We’ve plucked our favourite skyward spots for a tipple; so cast aside the whisky and start chilling down your riesling.
See Melbourne through rose-coloured lenses in the CBD’s new flirty two-story cocktail bar, Peaches.
Located above American barbecue restaurant, Cheek, Peaches promises a night of frivolity with colourful cocktails aptly named after (bubble-gum) pop songs.
This sugary-sweet pink overload is complemented by its balanced green palette, featuring moss green bar stools and vibrant plants that exude 80s glam.
Address: 301 Swanston Street, Melbourne
You’ll find Peaches on Swanston Street
Taylor’s has added a splash of green to Sydney’s bar scene.
Office workers can escape the hard concrete lines of the city and sip cocktails in a lush tropical oasis in the CBD. Its hanging garden is punctured by a colossal steel beam, giving it a chic industrial feel. Gaze up, and the skyline towers above you from this sky-high jungle.
Address: 69-73 Pitt Street
Urban jungle, Taylor’s Rooftop bar, Sydney.
Perched atop the much-loved Print Hall Bar & Dining Room, Bob’s Bar is named in honour of the late Bob Hawke, our third longest-serving prime minister, perhaps more famed for his skill with a yard glass than any policy.
Open to the sky, make the ascent to Bob’s for a taco and a tipple.
Address: 125 Saint Georges Terrace
Be sure to wear your smoking jacket to this rooftop bar where one can select a cigar from the humidor to complement their caviar and Cognac, should the mood take them.
This open-air treasure above the European will make you feel as though you’ve stepped over to Paris for a nightcap. It may not be a casual drop in, drop out type of place, but it’s worth the indulgence for a unique Melbourne experience.
Address: 161 Spring Street, Melbourne
Location check: No, it’s not Santorini. That would be Double Bay out there, but the blazing whites, marine blues and sophisticated styling could easily have you fooled, especially when you’ve ascended through the elegant InterContinental Double Bay.
Striped day beds beckon bathers from the rooftop pool (for the use of guests only) while the bar and restaurant help along with the relaxed vibe. Anyone can enjoy the facilities up here to dine and drink between 11.00am – 1 hour after sunset, with the often-spectacular sunsets here truly worth timing things right in order to soak in.
It can cost a bit, but it’s a location that’s hard to argue against splashing the cash for.
Address: 33 Cross Street, Double Bay
Rooftop pool lounge bar, InterContinental Sydney Double Bay.
Despite its name, the only topless harlot here is the bar itself. So feel assured the clientele are not encouraged to disrobe on entry.
The bar is the extension of Fitzroy’s Naked for Satan (we didn’t see anyone in the nud there, either) and keeps the vibe and vodka flowing up the elevator shaft. Make the climb for a city sunset view and a vodka shot ice box. Consider the party started.
Address: 285 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
A nod must also go in the direction of the rooftop bar at the Limes Hotel, which raises the sexy stakes with its two in-built hot tubs that seem poised to encourage some Champagne-induced frolicking. On more subdued nights the bar offers an open-air cinema, but you can still dip a toe (nobody needs to know).
Address: 142 Constance Street, Fortitude Valley
Popular, pretty and with vivacious vistas over the thriving Adelaide Oval precinct; just a few reasons you should glam up and vie for a front row seat in one of 2KW’s kabanas.
The cocktails are as fresh, modern and well balanced (try the eponymous signature of gin, peach and apple) as the clean and modern Californian-style décor. Both the downstairs restaurant and bar are still seriously on trend, so failure to arrive early may mean disappointment.
Address: 2 King William St (hence 2KW)
Adelaide high society: 2KW Rooftop Bar.
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I enjoy your hard copy magazine very much and eagerly wait for it to hit my local woolworths magazine shelf. I only travel in Australia by train boat and car bus tram as i do not fly.
I also enjoy your website. I get so many hints of where to go from Australian magazines including your own. I am Western Australian and was disappointed to see on the web issue your writeup on Bob’s Bar and I quote “125 Street George’s Terrace”. Our main business street is Saint George’s Terrace and we are very proud of our City streets and like them to be known by their correct title. Please correct as you dont usually make too many errors.
i am in my 60s and on a limited income but your magazine is one I can’t miss and pass on to family and friends.
Kind regards
Thanks Lexie – appreciate your eagle eye. Glad that you enjoy the magaz
PS
I forgot to say thank you for including Bob’s Bar. Their cocktails are delicious.
Lexie Beardmore