23+ Australian pub Rock Classics

Cold Chisel – Khe Sahn

Written by: Don Walker

A true Australian pub classic that almost everyone knows by heart. It tells a story of travel, restlessness and coming home changed. When it comes on in a pub, the volume rises quickly, and it usually ends in a full room singalong. 

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Midnight Oil – Beds Are Burning

Written by: Peter Garrett, Jim Moginie, Rob Hirst

A powerful song with a strong message that still works perfectly in pubs. The beat keeps things moving while the lyrics give it real weight. It often sparks passionate singing and thoughtful nods from the crowd. Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Australian Crawl – The Boys Light Up

Written by: James Reyne, Brad Robinson

This song captures laid-back Australian nightlife perfectly. It feels like warm evenings, loud conversations, and beers on the table. In pubs, it creates an easy, relaxed energy and pulls people into the chorus without trying. Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

The Angels – Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again

Written by: Doc Neeson, Rick Brewster, John Brewster

This is less a song and more a shared pub experience. The famous crowd response to the title is legendary and has been passed down through generations of pub goers. It is loud cheeky and pure Australian pub chaos in the best possible way.

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The Divinyls – I Touch Myself

Written by: Chrissy Amphlett, Mark McEntee, Billy Steinberg, Tom Kelly

Bold, playful and impossible to ignore. This song always gets a reaction in pubs with laughs, confident singing and plenty of attitude. It still feels naughty and fun years after its release. Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Icehouse – Great Southern Land

Written by: Iva Davies

A song that feels wide open and reflective. In pubs, it often starts quietly before building into a strong shared moment. It carries a sense of national pride that resonates late in the night. Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Jimmy Barnes – Working Class Man

Written by: Jonathan Cain

Raw, emotional and built for loud speakers. This song connects instantly with pub crowds through its themes of pride and hard work. By the final chorus, most people are singing along with real feeling.

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Hunters & Collectors – Holy Grail

Written by: Mark Seymour, Matt Kelly

Closely linked to Australian sporting moments and shared emotion. In pubs, it brings people together with arms around shoulders and voices raised. It feels hopeful, powerful and made for group singing. Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

The Screaming Jets – Better

Written by: Dave Gleeson, Richard Lara

Loud, gritty and built for pub sound systems. It has that classic nineties rock energy that still hits hard today. This track brings a surge of energy and gets people singing with real enthusiasm. Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Men At Work – Down Under

Written by: Colin Hay, Ron Strykert

Down Under is instantly recognisable from the first few notes. It is fun light hearted and packed with Aussie references that people love shouting out. In pubs it creates an easy going party atmosphere and usually gets everyone involved.

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Daddy Cool – Eagle Rock

Written by: Ross Wilson

Pure nostalgia and movement. This song often signals the night is heating up. In pubs, it gets people dancing, laughing and reliving old nights out without taking itself too seriously. Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Dragon – April Sun in Cuba

Written by: Marc Hunter, Paul Hewson

Breezy, upbeat and perfect for afternoon or early evening pub sessions. It is easy to sing and easy to enjoy. April Sun in Cuba brings a relaxed, summery feel whenever it plays. Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

INXS – Never Tear Us Apart

Written by: Andrew Farriss, Michael Hutchence

A slower, emotional pub classic that still commands attention. People tend to sway and sing along rather than shout. It adds a smooth, dramatic moment to any pub playlist.

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Choirboys – Run To Paradise

Written by: Mark Gable, Ian Hulme

Run To Paradise is classic Aussie pub rock through and through. It is loud simple and built for shouting along to after a few beers. The chorus hits hard and everyone knows when to jump in. Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Noiseworks – Take Me Back

Written by: Jon Stevens, Steve Balbi

Take Me Back feels nostalgic in the best way. It brings back memories of simpler times and good nights out. In pubs it often sparks conversations about old gigs old mates and stories from years gone by. Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Crowded House – Don’t Dream It’s Over

Written by: Neil Finn

Almost everyone knows this song by heart. In pubs, it creates a shared moment with soft singing that builds across the room. It feels timeless and works with any crowd.

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Jet – Are You Gonna Be My Girl

Written by: Nic Cester, Chris Cester, Cameron Muncey

Fast, loud and instantly energising. This song lifts the room as soon as it starts. In pubs, it gets heads nodding, feet tapping, and voices joining in straight away. Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

The Living End – Prisoner of Society

Written by: Chris Cheney

Fast, aggressive, and full of punk attitude. This song connects strongly with people who grew up with it. In pubs, it is shouted rather than sung, and that is exactly how it should be. Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

AC/DC – Back in Black

Written by: Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Brian Johnson

One of the most powerful pub openers ever. The opening riff instantly changes the energy. Expect air guitar, loud singing, and a serious lift in atmosphere when it comes on.

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Paul Kelly – Before Too Long

Written by: Paul Kelly

Relaxed, warm, and deeply Australian. This song works perfectly alongside conversation and a beer. People sing the chorus while chatting, and it always feels comfortable and familiar. Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Goanna – Solid Rock

Written by: Shane Howard

Solid Rock carries weight and meaning while still fitting comfortably into a pub playlist. The song often creates a moment of reflection mixed with pride. Watch on YouTube | Back to Playlist

Honourable Mentions:

• The Black Sorrows – Chained To The Wheel
• Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs – Most People I Know Think That I’m Crazy
• GANGgajang – Sounds Of Then (This Is Australia)
• Mental as Anything – Live It Up
• Hoodoo Gurus – What’s My Scene?

You can enjoy the playlist on Spotify below at your next function thanks to Party DJ Hire: