The Best Bars in Australia to Watch F1 in 2026

Formula 1 season is back and the energy is already building across Australia. With Melbourne hosting the opening race of the year, we wanted to find out exactly where fans should be watching if they are not trackside.

So we ran the numbers, analysing almost 250 venues across the country to uncover the ultimate places to catch every lap this season. Looking at screen quality, viewing availability, customer reviews, atmosphere and venue amenities, we ranked the bars that truly deliver a race-day experience worthy of Formula 1.

Whether you are planning a big watch party with mates or just chasing that electric crowd atmosphere, here is where the lights are out and the action begins.

Why F1 Is Bigger Than Ever in Australia

When the Australian Grand Prix lands in Melbourne, the whole city feels it. The event injects around $268 million into the Victorian economy every year as fans pack out hotels, restaurants and sports bars across the city.

With Aussie driver Oscar Piastri chasing the title on home soil, this season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet.

And if you are not watching from Albert Park, the next best thing is finding the perfect bar.

The Ultimate Bars in Australia to Watch F1

Our research ranked venues based on screen availability, reputation, atmosphere and race-day amenities.

Sydney takes the crown this year, home to the number one venue in the country.

1. Churchills Sports Bar — Kingsford, Sydney

Churchills Sports Bar leads the pack and honestly, it is easy to see why.

With around 140 screens throughout the venue, including multiple 4K LED displays, fans can catch every overtake, pit stop and dramatic finish from almost anywhere in the bar.

Located just 15 minutes from Sydney’s CBD, the venue will be showing the race live and loud all weekend with an atmosphere that reviewers describe as a “sports lover’s dream”.

2. The Sporting Globe Robina — Gold Coast

Known locally as the Gold Coast’s “Home of Sport”, The Sporting Globe Robina delivers a proper race-day setup.

The venue features around 50 HD screens and plenty of alfresco seating, perfect for watching the action in the Queensland sunshine. Reviewers regularly mention the smart screen placement, meaning you never end up craning your neck during the race.

3. The Sporting Globe Richmond — Melbourne

If you are watching in Melbourne, The Sporting Globe Richmond is one of the best spots to settle in for the Grand Prix.

The venue features more than 50 HD screens throughout the space, including booths with personal viewing screens so you can control what you watch. For a bigger crowd vibe, the rooftop deck includes a massive screen that brings the race atmosphere to life.

4. The Sporting Globe Mandurah — Western Australia

Western Australia’s top ranked venue, The Sporting Globe Mandurah, has built a reputation as one of the best places in town to catch live sport.

With HD screens positioned throughout the venue, every seat offers a clear view of the race and the atmosphere is often described as buzzing during major sporting events.

5. The Sporting Globe Mordialloc — Melbourne

Set along Melbourne’s bayside, The Sporting Globe Mordialloc offers a lively race-day setting with strong sightlines, full race commentary and more than 50 HD screens throughout the venue.

From lights out to the chequered flag, fans can follow every moment while enjoying food, drinks and a proper sports bar crowd.

The rest of the top 10 includes The Sporting Globe venues across Surfers Paradise, Chirnside Park, Plenty Valley, Chermside in Brisbane and Belmont in Perth.

Not a Bar Person? Come Experience Race Week With Us

If sports bars are not your thing, we are bringing the race energy directly into our Melbourne stores during Grand Prix week.

At our Russell Street and Chadstone locations, fans can jump into the action with Atlassian Williams F1 Team racing simulators.

Think fastest lap challenges, serious bragging rights and proper competition energy with your mates.

Both stores are running the simulator experience from 1–8 March during normal trading hours, so anyone can jump in and take a shot at setting the fastest time.

And for fans wanting a real motorsport moment, Luke Browning, reigning FIA Formula 3 Champion and current Atlassian Williams F1 Team reserve driver, will be appearing in store at Culture Kings Melbourne on Friday 6 March from 7:00pm to 8:30pm for a meet and greet and Q&A session.

It is the closest thing to the paddock you will find in the middle of Melbourne.

Ready for Race Day?

Whether you are watching from one of Australia’s top sports bars, hanging out with mates at home or dropping into one of our stores for race week, one thing is clear. Formula 1 season has officially arrived.

And if you want to show up in proper race-ready style, check out the latest F1 streetwear and team gear at Culture Kings.

Methodology 

This ranking was compiled on 24 February 2026 using publicly available data from Fanzo and Google Maps. Culture Kings analysed 247 Australian venues listed on Fanzo as showing the 2025 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix. After removing venues without verified Google review data, 234 venues remained.

Venues were scored out of 100 using a weighted system that considered screen availability (60 per cent), Google rating and review volume (25 per cent), and F1-relevant amenities such as large screens, outdoor viewing areas, live commentary and food service (15 per cent). Rankings were then determined by total score.