Melbourne's best rooftop bars

Melbourne's biggest rooftop bar in the CBD has just had a brand new facelift. Head upstairs to Good Heavens for cocktails in the sunshine complete with striking city views. If you've got a hungry crew, order from the bar snack menu featuring mortadella sliders, bbq corn ribs and smoked brisket mini pies. Plus there are loads of bookable tables. Too easy!

This urban oasis topping The Carlton Club is open for walk-ins. Take a chance on a spontaneous post-dinner sesh and enter a tropical hideaway overlooking Bourke Street. Complete with overgrown bougainvillea, palm trees and a thatched hut bar.

As the sun sets and the skyline begins to sparkle, head up to Ocean 12 for one of the most stunning night views in Melbourne. You'll need a fancy drink for that fancy view so go all out and order from signature cocktail menu. Think bubble gum infused vodka martinis and an old fashioned made with Japanese aged whisky. Keen to party into the night? Book a private karaoke room complete with room service.

Head upstairs at Pullman Hotel for Blossom Rooftop Bar and one of Melbourne's best views. This huge wraparound terrace is a top spot for drinks at sunset and fuss-free snacks. Think wood fired pizzas, charcutiere boards and white anchovies on sourdough. As for the cocktail menu, a classic marg or a Chambord spritz is just the ticket.

Soaring high above Drewery Lane, this massive new multi-storey venue comes from the minds behind Arbory Afloat. HER is a vertical laneway celebrating food, drinks, music and art. Explore the moody ground floor bar, the vinyl-spinning Music Room and resident Thai BBQ diner BKK. Then soar up to the rooftop for a Med-style escape.

Melbourne has just earned itself a new multi-level venue featuring a stunning rooftop bar. Get the crew together for catch-up drinks at Morris House. Head to the top level for signature cocktails like the frozen vovo margarita or the pavlova daquiri. The food is top-notch too. Think wagyu beef burgers, spanner crab spaghetti, king salmon salad and eye fillet with chimichurri and fries. There's even a bottomless bagel brunch complete with endless espresso martinis.

Discover the heavenly world at Higher Grace, the rooftop of State of Grace. Settle in and soak up the views overlooking the city. The vibe is casual – think pizzas and share plates, cured meat boards, haloumi, parmesan fries. Match with deliciously summery cocktails, tap beers and tinnies. And if the weather is good on a weekday, there's no need to stay chained to your desk. Book a remote desk on the rooftop and while away your work day.

Stay golden on hot days beneath the Goldilocks misters. Try shots poured over teddy bear ice blocks, classic espresso martinis and a super lush drink garnished with an entire watermelon icy pole. Once the sun goes down, you get some pretty sweet views of the city skyline, the Melbourne Central shot tower and even the HER rooftop.

Head for the skies and land on Melbourne's highest rooftop bar, 14 storeys up. Feast on Mediterranean-style share plates while you enjoy the sweeping city views. The bespoke cocktail list is inspired by fables and stories throughout history. Try the Caesar inspired by the ancient emperor himself. It features fig-infused vodka, passionfruit, mango vermouth and Champagne syrup.

That first night out at QT rooftop bar in summer just hits different. This 11th floor gem in Russell Street is almost an old-fave by Melbourne standards. Visit for a curated selection of wines, and stop to admire the stunning street art mural by Aussie artist Rowena Martinich.

You'll find this award-winning bar three floors above Meyers Place. The cocktails are killer and the bar snacks match perfectly. The team is taking bookings online. They also take limited walk-ins if you want to try your luck.

Slogging up seven flights of stairs for the best views in the city – it’s a Melburnian rite of passage. Or you can take the lift, which is known for being a little grungy but fully functional. In a true return to form, this sky-high spot is reverting back to a walk-in only policy.

The views from this eight-storey high rooftop terrace steal the show. Look out over Bourke Street and the GPO as you enjoy sushi boxes with all the trimmings, canape-style share plates and creative cocktails like a pavlova gin spritz.

The iconic rooftop garden bar is back in action for your next sun-soaked soiree. Hightail it to this Bourke Street rooftop for cocktails and charcuterie, with cute kitschy decor. And yes – Madame is still doing those epic cocktail jugs. Book online now.

Playful, sun-drenched and hidden down a laneway, Pomelo is everything a rooftop bar should be. The bar takes its cues from '80s Miami Art Deco. Think splashes of ice-cream pastel colours and a giant geometric mural. Try the slushie cocktails or grab a refreshing Pomelo seltzer. They're crafted and canned in-house with ingredients like banana miso and buttered popcorn.

When it comes to iconic rooftop bars, Siglo is a must-visit. Stunning views over Parliament and St Patrick’s Cathedral combine with an impressive cocktail list. The retractable awnings keeps an even balance between the stars and weather.

Farmer's Daughter is a three-storey culinary wonderland dedicated to all things local and delicious. The rooftop bar is a sleek, sunny oasis decked out with gorgeous greenery. It's also where the team grow all their garnishes! Start with a spicy margarita, then head downstairs for a set-menu delight.

Bomba is all cosy vibes downstairs, lush open-air retreat upstairs. The cocktails will be super fresh and the tapas on point. For a full dining experience, let the chef do the choosing and opt for the set menu featuring highlights like scallops with harissa butter and charcoal-grilled pork belly.

This top-end spot is a historic pub dating back to 1858. Today it's known for its large rooftop beer garden and live sports, as well as its icy cold beers and classic pub fare. Book a spot on the rooftop beer garden to check out the 360-degree views of the city. Book now.

Part rooftop bar, part local produce diner, 100 per cent your next laneway cocktail destination. Wander up Little Collins Street and let the royal blue façade of Sojourn sneak up on you out of nowhere. The uniquely designed shipping container-style spot is one of Melbourne's newest hidden gems, right next to Scott Pickett's Chancery Lane.

Come for the pizzas, stay for the top-floor cocktails. Dom's is a three-level party palace of fresh pies, pool comps and pretty city views. Hightail it to the roof for classics like Campari and soda, or try lemon sours and a super smoky old fashioned. Made with chocolate bitters, no less!