Australia’s 12 best places to curl up with mulled wine this winter

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Rich, warm and full of spice, a glass of mulled wine on a chilly winter’s day in Australia can really hit the spot.

Finding mulled wine in Australia can be a difficult process. While our European counterparts are well across the comforting winter beverage and brew batches in nearly every pub and bar, it’s a little more challenging to stumble upon Down Under.

However, if you know where to look, there are plenty of great places doling out the winter drink during the cooler months – sometimes complete with a fireplace to enjoy it in front of.

A blend of red wine, wintery spices like star anise and cardamom, sliced fruit and occasionally a spirit like brandy or rum, mulled wine can also be found on menus as ‘Glühwein’, which roughly translates from German to “smouldering wine".

Below is a guide to some of the best pubs and bars around Australia currently serving mulled wine.

1. The Doss House, Sydney NSW

If you want to be transported back to the 1840s while you enjoy your mulled wine, head to Sydney’s The Doss House . This historic venue in The Rocks features sandstone walls, dim lighting and deep lounges you can sink into.

a dimly lit interior at The Doss House, Sydney NSW
Nab a spot in the dimly lit lounge of The Doss House. (Image: Alana Dimou)

Beyond mulled wine, The Doss House is also known for its extensive whiskey offering, which is definitely worth checking out if you’re a connoisseur.

the bar counter at The Doss House, Sydney NSW
Get cosy at the bar. (Image: Alana Dimou)

Address: 77/79 George St, Sydney NSW

Phone: 0457 880 180

2. Arcadia, Redfern NSW

This popular neighbourhood bar in Redfern has all the cosiness you crave in a winter catch-up spot, with rustic interiors and a really welcoming energy. Arcadia also serves up a mean Glühwein, which you can enjoy until each day’s batch runs out.

Be sure to try one of their gourmet toasties if you’re a bit peckish, too – they’re pretty famous for them!

Address: 7 Cope St, Redfern NSW

Phone: (02) 8068 4470

3. Frisk Small Bar, Northbridge WA

If you love gin and are heading to Perth, you have to check out Frisk Small Bar . With over 200 types on offer, you’re bound to discover a new favourite.

Known for their creative cocktail specials, a recent addition was ‘mullscato’, a fun take on mulled wine featuring moscato, pineapple juice, and vanilla liqueur alongside the mysterious “secret herbs and spices".

a glass of mulled wine with a snack at Frisk Small Bar
Frisk Small Bar’s mulled wine is a unique take on the classic cocktail.

Address: 103 Francis St, Northbridge WA

4. Old Canberra Inn, Lyneham ACT

Built in 1857, the Old Canberra Inn has remained a popular drinking hole in Australia’s capital, thanks to a family-friendly atmosphere and great live music.

This is one of those rare Australian pubs where you can sip mulled wine while also curling up in front of a crackling fire, which is really how it should be done.

Address: 195 Mouat St, Lyneham ACT

Phone: (02) 6134 6000

5. Mjolner

If a Viking/Norse-inspired restaurant wasn’t serving up delicious warm alcoholic beverages, we’d be pretty concerned! Thankfully, Mjolner is definitely a spot in Melbourne (and Sydney) where you can access a type of take on mulled wine that we felt demanded inclusion simply because it’s so theatrical.

Order the ‘Blazing Glogg’ and prepare for a fiery scene as Martell VS cognac and spiced port are set alight before being poured into a goblet. Finished with cranberry, juniper and a chai teabag, this fun cocktail has all the same comforting flavours as mulled wine.

Address: 106 Hardware St, Melbourne Vic

6. Milk The Cow, Melbourne Vic

Like the sound of a late-night cheese bar? That’s what you’ll find at Melbourne’s Milk The Cow – and a delicious glass of Glühwein during winter. The quaintest of mulled wine presentations, Milk The Cow’s warming winter drink comes served in a teacup with a stick of cinnamon on the side.

cheese display at Milk The Cow, Melbourne Vic
Choose from over 180 different cheeses at Milk The Cow.

Address: 157 Fitzroy St, St Kilda Vic and 323 Lygon St, Carlton Vic

Phone: 03 9537 2228

7. ReWine, Melbourne Vic

Melbourne is the place to visit if you’re after mulled wine – we found it hard to choose which venues to include in this list! ReWine made the cut because they take their mulled wine really seriously – you can even find a recipe online if you’re interested in replicating their delicious drop at home.

Part wine bar, part wine shop, the low-impact, zero-waste-focused venue also allows you to pick up a bottle of vino straight from the barrel here – and then return with your empty vessel for a refill.

Person holding cup of mulled wine from ReWine
ReWine take their mulled wine really seriously.

