Underground speakeasies, bacon whisky flights, crafted cocktails, distilleries and degustation’s. Enjoy all of this and more at Australia’s best whisky bars!

Whisky. It’s the universal liquid that is best served neat, on the rocks, shaken up in a cocktail, up in flames or any other way that you’d prefer.

And with that, it comes to no surprise that Australia is home to some of the finest whisky establishments in the world. All catering to different tastes and needs, here you’ll find everything from New Orleans inspired joints, hidden speakeasies, distilleries, ex-opium houses and more.

So, to make all of your drams come true, we’ve put together a list of the best whisky bars around Australia of 2023. Happy drinking!

The Best Whisky Bars in Sydney:

<strong>The Doss House</strong>
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The Doss House

If you’re looking for an underground whisky bar in Sydney, chances are you’re looking for The Doss House. Taking Sydney by storm since its inception, The Doss House takes pride in its rich history that’s encased within their iconic stonewalls. Despite its infamous past as it was previously owned by an opium dealer and later transforming into a boarding house, today The Doss House is a go-to for signatue cocktails and their reputable collection of whisky sourced from around the world. A must visit in 2023!

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<strong>NOLA Smokehouse and Bar</strong>
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NOLA Smokehouse and Bar

Home to Australia’s Most Expensive Whisky Flight, it makes perfect sense why NOLA Smokehouse and Bar would also be featured on this list of the best whisky bars in Sydney. Providing the best of both worlds, NOLA has a mighty collection of over 500 whiskies that are mainly sourced from America. Taking pride in their limited-edition bottles that are added onto their shelves each week, NOLA also whisks together a soulful food menu that draws inspiration from New Orleans.

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International Towers, Level 1, Cnr 100 Barangaroo Ave & Shipwright Walk, Sydney, NSW 2000

The Best Whisky Bars in Melbourne:

<strong>Eau De Vie</strong>
Photographed by Rick Barrett. Image via Unsplash.

Eau De Vie

Located in Melbourne’s CBD, Eau De Vie – translating to ‘brand’ or ‘spirits’ with its meaning deriving from the expression ‘water of life’ – certainly fits the description. At first glance, this bar seems like a typical cocktail praising venue. However, behind a bookcase in a private room, Eau De Vie tucks away their extensive whisky collection. Transporting guests back in time, this 1920s bar features seductive decor, delightful food options and, of course, their world-renowned cocktails. With whisky masterclasses, fantastic bar staff, it’s no wonder why they’ve made our list as one of the best whisky bars in Melbourne.

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1 Malthouse Ln, Melbourne, VIC 3000

<strong>Whisky and Alement</strong>
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Whisky and Alement

Since its opening in 2010, Whisky and Alement in Melbourne has earnt a name for themselves, and for a good reason. With a colossal collection of whisky – over 1000 to be exact – there isn’t a word big enough to describe this whisky bar. Of course, for those who prefer something other than a dram, Whisky and Alement also has an impressive craft beer menu with brews from local and international breweries. One of the best whisky bars in Australia, we recommend you round up your mates and head on over for a visit filled with impressive cocktails and an overall good time!

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270 Russell St, Melbourne, VIC 3000

The Best Whisky Bars in Hobart:

<strong>Hellyers Road Distillery</strong>
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Hellyers Road Distillery

On this list of the best Australian whisky bars we just had to feature a distillery. And, the first that came to mind is the Hellyers Road Distillery. Although they are technically not located in Hobart, this Burnie based venue is still worth the mention. Not only are they Australia’s largest boutique distillery, but they are 100% Tasmanian owned and operated. Here you can partake in a distillery tour to learn how the legends create their fine single malt whisky as well as pouring and wax sealing their very own bottle. With tasting and an amazing team, this whisky bar is one to visit in 2023!

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153 Old Surrey Rd, Havenview, TAS 7320

<strong>Society Salamanca</strong>
Photographed by Rosie Hastie.
Image supplied via Tourism Tasmania.

Society Salamanca

Also making our list as one of the Best Gin Bars in Hobart, Society Salamanca always seems to make headlines and for good reason. Sourcing whisky from around the world as well as Tasmanian and wider Australian distillers, their range includes an exciting combination of new and old tipples. With a team that are more like whisky connoisseurs, Society Salamanca makes for the perfect haven for a dram, tasting flights, live music and deliciously good cocktails.

