The Best Happy Hours in Canberra for a Well-Priced Tipple

A refreshing beverage goes a long way at the end of the workday, and it hits even harder when you can snag a bargain. Canberra’s bar and pub scene is constantly growing but finding the best deals in town takes a little more research. 

To help whittle down your options, we’ve compiled a list of the loveliest bars in Canberra for you to visit and indulge in while keeping your credit card on the right side of the red. These are the best happy hours in Canberra. Bottoms up!

Highball

Highball is offering up variety when it comes to Happy Hour, and you all know we love options! Soak up golden hour on the terrace with 2-for-1 daiquiris daily between 5pm and 6pm, or head in on a Wednesday for $12 margaritas, 5pm to late. Love a frozen cocktail? Grab a selection of your favourites — think Blue Hawaiians and Peach Daiquiris — for $15, 5pm ’till close.

Level 1, 75 London Circuit, Canberra

The Howling Moon

Perched atop Hotel Rex in Braddon, The Howling Moon is a lovely spot to look out over the city and surrounding mountains. This rooftop bar also does a very tasty Italian menu and excellent drinks (think inventive cocktails, beers and an extensive wine list) – many of which are available at a great price during happy hour. You can enjoy $8 house wine and tap beers Monday to Friday between 4pm and 6pm.

Level 6/150 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon

Parlour 

Parlour at New Acton is hands-down one of the most intimate wine bars in Canberra so it is perfect for an after-work drink.  Decorated with vintage furniture and cute little marble-topped tables you can enjoy a sophisticated backdrop with your bargain bevvie. Head to Parlour between 4pm to 6pm, Wednesday through Friday, to score $10 cocktails and $10 pints and $8 beer and wines. 

16 Kendall Lane, Acton 

Leyla Bar

For a luxe happy hour, head straight to Leyla Bar where you’ll be greeted with natural light and textured surfaces with a rooftop on which to soak up golden hour. Every Tuesday to Friday, between 4:30pm and 6:30pm, you can score mini cocktails for $10, house wine and sparkling for $10 per glass and select tap beer at $10. The perfect place to wind down with a view! 

Level 7, 1 Burbury Close, Barton

Midnight Bar

Serving up creative and delicious share plates alongside an incredible drinks list, Midnight Bar is a great spot for date night, an evening with friends and happy hour. Between 4pm and 6pm, Monday to Sunday, Midnight Bar does ‘Golden Hour’. Over two hours, you can get excellent local wines for $10, a schooner of beer for $8 and the bartender’s special cocktail for $12.

Midnight Hotel, Ground Floor, 1 Elouera Street, Braddon

Walt & Burley

For sunset drinks overlooking Lake Burley Griffin, you can’t go past Walt & Burley – which is not only one of our favourite Canberra pubs with fireplaces, but also does a really good happy hour.

Between 3pm and 6pm, Monday to Friday, you can enjoy house wines for just $6 and tap schooners for $8, along with yummy bar snacks and a lovely view over Canberra’s stunning central lake.

70/17 Eastlake Parade, Kingston

The Duxton

Located at the iconic O’Connor shops, The Duxton is a good time. From 3pm to 5pm, Monday to Friday, you can score $5 house red, white and sparkling. Incredible. 

8 Macpherson St, O’Connor

The Old Canberra Inn

Full of history and a live music haven, The Old Canberra Inn has everything you want from a happy hour – $7 craft beers, $10 buffalo wings and a cosy beer garden in which to enjoy them. A match made in heaven.

Monday to Friday, 4pm to 6pm 

195 Mouat Street, Lyneham 

Loved this edit of the best happy hours in Canberra and looking for more places to drink and dine? Don’t miss our guides to the best bars in Canberra and the best restaurants in Canberra.