Disclaimer: This list is not to be read by the faint of heart.
As I stated in Australia: An Adventure of a Lifetime, my friends and I were rather competent in juggling the daily tasks of homework and studying, while also experiencing the nightlife in Australia and New Zealand. Although I don’t have a very extensive list, it is still full-proof based off of legitimate experiences.
- If you ever find yourself looking for lodging on Magnetic Island in Australia, I would definitely suggest looking at Bungalow Bay Koala Village. This place was full of *~memories~*, as every night celebrated a different theme. Whether it was Sangria Sunday or Margarita Monday, we were perfectly willing to oblige. To make Bungalow Bay even better, it hosted different activities at night. One night was dedicated to a massive Jenga game (which honestly is not a great game to play while drinking,) while another night was coconut bowling (harder than it sounds.) The staff are more than friendly and keep the activities lively. The location is also within walking distance to Horseshoe Bay, a gorgeous beach that happens to be within walking distance of a “walk-thru bar,” where you literally just pick your poison at the window and go along your merry way. My suggestion: purchase a bottle (or two?) of bubbly and trek down to the beach, start drinking, and watch the sunset. It’s a view you won’t forget.
Sunset over Balding Bay, AUS | Photo: Elise Dean - If you’re looking for a fun night out in Cairns, AUS, I have several suggestions for you:
- If you’re looking for something more low-key, check out PJ Obrien’s Irish Pub. On one of our last nights, the sign “Ladies Night” appealed to several of my friends. Needless to say, we encountered a half-naked male pouring flutes of champagne for all the ladies. We didn’t leave for a while.
- If you’re looking for some old-fashioned college fun, you cannot pass up on Gilligan’s Backpackers Hotel & Resort. This *club*, if you will, was likely the one place that resembles an American party scene.. Ah, home away from home. By that I mean, you have many opportunities to enroll in drinking activities, such as the standard beer pong tournament (not a successful accomplishment of mine), or if you’re feeling really spontaneous, Jell-O wrestling (also not a successful accomplishment of mine.) And if neither of those are your vibe, you can always go outside with a Rum and Coke and listen to, or sing-along with the band playing outside (most successful and enjoyable encounter.)
- If you’re searching for a place to dance like nobody’s watching, check out The Woolshed. This place is absolutely on fire at night. You can practically hear the music blaring from the streets. I happen to be a pretty big advocate for EDM music, which was on repeat at the Woolshed. Needless to say, with a drink in hand and the music bumping, you’re guaranteed to have an excellent time. Though I’m sure the staff were scarred by my strange dance moves, the Woolshed will never be forgotten.
- And finally, if you happen to find yourself in Port Douglas, Australia, first check out the Rattle ‘n’ Hum. This restaurant/bar is the perfect low-key location for a fun and relaxed night. You can play pool while the staff cycles through an extremely interesting selection of songs to play on the overhead speakers. However, if you’re looking to get a little more hype after some time spent at Rattle ‘n’ Hum, consider trekking down the street to The Ironbar. This bar/club specializes in all kinds of entertainment. In specific, you could have the opportunity to belt some tunes with old-fashioned karaoke. If you’re like me, you’ll be red in the face because you just can’t stop singing and dancing. But if you’re not, then there is plenty of seating to watch others make a fool of themselves on an elevated stage with a dancing crowd in front.
Hope these suggestions inspire you to put your drinking hat on. Drink responsibly and legally, but have fun too 😉
