The best Brisbane rooftop bars for summer sips

Chase soaring good times (and sights) at the best Brisbane rooftop bars.

In my experience, the happiest of hours start with tipples atop towers. And when I’m in Brisbane, renowned for its all-year-round warm subtropical climate, I never need to look far for open-air revelry. Embrace expert mixology and delightful dining over smudgy fairy floss sunsets at the best Brisbane rooftop bars. Here, I round up the all-stars.

In short

If you only visit one of the best Brisbane rooftop bars, make it Fiume Rooftop Bar for its incredible vantage point to the Brisbane River’s Story Bridge and killer drinks. Plus, you’re at Howard Smith Wharves where good times roll into the wee hours.

1. Above Rooftop Pool & Bar

people enjoying drinks poolside at Above Rooftop Pool & Bar, Ovolo Brisbane — Soak up beach club vibes atop Ovolo Brisbane. (Image: Best of Brisbane)

Best for: Drinks and a dip

One of the newer Brisbane rooftop bars is the delicious Above Rooftop Pool & Bar , my pick for beach club vibes without stepping foot outside the city. It opened at the end of October 2025, and crowds continue to flock thanks to the mosaic-tiled swimming pool that beckons right beside tangerine lounges, high tops and banquette seating. The feel is Mediterranean, and the menu extends it with stone-baked pita and dips, halloumi doughnuts, honey harissa wings with labneh, charcuterie platters and rosewater Turkish delights. If you’re on a liquid diet, signature cocktails swarm the drinks list, as do boozy slushies, three unique Negronis (bravo) and an impressive list of wines. It’s open Wednesday and Thursday from 3pm until 8pm, Friday and Saturday from 1pm until 9pm, and Sunday from 1pm until 7pm.

Address: Atop Ovolo Brisbane, 1000 Ann St, Fortitude Valley

2. Cicada Blu

sea views from Cicada Blu at sunset — The Star Brisbane’s rooftop bar is the perfect spot for a sundowner.

Best for: Views from 100 metres above

Avoid if you’re wary of heights because Cicada Blu is 23 levels above ground and home to some of the most breathtaking sights I’ve spied from the CBD. One of the bars and eateries within The Star Brisbane’s Sky Deck – a mecca for classy up-in-the-air revelry – this Brisbane rooftop bar comes to life after sunset when music pumps and cocktails including shared carafes of your preferred spirit with various fruity mixes, roll out. It’s open Monday to Thursday from 3pm, and Friday to Sunday from 12pm.

Address: Within Sky Deck, Level 23, The Star Brisbane, 33 William St, Brisbane

3. Sixteen Antlers Rooftop Bar

the rooftop bar at Sixteen Antlers with views of the city skyscrapers — Sixteen Antlers boasts uninterrupted city skyline views.

Best for: After-work bevvies

A hit amongst inner-city staffers, Sixteen Antlers Rooftop Bar atop the Pullman & Mercure Brisbane King George Square hotel is a beautiful spot to kick up your feet after a long day in the office. It’s filled with high-top tables and comfy lounges, meaning you can retreat into your own nook or mingle with ease. Open from Tuesday to Thursday from 4pm, and Friday to Saturday from 3pm (early Friday knock-off drinks, perhaps?), the Brisbane rooftop bar dishes up a bitsy menu of tapas and small bites, while cocktail jugs in four fruity varieties keep visitors hydrated well into the wee hours.

Address: Level 16, Pullman & Mercure Brisbane King George Square, Corner Ann and Roma Sts, Brisbane

4. Cielo Rooftop

friends enjoying drinks at Cielo Rooftop, Brisbane — Nab a spot at Cielo Rooftop for Aperitivo Hour.

Best for: Sunday hangs

City skyline views excel at Cielo Rooftop , open from Thursday to Sunday, but Sunday is arguably its most special day. If you’ve got a free Funday, don’t miss their bottomless ‘Sip & Seafood’ brunch, a two-hour all-inclusive extravaganza that draws big Sunday crowds. The airy space, fitted out with a mix of high tables, dining tables and lounges, also puts on an Aperitivo Hour that evening where antipasto boards and drinks can be devoured limitlessly during two-hour sessions, kicking off at 5pm.

