Melbourne's best rooftop bars

The crew behind Arbory Afloat have finally opened their massive new multi-storey venue. 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.

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.

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.

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.

That first night out at QT rooftop bar in summer just hits different. This fifth-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.

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 Birth of Venus' with vermouth, elderflower and salted apple shrub.

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.

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. Book your table here.

Limoncello highballs, pizzas loaded with prosciutto and buffalo mozzarella platters. Johnny’s back in a big way, taking walk-ins only. Nab a spot and see the city skyline anew, then kick on for a pasta sesh at downstairs Agostino.

Bomba is all cosy vibes downstairs, lush open-air retreat upstairs. The cocktails will be super fresh and the tapas on point. Bomba isn't taking bookings for the rooftop terrace right now, just walk up for all your long-awaited group catch-up needs.

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.

You'll find this award-winning bar three floors above Loop Project Space & Bar. 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.

Up on Level 28 of Australia's first Quincy Hotel, the Q Bar offers hawker snacks and cocktails next to a glittering rooftop pool. A cheeky drinks list includes Melbourne-centric 'Under The Clocks', and an Aussie icy pole inspired 'Summers at the Servo'. Book online.

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 grows all their garnishes! Start with a spicy margarita, then head downstairs for a set-menu delight. Book online now.

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. Book now.

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.