Address: 43 Rose St Fitzroy, 522 Lygon St, Brunswick East and 460 Queen St, Melbourne Vic

Phone: 1300 727 186

8. The Carrington, Katoomba NSW

The opulent, historic Carrington Hotel in Katoomba is a jewel in the Blue Mountains’ crown – and it’s also one spot you’ll find mulled wine on the menu. Head down to Champagne Charlie’s Cocktail Bar, settle into a fireside couch and sip on a generous pour of spiced, warmed wine.

the mulled wine lounge at The Carrington, Katoomba NSW
Sip warmed wine on the couch at The Carrington.

Address: 15-47 Katoomba St, Katoomba NSW

Phone: (02) 4782 1111

9. The Howling Owl, Adelaide SA

You might not always find mulled wine on the menu at The Howling Owl , but what you will find during the chilly months is a selection of warming winter drinks.

Try the hot buttered rum, served in a teacup sprinkled with cinnamon, nutmeg and clove, or the delicious hot apple toddy, a blend of apple juice, spice syrup and gin – served hot, of course.

Address: 10 Vaughan Place, Adelaide SA

Phone: 0416 025 550

10. The Haus Hahndorf, SA

The historic German town of Hahndorf is naturally a great place to find Glühwein, and if you’re spending a weekend there, it’s worth heading to The Haus .

Firstly, because they’ll provide you with a steaming hot cup of the beverage, complete with fresh apple and orange garnishes, but also because the food is great – using local produce, you’ll find a mix of German dishes such as the trio of wurst, as well as lighter fare like the nourish bowl.

a hand holding a mug of mulled wine from The Haus Hahndorf
Get cosy this winter with a mug of traditional mulled wine from The Haus Hahndorf. (Image: Meaghan Coles)

Address: 38A Main St, Hahndorf SA

Phone: (08) 8388 7555

11. Welcome To Thornbury, Brisbane Qld

Welcome To Thornbury is the Brisbane bar with the party to end all parties every June – a ‘mulled wine and hot cheese’ party. Think dripping, melted cheese toasties and warming spiced wine, all day long.

Aside from the annual party, the venue also boasts a huge beer garden, ever-changing food trucks and plenty of other fun events like a chicken nugget festival and garlic bread festival.

Address: 520 High St, Northcote Qld

Phone: (03) 9020 7940

12. The End, Brisbane Qld

Established in 2011 inside an old video store, The End is where everyone in Brisbane should go for warming winter drinks.

Alongside their carefully brewed mulled wine, you’ll find other chilly-night cocktails such as the spiked hot chocolate (chilli chocolate, Blanco tequila, cacao liqueur and coconut cream) and the boozy Biscoff, a take on the famous biscuit featuring dark coconut rum and wattleseed liqueur.

Address: 73 Vulture St, West End Qld

Melissa Mason
Melissa Mason is a freelance journalist who loves road tripping and car snacks. Previously holding Editor roles at ELLE, marie claire, Broadsheet and Pedestrian.TV, she now writes travel and lifestyle content for a wealth of Australian titles like SMH, Mamamia and Urban List, as well as copywriting for international brands. Outside of writing, she loves walks with her dog Ted, a great Sunday afternoon with friends, and op shopping. If she could be anywhere right now it would be lounging on a hammock at a tropical resort with a great romantic fantasy book.
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Your summer events guide to Australia’s cultural capitals

Explore the best that Sydney and Melbourne offer over summer, when busy event-packed days stretch into fun-filled nights.

As summer unfolds, Sydney and Melbourne are at the forefront of the most exciting events in Australia. Whether your tastes run to culture, sport, shopping or dining, both offer a host of things to do and places to stay. Discover the best Accor hotels to explore from and how to spend your days to make the most of the warmer months in Australia’s vibrant capitals.

Sydney

Where to stay

suite at Manly Pacific – MGallery Hotel Collection
Relax beachside at Manly Pacific. (Image: Manly Pacific)

Sydney has no shortage of fabulous hotels to choose from when attending events in the city, often within reach of either the harbour or the beach.

The glamour and European style of Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is hard to beat, whether for a romantic getaway or a family holiday. It’s within walking distance to the Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay, The Rocks and Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, so everything the city offers is at your feet.

Pullman Sydney Quay Grand is equally central and offers luxury apartment-style accommodation, featuring fully equipped kitchens and laundries. It’s ideal for family stays. Also in the CBD, Swissôtel Sydney gives easy access to some of the city’s top shopping, including the historic Queen Victoria Building.

For beachside vibes, head to Manly or Brighton, where there’s something for everyone. Manly Pacific – MGallery Hotel Collection is all about coastal elegance, ocean views and fresh seafood. Hit the rooftop pool or the beach to cool off, or go snorkelling at nearby Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Take the Manly ferry for a scenic trip to the city.

Peppers Manly Beach offers stylish accommodation literally across the road from famous Manly Beach. Grab a free e-bike, take a surfing lesson, walk the foreshore or browse the surf shops, boutiques, galleries and cafes.