Address: 209 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley

5. Terrace Rooftop Bar

view of the city skyscrapes from Terrace Rooftop Bar, South Brisbane — Enjoy a bird’s-eye view over the Brisbane River. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Best for: A panoramic cityscape.

Score an eyeful of the city skyline once again at Terrace Rooftop Bar , one of the most iconic Brisbane rooftop bars. A magnet for sunset revellers, the space is massive, fitted out with lounges, dining tables and bench seats perched at the edge of the bar to allow guests to gaze out over the Brisbane River. The vibe is glam, and the nibbles are elegant, spanning Asian-inspired bites like braised pork bao buns and Korean fried chicken as well as crowd pleasers like a cheese and charcuterie board. It’s even family-friendly with a children’s menu on hand to help keep ankle biters entertained.

Address: Atop Emporium Hotel South Bank, 267 Grey St, South Brisbane

6. Eagles Nest Brisbane

clinking two cocktail glasses at Eagles Nest Brisbane — Sip on refreshing cocktails on the sky-high entertainment deck. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Best for: Pretty water views

Eagles Nest Brisbane feels exclusive from the moment you step out onto its sky-high entertainment deck. Located in the beautiful Kangaroo Point, an affluent Brisbane suburb I’d love to afford to live in one day, the Brisbane rooftop bar is 12 levels above ground, so you feel light years beyond the rest of the world. A refined tapas menu features seafood and gourmet bites while signature cocktails like ‘The Point’ with vodka, toasted marshmallow syrup, coffee liqueur, cold brew and maple wood smoke, are masterfully shaken. It’s typically open from Thursday to Sunday, 3pm until 9pm, but downstairs renovations in December 2025 have opened daily access temporarily. Score.

Address: Level 12, The Point Brisbane Hotel, Lambert St, Kangaroo Point

7. The Balfour Kitchen & Bar’s Rooftop Bar

a woman enjoying a drink at Spicers Balfour Hotel, Brisbane — Chill out with a refreshing drink at the rooftop bar of Spicers Balfour Hotel. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Best for: Intimate drinks

One of the city’s most undiscovered rooftop bars, The Balfour Kitchen & Bar’s Rooftop Bar is a local’s secret in the heart of trendy New Farm. The picturesque space is dressed in greenery, adding warmth to those sweeping city skylines I spy. Food-wise, you’re sorted with charcuterie and cheese plates, while the cocktails (and wine list) are killer, nailing whatever complicated concoction takes your fancy.

Address: Spicers Balfour Hotel, 37 Balfour St, New Farm

8. SOKO Rooftop Bar & Restaurant

people enjoying sunset drinks at SOKO Rooftop Bar & Restaurant — SOKO offers front-row seats to the city’s most breathtaking sunsets.

Best for: Inner-city lunch dates

I wander down a side street in the all-business part of Fortitude Valley to find SOKO Rooftop Bar & Restaurant . Blending authentic Japanese and Peruvian cuisines just in time for lunch hour, it’s a Brisbane rooftop bar that’s full of delights. They do an exceptional, value-for-money three-course ‘business lunch’ from Monday to Friday, set inside their vibrant jungle-themed dining room on level 14, which opens directly to al fresco seating and views that stretch to the hinterland. After-dark party goers are also treated to a masterful collection of cocktails, sake, beer and wine, plus there’s live music (including the bongos) on many evenings, visits from Manko the Macaw (yes, an actual bird), Latin dancers and house DJs.

Address: Level 14, 7 Symes St, Jubilee Pl, Fortitude Valley

9. Fiume Rooftop Bar

drinks with views of the Story Bridge at Fiume Rooftop Bar, Brisbane — Imbibe elevated tipples with views of the Story Bridge.

Best for: Story Bridge views

One of the city’s finest CBD stays is also home to a standout rooftop. Fiume Rooftop Bar , on level 3 of Crystalbrook Vincent, is perfectly positioned to take in up-close views of the Story Bridge looming dramatically over the Brisbane River. Additionally, the scene is ultra-chic, complete with a rooftop pool to help dial up the glamour. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, the Brisbane rooftop bar pairs stellar concoctions and vino with a range of snacks and small or shareable plates, which embrace local ingredients with fine dining flair.

