The Best Cocktail Bars in Noosa, According to Miss Moneypenny’s Mixologist
Noosa, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, is a popular beachside getaway – and it has a flourishing cocktail scene that offers the perfect end to long, lazy days at the beach. Award-winning mixologist Ben Walsh opened Miss Moneypenny’s in 2013, and the Hastings Street bar has quickly become one of the most celebrated cocktail destinations in town. This is his pick of the best cocktail bars in and around Noosa.
“I think Noosa is the best place in Australia to live,” Ben Walsh tells Culture Trip. “You can always find an empty spot on the beach for your own space. There is so much exceptional natural beauty and, despite having a laid-back village vibe, Noosa boasts an amazing food and drinks scene.”
Ben had holidayed in Noosa for years before moving to the beachside resort town in 2013, when he founded Miss Moneypenny’s. Bringing with him more than 20 years’ experience in hospitality and countless accolades – including third place in the Mixology Masters in Amsterdam and winner of the Suntory Australia Bartender of the Year – he wanted to create a chilled-out bar on the Sunshine Coast to celebrate his passion for the art of cocktail creation. Last year, based on the success of Miss Moneypenny’s, he expanded down the coast to Broadbeach on the Gold Coast.
“The cocktail scene on the Sunshine Coast is flourishing,” Ben says. “It’s an up-and-coming scene with a lot of really enthusiastic bartenders who are starting to take bartending very seriously and mimicking successful Sydney and Melbourne bars.”
Want to enjoy a cocktail in this relaxed beachside town? These are Ben Walsh’s favourite bars in and around Noosa.
Miss Moneypenny’s
Bar, Restaurant, Italian, Australian
Catalina Noosa
Cocktail Bar, Restaurant, Cocktails
Get a different perspective of Noosa aboard the Catalina Noosa, a luxe boat cruise that departs from Noosaville. “The Saltwater Sundays sunset cruise is really spectacular, travelling down the Noosa River with DJ beats and delicious cocktails,” says Ben. “You really experience the magic of Noosa River and get an understanding of why it is an A-rated river system.” The weekly event includes food from the seasonal menu, and cocktails can be purchased from the onboard bar – a new favourite is the Limon Fizz, a summery mix of limoncello, Grey Goose vodka, rosemary and lemon. Check all departure and return times, as the schedule changes seasonally to best capture the sunset.
Village Bicycle
Cocktail Bar, Bar, Restaurant, Cocktails, Beer, Fast Food
“Head over the Noosa Hill to the Noosa Junction to visit the Village Bicycle and try one of its beer cocktails,” recommends Ben. “Set in an urban landscape, the Bike has some very cool laid-back vibes.” Founded by Trevor Aylward and Luke Czajkowskyj to give locals somewhere to enjoy “food, booze and good times” after 9pm, the restaurant and bar has become something of an institution in Noosa. The graffiti-covered beer garden offers a colourful setting to enjoy a burger, tacos or a ‘hot diggity dog’ (that’s a hotdog) alongside a craft beer on tap or an expertly crafted cocktail, which include traditional margaritas, mojitos and spicy bloody marys.
Whisky Boy
Cocktail Bar, Bar, Cocktails
One of Ben’s favourite spots to bar-hop in Noosa is on Gympie Terrace, alongside the Noosa River. “With a stunning outlook, set on the river esplanade, there are so many little bars and restaurants to try,” he says. A local favourite is Whisky Boy, which has over 75 different whiskies on the menu from around the world, as well as more than 20 gins. Unsurprisingly, the cocktail menu is big on the dark stuff. Authentic tipples, including the traditional old fashioned and the whisky sour, sit alongside signature offerings, such as the How Ya Like Them Apples, a tasty concoction of apple-infused Old Forester bourbon, Campari, sweet vermouth, apple saccharum and aromatic bitters. Match the whisky with an Australian steak cooked over a volcanic chargrill.
Sunset Bar at Noosa Boathouse
Cocktail Bar, Restaurant, Seafood, Australian, Cocktails
Marble Bar Bistro
Bar, Cocktail Bar, Pub, Restaurant, Australian, Pub Grub
Located on the far side of the Noosa National Park headland and a short 10-minute drive from Noosa Heads, Sunshine Beach is well worth a trip. Ben recommends heading to Marble Bar Bistro, which was recently voted Best Pub & Bar in Sunshine Beach by Restaurant Guru. “Marble Bar Bistro has a very relaxed village atmosphere,” he says. “You’ll find a lot of Noosa locals holding the bar up and it’s a great spot for a drink to start the night off.” Drop by on weekdays from 4pm to 5.30pm for happy hour specials – including selected cocktails for just 12 Australian dollars (£6.30). Just around the corner is another popular spot, modern Asian and yum cha restaurant, Embassy XO. Try the Double Island Iced T, made with locally distilled Noosa vodka and gin, red tea, citrus and soda.
Ricky’s River Bar and Restaurant
Bar, Restaurant, Seafood, Australian, Vegetarian
Paradise Arcade
Bar, Restaurant, Mexican
Local craft beer and margaritas on tap, alongside some seriously good Mexican food, are on the menu at this little slice of Mexico on the Sunshine Coast. It feels like summer all year round in the tiny space at Noosa Junction thanks to Mexican tile tables, neon signage, light-strung palm trees and colourful interiors with a mural of Frida Kahlo. The Californian-inspired Mexican menu features antojitos (Mexican street food), tostadas, tacos and desserts, and an inspired cocktail list that celebrates mezcal and tequila – the bar serves over 120. If you want to take a deep dive into the world of tequila, opt for a flight of four different tequilas. Salud!