How Does Alcohol Rules Work in Australia?
Last verified: 2025-01 · Oceania
1The Quick Answer
Drinking age is 18. Alcohol sold at liquor stores (bottle shops) and licensed venues, not supermarkets. Public drinking laws vary by state.
2What You Need to Know
Australia's legal drinking age is 18. Alcohol is not sold at supermarkets (unlike Europe) — it must be purchased at bottle shops (BWS, Dan Murphy's, First Choice), which are separate licensed premises often attached to supermarkets. Hotels (pubs) are licensed to serve alcohol on-site. Drink-driving limit is 0.05% BAC nationally (0.00% for learner and provisional drivers). Public drinking laws vary significantly by state — in Queensland and South Australia, drinking in public places is generally banned; in other states rules differ by local council. National parks prohibit alcohol in many areas.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Liquor stores (bottle shops/bottlos) are separate from supermarkets — look for BWS or Dan Murphy's
- 2Dan Murphy's is Australia's largest discount liquor chain — best prices for wine and spirits
- 3'BYO' (Bring Your Own) restaurants let you bring your own wine — often with a small corkage fee
- 4Happy hour deals at pubs are common in late afternoon
- 5Goon (cask wine) is a budget backpacker staple — very cheap, not recommended for quality
Important Warning
Do NOT drink and drive in Australia. Breath testing is random and frequent. 0.05% BAC limit is strictly enforced. Penalties include license loss, fines, and imprisonment.
How does this compare?
Alcohol Rules rules in nearby and similar countries:
Drinking age is 20. Alcohol is sold in convenience stores 24/7. Drinking in public is legal. Drunk driving has zero tolerance.
Alcohol is only legal at licensed hotels, restaurants, and bars. Drinking in public is illegal. Legal age is 21. Ramadan has extra restrictions.
Drinking age is 20. Alcohol cannot be sold during election day or Buddhist holidays. Standard hours are 11am–2pm and 5pm–midnight at most venues.
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