Best Summer Bars in Australia

So you're travelling Australia at the best time of the year? Lucky you! Like any country in the world, it can be hard at times to know the best local places to grab a Beer, Wine or Cider! So that's where we come in! Here are our top 40 favourite bars to enjoy a summer drink...

Best Summer Bars Melbourne

Melbourne city is well known for its hidden rooftop and lane way bars. The laneways are world fanous for teir graffiti and the small quirky places to grab a drink. The abundance of places to grab a drink adds to Melbourne's reputation as the coolest city in Australia. Here are a few of our personal favourites... the best bars in Melbourne.

1. Rooftop Bar

As you enter the heritage building and board the elevator to the seventh floor, prepare for epic views of Melbourne's skyline. During summer, Rooftop Bar hosts a moonlight cinema and the garden party atmosphere makes for the ultimate place to watch the sunset over the city.

Top Level, Curtin House. 242 Swanston Street, Melbourne City

2. Section 8

A bar situated within shipping containers, Section 8 does a great arvo session or Friday night party. Graffiti lines the tin walls and like any typical hipster bar, the seating consists of wooden crates and plastic containers.

27 - 29 Tattersalls Lane, Melbourne City

3. Carlton Club

Carlton Club is a popular spot for the locals and has a number of different outdoor rooftop and drinking areas. As you walk in, say hello to the giant flamingos and grab a drink on the back patio.

193 Bourke St, Melbourne City

4. Republica

This one may be on the classy side, but Republica is one of the best places to grab a drink whilst overlooking St Kilda Beach. The atmosphere is quite relaxed during the day with a 2 huge outdoor areas and live music. At night? Dress the impress.

18/10 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda Beach

5. Jungle Boy

Melbourne's Chapel Street is where the night owls come out to play - the entire street is lined with bars, cafes and late night clubs. Jungle Boy is a secret garden bay hidden behind the shopfront of a sandwich shop called Boston Sub. Make your way through the cool room door and grab a drink in one of Melbourne's best kept secrets.

96 Chapel St, Windsor

6. Windsor Castle

Another outdoor bar located on Chapel Street, Windsor Castle has a pretty chilled atmosphere and a big outdoor beer garden. Good for an arvo sesh before you hit the late night clubs on Chapel St.

89 Albert St, Windsor

7. Howler

If you really want to venture beyond the traveller's typical haunts, Brunswick is where it's at. Jump on a tram and venture to Melbourne's northern suburb before paying a visit to Howler. This place is huge and hosts a number of art exhibitions, DJs, Cheap Food Deals and a great outdoor beer garden.

7 Dawson St, Brunswick

8. The Village

Quite possibly the BIGGEST outdoor beer garden in Melbourne, The Village is huge and located on St Kilda Road (just a quick tram ride from the city or St Kilda). This is the ultimate place to grab a drink in the afternoon before heading out on the town. Think Oktoberfest - long tables and beer on tap.

557 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne

9. Naked for Satan

Fitzroy, Melbourne's hip northern suburb, has loads of bars to chill and grab a drink. Naked for Satan has some of the best views of Melbourne CBD in the city and a great place to watch the sun go down.

285 Brunswick St, Fitzroy

10. Ponyfish Island

Located underneath a bridge leading to Flinders St Station, Ponyfish Island is a bar situated on the waters of the Yarra River - great views of the city!

Southbank Pedestrian Bridge, Melbourne City

Read about 10 of the Best Laneway Bars & Rooftop Bars Melbourne!

Sydney

There's no doubt that Sydney is a good looking city - the stunning beaches and waterfront city locations make for some pretty amazing views! What does that mean you ask? There are MANY bars that offer the ultimate summer "drink with a view." Check out some of the best bars in Sydney, especially in summer...

11. Opera Bar

Possibly the most popular bar in Sydney for visitors - mainly due to its iconic location - this one is obviously a given! Sweeping across the waters of Circular Quay, the Opera Bar is the ultimate place to grab a drink as the sun sets over Sydney's Harbour Bridge.

Lower Concourse, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay

12. The Bucket List

Overlooking Sydney's infamous Bondi Beach, obviously the Bucket List needs to, well... be on your bucket list. Tip: try the Tacos!

13. The Bristol Arms

A rooftop bar located right in the heart of Sydney's CBD - what more can you ask for? A popular spot for the locals enjoying an after work drink, to beat the crowds we recommend going early afternoon to soak up the sights of the Sydney skyline.

