Melbourne’s best rooftop bars
There’s no better way to enjoy the iconic skyline of Melbourne than from one of its countless rooftop bars. Here are 11 of the best.
There’s a lot to love about Melbourne; the shopping, the food, the AFL — it’s arguably Australia’s cultural capital. Its extensive collection of rooftop bars, however, cements the city as a bonafide hospitality capital.
With plenty of tall buildings emerging from the ground around Port Phillip, several have popped neat bars on top to soak up the views. As one of the flattest metropolitan capitals in Australia, you don’t need to go very high for a great vantage point, and many of these rooftop bars are only a few levels up.
With hotels, pubs, and bars all competing for the highest vantage points in the city, there’s something about drinking on a roof that is so enjoyable. The best place to enjoy a drink is with a view, and the best view is from the roof, whether it’s while soaking up the summer sunshine or huddling beside outdoor heaters in winter with a belly-warming beverage in hand.
Space in Melbourne, as it is about the same for almost everywhere in Australia, is becoming increasingly difficult to find, which explains the growing popularity of the rooftop bar. Here is our pick of Melbourne’s best.
Her
One of the newest additions to Melbourne’s burgeoning rooftop bar scene is Her. Helmed by the Arbory Crew, the team behind Arbory Bar & Eatery and its riverside sister spot, Arbory Afloat, Her is a towering sanctuary in the heart of the CBD. A spot where you can easily find yourself all day from morning until evening, there’s an all-day French eatery, as well as a Thai-style barbecue canteen, vinyl-ready music space and of course, its scenic rooftop bar. Located inside the original facade of a heritage-listed building, Her was given a new life by architects JCB and designers Tamsin Johnson. Sip cocktails and listen to the best music to your heart’s content.
Location: 270 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Views: Frescos line the top of the heritage-listed facade, but above that enjoy views of the most iconic buildings in Melbourne’s skyline.
The order: Try a Sidecar, a classic cocktail experiencing a resurgence.
The Rooftop at QT
The suave rooftop bar on the eleventh floor of the QT hotel is an all-seasons delight. Whether you arrive for a cosy winter evening drink, or long summer session, the rooftop bar at QT has you sorted for all occasions. As is the case with many bars with impressive city views, it’s a walk-in only venue, so make sure to get in early to secure your spot. Lavishly decorated in lively hues of green and blue, it’s a stylish oasis high up from the bustling streets of Melbourne.
Location: 133 Russell St, CBD, Melbourne, Australia, 3000
Views: At the part of the city where the skyscrapers haven’t yet reached, the views look back at the towering buildings in the heart of the CBD.
The order: Nothing beats the classic QT G&T.
Captain Baxter
This iconic beachside Melbourne eatery and bar has opened its roof up for unparalleled views of St Kilda’s beach and promenade. Located close to St Kilda’s famous pier, Captain Baxter serves up a seafood-inspired array of dishes plus a good selection of beers, cocktails, and wines. With regular live entertainment and palm-fringed water views, Captain Baxter should be atop the list of places to enjoy a beverage when visiting this coastal locale.
Location: 10/10-18 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda 3182
Views: Rising above the smaller buildings around it in the coastal neighbourhood, Captain Baxter looks out over Port Phillip Bay.
The order: On a sunny day, go for the Summer Blush Spritz.
Fable Melbourne
While there are numerous rooftop bars in Melbourne, only one can boast being Melbourne’s highest — and that is Fable Melbourne. Perched on the 14th floor rooftop of the Greek Community Building on Lonsdale Street, Fable is the highest rooftop bar in the city, offering panoramic skyline views plus a list of inventive cocktails. The drinks and food menu are both Mediterranean-themed, and beyond the pages of martini variations, most of the drinks are gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
Location: 13/168 Lonsdale Street Melbourne 3000
Views: Unmatched views of the Melbourne skyline from the wraparound windows and retractable roof.
The order: Each of the signature cocktails comes with their own story, The Fountain of Youth is well worth a try.
Runner Up
Perched above the Collingwood Yards arts precinct and community space, Runner Up is as cool as it gets. Brimming with eclectic decor and local art, the bar has views of Melbourne’s hippest neighbourhoods. Ultra-casual, the rooftop bar is often soundtracked by the beats from Hope St Radio downstairs; but you can expect hearing anything from ’60s psych-rock to UK Garage. It doesn’t take reservations, so arrive early to secure a spot.
