Top Country Music Bars in Australia

Turns out, you can find American country music down under! Here are some of the best country and bluegrass music bars in Australia we could find.

1. Johnny Ringo’s

Named after the American Old West outlaw loosely associated with the Cochise County Cowboys, Johnny Ringo’s is a steakhouse, a bar, and a music venue all wrapped up in one. Located in Brisbane City, this hidden gem is perfect for U.S. tourists looking for a little bit of home down under.

2. Lefty’s Music Hall

Lefty’s employs live bands in a hip, saloon-style bar with fabric-draped ceilings, mounted deer heads, and a mezzanine. What more could you want? This Caxton St. joint has a “gig guide” on their website where you can see who’s on the roster to perform this month. Tickets are $12 to see Charlotte Marnee, fresh off the release of her latest single “No Faith”, on August 11th.

3. Shady Pines Saloon

For more than 10 years, according to the owners, “Shady Pines has been Sydney’s classic Nashville-style honky tonk.” It’s got a laid-back, friendly vibe that welcomes upcoming performers to take its stage daily. This saloon’s foundation is built on “a deep and abiding affection for good rye, Merle Haggard, Hank Williams, and the hard-living men of the highway.”

4. Mad Cow Tavern

Mad Cow Tavern is every Aussie’s good-time saloon bar. Located in Townsville, come here for both a good time and a long time. They do country-livin’ right, both by booking bluegrass musicians to perform live and hosting fun theme nights, like Toga Party, "Coweoke," and National Cowboy Day. All are welcome to kick up their heels and join the fun.

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