09 July 2024
18 mins Read
Australia’s best rooftop bars are all about good vibes. I mean, what could be better than chilling out with a cool drink while enjoying a bird’s-eye view of an Australian city over summer? From open-air bars in Melbourne to undercover terraces in Brisbane, we crisscross the country to find Australia’s best rooftop bars that will see us sitting happily, high above the bustle, with our heads in the clouds. Let’s go. It’s your shout.
The Hyatt Regency Sydney is one of Sydney’s top spots for a stay-cay. Celebrate the bounty of the East Coast with a three-course Seafarer Dinner at Sailmaker (a sustainable seafood dining concept) before arriving at rooftop bar Zephyr along with the whisper of a summer breeze.
The chic rooftop bar in the Hyatt Regency Sydney offers share plates and harbour views.
The rooftop bar on Level 12 routinely mixes up its summer cocktail menu and is a sophisticated standout on the Sydney waterfront. Expect DJs on the decks on Friday and Saturday nights, and one of Sydney’s most extensive selections of rum, gin and whisk(e)y.
The Hyatt Regency Sydney looks out over the glittering city.
The Toxteth Hotel, or Tocky as it’s affectionately known, has expanded to include a rooftop bar with some seriously spesh views.
Wine and dine at The Tocky Terrace.
By day, the Inner West pub’s rooftop bar is a sun-splashed spot for breakfast, lunch or brunch; by night, when the city lights wink on, the Tocky Terrace becomes one of the best rooftop bars in Sydney.
The Toxteth Hotel serves flavourful dishes.
The reimagined Glebe local features micro cement bars and booths with terrazzo tiling and has a retractable roof to make it an all-weather destination.
The drinks at Tocky are guaranteed to boost your mood.
The refurbishment of InterContinental Sydney in 2022 was big news, giving visitors and locals even more reason to want to stay a night at the iconic hotel.
Aster is the perfect spot to unwind.
The $120 million makeover extended all the way up to the rooftop bar, Aster, on level 32 which is now open to the public for the first time.
Take in incredible views of the city skyline at Aster Bar. (Image: InterContinental Sydney)
The rooftop bar has some of the best views in Sydney of Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and the Royal Botanic Gardens and sitting here, on the terrace, serves as a reminder that Sydney is one of the best cities in the world. Feel on top of the world at the bar which draws from a colour palette of warm green and blue hues.
Pull up a chair and sink a cold one at Aster Bar. (Image: InterContinental Sydney)
It’s impossible not to be in high spirits when you hit The Terrace at the Pumphouse Sydney. Okay, it’s hardly a sky-scraping joint. But the covered terrace is in prime position overlooking the revitalised Darling Square. The Terrace has so much green foliage it feels like an elegant, exclusive oasis.
The revitalised The Terrace Pumphouse Sydney is an elevated oasis.
The Terrace also focuses on local gins spiked with native botanicals. The rooftop bar has a range of great bar snacks on the menu including pecorino croquettes and Greek saganaki with spiced honey and lavender. There are also lamingtons with coconut sponge soaked in Benriach whisky and salted caramel. Quote the word TERRACE when booking online and you’ll receive a complimentary glass of Chandon Garden Spritz.
The Terrace raises the bar in Darling Square.
Martinez Terrace is a top spot to enjoy a cold drink and bar bites with views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Tucked into a pocket of the Quay Quarter Tower and an extension of the adjacent restaurant, Martinez, the sun-splashed bar is a hub for corporates who work in office towers upstairs.
Catch a glimpse of the Harbour Bridge while wining and dining at Martinez Terrace. (Image: Steven Woodburn)
Framed by neatly manicured potted plants, the bar is best as day becomes night and the lights of the CBD wink on.
Share plates overflowing with delicious options are the way to go at Martinez Terrace, (Image: Jason Loucas)
Catch the sun setting over Circular Quay with a cheeky cocktail in hand such as the Spritz Tropique or The Homme Pasteque. Executive chef Alex Wong recommends ordering a mix of share plates such as whipped roe with bottarga or Ortiz anchovies with a seaweed persillade butter and Grana bakery baguette.
The Spritz Tropique is a refreshing drink to end the day with. (Image: Jason Loucas)
You won’t need to follow any signposts to get to W Sydney: just look to the skyline in Darling Harbour to find Sydney’s newest landmark building and one of Australia’s best rooftop bars. From there, get on up to 29/30 where you should follow the team of waiters brandishing Aperol spritzes to the top floor of the two-storey rooftop bar at W Sydney to drink in views across Darling Harbour.
W is for ‘welcome’ at the new W Sydney Hotel in Sydney.