Location: Level 2/35 Johnston St, Collingwood 3066
Views: Looks out over the coolest suburbs of Collingwood, Fitzroy, and Carlton.
The order: Share a bottle of wine with friends.
Rooftop Bar
As its name suggests, Rooftop Bar is located atop the Art Deco building Curtin House. With seven floors of retail, bars, and other eateries, Rooftop Bar is the crown in a building teeming with things to explore. One of the best rooftop bars in the city, it’s also one of its most memorable. With plenty of room to lounge around and a dog-friendly policy, expect to see every type of Melbournian enjoying their time up there.
From December to March, Rooftop Bar also hosts an outdoor cinema night, so check the schedule to see if your chosen night is tickets-only.
Location: Level 7, Curtin House 252 Swanston Street Melbourne 3000
Views: Panoramic views of the city and the skies above
The order: Nothing beats an ice-cold pint of beer as a reward for hiking up seven floors.
Good Heavens
The sister venue to the slow-cooked American BBQ restaurant Fancy Hanks (located downstairs), Good Heavens is Palm Springs-inspired; think neon lights, pastel decor, and an overall relaxed vibe, making it a perfect place for chilled daytime drinks. With more casual food offerings than what is served served downstairs, Good Heavens is still BBQ-centric with their sides and nibbles. Music runs until late, and with plenty of beers on tap, it’s an easy choice.
Location: Level 2, 79 Bourke Street Melbourne 3000
Views: Shaded by nearby trees, you can still see the tallest of Melbourne’s towers in the distance.
The order: The Make My Day cocktail is their most popular, and for good reason.
Union Electric Bar
Tucked away so well that you’d likely never find it if you weren’t actively looking, Union Electric Bar is a tiny gin garden located near the State Library of Victoria. The team of Huw Griffiths and Shane Whiteley are constantly evolving their drinks offerings to reflect seasons, trends, and their own tastes, rehashing classics and highlighting the best of Australia’s talented food and beverage suppliers. With a focus on gin, expect lots of fresh fruit and vegetables to be key ingredients on Union’s menu of rotating tiki-style drinks. Plus, as there’s no kitchen, you’re welcome to order in food from the plethora of local restaurants around and enjoy the food with your drinks.
Location: 13 Heffernan Lane Melbourne 3000
Views: Surrounded by tall brick buildings on either side, the view, while limited, is nevertheless cosy, try looking at the people or person you are with.
The order: With a drinks menu often changing, ask your bartender for their pick of the lot.
Naked in the Sky
A mainstay in the Fitzroy bar scene for almost fifteen years, Naked in the Sky is one of the area’s most iconic, and with the views to match. Piggybacking upstairs from Naked for Satan, Naked in the Sky has everything you want from a cosy rooftop bar. A killer drinks list, delicious Basque-inspired menu and heating in winter to ensure it’s a year-round pleasure. Make sure to get in early to score a seat with one of the best views of Fitzroy and its surrounding area. We recommend getting a seat on the eastern side, as it’s one of the only rooftop bars in Melbourne to have a view of the stunning Dandenongs.
Location: 285 Brunswick Street Fitzroy 3065
Views: From Fitzroy’s terraces to the Dandenongs, it‘s one of the most unique rooftop views in Melbourne
The order: Known for vodka, try any cocktail containing one of Naked’s house-infused spirits.
State of Grace
State of Grace is one of Melbourne’s most adored cocktail bars, and now it has taken its bar offering to new heights. Nestled amongst the skyscrapers in Melbourne’s CBD, the rooftop brings the easygoing menu of classic and signature cocktails to the scenic view of Melbourne’s skyline.
Location: 27 King St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Views: Surrounded by some of Melbourne’s tallest buildings, become immersed in the CBD skyline.
The order: A blend of tequila, Campari, sweet vermouth and smoked marmalade syrup, The Damned Saint cocktail is a must try.
Rooftop at the Imperial Hotel
Nestled in the heart of the CBD, and just a short walk from the Princess Theatre, the Imperial’s rooftop is the perfect place for a pre-show drink or a post-show session. Often decked out in the familiar Aperol orange, the Imperial does a spritz like no other. That said, the team is just as happy serving cold beers, cocktails and snacks. For sports fans, you’re likely to spy AFL on their big screens throughout the season.
Location: 2-8 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Views: Views look out to the historic section of the Melbourne CBD, as well as Parliament.
The order: An Aperol Spritz, of course.
What is your favourite rooftop bar in Melbourne? Join us in the comments below.
