Eight essential Melbourne rooftop bars

There’s something special about being on a rooftop, and if the view’s good the experience can be spectacular. Take your holiday in Melbourne to the next level at these rooftop bars – even in chilly weather, when outdoor heaters fire up. They’re great places for raising a glass to this great bar town.

Find the street-level door hiding in plain sight, ascend the narrow stairs to the classic Supper Club lounge-bar, and continue up to its smart-casual rooftop sibling, Siglo. Paris-style cafe chairs, tables draped in white, and a grand vista of Victoria’s neoclassical parliament building across the street make a big impression. Settle in with something fancy like cognac or Champagne, and even a Cuban cigar from the humidor.

One of Melbourne’s original rooftop bars is still among its quirkiest. Named after a notorious 19th century brothel owner, and ironically styled after English garden parties and country clubs, Madame Brussels is about vintage frivolity. The menu includes old-fashioned favourites like Pimm’s, bubbly, scones and pâté, served with a super CBD view by bright young things in tennis whites.

Brought to you by the folks behind Yarra River bar Arbory Afloat, Melbourne’s cool new kid on the block is a five-level destination for dining, drinking and music. But let’s go straight to Her’s rooftop. Among Mediterranean-inspired decor almost as eye-catching as the city scenery, enjoy cool beats, snacks from the mod-Thai restaurant downstairs, and always-summer drinks including fruity cocktails.

Melbourne’s QT hotel is like an ultra-contemporary arty party, especially at the indoor-outdoor rooftop bar. With plenty of designer furniture for elegant relaxation, this large space boasts one of the best panoramic views in town. It feels so swank you might want to order oysters and a bottle of Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut. There’s no side-eye for those who prefer beer and pizza though, as long as the smart-casual dress code is respected.

Once a down-and-out CBD pub, the Carlton Club has long been renowned for its moodily kitsch makeover including flocked wallpaper and a taxidermied ostrich wearing pearls. But wait, there’s more! Upstairs a whole different kettle of kitsch awaits at its Palmz rooftop bar. This tropical-themed urban oasis has lots of full-sized palm trees, bamboo trim, a thatched hut bar and views down on busy Bourke Street. Margarita, anyone?

Some of the best city vistas are actually just beyond the CBD in inner suburbs like Carlton, where you’ll find Johnny’s Green Room. An epic Melbourne skyline isn’t the only box ticked at this rooftop bar. It crowns the recent multi-storey renovation of an iconic Italian grocery, so the menu’s bellissima, from Aperol spritz to crunchy arancini.

It’s a live-music institution, so plenty of people get their kicks in the dark downstairs, but there’s another side to Richmond’s Corner Hotel. The indoor-outdoor rooftop’s craft beers and quality pub grub are loved by locals, as well as punters from Melbourne’s sports precinct a short walk away. It’s only one floor up, but the sunset view is an urban classic of city skyline and rumbling trains.

Warm, sunny days in the inner seaside suburb of St Kilda are a Melbourne dream come true, so it’s odd there aren’t many rooftop bars taking in the postcard vistas of palm trees and bay. Join those in the know at Captain Baxter, a restaurant and bar embracing its prime beachside location with summery drinks, seafood and smart beach-house decor.

Please drink responsibly.

Find out more about Spirit of Tasmania's new Victorian home, Spirit of Tasmania Quay, just an hour's drive from Melbourne CBD.

Information included in this blog is correct at the time of publishing. Please contact individual operators for further information.