10 of the best Champagne Bars in Australia

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Ah, champagne: drink of fabulous socialites and extravagant occasions. We searched Australia high and low for our most sparkling wine bars: places that celebrate unbridled dedication to its service, history, presentation … and flavour. Here are 10 of the best champagne bars in Australia. By Edward Washington

1. The Champagne & Oyster Bar, The Atlantic, Melbourne

Open since mid-2011, The Atlantic has more recently added a dedicated champagne and oyster Bar. Designed by the Melbourne-based designer Blackmilk, Atlantic (and its underground bar, The Den) mixes classical elements with modern touches and the result is a streamlined interior that exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere – the perfect environment for a glass of France’s best.

 

The new addition centres around the ‘thrill of the oyster’ (all shucked to order). Matched with the Atlantic’s dedicated wine program you’ll be able to enjoy premium quality seafood and champagne well into the night.

 

Go for: Open till 1am seven nights a week, the Champagne and oyster menu on offer is an absolute treat.

2. Must Wine Bar, Perth

Must Wine Bar, Perth
Must Wine Bar, Perth

If you’re visiting Australia’s western most state, then Must’s champagne lounge is your one-stop-shop. Set upstairs at this award-winning wine bar, the lounge offers a sensational selection of champagne houses to choose from, including Dom Pérignon, Lanson and Bollinger – boasting one of the widest ranges in the country, in fact.

 

Sit back, relax and treat yourself to some fine offerings, all while soaking up the plush interior and nibbling on a delicious selection of menu items that head chef Andre Mahé and chef/partner Russell Blaikie have put together to match their sensational wine list.

 

Go for: The range of champagnes on offer and the venue’s dedication to offering a ‘champagne experience’.

3. Eau de Vie, Sydney

Eau De Vie, Sydney
Eau De Vie, Sydney

This aptly-named ‘water of life’ cocktail bar is discretely nestled on Sydney’s Darlinghurst Street. What you’ll find is a dimly-lit, secluded and warming and tippling environment, perfect for a round of champagne cocktails and some intricately-prepared bar snacks. Prepare yourself though – the highly-skilled bartenders at this speakeasy make a habit of opening every bottle of champagne with some Napoleonic ‘flash’ – that is, they sabre off the bottle head using their very own French sword and serve it straight into fine flutes at the bar.

 

Sensational cocktails and champagne aside, the darkened tones of the timber walls and bar top are cleverly punctuated by bright and alluring artworks by Todd White, and these are definitely worth a squiz in their own right. See Eau De Vie

 

Go for: The sabering of the champagne bottle – you’ll find it nowhere else – and the exquisite cocktails on offer.

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4. The Belle Epoque Lounge, Spice Market, Melbourne

The Belle Epoque Lounge, Spice Market, Melbourne
The Belle Epoque Lounge, Spice Market, Melbourne

Lavishly-appointed Spice Market is a melting pot of striking interiors – rich colours and decadent trappings, inspired by both Middle and Far-Eastern style; the kind of place that would impress a Pharaoh. And nowhere is the sumptuousness more apparent than in Spice Market’s dedicated champagne lounge, Belle Epoque – so named after Europe’s most celebratory period, in which champagne was consumed like never before.

 

Sit on a plush, rounded couch, raise your glass to the ceiling of the internal temple (really) and give thanks to the God of bubbles. Created in collaboration with Perrier-Jouet champagne, this is how champagne was meant to be enjoyed.

 

Go for: The mix of music, glamour and the chance to seclude yourself away with friends in your own champagne temple.

5. Peterson Champagne House, Hunter Valley, NSW

A worthwhile stop for an out-of-Sydney adventure that won’t break your budget, or blowout the travel itinerary. Peterson Champagne House is nestled away in the Hunter Valley. Just head north out of the city and once you arrive you’ll have swapped the bustling high-rise town centre for rolling vineyards, clear open skies and long dirt roads.

 

Peterson Champagne House is a dedicated sparkling wine house and has been producing its traditional, French-method Australian sparkling since 1995. Matching the house-made sparkling is their dedicated oyster bar, so take the time to relax on the wooden deck over a dozen Port Stephens oysters, a glass of the local sparkling and take in the full panorama of the Hunter Valley region.

 

Go for: A definite excuse to get out of Sydney. The Hunter Valley is certainly worth a visit, especially for the wine enthusiast. petersonhouse.com.au

6. The Lyall Hotel, Melbourne

The Lyall is one of Melbourne’s boutique five-star hotel offerings situated in South Yarra. Everything you could possibly need is in-house, turning this small hotel offering into its very own destination hotspot. Included in this ‘everything’ is the Lyall champagne bar, a cosy lounge that transforms into a welcome retreat for the avid shopper after a day out.

 

Take a seat at the bar and enjoy a glass of champagne from the menu, or settle in with a friend at a table for two and rehash the day’s events over a bottle.

 

Go for: The chance to enjoy some classic Melbourne hospitality without the hassle of a bigger volume hotel. And your own, dedicated champagne bar.

