Our nation’s rooftop bar quota is growing, but seats are hard-won. Get in early to nab a spot and soak up the views at one of these sky-high watering holes.
Unlike others in its ilk, this Melbourne favourite has wet-weather insurance against the city’s fickle skies. Thankfully, the retractable roof still lets you soak up the city views over Lonsdale Street’s treetops. Chorizo sliders and eggplant chips are a couple of the tapas plates coming out of the cosy kitchen, while a well-stocked bar fuels both new-age and stalwart cocktails, like the feisty negronis. bombabar.com.au
It’s tough to stay for “just a few” at this rowdy rooftop bar. With music venue Rocket Bar downstairs, the vibe is vintage garden party meets LA backyard (there’s a giant palm tree in the centre). During summer, they screen cult classics at the back, like Cocktail and Dazed and Confused. 17 Crippen Place, Adelaide crippenplace.com
Fitzroy’s iconic corner pub went under the knife recently, but it was more facelift than full-blown nip and tuck. A light rooftop space features some striped brollies and a tasty list of stubbies (including a few craft tinnies) that are served out of a bathtub – house party-style. A few cocktails, like the aperitivo favourite of Aperol Spritz, are also on offer, as are some knockout sunset views. 411 George St, Fitzroy VIC marquisoflorne.com.au
The breezy Hollywood stylings of Lennons Pool Terrace & Bar will make the hustle of Queen Street Mall downstairs feel worlds away. Perched on level four of NEXT Hotel, it’s an oasis of tropical palms and deck chairs. Drinks are comprised of craft beers and spirits, easy-drinking cocktails, and an exhaustive wine list covering local and international terrain. And of course, there’s that glistening blue lap pool that, come summer, will tempt the most timid of sippers. 2/72 Queen St, Brisbane City lennonsrestaurant.com
There are four bars on the upper level of Merivale’s seaside behemoth, and unlike downstairs’ family-friendly zone, the rooftop is strictly over-18s. Lush greenery and eclectic, homely interiors give the bar a locals vibe. The menu is designed to be shared and draws on Eastern Mediterranean influences, covering Turkish, Lebanese and Greek cuisines. True to these regions, executive chef Jordan Toft is using a charcoal grill to smoke seafood and meats. 169 Dolphin St, Coogee merivale.com.au/coogeerooftop
Catch the lobby lift to level four for a Tanqueray cocktail the size of your head (they’re served in impressive balloon glasses) at this downtown rooftop bar. The dill & banana fizz, mellowed with lime and soda, is a quirky twist on the classic G&T. Jason Atherton’s Kensington Street Social are powering the food side of things, which, unlike downstairs, you can enjoy in your bathers – poolside. 1 Kensington Street, Chippendale theoldclarehotel.com.au
