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Best rooftop bars in Australia

ninemsn Travel

Open air-movies and live music at the Limes Hotel rooftop bar (Photo Limes Hotel)

Everyone knows Australian's love the great outdoors. But when there's boozing involved, too, you can't get better than these rooftop bars. Talk about serious altitude. Here's ninemsn Travel's top ten.

Hunky Dory: Sydney

There's nothing like utilising all that precious Sydney space — Hunky Dory's rooftop plays host to a flea market and an open-air cinema some Saturdays. Occupying the top two levels of a former abandoned building on Oxford Street, this bar is getting more and more popular as the weeks pass. The 1900s French style décor brings a touch of class and the rooftop balcony boasts a lovely potted garden with great views over Oxford Street. Get there early for the best seats.

215 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney. Tel: (02) 9331 0442
Open: 11am till late

Zanzibar: Sydney

Part Moroccan, part 90s kitch, the rooftop at Newtown's Zanzibar is out of this world. This is an ever-popular spot for an after-work drink in the summer, as Sydney's orange sunset can be viewed in full over the streets and houses, shining off the potted palms that dot the patio. Order some tapas and you won't be disappointed. And when it comes to leaving, go on, ask if you can use the chairlift. We dare you.

323 King Street, Newtown, Sydney. Tel: (02) 9519 1511
Open: 10am till late

The Emerald Peacock: Melbourne

The gargantuan rooftop is the highlight of this impressive, double-levelled venue, with décor that's both Moroccan and Baroque. And guess what? There are peacocks on the walls. Climb the stairs to the centre of the roof and you'll find room for 200 of your closest friends, with cocktails and views over Melbourne to make you swoon. Dress to impress. This place is a flirt's and networker's dream.

233 Lonsdale St, Melbourne. Tel: (03) 9654 8680
Open: 4pm-1am

Bimbo Delux: Melbourne

This buzzing Brunswick Street bar is a well-deserved Fitzroy icon, not least because it offers hungry punters gourmet pizzas every day of the week for a measly $4. Live bands often rock out on the rooftop from noon until the early hours, and the Melbourne socialites look truly blessed out in the glow of those Moroccan lights. This one's a fabulous venue for meeting your mates. Get that cheap but yummy pizza in, then go forth and drink.

376 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne. Tel: (03) 9419 8600
Open: 7pm till late

Limes Hotel: Brisbane

Great for a drink at dusk, the rather snazzy Limes Hotel has an open-air rooftop champagne and cocktail bar that's open to both hotel guests and the general public. You do have to make a bit of an effort though — don't bother turning up in thongs. Events, such as open-air movies, live music and the odd cocktail special on pretty much every night give this bar added appeal, and it's nice to be outside in the Valley, though it's not a huge space and the views are somewhat restricted. Have one, and then move on.

142 Constance St, Fortitude Valley. Tel: 07 3852 9000
Open: Mon-Thurs 5pm-midnight, Fri-Sat 3pm-1:30am, Sunday 2pm – midnight

The Fox Hotel: Brisbane

Just a five minute walk from Brisbane's CBD is The Fox, which is proving itself as a firm fave (no thanks to the Fox BBQ and Smokehouse downstairs). With food specials such as half price burgers mid week and $1 ribs on Thursdays, you can't go wrong, but head upstairs to the incredible rooftop for 360 views of Brisbane as a cold beer helps your lunch or dinner go down. The rest of the hotel has been decorated in the style of Moulin Rouge and the Can Can. Don't forget your camera.

Corner of Hope & Melbourne St, South Brisbane
Open: Daily, 11:45-2:30pm, 6pm-9pm

Garden Bar: Perth

When the Garden Bar opened at the old Leederville Hotel it was the start of a whole new trend for Perth, but this place does it best. Garden Bar serves some of the best food in town and does a mean jug of Pimms, but be warned, it doesn't serve much more in the way of cocktails. Wine, beer and Pimms is your lot. Perhaps the best thing is the monstrous television, which plays cult classics from various film festivals. Great for an afternoon of lounging.

742 Newcastle St, Leederville, Perth. Tel: (08) 9286 0150
Open: Wed-Sat 12 midday-12 midnight, Sunday 12 midday-10pm, Mon-Tues: 12 midday till late

What is your favourite roof-top bar in Australia? Enter your comments below.

Next: Australia's most bizarre bars

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Wine and dine Sydney View Urban list

Urban Melbourne Brisbane Perth Pubs Australia New South Wales Queensland Victoria Western Australia

User comments

some to check!

how bout The Order, on Swanston street, Melbourne

My vote for Melbourne's best would be Cookie - great music, incredible food, awesome atmosphere. Fantastic any night of the week but Swanston Street's finest is packed on Fridays and Saturdays. Head on down and try their extensive cocktail menu.

Will be Burleigh on the Gold Coast if Gold Coast City Councillors don't renege on the approval they gave originally (when they wanted campaign dollars!!!) Overlooks the Ocean with fantastic weather!

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