There’s nothing better on a hot Summer night than enjoying a cocktail at a rooftop bar overlooking the city’s twinkling lights or the ocean. Summer is a state of mind that should be shouted from the rooftop – here are five venues to spend sleepless nights or lazy days at new heights:
Sit back, put your sunnies on and feel the sea breeze at Captain Baxter in St Kilda. This iconic destination in the Sea Baths Complex has been Melbourne's go-to venue for lunch under the sun, drinks at sundown and relaxed dining for many years. Sporting a light, bright look inspired by tropical beach bungalows of the 1920s, the retractable roof brings guests even closer to the ocean as they sip a signature cocktail.
Start your rooftop rendezvous with hiramasa kingfish, yuzu kosho and pickled fennel, before roasted pork belly, green onion, fried potato and house salad, washed down with a Pornstar Martini – vanilla vodka, passionfruit liqueur and purée, vanilla syrup and Prosecco.
Find amazing 270-degree views as the sun sets at Geraldton’s only rooftop bar, Old Man & the Sea, on Cathedral Avenue. Enjoy a unique experience at this chilled-out venue located on the roof of the Gerald Apartment Hotel; open and airy for most of the year and kept cosy with specially designed pop-up sea containers offering protection from the coastal breeze.
Expect the best fresh local produce, cocktails, WA beers and wines and exceptional service as you relax to live music and graze on chilled Abrolhos crayfish dip with caperberry, cos lettuce and tortillas chips; moving onto mains such as signature seafood linguine in a creamy tomato and saffron sauce.
Sensational sunset, city and harbour views await at Zen Rooftop Lounge on Carey Street in the heart of Darwin’s CBD. Located on the top floor of Zen Quarter, the wraparound balcony offers 360-degree vistas from the 16th floor taking in the entire city skyline, Frances Bay, Mindil Beach, its sunset and duckpond; stop in for after-work drinks, catch up with mates, or show off the venue to those visiting the Top End.
Enjoy the tropical rooftop garden while sipping a Fruit Tingle – vodka, blue curacao, lemonade, raspberry and grenadine – or a Santorini with skinos, grapefruit juice, blood orange soda, lime and soda water and grazing on complimentary bar snacks like housemade labneh and a crusty baguette.
Escape the bustle of the city at charming and serene The Balfour Kitchen on Balfour Street in New Farm. Set in a beautiful Queenslander, guests can dine on the verandah, enjoy relaxed gatherings under frangipanis in the courtyard, or cocktails on the rooftop bar, as the sun sets over the Storey Bridge.
Serving edgy modern Vietnamese-inspired cuisine with a French twist, the menu delivers fresh, light and punchy flavours, along with vegan and vegetarian options. Start with King prawns, smoky tamarind purée and apple ribbon, before memorable mains of smoked duck breast, wild mushroom and anise consommé.
Expect the unexpected at Brisbane’s hot new dining and drinking venue, Soko Rooftop on Pauls Terrace in Fortitude Valley. Descending from Amazonian influence, Soko delivers a decadent rooftop experience, bringing a sophisticated and exotic vibe filled with drama and elevated style – welcome to the jungle, where a lush land of culinary wonders awaits you.
Sitting 14 storeys above the Jubilee Hotel, expect views like no other whether stopping in for lunch and a cocktail; or dining at night when the city lights twinkle setting the scene for romantic rendezvous. A mix of Peruvian and Japanese techniques and flavours create offerings such as a soft-shell crab bao bun with red cabbage, lettuce, pickles and roccoto mayo.
