Raise A Glass At The 8 Best Bars In Townsville

Townsville/Gurambilbarra might be known for its reef, its sunshine and that ever-iconic Castle Hill, but when it comes to after-dark drinks, this city knows how to bring the fun. Pick your poison: rooftop bars with sweeping sea views, beachside spots with live tunes, or moody inner-city joints that could give any capital city a run for its money.

Here at Urban List, we’ve done the hard yards (someone had to) and sampled our fair share of bars. So, it’s safe to say we know what makes for a top-notch sesh. Below, we’ve rounded up the very best Townsville bars for a cold one in the tropics.

Splash Bar

Sir Leslie Thiess Drive, Townsville City

Image credit: The Ville | Instagram

As soon as we heard the words ‘swim-up bar’, we were sold. Splash Bar at The Ville Resort is a poolside paradise, complete with an infinity-edge pool, private cabanas, and tropical cocktails served straight to your lounger. Not staying at the hotel? Grab a pool day pass with a food and beverage credit and keep the drinks coming without even leaving the water.

Copper Bar & Grill

8/10 Palmer Street, South Townsville

Copper Bar & Grill is smack bang in the middle of Palmer Street’s buzzing dining precinct, decked out in elegant emerald-green interiors so pretty you'll want to stay for another round. Sip on signature cocktails such as the Copper Colada or Reef Juice, or go for a classic (they can even do an espresso martini three ways: classic, nutty or vintage). And if hunger strikes? The prime ribeye with crispy chips is well worth a detour from the drinks menu.

Ardo Rooftop

45 Sir Leslie Thiess Drive, Townsville CBD

Image credit: Ardo | Instagram

If you like your cocktails with a side of ocean vistas, Ardo Rooftop has your name all over it. Perched atop the new luxury hotel, every aspect of the bar and eatery has been carefully designed to maximise the postcard-worthy views of the Coral Sea. The menu reflects the coastal surroundings—indulge in hot and cold tapas like mezze plates, burrata, fried calamari and flatbread pizzettes. You would be remiss not to try the Pearl Summer cocktail with Malfy Rosa gin, Moscato, popping pearls and lychee. 

The TapHouse

383 Flinders Street, Townsville CBD

Ultra-cool meets ultra beer-y at The TapHouse, where you can sample more hops than you can poke a stick at. Deceptively tasty tapas and bar-style snacks are on offer which absolutely fly out when this place is packed—which is each and every weekend like clockwork so be sure to have your ducks in a row when venturing in. 

Osk Bar 

1/46 Gregory Street, North Ward

Image credit: Osk Bar | Instagram

Ok, this is the spot where you take your friend who for some reason has just recently gotten really into mixology. Dark and moody, Osk Bar is the cream of the cocktail crop. For starters, there's an 11-page visual menu which we think should be the standard everywhere. Our go-to is the mint slice (for obvious reasons) but trust us when we say there's no way you won't find something up your alley. 

Hooch & Fellow

81 Flinders Street, Townsville CBD

It's not every day you see a cocktail bar with such a unanimous 5-star rating. The day you do see that though is today, for none other than Hooch & Fellow. An established local fave, Hooch & Fellow is the Townsville bar where you’ll discover your next favourite cocktail. You can enjoy the $10 classic cocktail menu on a Wednesday night with confidence they know exactly what they're doing, when it comes to shaking up tipples that will have you licking your lips in satisfaction.

Heritage Exchange

151 Flinders Street, Townsville

How about three bars in one epic venue? Set inside the beautifully restored 1880s Exchange Hotel, Heritage Exchange spans a sprawling 900 square metres of pure good times. Sip house-distilled spirits in the whiskey bar, groove to live jazz or DJs in the piano bar, or graze on share plates with mates in the rum garden. Equal parts classy and cool, it’s easy to see why this spot is a certified Townsville CBD favourite.

Rambutan Rooftop Bar

113-119 Flinders Street, Townsville CBD

Image credit: Rambutan Townsville | Instagram

About as luxe as it gets, Rambutan Rooftop Bar can only be described as an inner-city oasis. This gem has undoubtedly the best views of the Ross River and the Flinders Street restaurant and nightlife precinct below. You can soak all of this up from all sorts of both covered and fully outdoor areas with Mediterranean-style ambience and a luscious pool. There's a spread and a half of options to chow down on and icy, ICY cold versions of your favourite bev.

Hero image credit: Splash Bar | Website