Address: Level 3, Crystalbrook Vincent, 5 Boundary St, Brisbane

10. Sunsets Rooftop

cotton candy sky at Sunsets Rooftop, Brisbane — Unwind at the dreamy Sunsets Rooftop bar.

Best for: Inspiring European vacays

No plans this weekend? Let the holiday vibes of Sunsets Rooftop whisk you away for lunch and into the evening. Open from Thursday to Saturday from lunch until 10pm and Sunday from lunch until 9pm, the Brisbane rooftop bar is dotted with olive trees, desert gardens and every shade of cream caramel to help you devour drinks in Instagram-perfect style. It’s often packed, so get there early to secure a table overlooking the city from beautiful Kangaroo Point. Hungry? Small plates span classic Mexican and Greek dishes.

Address: Atop Linton Apartments, 95 Linton St, Kangaroo Point

11. The Aviary

The Aviary rooftop bar in Brisbane — Snag the best seat for sunset drinks at The Aviary.

Best for: A Queen Street breather

Located four levels above Brisbane CBD’s main shopping strip, The Aviary is a Brisbane rooftop bar in the thick of Queen Street. Travel there for open time at 12pm from Wednesday to Friday or visit for sunset drinks on Saturday from 4pm. Feeling peckish? A menu of flavour-packed bites, including duck liver pâté and mushroom and truffle arancini, provides perfect nibbles to split with your group. If you’re more than a little hungry, there are also a couple of mains to consider.

Address: Level 4, 480 Queen St, Brisbane

12. Lina Rooftop

people relaxing by the pool at Lina Rooftop, Brisbane — Indulge in poolside drinks at Lina Rooftop.

Best for: Pool parties

Ready to party? Lina Rooftop at the southern end of South Bank brings Los Angeles glamour to Brisbane, with a glistening rooftop pool circled by 180-degree views of the skyline. The decor is restrained French-chic, but the vibes are pumping. Graze poolside on a sun lounger or a comfy couch with a menu of Mediterranean-inspired snacks and a handful of heartier meals. Once you’ve soaked in enough sun, wander inside to sit down for a European-infused à la carte menu featuring elegant homages to every corner of the continent. It’s open daily, but visitors should note that you can only access the pool from 11am until 6pm.

Address: Top floor, 74-80 Tribune St, South Brisbane

13. Iris Rooftop

holding drinks at Iris Rooftop, Brisbane — Head to the Iris Rooftop for refreshing drinks.

Best for: Spanish-inspired fare

A trendy place to rest your head in the city’s go-all-night locale, Hotel X is a sleek hotel with an especially swish rooftop. Iris Rooftop is set across the entire top floor of the hotel, delivering 360-degree views of the city. Dotted with olive trees, soft furnishings and splashes of marble and gold, it’s a Spanish-inspired sanctuary split into the Terraza, the Sunset Lounge and exclusive cabanas. Open Tuesday to Sunday, the Brisbane rooftop bar pairs a beautiful selection of wines, spirits, beers and cocktails with Spanish classics, including seafood and chicken paella and tapas like patatas bravas, spanner crab tostadas and house-brined mussels.

Address: 458 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley

14. MAYA Mexican

the MAYA Mexican rooftop bar, Brisbane — Raise a glass and admire city views.

Best for: Classy margaritas

Open from Wednesday to Sunday, MAYA Mexican is a breathtaking rooftop bar in Brisbane – and that’s before I even catch the views. Blending natural stone, timber, fresh greenery and cacti and hints of marble, the space is beautiful from any angle. Soft drapes create privacy if you’ve got a special occasion gathering planned; otherwise, soak up margarita-laced good times anywhere else alongside their menu of Mexican-inspired bites. Think expertly dressed ceviche, crumbed and stuffed jalapenos, tacos, Oaxaca grilled chicken, tortillas and more.

Address: Level 11, 757 Ann St, Fortitude Valley

15. Hibiscus Bar & Terrace

the Hibiscus Bar & Terrace, Brisbane — Elevate your afternoon drinks session at Hibiscus Bar & Terrace.

