12 rooftop bars in Perth for summer hangs

Drinks under the sun or beneath the stars, these are the best rooftop bars in Perth.

Perth has its fair share of amazing bars, and in a place as warm and sun-drenched as it is, it would be almost criminal not to have an assembly of rooftop venues. From venues perched almost 20 stories high overlooking the glistening Swan River, to intimate terraces nestled amongst heritage rooftops, these are Perth’s most unmissable rooftop bars.

In short

If you only make it to one rooftop bar in Perth, let it be Folly for sky-high, panoramic views of the city, or Bob’s Bar if you’re chasing a lively party atmosphere with a cheeky dose of Aussie history.

1. Mechanics Institute

people enjoying drink at the lower deck of Mechanics Institute rooftop bar in Perth — Gather at the Mechanics Institute rooftop bar for after-work drinks. (Image: Ryan Cubbage)

Best for: Bold and bolshy cocktails

One of Perth’s original and iconic rooftop small bars, Mechanics Institute is tucked down a laneway in the inner-city Northbridge. Once you ascend the staircase, you’ll find yourself on their intimate alfresco roof deck that’s nestled amongst the city’s heritage rooftops. The talented team behind the bar craft unique and interesting cocktails, and also feature regular bar ‘takeovers’ with visiting mixologists who try daring and different things – including a cocktail served on fire.

Address: Rear 222 William St, Northbridge

Opening hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4pm-late; Friday-Sunday 3pm-midnight

2. Songbird Bar & Lounge

Ritz Carlton Perth's stylish rooftop bar at Songbird Bar & Lounge — Head to Ritz Carlton Perth’s stylish rooftop bar for sunset drinks with sweeping views of the city skyline. (Image: Songbird Bar & Lounge)

Best for: A glamorous experience

Perched on the rooftop of one of Perth’s best hotels, The Ritz Carlton, Songbird is a haven for delicious food, skilfully crafted cocktails and sweeping panoramic views of the Swan River. While their cocktail list is impressive, our hot tip is to go to the gin menu. The bar has partnered with Rainfall Distillery to create a bespoke gin that is exclusively available at Songbird. The specialty gin has been distilled with native WA botanicals of pink finger lime, Geraldton wax, pepi leaf and sea parsley to produce a balanced mix of playful and zesty flavours.

Address: 1 Barrack Street, Perth

Opening hours: Monday & Thursday 3-9pm; Friday 3pm-midnight; Saturday 12pm-midnight; Sunday 2-9pm

3. Hello Rooftop

a crowded rooftop bar at Hello at The Rechabite, Perth — Hello at The Rechabite is a top spot for a boogie. (Image: Marcos Silverio)

Best for: A beer and boogie

Hello Rooftop is the rooftop venue of Northbridge’s The Rechabite, an emporium of entertainment, good food and great drinks. The space is fun and unpretentious, with seating options being a bunch of colourful retro lawn chairs that sit beneath a canopy of vibrant plastic lanterns. The DJ behind the decks will have you toe-tapping and the team behind the bar serve up classic cocktails, wine and tap beer.

Address: 224 William Street, Northbridge

Opening hours: Wednesday-Sunday 5pm-late

4. Terrarium

people enjoying drinks at the lush rooftop terrace of Terrarium, Perth — Drink award-winning cocktails on the lush rooftop terrace. (Image: Jay Turks)

Best for: Award-winning cocktails

Terrarium recently won the title of WA’s best cocktail bar. On the corner of Howard Street and St Georges Terrace, this place is a go-to for specialist cocktails, a comprehensive selection of spirits and a refined bar food menu. And what better way to enjoy all that than on their lush foliage-filled rooftop terrace. A stand-out cocktail is the Primrose – a lime curd margarita served with lemon myrtle salt.

Address: Howard St Entrance, 99 St Georges Terrace, Perth

Opening hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4pm-midnight; Friday 2pm-midnight; Saturday 4pm- midnight

5. The Standard

Mediterranean-inspired food at The Standard, Perth — Perth favourite The Standard elevates your experience with a Med-inspired menu.

Best for: Med-inspired drinks and food

One of the earliest venues offering a rooftop bar experience, Perth favourite The Standard offers European charm in the heart of Northbridge with a Mediterranean-inspired menu and charming med-inspired space. Set on top of a shipping container, the venue’s rooftop deck is by no means the highest in the city, but the lush and rustic terrace still offers some fantastic views over the city skyline.

Address: 28 Roe Street, Northbridge

Opening hours: Wednesday-Friday 4pm-late; Saturday & Sunday 12pm-late

6. AGWA Rooftop

the city skyline as seen from the AGWA Rooftop bar, Perth — AGWA Rooftop features an open-air sculpture walk. (Image: Robert Frith)

Best for: Drinks with a side of art

The Art Gallery of WA (AGWA) has merged art and entertainment at this unique rooftop space. Architecturally designed, the AGWA Rooftop is the largest rooftop venue in Perth and features an open-air sculpture walk featuring works from the State Art Collection, an internal gallery space and two rooftop spaces with brilliant city, hill and museum views. The food and drinks lists are tinged with a distinct WA flavour, and local DJs will set the soundtrack to your night.

