When the calendar flips to Saturday, most Aussies trade their office chairs for surfboards and sun‑baked sand. The real question is: how do you turn a simple beach day into a memorable night out? I’ve mapped out a route that starts at dawn, hits three iconic spots, and ends with a sunset cocktail that feels like a reward for surviving the day’s waves.
Morning Kick‑off: The Surf‑Side Pub
Begin at 10 a.m. at the surf‑side pub on Bondi. The bar opens at 9 a.m., and the first drink of the day is a “Sunrise Smash” – a mix of fresh orange juice, vodka, and a splash of ginger beer. The crowd is a mix of seasoned surfers and tourists, so you’ll get a quick lesson in beach etiquette: always wipe your board on the mat before heading to the bar.
- Location: 12 Beachfront Ave, Bondi
- Opening hours: 9 a.m.–2 a.m.
- Special: Free beach towel with every order after 11 a.m.
Midday Mingle: The Hidden Canteen
At 1 p.m., hop over to the hidden canteen in Coogee. It’s a 15‑minute walk, but the route takes you past a street art wall that’s been updated every summer. Inside, the menu is simple: fish tacos, a local craft beer selection, and a “Coogee Cooler” – a gin‑based drink with a hint of cucumber. The bar staff runs a “Taco Tuesday” promotion on Mondays and Thursdays, but you can still snag a discount if you order a taco before 2 p.m.
- Location: 45 Canteen Street, Coogee
- Opening hours: 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
- Special: 10 % off for groups of four or more.
Evening Encore: The Sunset Lounge
By 7 p.m., the sun is dipping behind the Pacific. The Sunset Lounge on Maroubra Beach is the place to be. The bar’s signature drink, the “Maroubra Mojito,” uses locally grown mint and a splash of coconut rum. The lounge offers a free beach chair rental for anyone who shows a wristband from the first bar. The best part? The live DJ starts at 9 p.m., and the dance floor opens right on the sand.
- Location: 78 Sunset Road, Maroubra
- Opening hours: 6 p.m.–2 a.m.
- Special: Free beach chair with any drink purchase after 8 p.m.
Mid‑Crawl Thought‑Stop: From Beach Vibes to Online Fun
If you’re looking for a way to keep the energy going after the tide pulls in, you might want to check out www.www.canwifcoin.org where you can dive into a range of online gaming and entertainment options that match the relaxed yet adventurous spirit of a beach crawl.
Late‑Night Chill: The After‑Glow Bar
The final stop is the After‑Glow Bar, a speakeasy‑style venue that opens at 11 p.m. The vibe here is low‑key, with dim lighting and a playlist of classic Aussie rock. Their specialty is the “Afterglow Ale,” a craft beer brewed on-site. If you’re staying in, the bar offers a free “late‑night snack” – a slice of pepperoni pizza – with every drink after midnight.
- Location: 3 Afterglow Lane, Bondi
- Opening hours: 11 p.m.–4 a.m.
- Special: Free pizza slice with every drink after midnight.
Planning Tips to Avoid the Usual Pitfalls
1. Bring a reusable water bottle; the first two bars offer a free refill if you bring your own. 2. Wear a hat and sunscreen – the UV index can spike even at night. 3. Keep a small change stash; many bars still rely on cash for small purchases. 4. If you’re a night owl, the After‑Glow Bar’s 4 a.m. closing time is a hard limit – no more drinks after that.
Wrap‑Up: The Perfect Aussie Night Out
By the time you finish at the After‑Glow Bar, you’ll have soaked up sun, sand, and a taste of every local brew. The route I’ve laid out balances early beach relaxation with late‑night revelry, ensuring that the only thing you’re chasing is the next wave, not a missed opportunity. Cheers to a weekend that feels as endless as the ocean itself.