The Best of Byron Bay’s Bars, Australia

This self-styled slice of Paris by the sea is arguably Byron’s favourite wine bar. Designed by Hunter Valley winemaker Peter Windrim and Shelter eatery owner Peter Lennox, Supernatural Cellars showcases over 50 naturally produced organic wines from around the world. Expert staff will help you select the best wines, which you can pair with salty seaside snacks including oysters, kingfish ceviche and zucchini fritters.

There’s nothing like a traditional Aussie sports bar and the Sticky Wicket is exactly that. Think HD TVs on the wall, couches, everything from craft beers to cocktails and a menu full of tacos, burgers and chicken wings. The Sticky Wicket is conveniently set in the heart of Byron Bay, opposite the famous Northern Hotel, and has a 1950s theatre sign outside to advertise the sports of the day. There’s even a dance floor and live music with DJ sets in the upstairs nightclub.

A Byron Bay staple, Woody’s Surf Shack is an essential stop on any bar crawl. The decor is inspired by a group of surfers who made the Bay their home in the ’60s and ’70s, and features surfboards, vintage photos and graffiti. Relax in retro booths or on the outdoor patio, shoot some pool, make some moves on the dance floor and enjoy anything from tinnies to bubbles or cocktails. Every Wednesday, Woody’s gives away a brand-new surfboard, and there’s a Hip-Hop Hooray theme on Tuesdays.

The Bolt Hole is a chic whisky, gin and craft cocktail bar with a 2am licence, making it the ideal last stop of the night. Nestled in the heart of town, the Bolt Hole has rooftop views and vintage decor, from green Chesterfield sofas to a copper bar. Choose from more than 300 whiskies and gins, not to mention wines, artisanal spirits and signature craft cocktails. There’s a simple food menu that includes vegetable spring rolls and pork dim sum, as well as tasting experiences and happy hour specials.

Light Years is a relative Byron Bay newcomer, launched by three Melbourne guys in 2017. What’s special about this place is its Vietnamese-inspired design reminiscent of French-colonial Hanoi, complete with authentic street food such as roasted duck pancakes. Their cocktail menu is an artisanal delight, offering the popular Netflix and Chill – a rum-soaked popcorn concoction. Hit up Light Years for their Hot Pho and Cold Beer mid-week offer and you won’t be disappointed.

Order cocktails with a view at the Loft Byron Bay. Located just off Main Beach, the bar has an elevated terrace so you can look out over famous Jonson Street while you relax with friends. This is one of the newest bars in Byron Bay, with a seaside ambience and contemporary Australian food menu which includes a popular weekend brunch.

This late-night bar is known for its dance music and industrial design. Locura has a quality drinks list heavy in tequila and mezcal, combined with a tapas-style food menu that ranges from pork tacos to ceviche. What really draws crowds though is Locura’s music, collated by renowned producer Jono Ma, which morphs from disco to jazz, soul and deep house at the weekends. Check out the Cinco De Mayo Sunday fiesta with live Latin tunes and take advantage of early free entry before 10pm, Thursday to Sunday.

Come to the Railway Friendly Bar Byron Bay for nightly live music covering a range of genres, whether you’re into roots, reggae, folk or rock. Locally known as the Rails, this Byron Bay bar has been around for over 30 years and is located in a former railway station. Hang out in the atmospheric beer garden, sip on one of 20 on-tap brews and snack on an extensive pub grub menu.