Address: Perth Cultural Centre, Perth

Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm in spring and summer months

7. Tiki as FK

Best for: Mad Men meets tiki vibes

It goes without saying that Tiki as FK is a tiki bar, however, it’s a tiki bar with a difference. A bit tiki, a bit ’60s, the cocktail lounge and rooftop bar give a self-proclaimed “Mad Men meets Shag" vibe. Step through the tiki door on Northbridge’s James Street to be transported to a different world, with palm tree wallpaper, retro furniture and artisan beaded door curtains adorned with toucans. The rooftop bar boasts shimmering city views, live DJs, and (as you expect) exotic tropical cocktails. Plus, if you’re peckish you can order a mouth-watering toastie from Perth’s iconic toastie joint, Toastface Grillah.

Address: 91A James Street, Northbridge

Opening hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 4pm-midnight

8. Bob’s Bar at Print Hall

people gathering under a giant orange tree at Bob’s Bar, Print Hall — Share a pint beneath the giant orange tree. (Image: Bob’s Bar at Print Hall)

Best for: After-work sundowners

Perched above the heritage-listed Print Hall, Bob’s Bar is a rooftop dedicated to one of Australia’s most iconic larrikins, former Prime Minister Bob Hawke. Named after his famous encouragement for Aussies to “have a sickie" following Australia’s America’s Cup win, the bar embodies that same spirit of cheeky celebration. It’s a favourite CBD spot for after-work drinks, with WA craft beers, crisp wines, and playful cocktails – the Bob’s Famous Lagerita is a must-try. Add in wood-fired pizzas and share plates, and it’s the kind of place where knocking off can easily roll into night.

Address: Level 1, Print Hall, Brookfield Place, Perth

Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 12pm–late

9. Rooftop at QT

the rooftop bar at QT Perth — Enjoy a sophisticated soiree at the ultra-stylish QT rooftop.

Best for: Sky-high views

Rooftop at QT gets the bragging rights of being one of Perth city’s highest rooftops, soaring 18 stories high at the top of QT Hotel (which happens to be one of Perth’s best hotels). The bar is an aesthetic wonderland, with the space curated by local artists and designers, and it offers sweeping views of the cityscape. The wine, beer and cocktail list is extensive, while the Mediterranean food menu ensures you won’t go hungry.

Address: 133 Murray Street, Perth

Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 4-10pm; Friday & Saturday 2pm-late; Sunday 2-10pm

10. Folly

the rooftop bar at Folly, Perth — Imbibe elevated tipples on this sun-drenched rooftop. (Image: Folly)

Best for: Sunset drinks

Eighteen stories high, you’ll feel like you’re well and truly in the sky at Folly . In the eastern end of Perth city, this sun-drenched rooftop space serves a selection of Australian wines, local and international beers and signature cocktails – try the Cinnamon May, their surprising take on the classic margarita.

Address: Level 18/176 Adelaide Terrace, East Perth

Opening hours: Tuesday-Saturday during spring and summer

11. Lil’s Rooftop Bar

Lil’s Rooftop Bar in Perth as captured from above — Unwind with rooftop drinks in the heart of Perth. (Image: Shot by Thom)

Best for: Laid-back weekend drinks

Escape to the rooftop for sun-soaked sips and share-friendly plates at Lil’s Rooftop Bar , a vibrant open-air oasis in the heart of Perth. Sip on Lil’s signature Limoncello while grazing on wood-fired pizzas, grilled skewers and classic share plates. Come the weekend, grab the gang for Lil’s Long Lunch – the ultimate session for eating, drinking and soaking up the city skyline. Regular DJs keep the energy buzzing, making it as good for after-work drinks as it is for long, lively afternoons.

Address: 437 Murray Street, Perth

Opening hours: Wednesday-Tuesday 11:30am to late

This remote corner of Australia is one of the world’s last frontiers. This is how to see it properly.

Vast, rugged and deeply spiritual, the Kimberley coast in Australia’s North West feels a world away from everyday Australia – and there are countless ways to explore it. But if you want to reach ancient rock art, hidden gorges and lonely waterfalls, it has to be by boat. Whether you’re aboard a nimble expedition vessel or a luxury yacht with all the trimmings, exploring by the water brings exclusive experiences, shows unique views and makes travel easier than any other mode. And that’s just the beginning of Australia’s North West cruises.

The True North Adventure Cruise in between sandstone cliffs. — Adventure starts where the road ends.

1. Discover Broome, and beyond

Explore your launchpad before you set sail: Broome. Here camels and their riders stride along the 22 kilometres of powdery Cable Beach at sunset. That’s just the start.

