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The 11 best waterfront bars in Sydney

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If you are interested in having a cool spot to enjoy the best of bars in Sydney then why not visit the best of waterfront bars and have a drink near the blue waters and cool breeze. These bars are located between the harbour, the coastline and the rivers that snake back through Sydney with great seating arrangements watching the waves, sipping some awesome drinks with seaside snacks.

Here are the best 11 waterfront bars giving an exotic water view and wonderful drinks.

1. Hacienda Bar Sydney

61 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Located within the Circular Quay hotel, Hacienda you can experience Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour’s new vista bar.

In the luxurious atmosphere you will enjoy the panoramic views of the city and Sydney Harbour and enjoy variety of drink menus using Cuban flavours and slinging cocktails which include classic ingredients like banana, guava and custard apple. The Tropical Sour – banana-infused Encanto pisco, Tío Pepe sherry, lime and honey — sounds especially tasty, as is the Old Smoked Presidente: a concoction of aged rum, orange curacao, dry vermouth, house-spiced raspberry syrup and Angostura bitters. The bar also has an impressive stock of rum and American whiskey for those looking for something neat.

The food offering, curated by Executive Chef Stefan Brademann, complement the drinks and have a Cuban-American flare. Fusion dishes like the yuka fries, buttermilk fried chicken and a pork neck mojo will sit on the menu alongside a Cubano-Reuben hybrid and burgers galore. The menu will be balanced between bar snacks and more substantial dishes to accommodate for anything from nibbling patrons to hangry ones.

2. Coogee Pavilion

169 Dolphin St, Coogee NSW 2034, Australia

Coogee Pavilion Rooftop is a local oasis where guests can enjoy sensational Mediterranean-influenced food, great company and an unrivalled view of the breathtaking Coogee shoreline. This bar houses pizzas, burgers and Mediterranean fare over 3 floors, with a rooftop terrace and a games arena.

It caters to a wide range of tastes and occasions, whether you're fresh off the beach and ready for a snack, or out with friends and looking for cocktails at sunset. As said above this bar has the Rooftop houses four indoor and outdoor bars each with its own exotic flair. Choose to bask among overflowing greenery or dine surrounded by mismatched Moroccan tiles. Whichever bar you choose, be sure to order from the Mediterranean menu developed by Executive Chef Jordan Toft and packed with lip-smacking flavours.

3. The Newport

2 Kalinya St, Newport NSW 2106, Australia

Set on the stunning shores of Pittwater, The Newport is a vibrant gathering place for all ages. Nestled amongst idyllic gardens, and incorporating various outdoor dining spaces and bars, the sprawling grounds include areas perfect for whiling the day and night away. Crafted by Executive Chef Sebastien Lutaud, and pizza maestro Vincenzo Biondini, The Newport's diverse marketplace of food experiences include Australian grass-fed beef burgers, ever-classic fish and chips, wood-fired pizzas, and a wide range of fresh salads. As well as an extensive wine, beer and cocktail list, fresh juices, smoothies, milkshakes, and freshly-brewed coffee by Sydney roasters Will & Co. It is one of the most iconic venues in the country, The Newport is a historic destination that embraces the natural beauty of The Northern beaches and the generous spirit of the local community.

4. The Island

The Island is Australia's first floating, open-air beach bar. It is fully licensed and boasts day beds, VIP cabanas and beach chairs. Access is by water taxi only and you'll need to book ahead for their weekend beach club parties. This bar fuses European beach club culture and 5-star service with an iconic Australian backdrop. With The Island’s professional crew, you will be escorted to the venue via their private 48-seat water taxi and courtesy boats. These are on call for the duration of every function and enables you to come and go as they please.

5. Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel

1 Military Rd, Watsons Bay NSW 2030, Australia

Here you can enjoy spectacular harbour views as you enjoy a relaxed long lunch or sunset dinner at Beach Club. Inspiration for the menu comes from their close proximity to the sea as well as the chefs dedication and passion for fresh seasonal produce and quality seafood. No matter how large or small the occasion there’s always a feast of delicious food awaiting you. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. The hotel sits right against the water's edge so there's nothing between you and panoramic views of the harbour and city skyline except a row of neat dinghies and the odd potted palm.

