Must-see nightlife in Australia & Pacific

  • Star & Garter Hotel

    Coromandel Peninsula

    Making the most of the simple kauri interior of an 1873 building, this smart pub has pool tables, decent sounds and a roster of live music and DJs on the…

  • Phoenix

    Canberra

    The studenty Phoenix is a staunch supporter of local music, with bands playing around four nights a week. On other nights you might strike a comedian, a…

  • Beachfront Hotel

    Darwin

    Close to the border with Nightcliff, this rollicking pub opposite the foreshore attracts a local crowd and often has bands. A spot out on the breezy front…

  • Pier Bar

    Cairns

    This local institution is much loved for its killer waterfront location and daily happy hour (5pm to 7pm). Its Sunday sessions are legendary, with live…

  • Green Park Hotel

    Surry Hills & Darlinghurst

    The ever-rockin’ Green Park has pool tables, rolled-arm leather couches, a beer garden with funky Dr Seuss–inspired lighting, and a huge tiled central bar…

  • Settler's Tavern

    Margaret River

    There's live entertainment Thursday to Sunday at Settler's, so pop in for good pub grub (mains $16 to $35) and a beer, or choose a wine from the extensive…

  • Daily Coffee Co

    Dunedin

    Not much but coffee to be had here, but oh yes, it's good coffee. This is where working street artists hang out while it's raining. Bring a keep cup if…

  • Echuca Distillery & Cafe

    Victoria

    Craft spirits (including gin and vodka) and liqueurs all feature at this addition to Echuca's main street. There's also snacks and local craft beers…

  • Rattle 'n Hum

    Port Douglas

    Rattle 'n Hum is usually crowded with backpackers and tourists thanks to reasonably cheap bar meals and pizzas, live sports, pool table and boisterous,…

  • Jack Duggans Irish Pub

    New South Wales

    This lively spot in the heart of town is a one-stop shop, with live music on weekends, good craic, cold Guinness and great quality Irish pub fare. Enquire…

  • Knightsbridge Penthouse

    Canberra

    Just behind the main Braddon strip, this quirky place offers good DJs, excellent cocktails and a mellow ambience. Come on Fridays before 8pm for 'Happy…

  • Hot Water Brewing Co

    Coromandel Peninsula

    Hot Water Brewing Co is a modern craft brewery with lots of outdoor seating. Standout brews include the hoppy Kauri Falls Pale Ale and the robust Walker's…

  • Old Bank

    New South Wales

    Occupying the former Bank of NSW building (1876), this bar-restaurant is ineffably stylish and a cut above the rest of Dubbo's offerings, with plenty of…

  • Onesixone

    Melbourne

    Front up to the peephole – if you pass muster, snaffle a couch or a pouf. A wiggle on the small dance floor is obligatory. Late-night Saturdays run until…

  • Darleen's

    West Coast Australia

    Taking over from the much-loved Laundry 43, Darleen's brings the karaoke, vinyl and beer-yoga vibes to Busselton. Exposed brick walls form the backdrop…

  • Brew Nation

    Canberra

    The interior might look a bit stark (some might say modern) but this friendly bar has nine local beers on tap and many more in cans and bottles besides,…

  • Percy's Bar and Kitchen

    New South Wales

    This cornerside wine bar offers a good-sized wine list, a couple of tap beers and a changing menu of local brews. The food menu is simple, but all dishes…

  • The River Hotel

    Margaret River

    Exposed brick walls give a warm feel inside, while tables and chairs on the grass out the front are the perfect place to catch some rays at this large…

  • PJ O'Briens

    Cairns

    It has sticky carpets and reeks of stale Guinness, but Irish-themed PJ’s still packs the backpackers in with party nights and dirt-cheap meals. Tuesday is…

  • Flying Scotsman

    Perth

    Old-style pub that attracts the Beaufort St indie crowd. A good spot for a drink before a comedy show or music gig up the road at the Astor theatre.

  • Mini De Lights

    Kangaroo Island

    A pop-up caravan bar on the Emu Bay foreshore, serving KI wine and beer, coffee, cake and cocktails (a winning combo whichever way you spin it). Raffish…

  • Pacific Hotel

    Byron Bay & Northern NSW

    Perched on the the cliffs overlooking Yamba Beach, this 1930-built hotel has some of the best pub views in Australia. There is regular live music and DJ…

  • West Coast Wine Bar

    The West Coast

    Upping Hoki's sophistication factor, this weeny joint packs a fridge full of fine wine and craft beer. Sip it in the hidden-away back garden, laden with…

  • Honeysuckle Hotel

    Newcastle

    The deck at this waterfront place, located in a cavernous but cool converted warehouse looking across at the port, is a perfect spot for a sundowner. The…

  • Coffee Dominion

    Townsville

    An eco-conscious establishment roasting beans sourced from the Atherton Tablelands to Mombasa. If you don’t find a blend you like, invent your own and…

  • Dock

    Canberra

    This popular foreshore pub is packed to the brim with locals during happy hour (5pm to 6pm Monday to Thursday). There's a big screen for sports fans and…

  • Wine Cellar

    Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd

    Secreted downstairs in an arcade, the Wine Cellar is dark, grungy and very cool, with regular live music in the neighbouring Whammy Bar.

  • Bayside Lady

    Victoria

    When the sun's shining head out to this cafe's small backyard, where a caravan serves drinks. The food's good, too, with a heap of pizzas, sandwiches and…

  • Ferdydurke

    Melbourne

    This dive bar and art space is set over two levels, and within its gritty confines they play everything from electronic to live Polish jazz. Also sells…

  • Riviera Hotel

    Tasmania

    A majestic art-deco building right on the water's edge, the Riviera has a popular bar with outdoor seating. There's also a bistro on-site (mains $22 to …

  • Court House Hotel

    Port Douglas

    Elegant and unmissable, the old ‘Courty’ holds court on the main street corner. It's a lively local, with live music on weekends and reasonable meals.

  • Little Blackwood

    Queenstown

    Slink into the darkened interior of this slick bar for a sneaky afternoon cocktail, or perch yourself on the waterfront terrace for views over the lake.

  • Lincoln

    Coromandel Peninsula

    Part pub, part bistro, part cafe and all-round good times feature at this versatile spot on Whangamata’s main drag. DJs kick in on summer weekends.

  • George's Beach Club

    Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula

    Craft beers courtesy of Hamilton's Good George Brewing combine with tasty burgers and wood-fired pizza at this sunny beer garden in central Raglan.

  • Yonder

    Margaret River

    Tucked behind the shops off the Busselton Hwy, this American-style saloon bar serves up an extensive range of beers plus a classic cocktails list.

  • Geraldton Hotel

    West Coast Australia

    Winning features of this landmark old pub (dating from 1860) include a huge palm-tree-lined courtyard, $10 meal deals, and live music on weekends.

  • Mollymook Golf Club Beachside Bistro

    South Coast NSW

    Stupendous views over the northern end of Mollymook Beach at this popular sporting club and bistro. Bypass the food for the tap beer and sunset.

  • Bang & Grind

    Cairns

    Pull up a seat in the retro space for a Ransom caffeine fix; locals rate this as some of the best coffee in Cairns. Serves breakfast and lunch.

  • League of Honest Coffee

    Melbourne

    No word of a lie, the coffee's great at this bright and breezy cafe. It also serves muffins, cookies, toasted sandwiches and filled baguettes.

  • Padre Coffee

    Melbourne

    Situated in the middle of the South Melbourne Market, Padre offers a perfect (and popular) caffeine-enhanced respite from mad market shopping.

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