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22 Montpelier Retreat, Battery Point, TAS 7004

The Best Whisky Bars in Adelaide:

<strong>The Bibliotheca Bar and Book Exchange</strong>
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The Bibliotheca Bar and Book Exchange

Books and booze? In a world where these two things aren’t usually paired together, at The Bibliotheca Bar and Book Exchange they go hand in hand. Hanging off Gresham Street, this quirky venue follows the saying ‘drink between the lines’. Encapsulating the best of both worlds, this book exchange cross European style bar features everything from a lengthy list of international spirits to classic literary reads. With crafted cocktails sure to put a twist on your afternoon, Bibliotheca is best enjoyed solo or with friends who fancy something different.

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1/27 Gresham St, Adelaide, SA 5000
<strong>Suzie Wong</strong>
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Suzie Wong

Welcome to Suzie Wong in Adelaide – a bar that is also the home to South Australia’s biggest collection of whisky in their basement lounge. More than just your typical watering hole, Suzie Wong sets the standard with their dim lighting, heritage stonewalls and booth seating. One of the best whisky bars and speakeasies in Adelaide, Suzie Wong is a go-to for mouthwatering Asian dishes that pair seamlessly with any dram or cocktail of choice. A must visit in 2023!

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82 Hindley St, Adelaide, SA 5000

The Best Whisky Bars in Perth:

<strong>Alabama Song</strong>
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Alabama Song

Welcome to Alabama Song in Northbridge! This whisky bar in Perth is, weirdly enough, possibly the closest thing us Aussies will ever get to an authentic American bar. Think neon signs, burgers, southern fried chicken, live music and a bullhead overlooking the bar, this establishment is our go-to come the weekend. Just as their website states, “a little bit honky-tonk and a whole lotta country.” One of the best whisky bars in Australia!

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232 William St, Perth, WA 6000
<strong>Varnish on King</strong>
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Varnish on King

One of the Best Hidden Bars in Perth, sitting beneath the bustling King Street in Perth’s CBD is Varnish on King. This whisky bar and speakeasy is packed to the brim with concoctions that usually only make our wildest dreams. On top of their impressive whisky, beer and cocktail selection, Varnish on King has also been crowned as the home to some of the best and most creative flights in Australia. How does a Whiskey Bacon Flight sound? Four styles of grilled bacon matched with four types of whisky. Now that sounds like a good time!

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75 King St, Perth, WA 6000

The Best Whisky Bars in Brisbane:

<strong>Circa 27 Whiskey & Cocktail Bar</strong>
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Circa 27 Whiskey & Cocktail Bar

Previously known as the Naked Whisky Bar, after a slight revamp, Morrison Hotel is delighted to reintroduce their very own designated whisky oasis: Circa 27 Whiskey & Cocktail Bar. Named after the year in which the venue was built, this inner city drinking spot is the home to 20th century inspired cocktails, more than 250 whiskies and, their famed library-styled bar. With 22 beers on tap and 50 wines to woo you over, there’s plenty to sip through at this Brisbane bar. 

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640 Stanley St, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102
<strong>The Gresham Bar</strong>
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The Gresham Bar

This whisky bar in Brisbane is more than just a friendly watering hole. It’s a piece of history. Hanging on Queen Street in Brisbane’s CBD, The Gresham Bar has the only Heritage Bar License in all of Queensland. With limestone-lined walls, The Gresham is stocked to the brum with locally and internationally sourced beers, an impressive range of whiskies and, great bartenders who know how to shake up a tippled traditional cocktail. What once was the Queensland National Bank, today is a must visit whisky bar for any Australian – you’ll feel robbed if you don’t visit them!

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308 Queen St, Brisbane City, QLD 4000

Think you can shake together a traditional cocktail recipe? Then why not try The Whisky Mill’s Winter Hot Toddy? Or, have a fling with gin at these Best Gin Bars around Australia of 2023.

Feature image: NOLA Smokehouse and Bar, Sydney. Image supplied.
This article was first published on May 18 2018. It was updated and edited by Hunter and Bligh on May 12 2023.