Welcome to Townsville, where a wide variety of bars that cater to all tastes and preferences bring the city’s dynamic nightlife to life. Townsville’s pub culture has something to offer everyone, whether you’re a resident looking for a new hangout or a visitor looking for a fun night out. This tropical city in North Queensland is home to some of the best bars in Townsville, from chic cocktail lounges with talented mixologists to buzzing sports pubs showing the newest games. As we take you on a tour of Townsville’s elite venues that are sure to take your evening to new heights, get ready to be mesmerized by the combination of varied atmospheres, excellent drink selections, and kind hospitality.
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1. Heritage Exchange
| Best for | Elegance and quality |
| Menu | https://theheritagetownsville.com/ |
| Website | https://theheritagetownsville.com/ |
| Address | 151 Flinders St Townsville Q 4810 |
| Contact details | 0747241374 | [email protected] |
The Exchange Hotel, founded in 1881, and the Heritage brand’s longtime reputation for elegance and quality were combined when The Heritage Exchange debuted on 10 April 2015. Their goal is to offer a top-notch facility that respects the history of its surroundings and offers a memorable experience for all the right reasons.
What makes them stand out
- Elegance and quality
- Memorable experience
- Respects the history
Customer Reviews
A must-visit for any professionals looking for a cocktail to wind down on a Friday evening. Great atmosphere inside with live music and there is also a surprise rum garden where you can passively inhale cigarette smoke with colleagues.
2. Flynn Irish Bar
| Best for | A Cozy ambiance |
| Menu | https://www.flynnsbar.com.au/ |
| Website | https://www.flynnsbar.com.au/ |
| Address | 101FlindersStreet TownsvilleQueensland 4810 |
| Contact details | 07 4721 1655 | [email protected] |
Since 2001, Flynn Irish Bar has been open. It is housed in a 19th-century structure that once served as the Bank of NSW in Townsville and has a cozy ambiance and heritage appeal that you simply won’t find in a franchise Irish pub. Enter and have a look for yourself.
What makes them stand out
- Cozy ambiance
- Heritage appeal
- 19th-century structure
Customer Reviews
This pub may look a bit tired & uninviting, but, it exudes its own hidden magic once you set foot inside. Went to watch the Super 12 rugby 🏉 union “semi-finals” match…where I was greeted by happy/cheerful staff. The management provided me with the required program to watch, in a quiet atmosphere & had a substantial meal at a reasonable price. Great service all in all !!! 👌😊
3. The TapHouse
| Best for | Australia’s top craft beers |
| Menu | https://thetaphouse.com.au/ |
| Website | https://thetaphouse.com.au/ |
| Address | 373 Flinders Street, Townsville City Queensland 4810 |
| Contact details | 0747722301 | [email protected] |
Craft beer, delectable food, and a fun atmosphere are the focal points of The TapHouse Townsville. The TapHouse, a Townsville establishment, offers some of Australia’s top craft beers from independent brewers. Since our establishment in 2015, they have showcased more than 700 beers from independent breweries on their ten taps, which are continually rotated. Their bar offers share plates, a fantastic tapas menu, and a comprehensive international selection of bottled and canned craft beer, cider, and wine, and it has a laid-back, informal environment. They are close to the Queensland Country Bank Stadium, making them the ideal location for pre- and post-show refreshments.
What makes them stand out
- A fantastic tapas menu
- Craft beer, delectable food
- Showcased more than 700 beers
Customer Reviews
We visit TapHouse regularly. The food, wine, and staff are amazing. We often go with family and friends. Yesterday we enjoyed the sweet potato rosti, sourdough, and prawn tacos, everything was cooked to perfection. Thank you to Dave who always goes over and above🤩
4. The Ville
| Best for | Views of Magnetic Island |
| Menu | https://www.the-ville.com.au/dining/quarterdeck/ |
| Website | https://www.the-ville.com.au/dining/quarterdeck/ |
| Address | Sir Leslie Thiess Drive Townsville QLD 4810 |
| Contact details | 61 7 4722 2333 | [email protected] |
Daytime informal dining outdoors. play area at night. Greetings from Quarterdeck, a restaurant, bar, and icon. Providing some of Townsville’s best views of Magnetic Island while serving cocktails, dreams, and good times. Find your paradise at The Ville, whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or a sustained period of isolation. A calm, tropical setting with top-notch cuisine and hotel accommodations designed for leisure travelers. The ideal playground for your fantasy vacation in Townsville, North Queensland, Australia’s breathtaking natural setting
What makes them stand out
- Top-notch cuisine
- Best views of Magnetic Island
- Bar with modern architecture
Customer Reviews
Poor old Townsville always gets a bit of bashing as the country cousin by its near neighbors Cairns but really that is a bit hard to take. This property has the best location on either side and with a busy casino, clientele does a great job providing a high level of service-not 5 Star but a solid 4 Star performance.
