• The Barbershop, Sydney
• Jazz Cellar, Perth
• Bar Rochford, Canberra
• The Wild Rover, Sydney
• Beneath Driver Lane, Melbourne
• Sneaky Tony’s, Perth
• Papa Gede’s, Sydney
• Stitch Bar, Sydney
• Earl’s Juke Joint, Sydney
• The Soda Factory, Sydney
• Door Knock, Sydney
• Goldilocks Bar, Melbourne
• Pizza Pizza Pizza
• Above Board Melbourne
• The Cumberland Sydney
• Trinket Bar, Melbourne
• The Baxter Inn, Sydney
• Maybe Mae, Adelaide
• Eau-De-Vie, Sydney
• Bar Messenger, Sydney
• Conclusion

From Sydney’s unmarked cocktail lounges to Melbourne’s speakeasy-style dens, here is 20 best hidden bars in Australia, it’s all about finding your vibe and enjoying a carefully crafted drink. These camouflaged beauties combine artistic vibes with exceptional hospitality, and are well worth hunting down.

From speakeasy-style lounges to quirky, themed spaces, these hidden bars offer an unexpected escape from the typical nightlife offerings. Look forward to everything from high-end cocktails to creative food and drink menus that wow and amaze.

Most of these places conceal themselves behind unadvertised entrances and back-alley passageways. Finding these surprising hidden entrances is half the fun, giving it a delightful sense of whimsy!

Are you planning to visit Australia soon? Perhaps you’re simply looking for an unforgettable evening? Which hidden bars in Australia do you think are best to visit next?

1. The Barbershop, Sydney

The Barbershop in Sydney takes that idea a step further. This bar provides the perfect marriage of grooming and gin, boasting more than 700 gin varieties. Opened in 2013, the speakeasy-style gin bar is concealed behind a functioning barbershop.

This dynamic arrangement makes for a stylish, yet practical, hybrid space. The award-winning cocktails are stellar too, and served in a laid-back yet elegant atmosphere. Our friendly staff are excited to assist you in navigating their deep selection.

Founded by a crew of Sydney hospitality veterans, the bar’s like a warm hug of vintage charm. Don’t miss their legendary Sazerac, served up at their stunning long timber bar. Even with all the hype, the unusual entrance still builds anticipation.

2. Jazz Cellar, Perth

Jazz Cellar features live jazz with a full menu of classic cocktails. Slip in through a glamorous velvet-rope entrance at Rear 101 St Georges Terrace.

Descend through fancy wrought-iron doors into a warm, intimate, bohemian room that just feels like home. An ideal setting for romantic date nights, the bar features local jazz bands every Friday, transporting listeners back to 1920s swing culture.

Tuesdays are $1 gourmet hotdogs, Sundays feature Bloody Marys garnished with mini burgers. With about 150 different cocktails created over the years, the ever-changing menu will never cease to amaze.

With Jukebox Thursdays continuing on, the spirit lives on, helping to maintain exciting nightlife and close connection with the artists that call Perth home.

3. Bar Rochford, Canberra

Bar Rochford features a long wine list and a great selection of cocktails made with seasonal ingredients. It’s the home of frequently-acclaimed food, receiving one hat in the 2023 Good Food Guide. Nick Smith, and has become a cornerstone of Canberra’s vibrant nightlife scene.

The venue attracts cosmopolitan Canberrans to its high-energy but elegant vibe. The decor, an artful mix of modern elegance with bohemian flair, creates a beautiful atmosphere and is the perfect backdrop for fun, themed events that bring even more fun.

Highlights include share plates crafted to pair perfectly with drinks, making it a top choice for a sophisticated night out. Heralded as ‘the best bar in Australia’, it’s perfect for romantic evenings or casual meet-ups.

4. The Wild Rover, Sydney

The Wild Rover in Sydney has brought a touch of the Irish pub experience to the heart of the CBD. With an extensive selection of craft beers, whiskies, and cocktails, it’s a drinkers paradise.