81 Sussex St, Sydney City

14. Scary Canary

Right near Darling Harbour, "Scarys" as the locals call it, is... I guess you could say... schizophrenic. During the day and early afternoon, the bar serves some delicious cheap eats ideal for the hungry traveller - before turning into a crazy nightclub as the sun sets. There is always a party 7 days a week, with DJs, Trivia Nights and more.

469 Kent St, Sydney City

15. Zanzibar

Newtown is Sydney's grungy suburb with graffiti lined streets and interesting (to say the least) locals. It's a great spot for late night drinking and live music. Zanzibar's Cloud 9 rooftop will take a bit of effort to reach via the stairs, but it is well worth it. The rooftop beer garden is a great place to soak up the sun.

323 King St, Newtown

16. Coogee Pavilion Rooftop

Need a little motivator to urge you along the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk? The Pavilion's Rooftop Bar may just be it. With views overlooking Coogee Beach, this rooftop bar is decked out in plants, greenery and an authentic garden feel.

169 Dolphin St, Coogee

17. Beach Road Hotel

If you're after a bit of a party, the Beach Road Hotel "the Beachie" in Bondi is a huge venue with a great outdoor beer garden. There's always a huge crowd here and as the sun sets, the very large nightclub upstairs will keep you going to the early hours.

71 Beach Rd, Bondi

18. The Glenmore Hotel

Your Instagram account will love you if you pay a visit to the Glenmore. Located in the Rocks, this rooftop bar offers fantastic views of Sydney's Harbour Bridge. Ideal for an afternoon or early evening drink.

96 Cumberland St, The Rocks

19. The Ivy

The Ivy is a Sydney institution and should be up there on your bucket list along with Skydiving and getting a selfie with a Koala. Firstly, there's a pool bar (yep - that's right). Secondly, the venue is huge with loads of different bars, a courtyard and always something going on - from day parties to huge nights featuring some of the world's best DJs. Tip: pick your night and research what's on before you go.

320 George St, Sydney City

Read about 10 of Sydney's Best Secret Bars

Byron Bay

Most bars in Byron Bay make for a great summer setting, but here are some of our favourites bars in Byron Bay...

20. Byron Bay Brewery

Of course Byron Bay has its very own brewery! Located in the Arts Factory Village, the brewery has a great outdoor beer garden. There's usually live music spicing up the atmosphere and you can even take a tour of the brewery. Hello sunshine!

1 Skinners Shoot Rd, Byron Bay

21. The Railway

The Railway Friendly Bar, or as the locals refer to it "The Rails," is located in the centre of Byron Bay with live music 7 days a week. There's always a mix of individuals here and you never really know what kind of live music you are in for - which adds to the charm. Great for a drink early afternoon or late in the night!

86 Johnston St, Byron Bay

22. The Beach Hotel

Located across the road from the beach, "The Beachy" has a huge outdoor beer garden and restaurant extending beyond a gigantic dance floor. Friday and Saturday nights are always packed here and play host to some great live acts and DJs. Perfect spot to chill as the sunsets whilst preparing for a night on the dance floor.

Bay St, Byron Bay

Brisbane

The sun is usually shining all year round in Queensland's capital city, 263 days on average to be precise, so you have no excuse to not hit up at least one of the best bars in Brisbane...

23. Up on Constance

Fortitude Valley is where the Brisbane party is at, with a fabulous mix of fancy late night clubs and grungy live music venues. Up On Constance is a rooftop bar without a roof.

20 Constance St, Fortitude Valley

24. Limes Rooftop Hot Tub Cinema

Yes you read correctly... Limes Hotel Bar transforms into a rooftop cinema every Wednesday and Thursday night and to top it off? You can grab a drink, watch a movie and chill in a Hot Tub! Tip: order a Hot Tub Wine Machine

142 Constance St, Fortitude Valley

25. Eleven Rooftop Bar

People watch from 11 stories high at Eleven, located in the heart of Brisbane city. Sit back and sip away as you gaze out over the 270 degree views of Brisbane city and surrounds.

Level 11, 757 Ann St, Brisbane City

26. Lock N Load

West End is Brisbane's quirky and lively suburb that offers some great night markets over the weekend, loads of bars and cafes and a great vibe. Lock n Load has a chilled vibe and large, lush green outdoor beer garden. A great place for kicking back, enjoying a pub style meal and soaking in the sun.

