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

From thundering waterfalls to ancient Indigenous art, Kimberley’s raw beauty will take your breath away.

Wild, pristine, and shaped by nature, the Kimberley Coast is one of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes. A remote and rugged frontier that remains a bucket list destination for many travellers. Its most breathtaking attractions – including Montgomery Reef, King George Falls and Horizontal Falls – are accessible only by sea or air, making a guided expedition cruise aboard Silversea’s luxury expedition ship, Silver Cloud, the ideal way to explore it.

From its intricate intertidal zones to ancient rock art, extreme tides and rare wildlife found nowhere else in Australia – or the world – this journey offers an unparalleled exploration of one of Earth’s last true wildernesses.

Why Silversea?

Silversea offers a 10-day expedition departing Broome, or an extended 16-day expedition voyage from Indonesia, including landings on the hidden gems of Palopo Sulawesi and Komodo. Accompanied by expert guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology, guests gain a deeper understanding of the Kimberley’s dramatic landscapes, rich cultural heritage and extraordinary biodiversity.

Silversea offers one of the experiential travel industry’s leading crew-to-guest ratios. Along with all-suite accommodation (80 per cent with private verandah), 24-hour butler service, a swimming pool and four dining options. Silver Cloud also has an experienced crew of multilingual expedition guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology to enhance your Kimberley Experience.

silversea cruise ship pool deck — Take a dip in the pool deck.

1. Koolama Bay

Before visitors see King George Falls, they hear them – a growing rumble in the distance, steady and foreboding as the Zodiac glides through the gorge, the sound echoing off sheer rock formations. At 80 meters tall, the twin cascades carve through the red cliffs, churning the waters below in a spectacular finale – but Koolama Bay holds secrets beyond its striking scenery.

Named after a ship that beached here following an aerial attack by Japanese bombers in World War II, the bay may seem desolate, yet it teems with life. With Silversea’s expert guides on their 10-day Kimberley itinerary, guests gain a sharper eye for its hidden wonders – rock wallabies darting across the cliffs, crocodiles lurking among dense green mangroves, and high above, the silhouette of a bird of prey circling the sky.

King George Falls at koolama bay excursion on Silversea Kimberley Cruise — Take a shore excursion to see King George Falls.

2. Freshwater Cove / Wijingarra Butt Butt

Connect with Country on a wet landing at Freshwater Cove, also known as Wijingarra Butt Butt. Considered one of the most special experiences on both the 16-day and 10-day Kimberley cruises, Silversea guests are welcomed by the traditional Indigenous custodians of the land, painted with traditional ochre, and invited to take part in a smoking ceremony.

Located on the mainland near Montgomery Reef, Wijingarra Butt Butt holds deep cultural significance to the local Indigenous community. Here, rock formations along the shore represent spiritual ancestors, and guests are guided to a nearby rock overhang filled with ancient art, where traditional owners share the stories and meaning behind these sacred paintings.

welcome to country on freshwater cove during silversea kimberley cruise — Take part in a smoking ceremony. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

3. Vansittart Bay (Jar Island)

Modern history, ancient culture and mystery converge in Vansittart Bay, which is also known as Jar Island. Here, the first thing to catch the eye is the dented, silver fuselage of a World War II-era C-53 plane – a striking relic of the past. Yet, the true cultural treasures lie just a short hike away where two distinct styles of Indigenous rock art – Gwion Gwion and Wandjina – can be found.

The Wandjina figures, deeply connected to Indigenous traditions, stand in stark contrast to the enigmatic Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) paintings, which date back more than 12,000 years. Significantly different in form and style, the two different styles create a striking juxtaposition, offering a rare glimpse into the region’s rich and complex past.

aerial view of Vansittart Bay, See it in you Silversea Kimberley Cruise. — Explore ancient Gwion Gwion rock art at Vansittart Bay. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

4. Horizontal Falls

Part illusion, part natural phenomenon, the Kimberley’s much-lauded Horizontal Falls aren’t a waterfall, but a tidal and geographic spectacle that visitors have to see to comprehend. Known as Garaanngaddim, the phenomenon occurs when seawater rushes through two narrow gaps- one just twenty metres wide, and the other seven metres in width, between the escarpments of Talbot Bay.

With each tidal shift, the force of the water creates whirlpools, furious currents and the illusion of a horizontal cascade as thousands of gallons of water are pushed and pulled in through the gap every six hours with relentless movement, making this one of the Kimberley ’s most mesmerising natural wonders.

Horizontal Falls are described as "One of the greatest wonders of the natural world". They are formed from a break in-between the McLarty Ranges reaching up to 25m in width. The natural phenomenon is created as seawater builds up faster on one side of the gaps than the other, creating a waterfall up to 5m high on a King tide. — Watch whirlpools and furious currents collide. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

5. Montgomery Reef

As the tide turns in Montgomery Reef, magic happens. With the Kimberley’s legendary tides varying up to ten metres, at low tide the submerged reef almost appears to rise from the depths: exposing up to four metres of the sandstone reef.

The impact is otherworldly: as the water drains, waterfalls cascade on either side of the channel, turtles left exposed scramble and dive, and fish leap in search of sanctuary in shallow pools. Meanwhile, the dinner bell rings for the migratory seabirds dugongs, reef sharks and dolphins that scavenge and feast in the area.

Using zodiacs, guests cruise through one of the world’s most significant inshore reef systems navigated by experienced guides, exploring the most intricate and fascinating parts of a 300-square-kilometre-wide biodiversity hotspot.

aerial view of boat going along Montgomery Reef — Witness seabirds, dolphins and reef sharks on the hunt.

6. Mitchell Falls by Helicopter

Experiencing the Kimberley by sea allows you to feel the power of the tides, but travelling by helicopter reveals the sandstone tapestry of the Kimberley, a landscape geologists believe is over 1.8 billion years old.

One of Silversea’s most popular optional excursions , guests who opt to fly into the interior from the onboard helipad soar up above the rust-coloured landscape of the Mitchell plateau, taking in one of Australia’s most scenic waterfalls: Mitchell Falls, a series of four emerald-coloured pools gently cascades into each other, before plunging down to the river below.

Seeing the landscape from above reveals a landscape weaved and shaped by the power of the freshwater wet season, juxtaposed to the constant lapping of the relentless and powerful tide on the coast.

aerial view of mitchell falls on silversea helicopter excursion — See emerald pools cascade into the river below. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

7. Indigenous Art Caves, Wandjina Art

The Kimberley Region of Western Australia is home to some of the most striking and significant

Indigenous rock art in Australia. Dotted throughout the landscape are caves, cliffs and rock overhangs depicting the striking, ethereal image of Wandjina, the rainmaker spirit and creation being central to many of the Dreamtime stories in this region.

Some of the paintings are regularly repainted by traditional custodians, while others are believed to be over 4,000 years old. Each artwork serves as both a cultural record and a living connection to the past, offering a rare opportunity to engage with the enduring traditions of the Kimberley’s Indigenous communities.

Freshwater Cover Rock Art the kimberleys — Walk among cultural records preserved in stone. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

See the best of this incredible part of the world on a Silversea Kimberley cruise. Book your 10- or extended 16-day expedition voyage at silversea.com