At Gantheaume Point, red pindan cliffs plunge into the turquoise sea, whose low tide uncovers fossilised dinosaur footprints. Broome’s pearling history runs deep. Japanese, Chinese, Malay and Aboriginal divers once worked these waters, and their legacy lives on in boutiques where South Sea pearls still shine.

If the moon’s right, you may catch the Staircase to the Moon over Roebuck Bay. Or simply kick back with a cold beverage and a film under the stars at Sun Pictures , screening since 1916.

Ride a camel along Cable Beach as the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean, casting golden light across the sand and sea. — Ride a camel along Cable Beach. (Image: Nick Dunn)

2. Unmatched access to The Kimberley

Once you’re onboard, expect a backstage pass to some of the most isolated places on Earth. No roads. No ports. No phone reception.

At Horizontal Falls/ Garaanngaddim, 10-metre tides surge through twin gorges like a natural waterpark ride that’ll make your palms sweat. Then there’s Montgomery Reef/ Yowjab: a giant living platform of coral and seagrass, where the sea pulls back to reveal waterfalls, sea turtles and ospreys.

Up north, King George Falls/ Oomari rage 80 metres down red cliffs. Zodiac boats often nudge in closer so you can feel the spray on your sun-warmed cheeks. You might even fly in to reach Mitchell Falls/ Punamii-unpuu, a four-tiered cascade where you can swim in freshwater pools above the drop.

Come spring, some itineraries veer west to Rowley Shoals: an atoll chain of white sand and reef walls. Then it’s up the winding Prince Regent River to King Cascade/ Maamboolbadda, tumbling over rock terraces, and into a Zodiac to view the Gwion Gwion rock art, whose slender, ochre-painted figures are older than the pyramids.

A cruise drifts beneath King George Falls, where sheer sandstone cliffs frame the thunderous plunge into turquoise waters. — Get closer to the Kimberley than ever before.

3. Taste the Kimberley with onboard hospitality

You might spend your days clambering over slippery rocks or charging past waterfalls. But when you’re back on the water, it’s a different story. Meals are chef-prepared and regionally inspired: grilled barramundi, pearl meat sashimi, mango tarts, and bush tomato chutney. One night it’s barefoot beach barbecues with your shipmates; the next, alfresco dining on the ship.

Small expedition ships each have their own personality, but many carry just 12 to 36 guests, making being out on the water a whole other experience. You might sink into a spa on the foredeck or sip coffee in a lounge while watching crocodiles cruise by. It’s choose-your-own-relaxation, Kimberley style.

4. Expert-led excursions through the Kimberley

These voyages are led by people who know the Kimberley like the back of their sunburnt hand. Attenborough-esque naturalists might gently tap your shoulder to point out rare birds or tell the story beneath a slab of rock. Historians can explain exactly how that rusted World War II relic came to rest here.

If your ship has a helipad, you might chopper straight to a waterfall-fed swimming hole. If not, you’ll still be hopping ashore for that wet landing at a secret creek.

Then come the evenings: songlines shared by Traditional Owners under the stars, or astronomy sessions that link what’s overhead with what’s underfoot and what’s within.

A small group glides through Kimberley’s rugged coastline by boat, passing ancient cliffs. — Explore with naturalists and historians by your side.

5. Relax in luxurious lodgings

Just because you’re off-grid doesn’t mean you have to rough it. These Kimberley vessels are small in size, but mighty in luxury. True North’s ships come with their own helicopters and a no-sea-days policy, so you’re always in the thick of it. Try the luxurious offerings from Ocean Dream Charters for exploration in style. Kimberley Quest offers a fast boat for easy, off-ship adventures. On the larger end of the scale, Coral Expeditions has open-deck bars and curated wine cellars. And then there’s Ponant’s luxury yachts – sleek and incredibly stylish French sailing yachts.

A helicopter soars above the sea, with a sleek cruise ship gliding in the distance. — See the Kimberley from sky to shore.

6. The adventure continues with pre- and post-cruise experiences

You’ve already come this far – so, why not go further? Broome makes it easy to ease in before you board, or wind down when your voyage ends, and there is no reason to stop there.

Head an hour and a half south to Eco Beach to stay off-grid and off the clock. Join a Yawuru guide for a mangrove walk or ocean forage. Dive even deeper into Broome’s pearling past at Willie Creek or Cygnet Bay, where divers and craftspeople still pull the seawater-slicked gems from the deep.

If you’re still craving adventure, it’s time to go further. Soar over the Buccaneer Archipelago, or detour inland with a 4WD trip along the Gibb River Road. Book a scenic flight over the Bungle Bungles. Or – because you never know when you’ll be back – do all three.

aerial of people walking on eco beach in the kimberley western australia — Stay off grid at Eco Beach. (Image: Tourism WA)

Find out more about your trip to Australia’s North West at australiasnorthwest.com .