Kava Bars in Australia
Is Kava Legal in Australia?
Kava Bars in Australia? It’s no secret that kava has been a controversial substance in Australia for years now. But since the Australian Government’s 2022 phase 2 trial commenced, kava is finally legal again!
However, what does that mean for you? How can you take advantage of this new legislation and try some new kava? And where can you even find them? Well you can buy kava online and in stores. However, you can also experience kava in a social setting at kava bars in Australia
Where are the Kava Bars in Australia
According to our research, there are currently only 3 commercial kava bars in Australia.
Kava Bar - Slack Creek Queensland
If you’re looking for a place to get your kava on in a quiet area of Slacks Creek, the discerning kava drinker can find Queensland’s first fully fledged kava bar. Called simply “Kava Bar” it has been operating since May 2022. The proprietor Ned and his wife established the kava bar for kava drinkers in the area to be able to enjoy a few shells. They have a comfortable chill-out area as well as a pool table and a large screen TV to catch the footy on. Board games and Chess are available for the kava drinkers who like to flex their brains after a few shells. The Kava Bar has a distinct Fiji vibe and is an excellent place to go to meet new people and enjoy the Fiji Kava vibe.
Address: SHOP 2 76-86 QUEENS ROAD, SLACKS CREEK
Phone: 0481 785 227
Blacston Wear - West End Brisbane
If you’re looking for a place to drink kava in Brisbane, look no further than Blacston Wear. Located smack bang in the centre of Brisbane’s counterculture hub West End, this fashion label and retail outlet also sells kava powder and even better, they prepare Vanuatu kava juice on demand.
The owner, Alfred, makes his kava juice in Vanuatu fashion. This means it is very strong compared to Fiji kava juice. It also means you need to be conservative in the amount you drink. When we stopped in, Alfred had prepared some Borogu kava into a rich and strong juice. Sitting out the front of the store drinking from the Tanoa was an excellent experience and highly recommended for a non-alcoholic wind down at the end of the day.
Address: 3/60 Vulture Street West End, Brisbane
Phone: 0449 524 244
Kava Lounge - Canberra
The opening of Australia’s first kava lounge at the RUC Turner Bowls Club on Sunday “marked a milestone of the positive things to come for the kava industry”. Such were the remarks from Faonetapu Takiari who has advocated for years for the traditional Pacific beverage to be widely available here.
Mr. Takiari went on to say – “I am so happy that we now have our own lounge where people can come and relax in a safe environment and enjoy kava as it should be enjoyed”. He also stated that – “This is just one small step towards making kava more accessible to everyone.”!
Address: 54 McCaughey St, Turner ACT 2612
Phone: (02) 6247 7838
The Future of Kava Bars in Australia
The kava bar scene is very much in its infant stage. In fact, it’s so small that to date there are only two kava bars in Queensland. However, much like 20 years ago in the USA, these kava pioneers are taking the first steps into a kava bar scene that will be a much larger scene in a few years’ time. The first commercial kava opened in the USA in 2000. Now, 22 years later, there are over 240 kava bars throughout the US and more opening every month.