Entertainment in Australia
-
A
Cookie
Stylish and cheeky, this bar tiles its high walls with kitschy books and vinyl, and pours fine European, Asian and Oz beers. The wine list is commendable, the Thai-inspired tapas is classy, and jeans and a T-shirt are just as welcome as designer duds.
reviewed
-
B
Darwin Ski Club
Leave Mitchell St behind and head for a sublime sunset at this laid-back waterski club on Vestey’s Beach. The view through the palm trees from the beer garden is sublime and there are often live bands.
reviewed
-
C
Deckchair Cinema
During the Dry, the Darwin Film Society runs this fabulous outdoor cinema below the southern end of the Esplanade. Watch a movie under the stars while reclining in a deckchair − bring a cushion for extra comfort. There's a licensed bar serving food (teriyaki noodles, pasta bolognese etc) or you can bring a picnic (no BYO alcohol). There are usually double features on Friday and Saturday nights (adult/child $20/9).
reviewed
-
D
Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel
Built in 1841, this boutique sandstone pub has its own brewery (try a pint of Nelson’s Blood), and is just far enough from The Rocks’ tourist throng. Rooms are elegantly colonial, with stripy sheets, stone walls and dormer windows – the owners have resisted the urge to spew flowers and lace all over the place. Most of the nine rooms are spacious and have en suites; there are also cheaper, smaller rooms with shared facilities.
reviewed
-
E
Carlisle Wine Bar
Dark and inviting, this is the kind of place that makes you wish you were a regular. In summer, pavement tables are perfect for a beer and a long segue into a rustic Italian dinner. The wine list is top notch, including reasonably priced old and rare bottles. But it's not all about wine. A handsome barman will whip you up a fine cocktail, in between flipping over the vinyl. Friday and Saturday can get rowdy.
reviewed
-
F
Orbit
Shoot up to this murderously cool revolving Goldfinger-esque bar, offering killer cocktails and views to die for. Sink into an Eero Saarinen tulip chair and sip a kung fu mojito while all of Sydney is paraded before you.
reviewed
-
G
Breakfast Creek Hotel
In a great rambling building dating from 1889, this historic pub is a Brisbane institution. Built in French Renaissance style, the pub encompasses various bars (including a beer garden and an art-deco 'private bar' where you can still drink draft beer tapped from a wooden keg). The stylish, modern Substation No 41 bar serves boutique beers and cocktails.
reviewed
-
H
Subiaco Hotel
The Subi’s a local favourite and the institution of choice for a morning coffee with the papers or a pre-footy beer. It’s popular, too, for a Sunday sundowner or an afternoon of quiet beverages and people-watching.
reviewed
-
I
Theatre Royal
In the evening, catch a live band or film at the historic Theatre Royal.
reviewed
-
J
South Bank Cinema
The cheapest for mainstream flicks.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
K
Gabba
Brisbanites are fanatical about sport, particularly the variety that involves ‘wielding the willow’ and ‘bowling a bouncer’. At the start of every summer, the first international test cricket match of the season is always played at the famous Gabba ground. The drama unfolds over five days, or there are shorter versions of the game to check out. One-day internationals and the slog-fest Twenty20 matches (lasting about three hours) are usually played between January and March.
reviewed
-
L
Deco
Why is it that journalists always open the best bars? Here the adventurous and considered wine list is well respected by connoisseurs, but still Deco manages to avoid any inkling of pretension. In the darkness you'll find locals ensconced in couches drinking red wines and eating delicious cheeses, while sports writers nurse Belgian beers and talk football at the bar.
On Friday and Saturday nights the cocktail crowds descend for the driest martinis this side of the Yarra.
reviewed
-
M
Builders Arms Hotel
A completely re-imagined bad old boozer that’s retained its charm despite theatrical new threads. Come for a pot by all means, but there’s also decent wine by the glass, a blackboard cocktail list and big Middle-Eastern flavours at the bar or in the dining room. Picnic style tables on the footpath outside are perfect for taking in Gertrude St.
reviewed
-
N
Skycity Darwin
On Mindil Beach, this is Darwin’s flashy casino complex, with accommodation and three restaurants and all the card tables, roulette wheels and pokie machines you need – all the tools to help you lose your shirt (or win your fortune). To ensure you have a shirt to lose there’s a dress code, which means no singlets, thongs or scruffy clothing.
reviewed
-
O
Exeter
The best pub in the city, this legendary boozer attracts a kooky mix of post-work, punk and uni drinkers, shaking the day off their backs. Pull up a stool or a table in the grungy beer garden ( sooo much better without the smokers) and settle in for the evening. Music most nights; curry nights Wednesday and Thursday.
reviewed
-
P
Deck Bar
Wash down delicious Asian, Moroccan and European offerings with a selection from the excellent range of wines, many available by the glass, or the 20-odd ales on tap. The lubricated chatter out on the expansive wooden deck is about the latest mobile phones, the boss, the property market or the Deck's first-rate coffee.
reviewed
-
Q
Palms on Oxford
No one admits to coming here, but the lengthy queues prove them liars. In this underground dance bar, the heyday of Stock Aitken Waterman never ended. It may be uncool, but if you don’t scream when Kylie hits the turntables you’ll be the only one.
reviewed
-
R
Worldsend Hotel
In Hindley St, grunge and sleaze collide with student energy, and groovy bars sit amid adult bookshops and strip joints. Here you'll find student hangouts like the Worldsend Hotel (which also serves bar meals) and the cool, ambient Supermild Lounge Bar.
reviewed
-
S
Union Club Hotel
A die-hard local swimming in earthy good vibes, and happy chatter from the relaxed indie crowd. The large curved bar is one of Melbourne’s best spots to park it, the food is good honest pub nosh and the beer garden is lazy Sunday begging on a hot day.
reviewed
-
T
Fumo Blu
A hip, 50s-style underground cigar bar/club with a tropical fish tank, super-dry martinis and Moët by the glass. If that don't tickle your fancy, try the house signature cocktail 'Blue Smoke'. Oh, and dress to impress - no jeans in here.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
U
Tivoli
International artists such as Nick Cave and Noel Gallagher have graced the stage at this elegant, old art deco venue built in the early 20th century. Hosting a range of touring acts, you’re likely to see quality comedy here, too.
reviewed
-
V
Grace Emily
The ‘Gracie’ has live music most nights, featuring up-and-coming Australian acts. Inside it’s all kooky ’50s-meets-voodoo decor, open fires and great beers. Cult cinema Tuesday nights. Look for the UFO on the roof.
reviewed
-
W
Hula Bula Bar
You'll feel like you're back on Gilligan's Island in this tiny Polynesian-themed bar, decked out in bamboo, palm leaves and tikis.
reviewed
-
X
Queensland Performing Arts Centre
Blockbuster musicals, orchestral performances, dance and other theatre is staged at this colossal centre. There are four world-class concert venues for everything from French ballet to Chicago.
reviewed
-
Y
Archer
A cool place for SA wines and microbrews, with a jovial big-screen front bar, snooker room, music room (weekend DJs), and fireside lounge with chesterfields. Classy pub food too (mains $15 to $25).
reviewed