Best for: Inner-city high life

A CBD oasis that opens its doors from Wednesday to Sunday, Hibiscus Bar & Terrace is the place to escape the bustle of Queen Street Mall in style. There are views across the cityscape and towards its towering skyscrapers, but the heated infinity pool will steal your gaze (and most of a sunny afternoon). Enjoy smooth drinks and a menu of small plates (pork belly bites, anyone?), plus pizzas, share platters and a handful of substantial dishes as you toe-tap to live music, poolside.

Address: Level 4, 72 Queen St, Brisbane

16. Sunny’s Margate Beach

the Sunny’s Margate Beach rooftop bar, Brisbane — Laze carefree with views across Moreton Bay.

Best for: Day-trippers

Keen to expand your horizons? Drive just over 35 minutes from the CBD to find Sunny’s Margate Beach . The relaxed, pub-style rooftop destination overlooks the soothing surf and offers views right across Moreton Bay from Friday to Sunday. Live music rocks the house every Friday and Sunday, and a downstairs restaurant dishes up internationally inspired bites like fish tacos, antipasto platters, and a top-notch Korean fried chicken burger. I also like that sheltered seating means you can laze carefree even when the sun’s blaring.

Address: 1 McColloch Ave, Margate

17. Valley Hops Brewing

the Valley Hops Brewing rooftop bar, Brisbane — Find a relaxed spot for drinks in the lush beer garden. (Image: Valley Hops Brewing)

Best for: Craft beers

A Brisbane rooftop bar that doubles as a craft beer brewery, Valley Hops Brewing is the place to go for al fresco brewskis in the heart of the action. Open Wednesday to Sunday, the rowdy hotspot is spacious with views across the city providing a picture-perfect backdrop. Savour their core range of beers and limited releases on tap as you dive into a menu of wood-fired pizzas, shared boards with cured meats and cheeses, hearty pub classics and small plates.

Address: Atop Cloudland, 641 Ann St, Fortitude Valley

18. Tetto Rooftop Bar

a wide selection of drinks at Tetto Rooftop Bar — Sip on stellar drinks at Tetto Rooftop Bar.

Best for: Bottomless brunch

Bringing light and breezy holiday vibes to northern Brisbane’s Everton Park, Tetto Rooftop Bar is also home to one of the city’s best bottomless brunch experiences. Climb to the rooftop for two-hour drink and food packages every Saturday and Sunday, but feel free to visit any day of the week to soak up the good life. An Italian-inspired menu features great picking food including haloumi chips, mushroom arancini and crispy calamari. Plus, there are burgers and pasta to devour.

Address: 1/807 Stafford Rd, Everton Park

Discover the best bottomless brunch spots in Brisbane

Exploring the world’s largest sand island starts with the perfect K’gari homebase.

The morning light is still soft, but it’s already a perfect sunny day. We left our K’gari homebase at Kingfisher Bay Resort with our guide, Peter Meyer, at 9 am to make the most of our time to explore all that the world’s largest sand island holds. The size of K’gari is hard to grasp until you arrive here. This is no sandbar. Stretching 120 kilometres, unique lakes, mangrove systems, rainforest, 75 Miles of beach, historic shipwrecks, small townships and even one of Queensland’s best bakeries are all hidden within its bounds.

But first, one of the island’s most iconic sights: the pure silica sand and crystal clear waters of Lake McKenzie.

Laying eyes on it for the first time, I’m finally able to confirm that the photos don’t lie. The sand is pure white, without the merest hint of yellow. The water fades from a light halo of aqua around the edges to a deeper, royal blue, the deeper it gets (not that it’s particularly deep, six metres at most). The surface remains surprisingly undisturbed, like a mirror.

Arriving with our guide before 10 am means that no one else is around when we get here. Which means we have the pleasure of breaking the smooth surface with our own ripples as we enter. As a self-confessed wimp with chilly water temperatures, my fears are quickly assuaged. Even in the morning, the water stays around 23 degrees – perfect for lazing about all day. But we have more sights to see.

Exploring K’gari

ariel of in lake mckenzie on k'gari fraser island — Relax in the warm waters of Lake McKenzie. (Image: Ayeisha Sheldon)

This was the Personalised 4WD tour offered by Kingfisher Bay Resort, and my absolute top pick of experiences. Over the course of the day, we had the freedom to create our own bespoke itinerary (plus a provided picnic lunch along the way), with an expert guide who had plenty of stories and local expertise to give context to what we were looking at. From the history of the SS Maheno shipwreck, which survived the First World War only to be washed ashore by a cyclone in 1935, to a detailed description of how an island made of sand could sustain such diverse flora.