The rustic decor, cozy seating, and warm lighting make for a comfortable atmosphere, ideal for winding down after a long day. Trivia nights, live music, and multiple screens for live sports keep the place jumping, particularly on weekends.

Traditional Irish fare, as well as burgers and sandwiches, go great with whatever you choose to drink. A go-to for happy hour or getting together with friends, it’s the kind of place where casual fun and a great time with good company comes easily.

5. Beneath Driver Lane, Melbourne

Beneath Driver Lane adds a speakeasy-inspired, tucked-away allure to Melbourne’s impressive nightlife scene. Nestled in an alleyway off Little Bourke Street, the unassuming entrance heightens the feeling of exclusivity.

Inside, get in the mood for adventure with creative cocktails to complement a thoughtfully curated list of more than 300 French wines. Their marinated olives, French bread, and locally inspired charcuterie boards take the experience for food lovers to the next level.

With dim, atmospheric lighting and elegantly-styled vintage decor, the space has a romantic, yet sophisticated feel, making it ideal for date night or a special night out. Themed nights that pay homage to cocktail culture give an added burst of flair to your visit.

6. Sneaky Tony’s, Perth

Sneaky Tony’s makes a great first impression with its secret entrance. Enter through a hidden door from either Williams or James streets.

Inside, tropical Tiki influences sparkle in a menu loaded with exotic cocktails. With 250+ rum varieties, the bar is a testament to the diversity of this beloved spirit. Bartenders here are excited to show off their mixology skills, making the experience as immersive as it is beautiful.

The lively vibe is amplified by vibrant decor, music, and a creative food menu featuring tater tots and mac and cheese. With wine on tap, 200 whiskey options, and even a $40 whisky-and-bacon pairing flight, it’s anything but typical.

7. Papa Gede’s, Sydney

Moving onto Papa Gede’s in Sydney, this cosy, New Orleans-inspired bar welcomes you in with voodoo-themed cocktails and a moody, occult atmosphere. Set behind an unmarked door in a dark, narrow alley, this enigmatic bar invites those who love all things dark and mysterious to enter a fantastical world.

The tarot menu adds a fun, playful feel to the whole experience. At the same time, the range of absinthes and fanciful Tiki drinks makes the libations juicy and exuberant. With parties showcasing NOLA soul, shindigs, and soirees, there’s always something special going on.

Rated 95% on Time Out, it’s an essential visit for anyone looking for something interesting and alternative in Sydney’s nightlife scene.

8. Stitch Bar, Sydney

Stitch Bar blends a classy cocktail bar with a vintage American diner vibe, hidden behind a dressmaker’s storefront at 348 Kent St, Sydney. Inside, over 400 whiskies and dishes like cured salmon or rich roast bone marrow pair perfectly with their nostalgic comfort-food style.

Free birthday cocktails are a nice touch, while weekly themed nights make for a rowdy social atmosphere. Open until late, it’s perfect for swanky pre- or post-dinner drinks.

With a menu as diverse as the clientele, there’s something for everybody to have a good time. For more information, please call 9299 5671 or come visit us Mon-Thur 4pm-12am, Fri 4pm-1am, Sat 5pm-1am.

9. Earl’s Juke Joint, Sydney

Earl’s Juke Joint, tucked behind an unmarked door on Foley Street near Crown Street, brings New Orleans’ charm to Sydney. Its intimate room—which hosts about a dozen customers—explodes with brash flavors and a laid-back feel.

Rotating natural wines, craft beers, and cocktails like the Manhattan or Amelia—a mix of vodka, elderflower liqueur, lemon, and blackberry—keep the menu exciting. Whether you’re there for a night of live music or just stopping in with friends, the easy-going vibe is evident.

Entry is pretty quirky as well, just say hello to the security guard’s “old mate” to gain entry.

