The 10 Best Bars in Australia's Sunshine Coast

The name says it all. Good beers on tap, good hip-hop on the stereo, good burgers on the grill—what else do you need to know? It’s good!

If you’re looking to impress on your next early-afternoon Tinder date, there are few places better than this elegant poolside wine bar. Woo your would-be-lover while sipping Rosé amidst these effortless glam-resort stylings. Just be mindful that they don’t have typical ‘bar hours’.

Noosa has some of the best beaches in the world and best restaurants in the country, so it’s not surprising that one their best bars celebrates everything oceanic. They’ve taken the nautical theme to the extreme at El Capitano—anchor motifs and coiled rope dominate—but it totally works. Don’t leave without getting intimate with their sourdough pizza menu.

If you’re after a dimly-lit, retro-chic place that’s perfect for a late evening drink, head away from the coast and into ever-up-and-coming Nambour. The Bison Bar staff craft cocktails that are all casual class, and they’re the perfect accompaniment to the vinyl-only soundtrack.

Every night out can feel like Mardis Gras when you’re drinking at this soulful New Orleans-style bar. The cocktail menu is inspired and creative—we can’t recommend the Whistlin’ Dixie enough—and will prepare your taste buds perfectly for the move from the bar to the restaurant. Seriously, don’t miss a chance to indulge in their New Orleans-meets-French-cuisine approach.

Take a little jaunt to Noosa for this super casual, super fun Cali-Mexico-inspired bar. Everyone’s there for the vibe, the margarita on tap and the mind-meltingly-memorable grilled fish tacos.

If you need a break from all the browned beach bums, head into the hinterland to experience the Sunshine Coast’s other beloved stereotype: the blissed-out bohemian. You’ll meet some primo specimens at Maleny’s Brouhaha Brewery, an effortlessly cool venue that’s all natural timber and lazy afternoons. They pour pints straight from the tank here, so get ready to settle in.

Dirty in name only, this Mooloolaba favourite has the cool-but-related charm of the hippest Silicon Valley startup. With communal tables, exposed brick and modern light fixtures, you’ll be motivated to get out there and make change happen—if you could only drag yourself away from the Deep South-inspired cocktail list.

This Nambour establishment reinforces the lessons from those Aesop’s Fables we heard growing up. When everyone else saw a derelict hotel basement, the lads from Your Mates—the Coast’s preeminent purveyors of brewed beverages – saw the latest underground drinking sensation. Some would say it’s industrial, others would say it’s grungy—all we know is that it’s a perfect place for a great time.

This Noosa-dining destination often features in best-place-to-dine-out-on-the-Sunshine-Coast lists. While the Italian menu would give your Nona a run for her money, the bar is equally as impressive, with a sleek sophistication that adds a little something extra to your leisurely nightcap.