Backpacker Sports Bars

The Best Backpacker Sports Bars in Australia

There’s no doubt that Backpackers love getting together to watch live sports and support their nation. Being proud ex-pats ourselves we’re constantly on the lookout for the very best Sports Bars in Australia. From Sydney’s iconic Star Casino Sports bar to the new home of Rugby, The Palace Hotel, Brisbane’s Pig and Whistle, and Melbourne’s Turf Bar, BBM Readers can be safe in the knowledge that you and your fellow countrymen can watch live sports in Australia. Here we discover the Best Backpacker Sports Bars in Australia and like-minded sports fanatics.

The best Sports Bars in Melbourne, Victoria

Turf Bar

Turf Bar is a sophisticated, traditional pub that has become one of the best places in Melbourne to watch live sport! Turf offers a bustling and warm atmosphere, and excellent food and beverage menus, boasting six plasma screens, three big screens, three private screening booths, advanced surround sound systems, and pool tables.
What’s On: Superbowl, AFL, 6 Nations, English Premier League

Address: 131 Queen Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000
Website: www.turfbar.com.au

The Imperial on Bourke

One of the best sports pubs in Melbourne just got a little better… Understatement! It’s got a rooftop and mega screen!
As well as being the best place to watch live sport in Melbourne CBD, The Imperial Hotel boasts an incredible rooftop bar, overlooking the city and with spectacular views of Melbourne Parliament House.
The Imperial on Bourke hosts regular English Premier League fixtures live and is home to the official Liverpool FC supporters’ club.
What’s On:  English Premier League, AFL, 6 Nations Rugby, UFC, NFL
Address: Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000
Website: bourkestreetimperial.com/

The Best Sports Bars in Sydney, New South Wales

The Palace Hotel, Sydney

The Palace Hotel Sydney is by far one of Sydney’s best city pubs with a great selection of draft beers on tap, cocktail promotions, and a fantastic wine list and they show the best live sports fixtures, in the heart of Sydney CBD. Plus, to top it all off, you can watch late-night live sports on one of 14 high-definition TVs or their giant screen (sound for premium games shown at management’s discretion, check with the venue to see if your team’s playing live to avoid disappointment).
The Palace Hotel is also home to the official All Blacks, supporters’ club making it hands down Sydney’s best pub to watch live Rugby.
What’s on:
English Premier League, Scottish Premier League, Rugby Championship, Bledisloe Cup, NRL, AFL
Address: 730-742 George St, Haymarket, Sydney,
NSW
Website: www.palacehotelsydney.com.au

Bat and Ball Hotel, Surry Hills

The Bat and Ball is a proper pub, a regular bar, a local, and a great place to watch live local and international sports. This Surry Hills/Redfern local is a great place to relax, meet up, have a laugh, watch a game, grab some food, shoot the breeze, and unwind.
What’s On: A-League, International football, and Rugby fixtures, NRL, AFL
Address: Redfern – Cnr Cleveland + Sth Dowling
Website: www.parksidebar.com.au

Churchills Sports Bar

Live Sports at Churchill’s

Churchill’s Sports Bar in Sydney is a great location dedicated to showing live sports with sound.
Every sporting event taking place is shown here on our vast amount of BIG Screens – from late-night international soccer including the English Premier League, FIFA World Cup, Champions League, and Scottish Premier League until mid-afternoon UFC, and boxing.
It’s also a great place to meet friends for a drink or a bet. Join the excitement and mingle with your mates while you enjoy a drink from the bar. Don’t forget to check out the Wall of Fame with all the colorful sporting personalities of the past and present.
What’s On: All international fixtures, EPL, AFL, NRL, NFL, 6 Nations, UFC, A-League and more
Address: 532 Anzac Parade, Kingsford, Sydney, 2032
Website: churchillsbar.com.au

The Best Sports Bars in Perth, Western Australia

Rosie O’Grady’s

Located in Northbridge, the heart of Perth’s entertainment district, Rosie O’Grady’s is a popular pub with locals, backpackers, and the thousands of tourists that pass through each year. Well known for its lively atmosphere, friendly staff, and cracking Sunday carvery, Rosie’s is Perth’s number one Irish venue to catch all your sports.

Once the whistle’s blown, stick around for hilarious comedy gigs featuring the likes of Reginald D Hunter and Gordon Southern, and the unique experience of Bogan Bingo, incorporating comedy, music, and bingo. So drop in for a pint and a bite, and enjoy the craic.
What’s on: GAA, Pre-season friendlies, Scottish Premier League, EPL, 6 Nations
Address: Corner James & Milligan Sts, Northbridge, Perth, WA
Website: www.rosieogradys.com.au

The Mustang Bar, Northbridge

The Mustang Bar is an American-themed venue. It is home to Perth’s best student, backpacker, and general fun nights out and is well-known as the best sports bar in Northbridge.
What’s On: NBA, 6 Nations, Super Bowl, EPL, SPL, La Liga, Bundesliga, Cricket and more
Address: 6 Lake St, Northbridge WA 6003
Website: mustangbar.com.au

The Best Sports Bars in Brisbane, Queensland

Pig ‘N’ Whistle

While there are three Pig ‘N’ Whistles in Brisbane, Riverside is one of the most popular pubs in the city and is the premier venue for live sport. Whether you fancy catching a late-night EPL game or Local A-League, Pig ‘N’ Whistle Riverside has rights to them all. They won’t let you go hungry either, serving food of outstanding quality, including Black Angus beef from their herd of cows, and old classics such as sausages & mash and steak & Guinness pie. Pig ‘N’ Whistle Riverside is THE place to eat, drink, and enjoy matches live and in HD.
What’s on: NRL, AFL, English Premier League, A-League, UEFA Champions League, GAA
Address: Riverside Centre, 123 Eagle St, Brisbane,
QLD
Website: www.pignwhistle.com.au

The Stadium Bar & Grill

The Stadium Bar and Grill is located on one of Queensland’s most iconic streets, Caxton Street. The rustic brick walls, polished wooden floors, open fireplaces, and modern, quirky furniture make it a must-visit venue. The Stadium Bar and Grill is fast becoming a popular entertainment, food, and function venue in Brisbane.

The Beer Garden provides a great alfresco area and the rooftop can be opened to take in the great Brisbane weather, or closed with inclement or chillier conditions. Whether it’s for a cold, relaxing ale, or a jumpstart to a big game at Suncorp Stadium–which is just a short stroll away–The Stadium Bar and Grill has got you covered.
What’s on: NRL, AFL, Rugby Championship, A-League
Address: 25 Caxton St, Brisbane, QLD
Website: www.stadiumbar.com.au

What makes the best sports bars in Australia truly special?

• Australia’s best sports bars go beyond just the game.
• They provide a vibrant atmosphere with passionate fans cheering alongside you.
• Expect massive screens, delicious pub fare, and often, dedicated areas for different sports, making them the perfect place to catch a big game with friends.
• From private booths for luxury experiences to energetic crowds, you can find a sports bar to suit every fan’s preference.

Why do people visit Sportsbars?

People visit sports bars in Australia for the vibrant social experience and community atmosphere, where fans can gather and cheer for their favorite teams together. These bars offer large, high-definition screens and multiple game broadcasts, providing an immersive and convenient viewing experience. The lively environment, enhanced by sports-themed decor and memorabilia, adds to the excitement of watching live sports.