Sky-High Sips & Stunning Views: 11 of Australia’s Best Rooftop Bars

From sun-soaked terraces with sweeping city views to stylish lounges offering inventive cocktails, these elevated venues are redefining the art of alfresco drinking.

Whether you're seeking a chic date spot, a lively weekend hangout, or a place to unwind with panoramic vistas, here are some of the country's most iconic rooftop bars worth a visit.

Lina Rooftop | 📷 queensland.com

Lina Rooftop.

Where: Brisbane

Perched on the 12th floor of a South Bank building, Lina Rooftop offers a Mediterranean-inspired oasis with panoramic views of Brisbane City and Mt Coot-tha. The chic, Grecian beach club ambiance is complemented by an infinity pool and plush day beds, making it a perfect spot for sunset cocktails and relaxed gatherings.

Lina Rooftop, 80 Tribune Street, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
linarooftop.com.au

CIRQ Bar & Lounge | 📷 Crown Sydney

CIRQ Bar & Lounge.

Where: Sydney

Located atop the luxurious Crown Sydney in Barangaroo, CIRQ Bar & Lounge boasts mesmerizing views of Circular Quay and the waterfront. With its elegant and multi-dimensional indoor and outdoor spaces, it's an ideal venue for sipping crafted cocktails while enjoying the city's skyline.

CIRQ, Level 26, 1 Barangaroo Avenue, Sydney NSW 2000
crownsydney.com.au/bars/cirq

Mid Air | 📷 Melbourne Place

Mid Air.

Where: Melbourne

Situated on the 12th floor of Melbourne Place, Mid Air offers a Mediterranean-inspired rooftop experience with 270-degree views of the city skyline. The stylish setting, complete with a live DJ on select days, makes it a vibrant spot for after-work drinks or weekend celebrations.

Melbourne Place, 130 Russell Street,Melbourne, 3000 VIC
melbourneplace.com.au

The Terrace rooftop bar | 📷 queensland.com

The Terrace.

Where: Brisbane

Offering uninterrupted views of the South Bank, The Terrace is a luxe rooftop bar designed with a polished subtropical vibe. Guests can enjoy smooth, fruity cocktails and indulge in tasty grazing items, including fresh seafood and Asian-inspired snacks, while soaking in one of the best views of the Brisbane skyline.

The Terrace, 267 Grey Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101
emporiumhotels.com.au/bars-dining/the-terrace

Merrymaker rooftopbar | 📷 australia.com

Merrymaker.

Where: Adelaide

Make your way up 16 flights above Adelaide’s Market Street market stalls, and you'll find the bright delight that is the Merrymaker. Sprawled across the top level of Hotel Indigo, Merrymaker is the city's highest rooftop bar, with views out to the Adelaide Hills. The menu at Merrymaker is a celebration of regional flavours, complete with fresh seafood and bold Barossa wines, and the vibrant decor is totally instagram-worthy.

Merrymaker, 23-29 Market St, Adelaide SA
adelaide.hotelindigo.com/merrymaker-rooftop/

Coogee Pavilion rooftop | 📷 merivale.com

Coogee Pavilion.

Where: Coogee, Sydney

The Coogee Pavilion is one of the best coastal rooftop bars in Sydney. Dining on the large, lush green patio, you’ll take in a breathtaking 270-degree view over the famous Coogee Beach while being served delicious food, cocktails and ice-cold beers. The Eastern Mediterranean inspired menu spans classics like baby squid, kingfish ceviche and a range of kebabs, while the drinks that are pouring are signature cocktails, sangria jugs, bubbles and beer.

Coogee Pavilion, 169 Dolphin St, Coogee NSW 2034
merivale.com/venues/coogeepavilion

📷 Rooftop Bar

Rooftop Bar.

Where: Melbourne

Don’t let the seven flights of stairs stand in your way (the elevator works sometimes), as this is easily one of Melbourne’s best known and most loved rooftop bars. Located at Curtin House on Swanston Street, right in the middle of the city, you’ll get unbeatable views of Melbourne’s skyline as you sit back in one of the deck chairs. The Rooftop Burger Shack will keep you fed and in summer the venue plays host to an outdoor cinema.

Rooftop Bar, Curtin House, 252 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
rooftopbar.co

📷 The Howling Moon

The Howling Moon.

Where: Canberra

A night at the Howling Moon rooftop bar in Canberra promises a delightfully quirky time. The scarlet-themed bar is enclosed by floor-to-ceiling glass finishes, offering a spectacular view of the city and its surrounding nature. Pop in on a weeknight to take advantage of happy hour or dance the night away until the wee hours over the weekend. 

The Howling Moon, 150 Northbourne Ave, Braddon ACT 2612
thehowlingmoon.com.au

📷 AURA Hobart

Aura Lounge Bar.

Where: Hobart

Situated on the 12th floor of Crowne Plaza Hobart, Aura Lounge Bar provides spectacular views over the city skyline, the Derwent River, and Kunanyi / Mount Wellington. With a lush indoor/outdoor dining room and a rooftop terrace, it's a unique venue for enjoying cocktails and small plates in a relaxed setting.

AURA, Level 12/110 Liverpool St, Hobart TAS
aurahobart.com.au

The Collective | 📷 queensland.com

The Collective.

Palm Beach

Located on the Gold Coast Highway, The Collective offers a rooftop terrace with unobstructed views of the hinterland. Guests can enjoy a variety of cuisines, including Mexican, Greek, Asian, American, and Italian, complemented by a curated cocktail menu and a social atmosphere.

The Collective, 1128 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
thecollectivepalmbeach.com.au

Naked Upstairs | 📷 visitvictoria.com

Naked Upstairs.

Melbourne

Sitting atop Fitzroy’s funky Naked for Satan, Naked Upstairs offers views across the city and down Brunswick Street. Downstairs you’ll find a selection of cheap and cheerful pintxos (bite-size snacks on bread in the Basque style), while the upstairs restaurant offers something a bit more sophisticated (and substantial). If the weather’s good, get there early to ensure you get a spot on the outdoor deck.

Naked for Satan, 285 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC
nakedforsatan.com.au/upstairs

Australia's rooftop bars offer diverse experiences, from luxurious lounges to casual terraces, each providing unique views and atmospheres. Whether you're in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Perth, or the Gold Coast, these elevated venues promise unforgettable moments under the open sky.

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