6. Icebergs Dining Room and Bar

1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia

With a drinks list that includes both the freshness of seasonally changing cocktails and the integrity of classic twists on old favourites, Icebergs Bar is all about unwinding and taking in the unique views and lifestyle that make Australia’s Eastern Suburbs so unforgettable. The Bar combines handcrafted food, drinks and music, serving them up in an informal and comfortable atmosphere. The result is an elegant mix of sandy, sunny Australian views and classic Italian style. Relax with a casual bite or chat to the bar tender to find the right cocktail for your mood, because whatever you are toasting to, there’s a drink to suit the occasion, and life to be enjoyed.

7. The Bucket List Bar and Eatery

Bondi Pavilion, 1 Queen Elizabeth Dr, Sydney NSW 2026, Australia

It's really all about jugs of Pimms and buckets of prawns here. The sprawling restaurant and bar is about as close as you'll get to St Tropez' Club 55 and a Paris Hilton Champagne shower on the eastern beaches. It's right on the promenade where families of well-heeled Bondi dwellers mingle among guys in low V tees and even lower slung shorts, with their hats sitting so askew you wonder how it stays on. It's definitely a daytime venue. Groups of French and Japanese tourists lounge and nap in deck chairs out the front while inside, the restaurant offers beachside retreat with a capital to get involved and tick it off your Bucket List.

8. Opera Bar

Sydney Opera House, Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Situated right by the waters edge, Opera Bar is often described as the best beer garden in the world. Be swept away by the panoramic views of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, CBD and beautiful Harbour. Whether it’s breakfast, a lazy lunch, a pre show dinner date or simply a cocktail; Opera Bar is truly perfect for any occasion.

Curated by the renowned Chef Matt Moran, the menu offers a wide range of options, appealing to all palates. Enjoy breakfast 7 days a week; watch as chefs shuck fresh oysters at the Raw Bar; indulge in locally sourced cheeses and meats sliced to order in the Meat & Cheese Room; or simply choose a meal off on All Day Menu.

Inspired by fresh seasonal produce, Opera Bar’s cocktail list is updated quarterly to ensure that your taste buds are constantly tantalized. You can try their signature cocktail Sydney Sling: west winds sabre gin, pomegranate, fresh lime, mint, bitters, soda. The wine list boasts grapes from all over the world, and if beer is your preference, you can’t go past the very own Opera Bar Organic Pale Ale.

9. Manly Wharf Hotel

East Esplanade, Manly Wharf NSW 2095, Australia

It’s not hard to see why the Manly Wharf Hotel is obscenely popular. There’s just something about drinking with harbour views that makes everything seem a little brighter. This expansive hotel is set right down on the ferry wharf and takes full advantage of its location.

10. Cruise Bar

Circular Quay W, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

This bar has a stunning setting, both day and night, and this multipurpose venue suits all occasions. As a working Cruise Ship terminal, Cruise Bar is the ideal place to watch the majestic ships set sail into the sunset. The total capacity of 400 persons this bar is fully furnished featuring ottomans, daybeds, high tables, heating, air-con and display decor.

11. Bavarian Bier Cafe

Manly Wharf, 2-5 E Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095, Australia

At Manly Wharf, this Bavarian Bier Café is a great place for a sneaky beverage if you’re waiting for your ferry, or simply just a great place to settle in for an afternoon session. The main focus here may be swinging steins, but you can’t beat a giant pretzel. Twice the size of Germany and studded with fat salt crystals, they’re the perfect combination of salty-sweet to go with your drink.

Housing up to 450 guests cocktail style, Bavarian Bier Café Manly Wharf is a spectacular waterfront location in the heart of Manly. Perfect for cocktail events or dinner bookings, it is situated right on Manly Wharf, so easily accessible by public transport. Best yet, the sea breeze and ample indoor/outdoor entertaining areas make this venue the ideal place to sit back and enjoy one of the 20 Pure Biers or a glass of bubbles. Also there is an indoor fireplace where you can stay inside to avoid cold if you wish to.

Added on 19 May 2017 - 12:52