Australia is a vast and surprising continent — an ancient land where ultra-modern cities blend with wild nature, dramatic landscapes, and a rich native wildlife. This uniqueness is also reflected in its food and drink scene, where Australia continues to emerge as a growing force, with cocktail bars featured both in The World’s 50 Best Bars ranking and in the 50 Best Discovery list. From underground hideaways to spectacular rooftops and hotel bars, Australia’s cocktail culture is well worth the trip. Here are some of the best cocktail bars in Australia you should not miss.
Above Board, Melbourne
Above Board in Melbourne is a small, award-winning cocktail bar with no reservations and very limited seating. The space is minimalist and refined, built around a single shared table. Thanks to its balanced and meticulously crafted drink list, it has earned a spot on The World’s 50 Best Bars and received major recognition at the Australian Bar Awards.
Best Cocktail Bars in Australia: Apollonia, Sydney
Apollonia is a subterranean hideaway with a Sicilian soul in the heart of Sydney. Perfect for a romantic escape, its drink list unfolds like a theatrical performance in four acts. The cocktails stay true to the concept, drawing inspiration from Italian cinema as well as the aromas and traditions of Sicily.
Bar Allora, Sydney
Espresso and a croissant in the morning, aperitivo with friends in the evening, or a digestif after dinner. It might feel like Milan, but Bar Allora — the latest opening from the Maybe Group — is actually in Sydney. Lively and welcoming, the atmosphere channels Italy in the 1980s, while the cocktails twists that spirit: classic drinks sit alongside original signatures designed to bring the past back to life.
Bar Bellamy, Melbourne
Bar Bellamy feels like home. Regulars and newcomers alike find a perfect balance of hospitality and on-trend cocktails. The name comes from the French bel ami (dear friend), and conviviality is central to the concept, with large communal tables where conversations flow easily between strangers. Each cocktail is produced in limited quantities, and the menu changes several times a week, making every visit different from the last.
Best Cocktail Bars in Australia: Byrdi, Melbourne
Byrdi was created by Luke Whearty and Aki Nishikura, a duo committed to building an Australian experience centered on local ingredients sourced from farms across Victoria. Highlighting small producers, the drink list changes with the seasons. Despite the technical complexity behind many of the cocktails, the service remains relaxed and informal, turning the drinking experience into something effortless and enjoyable.
Cantina OK!, Sydney
The focus here is mezcal. Cantina OK! is a tiny, standing-only bar that has become one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets. The cocktail of the day is hand-drawn on the coasters, while margaritas are among the most popular orders. Rare mezcals, personally selected in Mexico by the team, appear regularly and are available only until the bottles run out.
Caretaker’s Cottage, Melbourne
Opened by Matt Stirling, Ryan Nordics, and Rob Libecans, Caretaker’s Cottage occupies what was once the caretaker’s residence of the church across the street. Modest in appearance, the bar focuses on two icons: the Martini and Guinness. Simple on the surface, deeply refined in execution.
Best Cocktail Bars in Australia: Dean & Nancy on 22, Sydney
Suspended above Sydney’s skyline, Dean & Nancy on 22 offers sweeping views over the financial district thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows. Part of the Maybe Group led by Stefano Catino and Vincenzo Lombardo, the bar focuses on playful, creative mixology, with interactive elements ranging from 3D glasses to unusually shaped glassware.
El Primo Sanchez, Sydney
After becoming a cult stop on Oxford Street, El Primo Sanchez recently relocated to Surry Hills. Despite the move, its Mexican cantina spirit remains intact, along with the lively atmosphere fueled by music, tequila, and Mexican food. The drink list, curated by Eduardo Conde, celebrates agave spirits in all their forms.
Best Cocktail Bars in Australia: El Vista, Sydney
Step inside this waterfront bar overlooking Sydney Harbour and you are instantly transported to Acapulco. The food draws from Latin American flavors, bold and spicy, while the cocktails offer a sensory journey that blends Sydney’s skyline with the vibrant energy of local markets.
Maybe Sammy, Sidney
Founders Stefano Catino and Vincenzo Lombardo brought Italian warmth and hospitality to the other side of the world. Maybe Sammy debuted on The World’s 50 Best Bars list in 2019, the same year it opened, and has remained on the ranking for seven consecutive years. Inspired by the grand hotel bars of the past — despite not being a hotel bar — it stands out for its celebratory atmosphere and exceptionally high service standards.
Tailor Room, Sydney
Despite its very recent opening — it debuted in April 2025 — this Sydney cocktail bar already earns a place among Australia’s best. Its world-class team of bartenders channels deep expertise into drinks that tell a story. Inspired by the world of textiles, the menu at Tailor Room leads guests through a sartorial tasting journey, crafted and experienced like a bespoke suit.
