6 Best Bars in Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

Townsville's historic post office now houses this sociable gastropub, which serves upmarket, bistro-style meals and boutique beers brewed on-site. The owners have combined modern finishes with the building's original design, incorporating old post-office fittings, such as the main bar, once the stamp counter, to create a venue with character and polish.

Popular with visitors and locals alike, this sleek bar-lounge off the main foyer of The Reef Hotel Casino has live bands (including big-name acts) and great atmosphere. Get a table early and enjoy a quiet drink and some tapas before the crowds pile in.

Wall-papered walls and a glorious wood-topped bar create a relaxed vibe at this discreet watering hole. It serves fine Australian wines, classic cocktails, and customized “grazing boards” to a sophisticated, largely local crowd. A long, well chosen wine list has plenty of fine Aussie vintages by the glass. Sit in air-conditioned comfort or on the shady patio and chill out to jazz while you tipple and graze.

Located on the water in the Cruise Liner Terminal, Hemingway's Brewery is in a historic building, has a relaxed vibe, and there's plenty of room for families or groups to spread out. Enjoy Trinity Inlet views over one of the eight in-house beers on tap. There is also a classic food menu featuring local produce served in burgers and salads, or on pizzas, for those who want something to pair with their pale ale. It's a fun venue with lovely views and good beers.

A prime waterside location and a big, breezy deck draw an upbeat, mixed crowd to The Pier Bar. They flock here for wood-fired pizzas, well-priced drinks, and laid-back Sunday sessions with live music and DJs. The bar gets noisier, younger, and more crowded as the night wears on, but service is friendly and food is palatable, even when the bar’s jam-packed.

Dominating Townsville's waterfront, this high-rise casino-hotel complex is an entertainment hub, containing a luxury hotel, six on-site restaurants and bars, performance space featuring regular live shows, and more than 370 slot machines and 20-plus gaming tables. If you choose to stay over, the 194-room hotel has well-appointed rooms, suites, and a two-bedroom apartment.