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

Located just an hour north-west of Melbourne, the largely undiscovered Macedon Ranges quietly pours some of Australia’s finest cool-climate wines and serves up some of Victoria’s best food.

Mention the Macedon Ranges and most people will think of day spas and mineral springs around Daylesford, cosy weekends away in the countryside or the famous Hanging Rock (of enigmatic picnic fame). Or they won’t have heard of the Macedon Ranges at all.

But this cool-climate destination has been inconspicuously building a profile as a high-quality food and wine region and is beginning to draw serious attention from oenophiles and epicureans alike.

The rise of Macedon Ranges wine

liquid gold barrels at Kyneton Ridge Estate Winery — Barrels of liquid gold at Kyneton Ridge Estate Winery. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

With elevations ranging from 300 to 800 metres, Macedon Ranges vineyards are among the highest in the country. This altitude, combined with significant day/night temperature swings, makes for a slow ripening season, in turn nurturing wines that embody elegance and structure. Think crisp chardonnays, subtle yet complex pinot noirs and delicate sparkling wines, along with niche varietals, such as gamay and nebbiolo.

Despite the region’s natural advantages – which vary from estate to estate, as each site embodies unique terroir depending on its position in relation to the Great Dividing Range, soil make-up and altitude – the Macedon Ranges has remained something of an insider’s secret. Unlike Victoria’s Yarra Valley or Mornington Peninsula, you won’t find large tour buses here and there’s no mass marketing drawing crowds.

Many of the 40-odd wineries are family-run operations with modest yields, meaning the wineries maintain a personal touch (if you visit a cellar door, you’ll likely chat to the owner or winemaker themselves) and a tight sales circle that often doesn’t go far beyond said cellar door. And that’s part of the charm.

Though wines from the Macedon Ranges are just starting to gain more widespread recognition in Australia, the first vines were planted in the 1860s, with a handful of operators then setting up business in the 1970s and ’80s. The industry surged again in the 1990s and early 2000s with the entry of wineries, such as Mount Towrong, which has an Italian slant in both its wine and food offering, and Curly Flat , now one of the largest estates.

Meet the new generation of local winemakers

the Clydesdale barn at Paramoor. — The Clydesdale barn at Paramoor. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Then, within the last 15 years, a new crop of vignerons like Andrew Wood at Kyneton Ridge Estate , whose vineyard in 2024 was the first in the Macedon Ranges to be certified by Sustainable Winegrowing Australia; Geoff Plahn and Samantha Reid at Paramoor , who have an impressive cellar door with a roaring fire and studded leather couches in an old Clydesdale barn; and Ollie Rapson and Renata Morello at Lyons Will , who rapidly expanded a small vineyard to focus on top-shelf riesling, gamay, pinot noir and chardonnay, have taken ownership of local estates.

Going back to the early days, Llew Knight’s family was one of the pioneers of the 1970s, replacing sheep with vines at Granite Hills when the wool industry dwindled. Knight is proud of the fact that all their wines are made with grapes from their estate, including a light, peppery shiraz (some Macedon wineries purchase fruit from nearby warmer areas, such as Heathcote, particularly to make shiraz) and a European-style grüner veltliner. And, as many other wineries in the region do, he relies on natural acid for balance, rather than an additive, which is often required in warmer regions. “It’s all about understanding and respecting your climate to get the best out of your wines,” he says.

farm animals atKyneton Ridge Estate — Curious residents at Kyneton Ridge Estate. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Throughout the Macedon Ranges, there’s a growing focus on sustainability and natural and low-intervention wines, with producers, such as Brian Martin at Hunter Gatherer making waves in regenerative viticulture. Martin previously worked in senior roles at Australia’s largest sparkling winemaking facility, and now applies that expertise and his own nous to natural, hands‑off, wild-fermented wines, including pét‑nat, riesling and pinot noir. “Wild fermentation brings more complexity,” he says. “Instead of introducing one species of yeast, you can have thousands and they add different characteristics to the wine.”

the vineyard at Kyneton Ridge Estate Winery — The estate’s vineyard, where cool-climate grapes are grown. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Most producers also focus on nurturing their grapes in-field and prune and pick by hand, thus avoiding the introduction of impurities and the need to meddle too much in the winery. “The better the quality of the fruit, the less you have to interfere with the natural winemaking process,” says Wood.

Given the small yields, there’s also little room for error, meaning producers place immense focus on quality. “You’re never going to compete in the middle [in a small region] – you’ve got to aim for the top,” says Curly Flat owner Jeni Kolkka. “Big wineries try to do things as fast as possible, but we’re in no rush,” adds Troy Walsh, owner and winemaker at Attwoods . “We don’t use commercial yeasts; everything is hand-harvested and everything is bottled here, so we bottle only when we’re ready, not when a big truck arrives.” That’s why, when you do see a Macedon Ranges product on a restaurant wine list, it’s usually towards the pointy end.

Come for the wine, stay for the food

pouring sauce onto a dish at Lake HouseDaylesford — Dining at Lake House Daylesford is a treat. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

If wine is the quiet achiever of the Macedon Ranges, then food is its not-so-secret weapon. In fact, the area has more hatted restaurants than any other region in Victoria. A pioneer of the area’s gourmet food movement is region cheerleader Alla Wolf-Tasker, culinary icon and founder of Daylesford’s Lake House.

For more than three decades, Wolf-Tasker has championed local producers and helped define what regional fine dining can look like in Australia. Her influence is palpable, not just in the two-hatted Lake House kitchen, but in the broader ethos of the region’s dining scene, as a wave of high-quality restaurants have followed her lead to become true destination diners.

the Midnight Starling restaurant in Kyneton Ridge Estate Winery — The hatted Midnight Starling restaurant is located in Kyneton. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

It’s easy to eat well, whether at other hatted restaurants, such as Midnight Starling in the quaint town of Kyneton, or at the wineries themselves, like Le Bouchon at Attwoods, where Walsh is inspired by his time working in France in both his food offering and winemaking.

The beauty of dining and wine touring in the Macedon Ranges is that it feels intimate and unhurried. You’re likely to meet the winemaker, hear about the trials of the latest vintage firsthand, and taste wines that never make it to city shelves. And that’s worth getting out of the city for – even if it is just an hour down the road.

Delicate dishes on the menu at Midnight Starling. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

the accommodation at Cleveland Estate, Macedon Ranges — Stay at the Cleveland Estate. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Soak up vineyard views from Cleveland Estate near Lancefield , embrace retro charm at Kyneton Springs Motel or indulge in lakeside luxury at the Lake House .

Eating there

Enjoy a four-course menu at the one-hatted Surly Goat in Hepburn Springs, Japanese-inspired fare at Kuzu in Woodend or unpretentious fine dining at Mount Monument , which also has a sculpture park.

Drinking there

wine tasting at PassingClouds Winery, Macedon Ranges — A tasting at Passing Clouds Winery. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Settle in for a tasting at Boomtown in Castlemaine, sample local drops at the cosy Woodend Cellar & Bar or wine-hop around the many cellar doors, such as Passing Clouds .

the Boomtown Winery and Cellar Bar signage — Boomtown Winery and Cellar Bar. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Playing there

a scenic river in Castlemaine — Idyllic scenes at Castlemaine. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Wander through the seasonal splendour of Forest Glade Gardens , hike to the summit of Hanging Rock, or stroll around the tranquil Sanatorium Lake.

purple flowers hanging from a tree — Purple flowers hanging from a tree. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

Australia’s 12 best beachfront bars for summer