For a luxury stay that’s closer to both the city and airport, choose The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Hotel Collection . Hugging the shore of Botany Bay, the hotel is just 20 minutes by train to the CBD, and a 10-minute drive from Sydney airport. Soak up the sea air, or dive into the outdoor pool or the adults-only indoor pool.

Events and sightseeing

two people at Sydney Festival
Time your Sydney trip to visit the Sydney Festival. (Image: Destination NSW)

Sydney loves a party and there are few bigger than Sydney Festival , which has been entertaining locals and visitors alike for 50 years. Running from 8–25 January in 2026, it’s a city-wide celebration of culture and creativity encompassing music, dance, comedy, visual art and edgy experimental performances.

Westpac OpenAir Cinema opens for the summer season on 20 January. Set on the waterfront at Mrs Macquaries Point, with a backdrop of the harbour and city skyline, it features classics and new movies. Grandstand seating (BYO cushion) provides perfect viewing.

A cool oasis of green in the heart of the city, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney offers much more than just plants and flowers. Escape the heat with a stroll through themed areas, including the romantic Palace Rose Garden and lush Palm Grove, and stop at the Cadi Jam Ora – First Encounters Garden to learn the story of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. Best of all, it’s all free.

Where to eat and drink

Arches on Market bar in Accor SwissôtelSydney
Stop for drinks at Arches on Market. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

Fancy a taste of Italy? Flaminia is the new restaurant coming to the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour in November 2025, and it’ll make you feel as though you could be in Portofino – but with the freshest of Sydney’s produce.

Arches , at Swissotel Sydney, is the perfect spot for a classic martini. Head there for afternoon tea or pre- and post-theatre dining delivered with old-school charm. You can even let the bartenders choose your drink for you, based on your mood.

With a $20 lunch menu and a leafy covered terrace, Wentworth Bar , on level five of Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, delivers a sophisticated escape from the hustle of the city. An extensive champagne list and Vietnamese-inspired bar menu complete the stylish scene.

Melbourne

Where to stay

view from Shadow Play Melbourne by Peppers by accor
Enjoy a luxurious stay at Shadow Play Melbourne by Peppers.

Sofitel Melbourne on Collins is the epitome of style, elegance and luxury. Appropriately at the ‘Paris end’ of Collins Street in the CBD, the Sofitel combines French flair with Australian hospitality.

Like many of the best discoveries in Melbourne, Pullman Melbourne City Centre is tucked away in a laneway. Five-star luxury is the hallmark here; enjoy stylish rooms, a rooftop bar, and the city’s best food and fashion finds just steps away.

On the historic South Wharf promenade, Novotel Melbourne South Wharf is a contemporary beacon that opens up to everything the precinct has to offer – shopping, dining, entertainment and the arts.

Pullman Melbourne on the Park , on the city’s threshold at East Melbourne, is a ball toss from the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Rod Laver Arena and Melbourne and Olympic Parks. Naturally a favourite with sports fans, it’s only minutes from the CBD by tram and right next door to the cool of Fitzroy Gardens.

The spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments of Shadow Play Melbourne by Peppers offer stunning views and easy access to the city and Southbank’s dining and shopping district. Head to the rooftop garden or relax in the outdoor heated pool.

Events and sightseeing

spectators watching Melbourne Cricket Ground
Cheer on your team at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. (Image: Visit Victoria)

As the ‘sporting capital of Australia’, Melbourne is the place to catch the best of your favourite game. Whether it’s the Boxing Day test cricket or all the action of the Australian Open tennis in January, book tickets early to ensure the best vantage points.

Find the Summer Night Market, a feast for both the body and the senses, in the Queen Victoria Market on Wednesday nights in the warmer months. Savour street food from 30 stalls and shop for locally made fashion, jewellery, art and homewares, and pause to watch performances by talented buskers.

The work of two of the most influential fashion designers in history – Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo – are on show at the National Gallery of Victoria  over summer. You can also wander through free exhibitions of First Nations art, colonial paintings and European masters.

Where to eat and drink

Melbourne’s laneway culture and rooftop bar scene set it apart from others. Where better to enjoy extended twilight hours or cheeky cocktails atop one of the city’s tall buildings, or while away long summer evenings in a cosy bar tucked far from the crowds in a hidden alley.

Head to Cleo on the rooftop at Hyde Melbourne from December 2025. Enjoy a cocktail with sweeping views of the skyline, and choose nibbles from a Mediterranean-inspired menu.

Under a 15-floor mirrored canopy at The Atrium on 35 , in the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, sip cocktails in an intimate but playful setting. This is the place for l’aperitif hour before or after a night out at the theatre.

Start planning your summer getaway of events, culture and food with at ALL.com.