10. The Soda Factory, Sydney

Quickly coming up on the list, The Soda Factory impresses with its eclectic atmosphere, crafty mixology, and throwback ’50s-style decor. Go through the covert Coke machine front at Basement/49 York St, Sydney.

You’ll enter a colorful factory, a world of fun complete with high-energy themed parties and unforgettable weekly events. The creative menu includes signature cocktails matched with fresh, decadent gourmet hot dogs, burgers and share plates.

This amazing pairing has made it one of the top hangouts for foodies and cocktail lovers everywhere. Locals and travelers alike love this place, and almost 80% of people who visit find this Tuck Shop Cafe little gem completely by accident.

Open late most nights, it’s the perfect place to start a fun night out or to just hang out in!

11. Door Knock, Sydney

Door Knock in Sydney lurks behind an unmarked door. It provide a full hidden gem experience for those looking for a different flavor.

The cocktail menu is a real coup, rotating by the season to deliver fresh, inventive flavors. With its warm and inviting atmosphere, the room is ideal for elegant private dinners or lively party settings.

Whether you come with your best pals or meet them for the first time, the informal vibe makes it simple and fun to engage with people. This place welcomes cocktail lovers to relax.

Here, they can enjoy well-crafted cocktails and learn to understand the nuances that make a great experience great.

12. Goldilocks Bar, Melbourne

Secondly, Goldilocks Bar makes for a perfect rooftop escape, with stunning, uninterrupted views of Melbourne’s skyline. The decor is playful without being tacky, the space filled with whimsical touches, intimate booths and long tables like a funhouse that all seem warm and inviting.

Their cocktail menu is impressive with unexpected floral-infused spritzes or adventurous fruity concoctions, each handmade with fresh ingredients. Seasonal events add a special local flair, featuring themes related to Melbourne’s unique culture and flavors.

Whether you’re sipping a lavender sour or enjoying one of their special event drinks, every detail seems completely intentional. It’s the Goldilocks combination of charm, cocktails and civic pride.

13. Pizza Pizza Pizza, Melbourne

Pizza Pizza Pizza combines delicious pizza with a fun bar atmosphere. Great for groups, the casual dining room is set up for big gatherings, so it’s perfect and easy to chill over a good meal.

Drink pairings are a specialty at the menu — there’s nothing like a cold craft beer or refreshing cocktail to go with a delicious slice of pizza. Themed nights, like trivia or live music, add an additional layer of excitement to your visit.

Whether you’re picking up a quick slice or celebrating with friends, you’ll appreciate the exciting fusion of great food, cold drinks and a fun environment. Pizza is one of those things that never fails to please!

14. Above Board Melbourne

Of all the Above Board Melbourne accolades, it’s the cocktail artistry that really catches my attention. The understated aesthetic is all about reduction, crafting a close-up world in which each element seems carefully considered.

Quality is evident with drinks featuring a well-crafted menu filled with precision made beverages. Bartenders here are bona fide mixology savants, ready to pass on their know-how and suggest options specially suited to your tastes.

Exclusive tasting events take you behind the scenes to find rare and unique spirits. They provide an extra-special layer of exclusivity to your experience!

Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or simply someone who appreciates a well-made beverage, this tucked-away treasure brings all the elegance with none of the arrogance.

15. The Cumberland Sydney

After that, The Cumberland Sydney really gets going with its dramatic entrance—an antique fridge door concealing a whisky sanctuary.

Whisky galore! Inside, more than 250 whiskies beckon, plus signature cocktails that put adventurous twists on classic recipes.

The intimate atmosphere lends itself nicely to intimate get-togethers or celebrating special occasions with friends.

Whisky lovers can immerse themselves in tastings and masterclasses. These new experiences are a fun, tactile experience to discover new flavors and dive deeper into the complex art of whisky-making.

It’s a place where everyone from day drinkers to whiskey aficionados are at ease.

16. Trinket Bar, Melbourne

Cocktail bar Trinket, in Melbourne, has a similar creative and local approach to cocktail making and wine lists. The drinks menu stands out with expertly crafted options, from herb-infused concoctions to regionally sourced wines, perfect for a unique tasting experience.