29/30 is perfectly positioned to drink in sunset aperitivos or wine and cocktails over a Basque-inspired tapas menu. The bar’s upper tier on level 30 also offers fancy cocktails and vintage Champagne by the glass. Want to use the pool? Check-in to check it out.
The Sydney rooftop bar 29/30 is atop the iconic curved W Sydney.
Zeta Bar takes full advantage of its enviable aspect looking out over the Queen Victoria Building. Congregate with friends on the wide terrace to make the most out of the magnificent view, which gives off ‘holiday in Europe’ vibes.
Hilton Sydney’s The Zeta Bar is prime real estate.
The garden-themed bar is prettied up with vertical gardens and flower-filled vases and is an idyllic escape for after-work drinks. The high tea here is also one of the best offerings in all the land.
There are so many reasons to visit Sydney’s newest rooftop bar atop the Kimpton Margot Sydney. It’s the next chapter for the revamped Art Deco hotel and we’re all about it.
Harper is the rooftop bar atop the Kimpton Margot Sydney. (Image: Dexter Kim)
An excursion skyward at the inner CBD hotel is both pleasurable and playful. There are premium cocktails and sinful slushies on offer as well as an extensive range of wines available both by the glass and bottle. The bar has a beach club vibe with a shimmering pool. Book now for bragging rights.
Harper has a beach club vibe. (Image: Dexter Kim)
The Coogee community is a hub for backpackers so the dress code at the Balcony Bar on the rooftop of the Coogee Bay Hotel is pretty relaxed. Think pretty summery dresses. And jorts and jandals.
Feel the summery vibe all year round at Balcony Bar.
The warmer weather rouses Sydneysiders to flock to the beaches. Go for a swim and then settle in at one of the tables that overlook the twinkling sea.
There are share plates of grilled octopus and burrata paired with ox-heart tomatoes and toasted focaccia. Or more substantial mains such as pizza and grilled swordfish with tomato and fennel. The signature watermelon margarita is also a must.
Pair your drinks with mouth-watering dishes.
Crystalbrook Collection drove the refurb of the landmark Newcastle City Council building to deliver Newcastle’s first five-star hotel: Crystalbrook Kingsley. The luxury hotel then ensured the city remained on the up and up with Romberg’s Bar, named in honour of the building’s architect Frederick Romberg.
Swing by Romberg’s for a nightcap.
Enjoy the panoramic views alongside snacks such as the signature crumbed Yamba prawn sando and a round of cocktails before heading into The Roundhouse for dinner.
Admire breathtaking views of the city at Romberg’s Newcastle.
Enjoy views over the Steel City’s iconic coastline from the ninth story of the QT Newcastle from the Rooftop at QT in the reimagined David Jones building.
Fresh gyoza and Japanese whisky make a good pair at this izakaya.
Today, the city with the industrial heritage is more glam than grunge: get to know Newy’s dazzling side over fresh gyoza and a snifter of Japanese whisky at Rooftop at QT, where the ceiling of the izakaya is festooned with pretty pendant lights. Hotel restaurant, Jana, is one of many Newcastle restaurants to put on your radar.
Get funky at the Rooftop at QT Newcastle.
Rooftop at QT Melbourne has had a makeover, which makes it a cool option to enjoy a cocktail over summer. Hit number 11 in the elevator to reach this sky-high stylish rooftop bar and let the revelry begin.
Order scallops for starters.
The reimagined rooftop includes intimate alcoves with booths and a private lounge and outdoor bar from which to enjoy QT’s statement cocktails alongside cult dishes such as the fried mortadella sando.
Feast on the overflowing menu at the Rooftop at QT Melbourne.
Expect the customised spaces to contain QT quirks that will provide fodder for your social media feed.
Beverly is not in postcode 90210, Hollywood. Rather, it’s in 3141 South Yarra. But this rooftop bar sitting pretty in Chapel St looks to Southern California in the mid-century for inspiration for its interiors.
Sit down for an afternoon drink at Beverly.
Perched atop Goldfields House, the sun-splashed terrace is all terrazzo tiles, acres of glass and Art Deco-esque furnishings in subdued hues.
Ask your boss to do you a solid and give you the arvo off so you can make it to golden hour. Feeling like a girl dinner? Order a simple plate of sashimi and a glass of something funky.
Beverly has a pastel-hued funky interior.
Reach for the stars at HER Rooftop in hip and happening Lonsdale St. The colourful HER Rooftop is the icing on the cake for the vertical laneway venue known as HER.
Spot HER Rooftop on Lonsdale St. (Image: Parker Blain)
The multi-tiered venue also contains the Euro-leaning HER Bar, Thai canteen BKK, and vinyl and whisky bar Music Room. Slow things down here sipping sundowners such as the Sawadee Kha! or go for the lounge package which includes BKK bites such as eggplant with sesame crackers, mushroom spring rolls and chicken curry puffs.