If it’s your first time to K’gari, the Beauty Spots Tour is another great option. Departing daily from Kingfisher Bay Resort (you’ll start to notice a trend, as many of the tours do start and end here), an air-conditioned, 4WD bus takes guests to the island’s most iconic locations, including the best places to swim, like Lake McKenzie and Eli Creek. The latter offers a gentle current, perfect for riding with a blow-up tyre out towards the ocean.

The next day, for a look at a completely different side of K’gari, I joined one of Kingfisher Bay Resort’s Immersive Ranger-guided tours to kayak through the mangroves of Dundonga Creek. This long, snake-like stretch of creek winds its way inland from the ocean outlet we entered by, at times too narrow for three kayaks to be side-by-side. Small insects buzz from leaf to leaf, while birds call overhead. Occasional bubbles indicate we’ve passed some fish that call this place home.

kayak tour through the mangroves at k'gari island — Learn about the island’s mangroves from your Ranger. (Image: Reuben Nutt/ TEQ)

If kayaking isn’t for you – or if, like me, you simply want more – other ranger-led experiences include nature walks and a dedicated Junior Eco Ranger Program for kids ages five to 12 (these run every weekend, and daily over the peak December holidays). Just ask for a timetable of upcoming tours when you check in.

While during whale season, Hervey Bay Whale Watch & Charters operates tours from the hotel’s jetty to get up close to the famous Humpback Highway of Hervey Bay, from 7 November to 31 May, attention turns to the Aqua Oasis Cruise . Departing from the resort every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday for resort guests, adventure along the island’s remote western coast, pointing out wildlife like dolphins, turtles, flying fish and eagles along the way.

The cruise drops anchor so guests can jump into the water using the boat’s equipment – from SUP boards to inflatable slides and jumping platforms. Then refuel with a provided lunch, of course.

Unwind at sunset

two people drinking cocktails at sunset bar, kingfisher bay resort — Unwind at the Sunset Bar. (Image: Sean Scott)

As much as days on K’gari can be filled with adventure, to me, the afternoons and evenings there are for unwinding. Sunsets on K’gari are absolutely unbelievable, with Kingfisher Bay on the west side being the best spot to catch the colours.

The Sunset Bar , located at the start of the resort’s jetty and overlooking the beach, is the ultimate location for sundowners. Let chill beats wash over you as you sip on cool wines, beers and cocktails in a relaxed, friendly vibe. Personally, a cheese board was also absolutely called for. As the sun sinks, the sand, sea and horizon turn a vibrant shade of orange, with the jetty casting a dramatic shadow across the water.

When the show is over, head back to the hotel for dinner at the Asian-fusion Dune restaurant, or the pub-style Sand + Wood. But if your appetite is still whetted for more lights and colours, the evening isn’t over yet.

Settle into the Illumina stage for Return to Sky, an immersive light and sound show leading viewers on a captivating journey through K’gari’s stories and landscapes.

Indulge and disconnect

woman setting up massage room at kingfisher bay resort Island Day Spa — Find bliss at Island Day Spa. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Of course, there is a type of traveller who knows that balance is important, day or night. While Kingfisher Bay Resort offers more than one pool for guests to spend all day lounging by (they’ll even serve you food and drinks while you do it), you’ll find me at the Island Day Spa.

The masseuses could match the magic hands of any big city spa, and I felt the warm welcome as I walked into the light, breezy reception. Choose from a range of botanical facials, beauty treatments and soothing massages using traditional techniques (obviously, I couldn’t go past a relaxing massage). All products used contain organic, native botanical ingredients with nutrient-rich plant extracts to soothe skin and mind. To really indulge, try out one of the packages, couples treatment or even a pre-wedding day offering.

Getting there

kingfisher bay resort 4wd tour driving passed ss maheno on k'gari island — The world of K’gari awaits. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Getting to K’gari is shockingly easy. Find daily flights into Hervey Bay from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Kingfisher Bay Resort offers a shuttle bus between the airport, their headquarters in Hervey Bay and the ferry to take you to K’gari.