Melbourne
Multitasking is much in evidence in this cafe–jewellery store–gallery. There are some small tables on the street, a scattering inside, and a large,…
Melbourne
Multitasking is much in evidence in this cafe–jewellery store–gallery. There are some small tables on the street, a scattering inside, and a large,…
Airlie Beach
One of Airlie's biggest backpacker nightspots, Mama Africa brings a faux-safari theme, with its zebra-striped dance floor and elephant-head logo. Themed…
Sydney
Charge into this curvy art-deco pub for its relaxed ground-floor sports bar with a good-value menu, a pool table, and lots of black tiles and angular…
Hobart
The slinky, low-slung, art-deco 'Telly' has long been the boozer of choice for local dock workers and visiting nautical types. They're still here (despite…
Brisbane
Upstairs in the heritage Port Office building, this slick steak restaurant has an equally polished wine bar overlooking the laneway out the back…
Launceston
Hasn't Australia grown out of the whole British/Irish theme pub thing? Not in Launceston, where the old Cock 'n' Bull is still coming on all Yorkshire…
Surry Hills & Darlinghurst
The design lords have transformed this old corner pub into something very hip indeed. On weekends it gets packed – and incredibly noisy – with stylish…
Manly
This refurbished boozer now boasts four bars on four levels. The food is unremarkable and the craft beer expensive, but sitting on the wraparound balcony…
Byron Bay & Northern NSW
Take in the streetscape from the broad verandah of this classic old corner pub, or sink into a velvet armchair in the front lounge with its bohemian vibes…
Launceston
This low-lit watering hole is trying hard to push the hackneyed old Irish pub concept somewhere closer to today. It's kept some of the good bits in the…
Sydney
One of the key points on the attractive Five Ways intersection, this beautifully renovated pub is spread over four floors. At the top, both the Elephant…
The Whitsundays
Offering most things to most people – gaming, a family-friendly bistro (mains $17-30) and late-night drinking – this sprawling pub in central Bowen is a…
New South Wales
Tucked down a central Bathurst arcade (next to Crema coffee bar), this classy 'beverage emporium' proffers great craft beer, cocktails and local wine, as…
New South Wales
In addition to fine meals throughout the day, this airy space hosts live music on Friday and Sunday nights. Signature beers on tap include Mudgee Mud (an…
Victoria
There's no shortage of local characters who frequent the bar at Metung's yacht club, in a prime location overlooking the water. No hats allowed inside.
Surry Hills & Darlinghurst
Although its past popularity has waned, this gay-friendly, art-deco booze barn still serves up thumping music and heady drinks. The window seats take the…
Brisbane
The Caxton St strip off Petrie Tce used to be hip, but these days it's mostly a low-rent collection of strip cubs and kebab joints. But the old yellow…
Gold Coast
This boisterous harbourside pub – on a pier out over the water – is a beers-from-10am kinda joint, and gets raucous on weekends, with especially big…
Canberra
Canberra's one and only gay club has been lurking in this basement for practically forever. These days it seems to attract as many straight women as gay…
Adelaide
There are more raffish old pubs in Port Adelaide than hours in your afternoon. But if you're dry, swing into the 1935 Lighthouse Wharf Hotel for a quick…
Canberra
Out the front of the NGA main entrance, this little coffee stand pumps out excellent coffee as well as sandwiches and other portable snacks. Grab a flat…
Surry Hills & Darlinghurst
A favourite haunt of arts students, dog-owners and locals of all persuasions, you don't even have to know what a silly mid-off is to enjoy this pub. There…
Adelaide
Offering an escape from the Rundle Mall food courts and sports-bar bunker fray, Lines Lane (on Lindes La) is an atmospheric cafe/wine-bar/craft-beer haunt…
Melbourne
Head up to Hell's via the narrow stairway from beautiful Centre Pl. It attracts a hip, young crowd who sip classic cocktails, wine, beer or cider and…
Melbourne
If you’re going to do one club in Melbourne, this is your best bet, located in one of the old sheds jutting out into Docklands’ Victoria Harbour. Saturday…
Perth
Out the back of the Flying Scotsman is this small, red-velvet-clad lounge with ska, punk and indie beats. Infinite Jest comedy nights take place on the…
Launceston
Launceston is fat with students but thin on clubs – an odd scenario. Club 54 is a far remove from the fabled Studio 54 in NYC, but it's the only passable…
Surry Hills & Darlinghurst
Claim a seat at the downstairs bar or on the pavement, choose a glass of wine from the large list (the bar's name means 1000 wines), order a plate of…
Yulara
This rowdy bar is lined with long benches, providing plenty of opportunity to meet other travellers. It has pool tables, live music nightly (usually with…
Broome
The cheapest drink in town also has the best view. Travellers are welcome to sink a couple of stubbies on the lawn and watch that flaming Indian Ocean…
Great Ocean Road
Established in 1897, the Port Campbell Hotel has long been the town's main watering hole. It's nothing flash, but it's a good spot for a beer and a meal …
Byron Bay & Northern NSW
A quaint old corner pub with a wrought-iron verandah and a greener-than-green beer garden that stretches lazily down to the river. There's a great cafe,…
Gold Coast
Next door to the Witches Chase Cheese Company, taste-test your way through Fortitude's range of beers paired with a wood-fired pizza and accompanied by…
Gold Coast
The hub of Coolangatta’s sometimes boisterous nocturnal scene, this huge pub, right across from the beach, pumps with live bands, pool comps, trivia…
Newtown & the Inner West
A facelift for the former Ancient Briton has seen it become big on craft beer. The front bar is still fairly traditional, but now there's also a cute…
New South Wales
For an Instagram-worthy high tea experience ($65; book ahead), sink into one of the seats surrounded by beautiful botanics and enjoy. All teas and coffees…
Hobart
Across the road from Parliament House, Lower House opens a bit too late to entice many MPs (the vibe is very under-25 anyway, so they'd probably feel a…
Perth
This classic corner pub – complete with wrought-iron balconies and one of Perth's best garden bars – draws a crowd of loyal locals, nearby desk jockeys…
Brisbane
Surrounded by major roads at the end of Petrie Tce, this handsome 1889 red-brick pub harbours a great beer garden under a vast fig tree. Mourn the fading…
South Coast NSW
The pub in the heart of town offers good-value meals and views and beer-first service. There are cheap beds upstairs if you need one ($40 to $100), but it…