The Best Bars And Pubs To Visit On Australia Day (Sydney, Queensland And Melbourne)

If you’re planning on being social this Australia Day, it’s important to choose the right public venue. Great views, delicious grub and a lively crowd are all essential. We asked the makers of bar tab app Clipp to nominate the best Australia Day pubs and bars for Sydney, Queensland and Melbourne. Read on to find out if your local made the cut!

Clipp based its ranking on the prevalence of customer bar tab orders over the past two months, as well as its personal recommendations for atmosphere, food quality, views and drink diversity.

Without further ado, here are their nominations, along with an explanation of why each venue is worth considering. (Click on venue names to go to their websites.)

Sydney

#1 The Greens (North Sydney)

“What makes The Greens such a great spot is that it overlooks the harbour. There’s top-notch food and drinks, and the bowling green makes it a great place to socialise.”

#2 Manly Wharf Hotel (Manly)

“This seaside pub is a great place to spend Australia Day if you want to enjoy the sun and the sea. It’s a large, stylish venue with a lot of different areas to hang out with friends.”

#3 The Oaks Hotel (Neutral Bay)

“The iconic Oaks has a great beer garden with a huge old oak tree. The refurbished bistro is nice, too, and they have a good craft beer list.”

#4 Longueville Hotel (Lane Cove)

“Lane Cove’s Longueville Hotel is a great friendly venue to spend Australia Day at.”

#5 Royal Albert Hotel (Surry Hills)

“This popular local gem nestled in Surry Hills is a new age pub with an old-school feel. They have a good mix of classic pub fare and Asian dishes.”

#6 The Henson (Marrickville)

“The Henson is a great venue in the Inner West. It is a family-friendly, community-driven pub that really puts the spotlight on local produce.”

#7 Coogee Bay Hotel (Coogee)

“If you’re after Sydney’s biggest beer garden, look no further than the Coogee Bay Hotel. Or, if you want to have the best of both worlds and have a dip in the ocean followed by a good feed, this is the place to be.”

#8 Rag & Famish Hotel (North Sydney)

“This friendly pub is North Sydney’s oldest pub still operating. Why not celebrate Australia Day at a place with heaps of Aussie history?”

#9 Keg and Brew (Surry Hills)

“If you love specialty craft beer and/or bourbon, this boutique venue is for you.”

#10 The East Village Hotel (Balmain)

“The Eat Village Hotel in Balmain has a great selection of craft beer with 13 beers on tap and more than 50 different bottled beers. It has some tasty and honest gastropub fare. What’s not to love?”

Melbourne

#1 The Local Taphouse (St Kilda)

“The Local Taphouse in St Kilda is one of Australia’s most awarded craft beer establishments. If you love beer, it should be on your radar, and if you love craft beer, look no place else for your Australia Day plans.”

#2 Boilermaker House (Melbourne)

“Newly opened cocktail bar located in the heart of the CBD. Enjoy ocktails mixed by award winning bartender Jack Sotti and enjoy with mouth watering cheese plates.”

#3 Transport (Melbourne)

“Smack bang in Federation Square. The perfect vantage spot for all activities in Melbourne this Australia Day.”

#4 Gin Palace (Melbourne)

“Enjoy catching with friends and learning more on the nuances of gin. If Martini’s are your thing, look no further.”

#5 Cookie Beer Hall (Melbourne)

“This quirky and multi-dimensional bar has some eclectic cocktails, beer and Thai food. Inside, its walls are covered with murals, and outside, you can enjoy sweeping views of the city skyline.”

#6 Father’s Office Speakeasy Bar & Restaurant (Melbourne)

“If you’re looking for something a little different, this 1920s themed bar is based on prohibition Americana, when the consumption of alcohol was prohibited.”

#7 Belgian Beer Café (Southbank)

“The Belgian Beer Café has a relaxed, friendly environment and is a great place to unwind with family and friends on Australia day.”

#8 Young & Jackson (Melbourne)

“Why not celebrate Australia Day at Australia’s most iconic hotel? It’s a boutique bar meets a good old classic pub.”

#9 The Rum Diary (Fitzroy)

“The team have scoured the world to bring you the finest selection of rums this side of the Caribbean. Sit at the bar and take in the experience.”

#10 The Stone Hotel (Fitzroy)

“Newly refurbished and over 10 craft beers on tap make this one a gem. They’ve even got a beer garden to ensure you make the most out of this Australia Day.”

Queensland

#1 At Sixes and Sevens (Fortitude Valley)

“At Sixes and Sevens is a great venue to sample modern Australian fare in a trendy pub environment.”

#2 Cru Bar & Cellar (Fortitude Valley)

“Cru Bar and Cellar offers a versatile Australia day dining experience. Why not spend Australia Day enjoying some casual drinks, or a sit down meal with friends?”

#3 The Fox Hotel (South Brisbane)

“If you like modern food and rooftops, this hip hot spot is the place for you this Australia Day.”

#4 Bavarian Beer Café (Broadbeach)

“This one offers pure brier and a mouth-watering menu – it’s the simple things that make you enjoy your day out.”

#5 Bavarian Beer Café (Brisbane)

“Bavarian Beer Café boasts a superb riverfront view and a casual atmosphere … it’s hard to beat this local.”

#6 Sake (Brisbane)

“If pub fare isn’t your thing, why not spend Australia Day at Sake with its next-level sophistication and quality Japanese cuisine.”

#7 The Post Office Bar (Maroochydore)

“This rustic gem fuses modern cuisine with traditional charm, making it an ideal Australia Day spot.”

#8 The Institution (Surfers Paradise)

“Craft beer lovers can enjoy the most extensive range on the Gold Coast at The Institution. It has a relaxed atmosphere and it’s close to the stunning Surfers Paradise beach.”

#9 Peak Wine Bar (Sunshine Coast)

“Esteemed chef Chad Fedele mans the kitchen at Peak Wine Bar and shines the spotlight on locally farmed and foraged produce. If you like to indulge in the best that life has to offer, and have a quiet Australia day, this one’s for you.”

#10 Brightwater Hotel (Sunshine Coast)

“The Brightwater Hotel is a modern venue serving quality bistro meals. Its architecture lets you take in the stunning lake — it’s a great place to relax.”


What do you think of Clipp’s choices? Is your favourite haunt scandalously missing? Tell us all about it in the comments section below! (And if you live outside the three nominated states, please let us know your recommendations.)


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