7. The Morrison Bar & Oyster Room, Sydney

The Morrison Bar & Oyster Room, Sydney
The Morrison Bar & Oyster Room, Sydney

The Morrison Bar and Oyster Room is a newish addition to the Sydney scene, showcasing the new level of dining you can expect around town. White kitchen tiles offset dark and heavy interior wood panelling, while a dedicated oyster program and a smart list of sparkling wines will keep you in cheerful company.

 

The kitchen offering is under the guidance of internationally-recognised chef Sean Connolly (formerly Astral and Sean’s Kitchen), and has a strong focus on ‘in the shell’ and ‘on the bone’ cooking to match your choice of bubbles and oysters.

 

Go for: The chance to sit at the prominent centre bar and order from a range of nearly 30 types of oysters, shucked to order and matched to a glass of bubbles.

 

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8. Hemmesphere, Sydney

Time to indulge... Australia's top 10 Champagne Lounges
Time to indulge… Australia’s top 10 Champagne Lounges

Put on your best and get ready to get heady. Extravagant lounge Hemmesphere is an original icon of Sydney’s champagne lifestyle, and no wonder: tucked away in one of Sydney’s most exclusive nightlife playgrounds – the Establishment Hotel – it’s managed to stay at the forefront of the high-end nightlife scene by never letting up on its dedication to finesse.

 

Grab yourself a tight-knit group of champagne enthusiasts, sink into the plush lounges that adorn the level four venue and share a few ice-cold bottles of French elegance brought to your table by swishing, black-clad hostesses.

 

Go for: A champagne experience that just can’t be reproduced anywhere else. Hemmesphere’s high-class matches the refined nature of champagne to a tee.

9. Cuvee Lounge Bar, Brisbane

The Cuvée Lounge Bar at Sofitel Brisbane offers a luxurious experience right in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD. The drinks menu has a wide range of vintage and non-vintage labels from the world’s best champagne houses for you to choose from. You can also pair your bubbles with BBQ Squid A La Pancha, Tasmanian smoked salmon served with caviar, condiments and toast, or a half dozen oysters with lemon and shallot vinegar.

 

Go for:  To bask in the views of the Brisbane skyline at night while pairing the experience with a bottle from the world’s best champagne houses.

10. Mistelle, Double Bay

Mistelle is a wine bar located in the lively Kiaora Lane in Double Bay. Enter through the courtyard, select a glass – or bottle – from the eight different types of champagne on the menu and pair it with a number of the modern French dishes that are designed to share. Sit back and drink in the atmosphere.

 

Go for: A cosy, intimate glass of champagne at the end of a long day or a great date spot to make you feel like you’ve stepped into a hidden side street in Paris.

 

Want more on Australia’s best bars? Check out the the best beach bars in Australia
Edward Washington

Edward Washington

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Goat yoga to gastronomy: The ultimate guide to Wimmera Mallee, Vic

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
    A world away from the hustle, bustle and chaos of the big smoke – yet with a distinct sense of familiarity – Victoria’s Wimmera Mallee region is an incomparable place.

    Victoria’s Grampians are a visual feast, a seemingly endless vista of craggy cliffs, rolling valleys and untamed bushland. But they’re also much more than a scenic mountain landscape. Diverse and storied, each region within the range has its own rhythm. The Wimmera Mallee – a pocket in the state’s north-west, stretching from Horsham to near Mildura – is one of the most captivating. 

    Once known as Victoria’s agricultural heartland, the Wimmera Mallee has evolved in recent years into a dynamic, slightly offbeat hub. It buzzes with a creative hum and welcoming energy, and harbours an eclectic mix of long-time locals and tree-changers. Once you encounter its unmistakable charm, feel its warm country hospitality and taste its nationally celebrated vanilla slice, you may find yourself lingering longer than planned. 

    Eager to explore? These must-visit spots let you experience the inimitable spirit of this special part of the world. 

    Wimmera Mallee’s quirky attractions

    The Dimboola Imaginarium, Wimmera Mallee victoria
    Step into the whacky Dimboola Imaginarium. (Image: Denis Bin)

    If you’re after something a little more unconventional, the Wimmera Mallee delivers in droves. 

    The Dimboola Imaginarium – located in a historic bank building in its namesake town – is a gift shop and boutique accommodation in one. Shop for unique and whimsical keepsakes, stay overnight in an elegant themed room, and lose yourself in one of the Imaginarium’s interactive experiences.  

    Also in Dimboola, just a short drive from the Imaginarium, is a menagerie of utter delight. Tiny Goats and Co. is home to a herd of miniature goats, with the farm offering group visits and special events like goat yoga and cuddle sessions. 

    Arcade aficionados should visit the Australian Pinball Museum in nearby Nhill. Here, you’ll find the biggest selection of playable pinball machines in the country, featuring modern models and classics dating all the way back to 1931.  

    Arts and culture in Wimmera Mallee

    Step into the Wimmera Mallee’s storied history at the Stick Shed
    Step into history at the Stick Shed. (Image: Visit Vic)

    As a thoroughly creative community, it’s no wonder the Wimmera Mallee has a host of venues focused on its rich arts and culture scene. 