Fill your tummy with delish offerings at HER Rooftop. (Image: Parker Blain)
Make sure your plans for visiting Queensland’s capital include a stop-off at MAYA Mexican, one of Brisbane’s best rooftop bars.
Settle in the rooftop bar at MAYA Mexican.
The bar is like a happy marriage between Mexico City’s high-brow Coyoacan and hedonistic Cancun, which means it’s got the best of both Mexican tribes’ vibes – think discos and DJs, tequila and tacos and a classy cantina.
Dine on tacos and more at MAYA Mexican. (Image: Dean Swindell)
Take refuge at the bueno bar or in the courtyard, which is like a posh palapa (Mexican shelter) fringed with potted cacti.
Stop by MAYA Mexican and grab a drink. (Image: Dean Swindell)
Crystalbrook Collection helping to change our city skylines one carefully considered hotel at a time.
Sip cocktails by the Brisbane River.
Crystalbrook Vincent is a case in point with its fine example of a rooftop bar in Fiume, which means river in Italian and is one of many venues that have added bling to the Brisbane River.
Dine mouth-watering eats at Fiume, Brisbane.
As one of Brisbane’s best rooftop bars, Fiume offers stellar views of the Story Bridge and serpentine river, has an infinity pool and day beds, and cocktails full of punch such as the Periwinkle, that pull it all together.
Summer in Brisbane is the perfect time to enjoy a spicy pineapple margarita with a view.
Choose from an array of cocktails at WET Deck.
Feel the breeze and watch the honey hues wash over the buildings from the open-air Wet Deck at W Brisbane, an open-air terrace that comes into its own amid the shimmering lights of the Bris Vegas CBD.
Feel the breeze with a wine in hand at WET Deck.
If you’re feeling a bit salty about the summer heat, book a room or spacious suite, which will give you access to the pool. Otherwise, keep your sunshiney state of mind with a refreshing cocktail.
Enjoy a drink by the pool at WET Deck.
Keep your head in the clouds at Iris Rooftop Bar and Restaurant, an opulent oasis in the heart of Fortitude Valley. There’s a shady courtyard and soaring views over the Brisbane skyline and beyond at this poolside bar designed to celebrate the sunshine state.
The city is shimmering atop Iris at Hotel X. (Image: Markus Ravik)
Taste your way through tapas on the terrace or sip on the extensive range of cocktails and craft beers from the comfort of your private cabana. It’s best at sundown while looking out over the shimmering lights over the city. The pool is open to the public Tuesdays from 4pm to late and from Wednesday to Sunday 11.30am to late.
Pour refreshing drinks to cap off the day.
Grab a perch at Rooftop Bar in Maroochydore to watch waves of colour ripple across the horizon at dusk. The sea views have been Instagrammed so many times you could just stay at home and search for the hashtag.
Strike a pose with panoramic city views as your backdrop at The Rooftop Bar, Maroochydore.
But what’s the fun in that? Get out of that scroll hole and take a hop, skip and lift to the wraparound bar. It’s one of the Queensland’s most romantic rooftop bars.
Enjoy a drink at sunset in The Rooftop Bar, Maroochydore.
Crystalbrook Riley has given visitors to Tropical North Queensland a different vantage point over Cairns and the Coral Sea. Rocco offers 270-degree panoramic views, which makes it the city’s highest rooftop bar.
Soak up panoramic city views at Rocco Cairns.
Order off an inspired drinks menu with cocktails such as the Marrakesh mule and Middle Eastern and Mediterranean bites. The compact size of Cairns is part of its charm. Crystalbrook Riley is only minutes away from some of the city’s best attractions.
Pick your poison.
You will find Whiskey and Wine along the Esplanade at Crystalbrook Flynn. It’s a prime platform from which to admire views over the Coral Sea and East Trinity.
Drink while admiring views at Whiskey and Wine Cairns.
As the name suggests, there’s a diverse offering of local and imported whisk(e)ys and wines. There are also standout drinks such as the WMS (watermelon, soda and prosecco). Order alongside an array of small share plates.
Enjoy imported whiskeys.
In the words of singer-songwriter Bernard Fanning: “Songbird, you got tales to tell.” Ask the concierge which button to push to get to Songbird, the storied terrace bar at The Ritz-Carlton, Perth, which looks out over the flight path of the city’s winged residents.
Wind down for the evening at Songbird at the Ritz-Carlton Perth.
If only the walls could talk at this enchanting indoor and outdoor space at the Marriott Bonvoy Asia hotel; it’s one of the top spots to perch in Perth’s Elizabeth Quay for bumps of caviar and Champagne.
