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

Hobart has quietly become our coolest capital, but the real wonder lies just beyond the city limits.

In the cool shade of Kunyani/ Mt Wellington, Hobart has earned a reputation. Home to culture-defining Dark MOFO, the city blends rugged, raw wilderness and rule-breaking galleries. But, step beyond the thrumming capital’s border and you’ll find a new perspective: historic towns, Jurassic-era cliffs and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. With ALL Accor as your home away from home, fill your days with epicurean odysseys and wild scenery on the best day trips from Hobart.

Where to stay

Behind every good road trip is the perfect home base. Somewhere central to review your camera roll, make the most of Hobart’s dining scene and relax before setting off again.

For modern, Tasmanian-inspired design, book a stay at the Movenpick Hotel Hobart . Standing at the Salamanca Markets, look to the Hobart skyline and the award-winning hotel will catch your eye. As the third-tallest building in the CBD, the views across the harbour toward Antarctica are totally unique to your room. Here, end each day at the daily free chocolate hour (plus a free Movenpick ice cream for the little ones).

For a more budget-conscious option, head to the picture book, sandstone buildings of Macquarie Street. Nestled along the buzzing, historic streetscape, you’ll find Tasmania’s biggest hotel: the Ibis Styles . Return home each day to defrost in one of the hotel’s two saunas. Make use of the proximity to MONA, or take an easy stroll to the candy-coloured cottages of Battery Point between your adventures.

A stylish, Tasmanian-inspired bedroom at Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, your perfect base for relaxing after the best day trips from Hobart. — Elevate your Hobart stay with sleek style at Mövenpick.

1. Bruny Island

Craggy cliffs and tropical-hued, white sand beaches signal your arrival to Bruny Island/ Lunawanna-Alonnah.

Start your day trip at the island’s most iconic spot, the Neck Game Reserve. Scale the Trunganini steps to gaze out over the teensy stretch of land that juts through the sea connecting the two ends of the island.

Catch a rare glimpse of the white furred wallabies that call Bruny Island home at Adventure Bay. Then, for ocean-fresh oysters, pull into the drive-thru window at Get Shucked . Sample Bruny Island cheese at the cellar door before catching the ferry home with an esky full of local produce.

Bruny Island Neck is an isthmus of land connecting north and south Bruny Island. — Begin your adventure with a climb and a view. (Image: Elise Weaver)

2. Mount Wellington

At 1271 metres, Mount Wellington watches protectively over Hobart. Follow the winding road to climb through alpine forest and tufts of snow to reach the summit. Gaze down over Hobart and out to sea, or over your shoulder to the southwestern wilderness.

Reset your adrenaline with a mountain bike ride back down. Or, make like the locals and head into the mountain on foot. Try the hike to the Jurassic-period Organ Pipes which slips under the mountain’s magnificent dolerite cliffs (perfect for families thanks to the trail’s minimal incline).

For a view of Mount Wellington itself, hike nearby Cathedral Rock.

No matter where you are in Hobart you are never far away from the City's beloved mountain, Kunanyi / Mount Wellington — Climb through alpine forest to the summit. (Image: Paul Flemming)

2. Port Arthur

Constructed entirely by convicts, the manicured gardens and penal buildings of Port Arthur offer a day trip that practically hums with history.

The rugged, seagirt location was chosen for its difficult escape conditions. Now, you can cruise the coast below the towering, jagged cliffs of the Tasman National Park or wander the sloping fields of fragrant lavender.

Tickets to Port Arthur include a walking tour and harbour cruise. See the Isle of the Dead where 1000 men are buried in marked and unmarked graves. And Point Puer, Britain’s first prison for children.

The Port Arthur Historic Site is one of Australia's most important heritage sites and tourist destinations. Located on the scenic Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula in the south east of Tasmania, it offers a unique and essential experience for all visitors to the area. — Wander convict-built grounds and gardens. (Image: Dearna Bond)

3. Launceston

You’ll find Launceston at the confluence of three rivers after an easy 2.5-hour drive from Hobart. Launceston is a patchwork of old and new. Here, heritage streetscapes meet modern architecture.

Visit Cataract Gorge, the green, sun-dappled heart of the town and sacred meeting point for Tasmania’s indigenous communities. Pull up at roadside produce stalls that dot the Tamar Valley, or dine out. Launceston is, after all, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Should the local wine scene persuade you, simply extend your time in Launceston at Peppers Silo (but definitely at least stop by the onsite restaurant, Grain of the Silo , for a farm fresh menu) or Mercure Launceston before heading back to Hobart.

Walk the sunlit paths of Cataract Gorge. (Image: Nick H Visuals)

4. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Take a 35-minute drive from your hotel and you’ll find Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary . This social enterprise is run by a team of extremely passionate Tasmanians with a mission to look after critically endangered species who have found sanctuary here after facing extinction on the mainland.

Choose to wander the sanctuary at your own pace or join a guided tour (free with your ticket) to come face to face with Tassie’s most iconic species. Tasmanian Devils, wombats and echidnas are part of the free tour. You can book up close encounters with your favourite animals, too.

Bonorong is a Sanctuary for wildlife run by a passionate team of like-minded people. We're a social enterprise: a little business with a big heart. — Snap a cuddle-worthy encounter. (Image: Tourism Australia)

5. Richmond Village & Coal River Valley

Richmond is a town that belongs in a snow globe. Fifty colonial-era, Georgian buildings have been painstakingly restored and turned into cafes, cosy restaurants and galleries. Visit Richmond Gaol , said to be the home of a prisoner so vile he inspired Charles Dickens to pen Oliver Twist’s Fagin.

Then, follow the Coal River as it flows past grassy, duckling-dotted knolls and under the iconic Richmond Bridge, the oldest bridge in Australia. From the crest of the bridge, see the oldest Catholic Church in Australia. The river crawls past many cellar doors, perfect for a day of wine tasting.

Richmond is a picture-perfect town in the Coal River Valley wine region, offering a glimpse into early colonial life, one of the best day trips from Hobart. — Trace the river through history and wine country. (Image: Fin Matson)

Plan your trip to Hobart and beyond with ALL Accor at All.com .

Australia’s 12 best beachfront bars for summer