9 rooftop bars that are basically front-row seats to Vivid

Beat the crowds and watch the city light up at one of these sky-high venues.

Vivid Sydney is once again illuminating the city, and this year’s lineup promises dazzling displays. But if you prefer to view the action away from the crowds, your best bet is to head to one of Sydney’s fabulous rooftop bars. You can be as sky-high and lit as you like when you’re sipping a Negroni and surveying the neon night. Here are 10 of the best rooftop bars to view Vivid 2025.

1. Aster, InterContinental Sydney

a couple watching the lights of Vivid Sydney at Aster, InterContinental Sydney — Watch the dancing lights of Vivid Sydney atop the InterContinental Sydney.

Aster is on level 32 of the InterContinental Sydney hotel and is one of the best rooftop bars in Australia for winter drinks. The view from Aster is giving ‘Ken Done limited edition’ with views over the twinkly Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and Royal Botanic Gardens. The Dreamscapes at Aster experience invites guests to watch the lights of Vivid Sydney dancing from on high. For just $169 per person, kick off with a themed cocktail and canapé on arrival then settle in for a share-style starter and main complemented by two perfectly paired glasses of wine. Up the ante with a Vivid Sydney Staycation offer of $469 per room, per night which includes overnight accommodation, a themed Vivid cocktail bar at Treasury Bar and a curated goodie bag and breakfast for two.

2. Blu Bar on 36

views of Vivid Sydney as seen from Blu Bar on 36 — Soak up the city lights from the 36th floor of the Shangri-la Sydney.

The Vivid theme for 2025 is ‘Dream’. And the Shangri-la Sydney has taken that concept and run with it with a dreamy bespoke menu dedicated to this night of nights and lights. Ask the waiters to shake you up a Lucid Projection cocktail ($26) that will see your night get off to an impeccable start while surveying the horizon and views over Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Sip on the cocktail, which is a mix of gin, peach liqueur and blue curaçao syrup, while surveying the horizon from the 36th floor of the hotel. Order the Vivid Platter ($99) which includes East 33 Sydney rock oysters from Merimbula, tuna sashimi with pickled ginger and shoyu, WA Shark Bay scampi caviar and meltingly tender Wagyu MB8+.

3. Paramount House

Paramount House is prone to fits of fancy and what better excuse to loosen the necktie than at Vivid Sydney 2025. The Surry Hills hotel is one of many inspired spots along the Hollywood Dreaming Gig Trail. You’ll do well to head to Paramount House to watch Wall Life with Sonny Day interactive art, design and music experience. The celebrated artist is known for his large scale murals and posters and is inviting punters aged between 10 and 18 to a workshop to design their very own alternative tour poster. It’s all about art, pizza and prizes at the Paramount House, one of the best venues to enjoy the festival.

4. Bar 83 at Sydney Tower

red velvet chairs and white Tulip tables at Bar 83, Sydney Tower — Bar 83 is all red velvet chairs and white Tulip tables.

Change out of your footie mum uniform and frock up for a night spent well at Sydney’s highest bar. The climax will build as you climb 83 floors (245 metres) above street level in the capsule lift that will shoot you to the top of the iconic Sydney Tower. The vibe at Bar 83 is all red velvet chairs and white Tulip tables, brushed gold and white curving archways. It’s like something out of a science fiction movie. While Infinity restaurant and the more low-key Skyfeast below both revolve, Bar 83 does not. It’s your head that will be doing the swivelling while enjoying panoramic views of the city lit up below over cocktails and bar bites from sister venue Infinity.

5. Smoke Bar, Barangaroo House

Enjoy watching the quivering rivers of light from above at Smoke at Barangaroo House , which has one of the best vantage points overlooking Vivid. The Level 2 rooftop bar looks out over the Vivid lightwalk, one of the highlights of the 2025 program. The whimsical building is right on brand for this year’s Dream theme. The bright sparks in the kitchen have curated a zero-waste menu which includes cocktails such as the Sunset ($23) and Hummingbird ($23) and snacks of the highest order – Pacific oysters ($7.50 each) and duck spring rolls ($16).

6. Hacienda

the dining at Hacienda with harbour views — Revel in incredible harbour views at Hacienda. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

Most Sydneysiders don’t have access to harbour views. So embrace the occasion and head to Hacienda . You’ll find yourself at an enviable vantage point as the city lights up with Dream Hour designed to run throughout Vivid Sydney 2025 from 4-6pm. It’s the perfect prelude to a night spent enjoying Sydney in the limelight. Drinking margaritas is fun. And the mixologists at Hacienda have dreamt up a Dream Hour that includes a Margarita your Way for $15. There are also vibrant dishes that are on-brand for Vivid Sydney such as oysters with blood plum, lobster and prawn empanadas with a hit of Fancy Hank’s hot sauce.

7. The Rook

the cocktail selection at The Rook, Sydney — Kick off with next-level cocktails at The Rook.

Start your Vivid Sydney 2025 adventure at Vivid Liftoff at The Rook, a hidden rooftop nook in the heart of the CBD because you’re cultured dang it. The Rook takes Vivid views to the next level with its Rooftop Cocktails, Bites & City Lights, where it offers an enviable selection of iridescent cocktails such as the Lunar Lagoon, Starlight Spritz and Firefly Glow. The Rook does not have Vivid views, per se, it’s in perfect proximity to the action. And it’s akin to sitting in your own Vivid installation with twinkling strings of lights. The drinks are also next-level. Dial it back by inhaling a few southern-style buffalo chicken wings with blue-cheese mayo ($15 each) while the resident DJ is spinning tracks.

8. Untied

hands holding cocktail glasses on pink background — Get together with the girls for a shimmering night out. (Image: One Cut Studios)

You don’t need to be tethered to roaming the streets every night during Vivid Sydney 2025 . Some of us are just as happy to get our glow on at a rooftop bar such as Untied, which shifts the needle during the annual Light, Music, Ideas & Food festival with its whimsical twist on Champagne. Choose your flavour: Blue Raspberry, Green Sour Apple, Pink Watermelon or Purple Berry Crunch and watch your drink shimmer against the neon night. Sip, sparkle and shine at Vivid Sydney for the Bubbles & Fairy Floss fun available May 23 to June 14.

9. Bungalow 8

a DJ sets the party mood at Bungalow 8, Sydney — Get the party started with pumping disco music at Bungalow 8.

There are new bars popping up all over the city but this sprawling venue is one of the best as it transitions from having some of the most fabulous sunset views in Sydney into a beacon for the party hearty as the night falls.  Bungalow 8 has a balcony boasting views of Darling Harbour and is one of the best places to party before or after Vivid during its Neon Nights & Pop-Up Bites at Bungalow 8 every Saturday. Expect an explosion of colour at the bar every Saturday night with its roster of DJs, glow-in-the-dark cocktails, trippy neon tunnels, free face painting and all the main-character energy you can handle. Dress as your favourite avatar and hold court making shapes with your glow stick. It’s your time to shine!

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

10 rooftop bars that are basically front-row seats to Vivid