10 best Aussie beach bars

Wind down after a day of surf and sand at these groovy bars                               

Who said Melbourne doesn't have beaches? Republica makes the top 10, but where does it rank?

With thousands of beaches along the coastline, locals and travelers are always searching for that perfect strand.

And as temperatures soar and visits to the beach with friends become more frequent, that perfection often includes a watering hole for a cold one.

Australia must really be the lucky country. Many beaches have bars right next to them.

So you can roll up that towel or sarong and grab a drink, if you'd like. Here are the best 10, from coast to coast.

10. Cottesloe Beach Hotel, West Australia

Drinkers in Perth have a distinct advantage when drinking a sundowner.Sandgropers have a big advantage over those on the eastern seaboard. When they enjoy a sundowner, they see an oceanic sun set.

It ducks behind Rottnest Island before being swallowed by the Indian Ocean’s horizon.

For the last century, locals have been ending beach days at Cottesloe Beach Hotel, alongside Perth’s iconic beach.

There are three lively bars. The Craft Beer Bar accommodates discerning tastes. Upmarket winers and diners go for the Verandah Bar and casual diners the Garden Bar.

If you enjoy the view so much you have a few too many, there are 13 rooms here to rest your drunken head.

Cottesloe Beach Hotel, 104 Marine Parade, Cottesloe, +61 (0)8 9383 1100, www.cottesloebeachhotel.com.au

9. North Bondi Italian, New South Wales

A versatile space that can be a pick-up joint, restaurant or loud bar.North Bondi is where the beautiful hang: from the gay brigade to young families, you can be whoever you want -- as long as you’re beautiful.

North Bondi Italian has in recent years become a local institution. When the beautiful people are finished being beautiful on the beach, they take a few steps up the hill to the bar.

North Bondi Italian overlooks Bondi Beach and gets the best of a summer sunset (albeit over Bellevue Hill).

It serves a range of wines, cocktails and bottled beer that is the preferred choice of trendsetters.

A DJ spins funky tunes and if you’re hungry, the Italian-style tapas, seafood and fusions are among the city’s best.

It’s cool, it’s hip and it’s (obviously) beautiful.

118-120 Ramsgate Ave., North Bondi, +61 (0)2 9300 4400, www.idrb.com.au/northbondi/

8. Surf Club Kurrawa, Queensland

Is that a shark in the water? Oh, sorry, it's a flag.What started as a club to save lives now attracts 23,000 visitors per month.

It's located on that long stretch of sand that includes many beaches -- Surfers Paradise being but one --called the Gold Coast.

The refurbished bar that overlooks the Pacific Ocean jams it up with live entertainment, bistro food and that oh-so-important selection of beers on tap (remember, this is Queensland).

While the Burleigh Heads pub is also worth a brewski, the Surf Club Karrawa is pretty easy to reach from anywhere on the Goldie.

Surf Club Karrawa, Old Burleigh Head Road, Broadbeach, +61 (0)7 5527 5660, www.surfclubkurrawa.com.au

7. Republica, St Kilda, Victoria

A good spot to hang around.OK, let’s sing it again, Mr. Paul Kelly. “I’ll give you all of Sydney Harbour, all that land and all that water, for that one sweet promenade.”

And who said bays weren’t as beautiful as coastal beaches, anyway?

The hanging seats at Republica have an uninterrupted view of the thin strip of sand, imported palms and piers that are St Kilda Beach.

Sit back, relax and people-watch in plush surroundings.

The contemporary cuisine has produce from the surf and turf, including shared plates and pizzas under $20, in a menu with Asian and Italian regional influences.

That funky and hip vibe on the always-busy promenade is typical of why Melbourne’s so cool.

Occasionally there are waves on the beach, too: when a boat goes past.

Republica, St Kilda Sea Baths, 10-18 Jacka Blvd., St Kilda, +61 (0)3 8598 9055, www.republica.net.au

6. Bacchus Bar, Henley's Beach, South Australia

"Yes, darling, I rang ahead to make sure our table had a flower."Named after the Greek God of food, wine and debauchery, you could be in for such a time at this beachfront bar.
Located 10 kilometers west of Adelaide, views of the St. Vincent Gulf from Henley's Beach means there’s also a backdrop to all the fun.
The bistro draws upon the great local meats, seafoods and produce and South Australians don't have to look too far for a good drop of wine, either. An imported wine menu is also there, just in case.