Melbourne, Australia by night
by Bill Grant,
With summer almost coming to an end, why not make the most of the warmer weather and organise a weekend away in Melbourne? Considered to be the culinary and cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne is the perfect location for a trip away with friends. After a long day of sight seeing, you can relax knowing that you have a huge selection of fantastic bars to grab a nice long beer. Melbourne’s bar scene is continually on the increase with new and exciting bars being established with interesting themes, great locations and a wide selection of beers to choose from. So get your friends together, organise your TravelGuard trip insurance, get on the plane and come to where the beer is good!
The Local Taphouse
Located in St Kilda, The Local Taphouse is a fun and relaxed pub owned by two beer enthusiasts, Steve Jeffares and Guy Greenstone. They sell a wide range of local and international craft beers with over 350 different beers rotating on tap. 184 Carlisle Street, St Kilda.
Bimbo Delux
The Bimbo name is infamous in Melbourne as their well-priced beer and $4 pizza specials can’t be beaten. A recent upgrade to include a rooftop courtyard and regular entertainment gives even more reason to spend your afternoon/ entire day at Bimbos. Crn Brunswick and Rose Streets, Fitzroy.
Riverland
On a sunny afternoon, what better way to spend your time with a refreshing beer on the banks of the Yarra? Riverland is located down from Princes Bridge away from Federation Square and brings together suits, hipsters, tourists and families at their relaxed outdoor seating area. 1-9 Federation Wharf, CBD.
The Croft Institute
Part science laboratory, part ladies’ ablution blocks, part gymnasium with roll-out turf bar, the Croft Institute is certainly an entertaining place to grab a beer. Located in a small alleyway in Chinatown, their main focus is their cocktail menu but they assure you their beer is cold. 21 Croft Alley, CBD.
Rooftop Bar
Located on top of the seven storey Curtain House, the Rooftop Bar is one of the most popular hangouts during the summer. Come here for spectacular views over the CBD while you sip your beer, and why not stay for their rooftop cinema. 6/252 Swanston Street.
Section 8
Located within a deserted car park and constructed mostly from large shipping containers, this is definitely one of Melbourne’s more ‘alternative’ bars. Grab a seat on a packing crate, keep warm in winter next to the one of the massive gas burners and groove the night away listening to some in-house tunes from a local DJ. 27 Tattersal Lane, CBD.
James Squire
For a quality and reliable Australian brew, the James Squire name is always a sure bet. Great hand crafted beers, tasty pub grub and waterfront location, it is a great place for a fun night out with your friends. 16-17, 439 Docklands Drive, Waterfront City, Docklands.
Still can’t decide? Why not download an iPhone application such as the Best Melbourne Pubs & Bars app that will provide you with information on over 200 bars in the city.
