — Glide across the vast, shimmering waters of Lake Argyle.

The rooms

A lakeside resort like no other, Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle offers something for everyone, from campsites to villas and cabins . The Deluxe Lakeview Cabins have views of the opposing cliff and are surrounded by bush, ensuring plenty of privacy, while both the Deluxe and Standard Cabins are ideal for families, with contemporary furnishings and one, two or four bedrooms. The campsites also come in a variety of sizes.

The facilities

There’s no doubt the biggest drawcard to Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle is the lake, 20 times the size of Sydney Harbour. One of the best ways to experience it is on the Kimberley Durack Sunset Explorer Cruise , during which you’ll see freshwater crocodiles nesting along the banks (it’s home to 30,000 freshies) and even get the chance to swim in their waters. The cruise also takes in Mt Misery, towering above the original and now submerged Argyle Downs Homestead.

If you have young children who need to get to bed early, a great alternative is the three-hour Lunch Explorer Cruise . You’ll tour around the lake’s bays as you learn about the local wildlife before stopping at a remote island for a swim.

Refuel between adventures at the onsite pub-style eatery, The Lake Argyle Cafe. The cafe is the heart of the resort, bringing together friends new and old over a steak, cold beer and live music. Hours vary with the seasons, but rest assured you’ll be able to enjoy a good feed year-round, with a well-stocked general store also open during the day.

Cool off from a day of exploring in the striking infinity pool with some of the best views in the country (you’ll find sweeping views of the lake below). Or enjoy a flight with HeliSpirit, or clear your mind during a yoga class on the lawn.

Two people unwind in an infinity pool, overlooking stunning Lake Argyle at Discovery Holiday Parks. — Take a dip in the infinity pool and soak in breathtaking Lake Argyle views.

Your guide to El Questro

The backstory

One of the most famous stays in Australia is El Questro . A former cattle station, it’s evolved into one of the country’s most recognisable tourism destinations over the past 30 years, and is now embarking on a new chapter to elevate the region’s rich First Nations culture.

The property draws travellers seeking to reconnect with nature and the beauty of this country. Wild in spirit but immaculate in style, El Questro is a 283,000-hectare property like no other; surrounded by dramatic gorges, impressive mountain ranges, thermal springs, secluded waterfalls and even rainforest, it’s the perfect base for adventurous souls.

A person floats leisurely in the river at Discovery Holiday Parks, immersed in nature’s tranquillity. — Float along Zebedee Springs and immerse in nature.

The rooms

Across the sprawling El Questro are three properties catering to the wide variety of travellers who journey this way. The most impressive is the luxurious Homestead , where 10 suites perch at the edge of a burnt-orange cliff, with cantilevered bedrooms over the peaceful Chamberlain River. The adults-only, all-inclusive Homestead is a member of the prestigious Luxury Lodges of Australia collection and offers a backdrop of thick bushland; riverside, you’ll find an immaculate lawn and a shaded pool that lures guests out of their rooms.

At Emma Gorge , travellers will be immersed in the beauty of the Cockburn Ranges, falling asleep to the sounds of wildlife in safari-style tented cabins. This is where you come if you want to completely connect with your environment while retaining a few creature comforts. The Emma Gorge Tented Cabins sleep three or four people and feature private ensuites and ceiling fans.

Families also love The Station , home to simple yet comfortable air-conditioned rooms, as well as a large, leafy campground. Sitting by the Pentecost River, The Station is open from April to October and has a range of accommodation, from unpowered and powered campsites to air-conditioned tents for two people and a Gardenview Family Room for five.

Two people stand beside a suite perched on the edge of a striking burnt-orange cliff, gazing out over the serene Chamberlain River below. — Take a breather with stunning views of nature all around.

The facilities

Located in the heart of the Kimberley, El Questro retains its strong connection with its Traditional Owners, the Ngarinyin people. A highlight of a stay here is the Injiid Marlabu Calls Us experience ; over two hours, guests are immersed in the soul of Country by witnessing ancient healing rituals, listening to generational stories and learning about the land’s ancestral heritage.

Other experiences include bird watching, cruising through Chamberlain Gorge, hiking through Emma Gorge, horse riding, four-wheel-driving and soaking in Zebedee Springs. At the properties, you can also cool off in the pools, and relax in the restaurants or at private dining locations. A bonus of staying at The Homestead is the exclusive service of El Questro’s dedicated reservations team, who will craft a bespoke itinerary tailored to your travel tastes.

A group of people stand beside a tree, with a car parked nearby, taking in the surrounding natural beauty. — Experience thrilling nature activities.

Book your East Kimberley adventure today with Discovery Resorts.

Australia’s 12 best beachfront bars for 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.

1. Raes Cellar Bar, Byron Bay NSW

2. Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Watsons Bay, NSW

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

4. Burleigh Pavilion, Burleigh Heads, Qld

5. Salt House, Cairns City, Qld

6. Baillie’s Bar, Heron Island, Qld

7. Moseley Beach Club, Glenelg, SA

8. Bacchus Bar, Henley Beach, SA

9. The Darwin Ski Club, Fannie Bay, NT

10. Bomboras Beach Bar, Torquay, Vic

11. Republica, St Kilda, Vic

12. Sebastian, Williamstown, Vic

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Inspire your senses with these iconic East Kimberley stays

The East Kimberley should be on every bucket list, and here’s why.

Your guide to Lake Argyle

The backstory

The rooms

The facilities

Your guide to El Questro

The backstory

The rooms

The facilities