5. Longboard Bar & Grill
| Best for | The Beach, beer, and surf-themed bar |
| Menu | http://www.longboardbarandgrill.com/ |
| Website | http://www.longboardbarandgrill.com/ |
| Address | The Strand Headlands 80 Gregory St, Townsville QLD 4810 |
| Contact details | 61747241234 | [email protected] |
On Sunday, March 4, 2012, the Longboard Bar & Grill in Townsville, North Queensland, officially opened for business. It is a beach, beer, and surf-themed bar and grill with 250 seats. Longboard is positioned atop the Headland of the Strand, which faces Cleveland Bay and Magnetic Island. The perfect restaurant is ultimately where the bar and the drink come together.
Chris and Anthony, the two owners of Longboard, have worked in the hospitality business for more than 40 years. Chris, a native of the United States, founded Longboard with the intention of letting Townsville take advantage of the lovely Strand setting while also enjoying fantastic cuisine and drinks. Both proprietors have traveled extensively and offer a wealth of experiences to Longboard, which is reflected in the ambiance, cuisine, and beverages.
What makes them stand out
- Beach, beer, and surf-themed bar
- Experience
- Lovely Strand setting while also enjoying fantastic cuisine and drinks
Customer Reviews
This is our 2nd visit to Longboard and won’t be our last. I love their menu and had a great table overlooking the ocean. The food came out super quick and all cooked perfectly. Good beer selection also.
6. C Bar
| Best for | waterfront views |
| Menu | https://www.cbar.com.au/ |
| Website | https://www.cbar.com.au/ |
| Address | Gregory Street Headlands Townsville QLD 4810 |
| Contact details | (07) 4724 0333 | [email protected] |
Boasting absolute waterfront views of the famous Magnetic Island and offers superb cuisine and drink from breakfast to evening, located on the coral sea. Welcome to paradise, cbar. C Bar is a busy and modern restaurant that seamlessly mixes the comfort of a cozy café with the buzz of a bar. It is situated in the center of Townsville. The stylish interior and welcoming atmosphere of C Bar make it the perfect place for residents and visitors to unwind and socialize. Customers can choose from a variety of mouthwatering menu items, including savory tapas, gourmet sandwiches, and fresh salads, all of which are skilfully prepared using top-notch ingredients. Along with its delectable food offerings, C Bar offers a wide range of drinks, from aromatic coffees to expertly chosen wines and specialty cocktails. C Bar guarantees a memorable and pleasurable experience for everyone, whether they are looking for a leisurely brunch, an evening drink, or a casual get-together with friends.
What makes them stand out
- Waterfront views
- Located on the coral sea
- Views of the famous Magnetic Island
Customer Reviews
Great location for a birthday celebration dinner. We were a group of 16 ranging in age from 4 to 74. Beautiful views from the deck overlooking the Townsville Strand and Magnetic Island. Amazing menu catering to all tastes and budgets from burgers & chips to seafood platters. Highly recommend the whole fish for two and the peach & passion cocktail. Seemed a little short-staffed on the night we were there but the small team of the wait staff was friendly, attentive, and organized. Would love to go back for a romantic dinner for two. The atmosphere with the fairy lights and the moon rising over the ocean was really special.
7. Bayview Bar & Bistro
| Best for | Breathtaking and enjoyable family vacations with views |
| Menu | https://www.bayviewbarandbistro.com.au |
| Website | https://www.bayviewbarandbistro.com.au |
| Address | 69 Palmer Street Townsville QLD 4810 |
| Contact details | 61 488 046 294 | [email protected] |
Situated next to Ross Creek on the busy Palmer Street. With a breathtaking and enjoyable family vacation with views of the water. The best place to be is at Bayview Bar & Bistro. Bayview Bar & Bistro offers guests a fantastic eating experience and is located along the scenic Townsville beachfront. This institution, which has amazing panoramic views of the bay from its prime beachside location, exudes calm and warmth. The interior is attractively decorated with contemporary furnishings to give guests a relaxing and chic environment. The menu at Bayview Bar and Bistro is extensive and offers a variety of delicious meals produced using products that are sourced locally. The restaurant takes great pleasure in its culinary ability. The cuisine has something for everyone, from delectable seafood to tantalizing grilled meats and vegetarian options. A memorable dining experience in Townsville is guaranteed at Bayview Bar and Bistro thanks to its flawless service, breathtaking views, and outstanding cuisine.