    Wander Trickbots Metal Art & Sculpture Garden in Nullawil, a winding trail filled with unique and quirky creations fashioned from metal odds, ends and scrap. A walk through the garden is inspiring enough, but consider buying a piece to take home and treasure. 

    The town of Nhill also has a significant Karen-Burmese refugee community, who make up 10 per cent of the local population. Discover the artistry of this vibrant culture at Paw Po , where you can purchase traditional hand-woven and textile products. Choose from a selection of beautifully crafted homewares, fashion and dolls. 

    Step into the Wimmera Mallee’s storied history at the Stick Shed , the only WWII emergency grain store still standing today. This National Heritage-listed structure takes you on a journey through the region’s agricultural past and is a dramatic sight with its towering and eerily striking timber poles. 

    Nature escapes around Wimmera Mallee

    pink Lake Tyrrel, Wimmera Mallee, Victoria Australia
    Take in the pink hues of Lake Tyrrell. (Image: Visit Vic)

    Much like the majestic beauty of the wider Grampians, the Wimmera Mallee is a mélange of serene and spellbinding nature escapes. 

    Victoria’s pink lakes are famed nationwide, and two of them are found right here. See the flamingo-pink hues of Loch Iel, particularly vivid after a heavy downpour, or the vast and ancient Lake Tyrrell , which turns pink during wet and warm conditions. 

    The Snowdrift dunes in Wyperfeld National Park are ideal for adventurers. Set amid the area’s semi-arid landscape, the dunes are expansive mounds of sand deposited around 40,000 years ago. Hike or sandboard them and make sure to visit at sunset, when the sand glows golden. 

    And while some travellers chase the highest peaks, you can see the most modest in the Wimmera Mallee. Standing a mere 43 metres above the surrounding terrain, Mount Wycheproof is considered the smallest registered mountain in the world. Courtesy of its relatively gentle inclines, it’s a lovely spot for a walk and a picnic. 

    Culinary adventures in Wimmera Mallee

    border inn in the Wimmera Mallee
    Meet the locals at Border Inn.

    As a region rich in agricultural bounty, it’s little surprise the Wimmera Mallee has such a robust and vibrant food scene. The community is fiercely proud of its local produce, showcasing the flavours and heritage of the area. 

    The Border Inn in the village of Apsley is a quaint country pub and meeting spot for the local community, featuring a classic country menu and warm hospitality. 

    The Horsham Golf Club is a popular spot for golf buffs with an adjoining bistro and bar. Try a modern twist on hearty favourites while taking in views of the green.  For a taste of the area’s vintages, head to Norton Estate Wines – a boutique wine producer and cellar door open weekends.  

    A Wimmera Mallee jaunt wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the famed Sharp’s Bakery in Birchip. Here, you’ll find a velvety vanilla slice that’s been crowned as Australia’s best seven times. 

    Wimmera Mallee accommodation

    Fulham Homestead in wimmera mallee
    Escape to Fulham Homestead.

    If you’re enjoying an extended trip, you’ll need somewhere to rest. After a day tackling Wyperfeld’s epic dunes, visit Pine Plains Lodge , also in the national park. Built from reclaimed timber planks and logs, and anchored by rugged stone fireplaces, the lodge is a rustic and cosy hideaway. 

    For a refined yet relaxing escape, head to Fulham Homestead – a gorgeously restored guesthouse on an idyllic working farm, complete with farm animals and scenic vistas. Built in the 1840s, it has all the elegance and charm of its heritage, plus contemporary comforts like a modern kitchen, wi-fi and air-conditioning. 

    The Hermitage Hotel is Victoria’s oldest inland pub and an equally delightful blend of old and new. The restored rooms are perfectly appointed and adorned with period furnishings and high-quality linens. The pub itself is a favoured food and wine spot among locals and travellers alike. 

    If camping is more your style, the Lake Lascelles Cabins and Camping (formerly Mallee Bush Retreat) is a sprawling oasis with powered and unpowered sites and snug cabins. The setting is stunning too, the pristine Lake Lascelles sitting right in its centre. 

    Annual events

    Wimmera Mallee Nhill Aviation Museum
    Time your visit to Nhill Aviation Museum for the annual air show.

    You may not need an excuse to revisit the Wimmera Mallee, but these annual and bi-annual events will almost certainly have you returning again and again. 

    Each year, the Lake Chalegrark Country Music Marathon takes over the town for a spectacular line-up of musicians from around Australia. The event is easygoing, family-friendly, and set in scenic surrounds on the shores of Lake Charlegrark. 

    Every two years, the region holds colourful events like the Wimmera Steampunk Festival , a raucous celebration of 19th-century steampunk culture with a different theme each time; the Nhill Air Show , which features jaw-dropping aerial stunts, aircraft displays, music, activities and more; and the Nati Frinj , a festival of art, culture and performance showcasing the many talents of the Natimuk community. 

    From the quirky to the tasty, start planning at visitwimmeramallee.com.au