The Woolshed (Cairns)

Often affectionately called 'The Pullshed' this is the most famous nightspot in Cairns, for anyone sick of the cold already and lookng to book north. It's got all the prerequisites of a good backpacker pub: late licence, naughty games and dancing on tables, but then there's something more about this one. Almost like thhe sticky/sweaty air of the tropics turns normally respectable young people into ravishing sex freaks, looking to grind and cavort all night. Now is the time to be there, people, so if it's getting harder and harder to get out of bed for work at the moment then consider life somewhere the water is still 24 degrees.

The Woolshed, 24 Sheilds Street, Cairns, QLD.

THE OAKS, NEUTRAL BAY

Anyone who lives north of Sydney Harbour will be familiar with this place but for the southerners it’s well worth a visit. Being almost as old as this country itself, it’s got a very traditional feel to it. The name comes from the original oak tree that still stands in the backyard, planted by the original owning family. It’s lively all week but on a nice, sunny day the beer garden is where it happens.

The Oaks, 118 Military Road, Neutral Bay

Durty Nellys (Paddington, Sydney)

Almost hidden away in a little side street (Glenmore Road) off the pretentious money land that is Oxford Street in Paddington and you will come across a gem of a little Iirsh pub by the name of 'Durty Nellys'. Boasting the usual 'Oirish' tat, a fireplace and a lovely dark wood interior Nellys is a cool, calm retreat on a scorching hot day and is the perfect place for a pint to get you back on your feet after a mad Saturday night. There is also a fair few things going on to keep you entertained, from traditional music sessions on a Sunday afternoon to Trivia nights on a Wednesday. An added bonus, they even have a wee tradition known as the 100 Pint Club.

Four pints out of five.