Their food menu is inspired by the seasonal produce, with a focus on the freshest ingredients and visually stunning dishes that pop with creativity. That lively spirit is complemented by an idiosyncratic decor that mixes shabby chic and high-tech.

The welcoming staff is tops at setting the welcoming mood. Trinket Bar features an events program of local artists, musicians, and performers ensuring that every visit feels like a unique experience.

17. The Baxter Inn, Sydney

The Baxter Inn in Sydney is a whisky-lover’s paradise, with more than 700 varieties on offer. It’s got that cozy classic sports bar feel. Without the often distracting TV screens, it allows the attention to be placed where it’s supposed to—on exquisite drinks and meaningful conversation.

Their whisky cocktails are thoughtfully made, pouring luxurious taste into a warm, inviting space. If you’re looking to expand your whisky horizons, take part in regular tastings. They showcase innovative brands and flavors, and the whole experience is both educational and fun.

Whether you’re a whisky aficionado or simply looking to learn, this joint marries highbrow elegance with down-to-earth accessibility.

18. Maybe Mae, Adelaide

Maybe Mae in Adelaide has a very unassuming entrance that right away makes you feel special. Once you enter the space, the eclectic feel immediately welcomes you with open arms.

The menu is an amazing display of artistry, cocktail by cocktail, all made with care. It has a great list of local wines that pair wonderfully with regional tastes.

The warm, moody environment makes for a really romantic vibe, which is great for date nights or catching up with friends after work. Maybe Mae’s eclectic appeal is amplified by their regular themed events, injecting life into Adelaide’s diverse and colourful nightlife.

Every time feels like the first time. Be it a gentle afternoon drink or a vibrant night out, this venue provides an elegant but accessible experience.

19. Eau-De-Vie, Sydney

Eau-De-Vie in Sydney is an example of what a high-end mixed drink can be with luxury and creativity combined. The drink menu showcases a wonderful mix of old world favorites and exciting new achievements.

Savor house-made infusions and whimsical flavor pairings, including spiced honey and smoked citrus. The moody environment is marked by low light and elegant furnishings.

It produces an elegant setting to toast life’s accomplishments and create treasured memories. If you’re looking to take your cocktail-sipping game to the next level, Eau-De-Vie offers in-depth, hands-on masterclasses under the guidance of skilled mixologists.

It’s a treat as much as it is an informative stop, whether you’re enjoying a signature old-fashioned or creating your own.

20. Bar Messenger, Sydney

For a one-of-a-kind basement wine bar that pays tribute to the Australian wine story. The smartly selected wine list pairs well with share-friendly fare such as cheese boards and charcuterie. Together, with the open-air promenade, they set the perfect scene for relaxed, outdoor dining.

This intimate, cozy ambiance makes a perfect setting for an elegant wine experience or laid-back evening with friends. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is on hand to help with fantastic wine recommendations. They’re passionate about their work, sharing fascinating insights, making the experience that much more special—just for you!

Whether you are a novice or experienced wine lover, their knowledge and enthusiasm create a memorable experience.

Conclusion

Australia is crawling with secret bars. Visit any of these 20 hidden bars and you’ll see just how imaginative and fun the bar scene can be! From hidden doorways to adorned interiors with special themes to elaborate cocktails, each place provides an exclusive atmosphere. In Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Adelaide, extraordinary moments are hiding just out of sight. You may even discover one lurking behind an unmarked door!

Visiting these secretive watering holes provides an opportunity to discover the fun, creative underbelly of Aussie nightlife. It’s not only about what’s in your glass, it’s about the serendipity of finding something hidden and magical.

Why not take the plunge and plan your next night out with a twist? What you’ll discover inside is far beyond great cocktails; you’ll uncover the stories that are worth sharing. So, cheers to the hidden gems we’ve yet to discover.