142 Boundary St, West End

27. Down Under Bar & Grill

If you've had a few too many drinks and looking for a night out as the summer sun sets - then Down Under Bar & Grill is the place to go. Ed Sheeran was once spotted here and we are not going to lie - primarily a backpacker bar, this place gets crazy. Expect to farewell your dignity.

308 Edward St, Brisbane City

28. Rics Bar

If you are looking for somewhere to perch during the day and then stumble just a few steps to the dance floor as the night grows old, then Rics Bar is the place to go. This outdoor beer garden serves for a relaxed atmosphere during the day and a great place to check out some live music and dance the night away after dark. Oh and Sundays to Wednesdays - $6 Steak night!

321 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley

29. Storey Bridge Hotel

Located under Brisbane's Storey Bridge and accessible by a short ferry ride from the CBD, the Storey Bridge Hotel is a huge venue with four bars with loads of outdoor drinking space. Ideal for dinner, an afternoon beer or a night out.

200 Main St, Kangaroo Point

30. Dandys Rooftop

Fun, bright and colourful, Dandys Rooftop Bar has a 1950s tennis theme going on and not only that, some great views of Brisbane CBD.

71 - 71 Melbourne St, Brisbane City

Read about 10 of the Best Bars in Brisbane

Airlie Beach

As we continue north along Australia's East Coast, the concept of "summer" begins to lose its significance. Airlie Beach is warm most months of the year and is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands... which may be the reason for it's constant, 7 days a week, dignity stealing, party atmosphere. Here's where to party...

31. Down Under Bar & Grill

With a huge outdoor decking area, cheap meal deals and live music, DJs or events taking place 7 nights a week, Down Under Bar & Grill is an ideal location to soak in the Airlie Beach sunshine during the day, before getting your boogie on throughout the night. Tip: they also serve up a mean coffee and breakfast!

336 Shute Harbour Rd. Airlie Beach

32. The Shed Bar

Located within 7 acres of tropical ambiance, the Shed Bar can be found inside Nomads Airlie Beach accommodation. The outdoor decking and kiosk style bar makes for a chilled atmosphere, overlooking the surrounding bungalows and swimming pool - fantastic place to meet travellers from across the globe.

354 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach

33. Breeze Bar

Where the locals like to hang out, Breeze Bar has a huge outdoor garden bar, cheap food, good cocktails and live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night.

293 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach

34. Hamilton Island's Swim Up Pool Bar

Imagine overlooking the Whitsunday Islands whilst sipping on a cocktail in an infinity pool in paradise? Yes that can be YOU! Day transfers to Hamilton Island are actually quite affordable from Airlie Beach, and a transfer will get you free use of the island's facilities. A great little day out!

Hamilton Island, Whitsundays

Magnetic Island

35. Base Magnetic Island Bar

It's pretty safe to say that this beach front bar is one of our favourite places to get a drink in Australia! Magnetic Island can be reached by a cheap ferry ride from Townsville which is located around 4 hours north of Airlie Beach. Situated in absolute paradise, the huge outdoor decking, beach front pool, hammocks and ocean view seats overlook the ocean and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The bar has been made famous for its regular Isalnd Life Beach Festivals which will have you dancing until dawn alongside some of Australia's best DJs. Need we say more?

Cairns

36. Gilligans

Gilligans pretty much has all you can possibly ask for in a bar - a huge outdoor decking area, a tropical swimming pool with its very own waterfall, pool side deck chairs, an outdoor drinking area and at night time? A huge dance floor playing host to some of Australia's best DJs and Live Acts most nights of the week.

89 Grafton St, Cairns

37. Salt House

The Salt House is a little bit fancy and a local's well kept secret. The bar itself is situated outdoors with water features, cushions and a relaxed vibe. As the sun sets you can expect live music and a cool vibe. Great place for an afternoon drink!

6/2 Pierpoint Rd Cairns

38. The Courthouse

Located in the centre of town, the Courthouse has two huge outdoor beer gardens, one out the front and one out the back. There's always a pretty chilled vibe and some interesting folk to talk to.

39. Pier Bar

Right by Cairns Lagoon, Pier Bar serves up great food and the balcony and drinking area extends outdoors. Great place for both relaxed afternoon drinks and a few late night drinks.

40. The Woolshed

Or as we like to call it... the house of dreams. The Woolshed has captured both the dignity and memories of many travellers in the past. The outdoor tables and upstairs eating area are a great place to grab a cheap meal and a drink or two in the afternoon sun. But be warned... as the sun sets, things may get a little crazy!

Have fun visiting some of the best bars to have a drink or two in summer in Australia!