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

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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

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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

With unhurried mornings, long, sun-filled afternoons, evenings shaped around sunset, this iconic beach offers an all-day experience (and it’s about to get even better).

As the sun slowly rises over the languid waves and fine sand of Broome’s Cable Beach, the morning colours shift from rich apricot to pale gold and frosty pearl. Remnants of life reveal themselves in the subtle shadows – crab claw marks, towel impressions, footprints. Life here is unhurried, but don’t be fooled. This town is continually shifting like the desert dunes that surround it.

And with a $75 million upgrade – offering easier and more inclusive access for people of all abilities – it’s getting even better.

Cable Beach upgrade foreshore redevelopment stage 1 — Discover the Cable Beach redevelopment.

The addition of comfortable and welcoming spaces has begun (and will continue). This means visitors will be able to spend longer enjoying this beautiful environment, while knowing that the upgrade will create a more environmentally protected setting that preserves the natural character visitors come for. Come sunset, soak it in all the better thanks to the already improved foreshore areas, made for lingering while the light changes. And for the kids, a new splash park and accessible dry playground will make it easy to while away the hours.

Think you know what a day at this beach is like? Think again.

Morning colours

car on cable beach at sunrise — Cable Beach comes alive after sunrise. (Credit: Tourism WA)

As the sun colours the sky, Cable Beach shows signs of life (and not just the aquatic kind). Locals and visitors alike float in the cool water as it laps the shore, landlubbers explore the coast on foot, runners pace and beachside yoga classes bring quiet movement to the day.

When the sky is blue and the sun is firmly in position, head down to the well-known Cable Beach House for a long, slow breakfast overlooking the ocean. Think fresh tropical fruit, eggs cooked your way and strong coffee in the warm morning breeze.

Afternoon adventures

camel train on cable beach in broome at sunset — Join a camel train at sunset. (Credit: C J Maddock)

When you’re ready to explore, carve a path along the Minyirr Park Trail – a gentle 1.5-2km track through coastal bushland with spectacular views of the dunes. Refuel at the nearby Spinifex Brewery for lunch with its low-key, outdoor beer garden. There’s even an outdoor playground if you’re travelling with young humans.

Walk off your lazy lunch by watching (or joining) one of the beach soccer or volleyball games, or even try Silent Beats Broome – a silent walking disco through the dunes. Or book a spot on the famous camel trains, watching the sun drop below the horizon along the way. They’re a constant reminder of the fascinating history, landscape and cultural mix in this part of the country.

Evening degustation

server at Cable Beach Club — Stop into the Cable Beach Club. (Credit: Tourism WA)

As the day closes, watch the world-famous Cable Beach sunset from the appropriately named Sunset Grill at Cable Beach Club. This open-air terraced dining spot overlooking the beach is the kind of place where the view takes centre stage.

While you sip on a lychee, lime & lemonade mocktail or a local beer, enjoy the bustle of life and nature outside as the day comes to an end.

For dinner, nab a table at the Bali Hai Cafe, where they offer pan-fried crispy barramundi, Abrolhos Island scallops and deep-sea snow crab. When you’re ready for bed, check in to Pinctada Hotel Broome – a lush, tropical resort with palm-dotted gardens and a large, lagoon-style pool to cool off in.

Beyond the beach

Beyond the wide, open beach and never-ending sky of Cable Beach, there are many more reasons to visit North West Australia. These are just a few.

Unmatched experiences

Shinju Matsuri Festival's popular Long Table Dinner on cable beach — Join Shinju Matsuri Festival’s popular Long Table Dinner. (Credit: Tourism WA)

Engage with the history of the land and its people on an Indigenous cultural tour exploring everything from the local wildlife to the tastes of bush tucker. To understand the importance of pearling to this town, take a tour of Chinatown, or head outside of town to the live pearl harvests at Willie Creek or Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, one of Australia’s oldest pearl farms.

Learn why Japanese pearlers were central to Broome’s pearling success and visit the largest Japanese cemetery in Australia, where 900 Japanese pearlers were buried – a testament to the risks and rewards of this dangerous profession.

And book ahead every spring for when communal tables, freshly cooked local fare and festoon lighting fill the beach for the extremely popular Long Table Dinner on Cable Beach. It’s a highlight of the Shinju Matsuri Festival, along with the Floating Lanterns Matsuri, where you can personalise a lantern and gently release it into the sea to honour those you love.

Dining discoveries

Further your culinary adventure at the laid-back Sunday Sesh at Matso’s Broome Brewery. Chow down on smoked crocodile or Aussie barramundi while kicking back to a local DJ as the heat of the day fades.

For more tunes, the beautiful outdoor Bay Club at the Mangrove Hotel is a great choice for dinner with live music, DJs or an event that stretches on into the early hours. Still hungry? Pop by Johnny Sausage for Italian-influenced meals paired with impeccable wines.

Natural beauties

Gantheaume Point cabnle beach broome — Experience the striking colours of Gantheaume Point. (Credit: Tourism WA)

Avoid the crowds and head to Town Beach for a quieter vantage point to see the phenomenal Staircase to the Moon – a natural illusion where the rising full moon is reflected on the tidal flats, creating a shimmering ‘staircase’ stretching up to the sky.

Just south of Cable Beach are the deep red cliffs and dramatic ocean views of Gantheaume Point, where 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints can be seen, revealed at low tide. Or head to Roebuck Bay to visit the internationally significant wetlands, where vast tidal flats are home to shorebirds and coastal fauna.

Between October and March, watch turtles nesting and hatchlings emerge from the sand. You’ll be holding your breath as they make their way down to the shoreline, ready to start their life in one of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes.

For more on Cable Beach and Australia’s North West, visit australiasnorthwest.com.