What makes them stand out
- Breathtaking and enjoyable family vacation with views
- Enjoy with family
- Situated on busy streets
Customer Reviews
The great location with a variety of tap beer selections. The food was great and nicely presented especially arancini and halloumi skewers. Amazing service even though they are in a rush. Highly recommended & see you soon.
8. Empire Alternacade and Events
| Best for | Underground alternative arcade |
| Menu | https://www.empiretownsville.com.au/ |
| Website | https://www.empiretownsville.com.au/ |
| Address | Basement Level, 409 Flinders Street, Townsville City, 4810, QLD |
| Contact details | 0421657343 | [email protected] |
Established in 2018, the Empire is an underground alternative arcade located on flinders street in Townsville. townsville’s #1 bar & arcade | 18+ only | open til midnight, every night | free entry. They are all about cool music, cool games, and even cooler beverages. Visit us to experience it for yourself.
What makes them stand out
- Cool Music
- Arcade
- Underground alternative arcade
Customer Reviews
Places like this are what puts Townsville on the map. I have been to this place on numerous occasions with a range of different friends and it has never disappointed me. The staff is friendly, helpful and efficient. The games provide excellent entertainment if you’re with a group or riding solo. Generally, the atmosphere is buzzing and alive, and everyone is sociable/ approachable. It caters to young and old. The drinks are also on point. If you’re a resident here or touring through, I would recommend making this a place to visit or your weekly local. Enjoy!
9. Shawand and Co.
| Best for | The menu features delectable modern Australian |
| Menu | https://www.shawandco.com.au/ |
| Website | https://www.shawandco.com.au/ |
| Address | City Lane Flinders Street Townsville, QLD |
| Contact details | (07)47210585 | [email protected] |
Join the meatheads for any occasion in the reinvigorated city lane dining precinct. a completely unique feel and atmosphere are provided by the original early 1900s exposed brick and rustic finishings, old school music, and warm lighting. The meat for their famous steaks is hand-selected by their head chef, Alex, and is always prepared to your specifications for taste and tenderness. If you’re not in the mood for a steak right now, their supplemental menu features delectable modern Australian cuisine including fresh fish, various meats, and pasta along with notable vegetarian and vegan options.
What makes them stand out
- Menu features delectable modern Australian
- Famous steaks
- Original early 1900’s
Customer Reviews
We were staying on Flinders Street, for one night, following a holiday on Magnetic Island. Really impressed with the food and the service. Although don’t think the waitress had come across a wine bottle with a cork in it before, and how to get it out, after a number of attempts, succeeded. Good atmosphere.
10. Bridgewater Q
| Best for | Waterfront settings and provides spectacular views of Castle Hill |
| Menu | https://www.bridgewaterq.com.au/ |
| Website | https://www.bridgewaterq.com.au/ |
| Address | 2/2 Dibbs Street, Townsville QLD 4810 |
| Contact details | [email protected] | 4420 4000 |
The venue, which is situated on the banks of Ross Creek, enjoys its waterfront setting and provides spectacular views of Castle Hill and Melton Hill. Bridgewater, run by renowned chefs Tyron Samuel and Matt Merrin, will reinvent dining in Townsville by introducing something exciting and novel for visitors to enjoy. Learn more about their quaint restaurant, which will provide a warm setting and a unique eating experience. Canapés and champagne are served at a glamorous wedding, to a fantastic sit-down events with multiple dishes that are expertly paired with the wine that goes with them. You can also get a drink at the bar and relax in the beautiful, modern space while admiring the breathtaking views and energetic ambiance of Townsville’s newest, most fashionable waterfront restaurant and bar.
What makes them stand out
- Fashionable waterfront restaurant and bar
- Views of Castle Hill and Melton Hill
- Energetic ambiance
Customer Reviews
While on holiday visiting friends, we enjoyed an incredible dining experience complimented by exceptional service and a wonderful wine list. The river views added to our experience. Highly recommended!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Townsville’s bright attitude and unwavering dedication to offering top-notch experiences to residents and guests alike are exemplified by the city’s vibrant pub scene. There are numerous bars to pick from, each with its own distinct personality and menu, so there is something to suit every preference and state of mind. The best bar in Townsville provides an amazing night out, whether you’re sipping handcrafted cocktails in a chic lounge or rooting for your team in a buzzing sports bar. So raise your glass and enjoy the lively ambiance, delectable cocktails, and welcoming company that this tropical haven has to offer. Cheers to the Best Bars of Townsville!