Songbird at the Ritz-Carlton Perth is famous for caviar. (Image: Jessica Wyld)
There’s nothing low-key about the immersive cinematic experience on offer at Rooftop Movies in Perth. You can count on a chilled glass of wine, cocktail or beer at the open-air rooftop cinema all the while savouring the hottest blockbusters or timeless classics such as Mean Girls, Barbie and Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Expect themed dance parties at the venue overlooking the Northbridge skyline and cranes elbowing the sky. Nab a purple beanbag to enjoy burgers, popcorn and beers and you’ll have one of the best seats in town.
Want to drink in the skyline at one of Perth’s best rooftop bars? The sprawling space atop the Vibe Hotel in Subiaco is a scene that continues to gather steam. The place is generally mobbed with a good-looking creative crowd and is a most tasteful place to sit and chill as the sun sets.
Head to Storehouse Subiaco for drinks at sundown.
Fancy something light? Go for the freshly shucked oysters and duck liver parfait. The pan-fried gnocchi and black Onyx beer brioche sliders are more substantial.
The bar interior looks sophisticated.
Howzat? 2KW Bar and Kitchen is prime real estate for cricket tragics in the South Australian summer. The rooftop bar sits atop the historically significant Westpac building. It looks out across the river to Adelaide Oval and the Torrens River. The terrace bar features festoon lighting and is a great option for an after-work drink or Sunday session.
Elevate your evening plans while in Adelaide by visiting one of the best rooftop bars in Australia.
Get the best view at Sôl Rooftop.
SkyCity’s award-winning head sommelier Jimmy Parham has crafted a dynamic list of cocktails at Sôl Rooftop such as the signature Purple Haze, featuring Kangaroo Island Spirits Mulberry Gin, and the Sol Spritz.
Enjoy a dynamic list of cocktails at Sôl Rooftop. (Image: Meaghan Coles)
Start with SA oyster shooters, followed by wagyu tartare and SA king prawns with a yuzu chilli dressing and daikon. Sôl Rooftop captures the energy of Adelaide.
Be sure to stay until dark to see spectacular views at night.
Hit the strobe! Merrymaker Rooftop Bar is not just a cocktail destination in Adelaide; it’s one of the city’s most raucous and colourful bars and one of Australia’s best rooftop bars. The fun and vibrant venue is near the city’s magical markets. For that reason alone, it is an absolute humdinger on a hump day. Expect a playlist of summer bangers and sensational views over the surrounding streets from the breezy terrace. The fit-out pops with primary colours and is divided into cosy booths, communal lounges and intimate alcoves.
Get high at Aura Hobart overlooking the Derwent River and kunanyi/Mt Wellington. There’s an abbreviated menu of share plates. The wine and beer list celebrates the best wines from Tassie and around the world. And cocktails are a serious business.
Life is golden at the Aura Rooftop Bar.
Either order what you fancy or tell them what you like and leave it up to them to muddle through it. Fluff your Aura with a Flora Dora (gin, lime and ginger ale).
Sip specialty cocktails at Aura Hobart.
Head to the heart of nipaluna/Hobart to find the brand-new rooftop atop the Telegraph Hotel. The bar has stunning views over Sullivan’s Cove, and the combination of a party vibe and produce-led pub grub presents a poised sort of comfort.
Reserve a seat in advance to avoid missing out.
Everyone is here for the same thing: a good time. The rooftop bar is a community hub with elevated options for steak night, parmi Tuesdays and drag trivia. Beer-battered Tasmanian pink ling is the thing. Good one, Hobart.
People flock to the Telegraph Hotel to have a good time.
Don loafers and linen and level up at The Deck. The rooftop bar sits atop the Crowne Plaza Hobart, one of the best places to stay in the state capital. The bar sources local produce to serve atop pizzas cooked under a good whack of heat from the wood-fired grill.
Clink your glasses at The Deck.
It also takes the familiar bright and breezy rooftop template and overlays it with a pumping soundtrack. It seems only fitting to order the Cosmopolitan.
Take a seat at the spacious bar.
Charlie’s of Darwin captures the essence of Darwin’s eccentricities and is therefore considered one of Australia’s best rooftop bars.
Curl up on the couch with a gin in hand. (Image: Charlies of Darwin)
The eclectic space has an industrial aesthetic framed by greenery in Darwin’s CBD. Count on a well-crafted cocktail at Charlie’s established by Rebecca Bullen, founder of Stone House Darwin. Charlie’s has its own working gin distillery and serves cooling snacks like sorbet. Grab your tribe: it’s all about the vibe.
Gin it up at Charlies of Darwin. (Image: Charlies of Darwin)
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