Melbourne is well known for its obsession with coffee and the thrill of thrifting vintage finds. But, the third thing Melbourne is notorious for is its rooftop bars!
Luckily for you and just in time for spring, we’ve found Melbourne’s 10 best rooftop bars from Fitzroy to St Kilda.
So kick back, relax and get ready to view the city skyline like never before thanks to the best rooftop bars in Melbourne’s CBD.
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Bomba Rooftop Bar
Serving up a new terrace, slick interiors and Spanish-inspired booze, we present to you Bomba Rooftop Bar. With a drink menu inspired by Australian and Spanish gin distillers, vermouth producers, winemakers and breweries, Bomba has been designed with zero-waste in mind. If spirits aren’t for you, Bomba features a rotating supply of Australian beer on tap sourced by independently owned Melbourne breweries. With a fully retractable roof, Bomba still serves as the best rooftop cocktail bar in Melbourne in the rain, hail or shine. Booze always tastes better in the sky, so why not do it at Bomba.
Captain Baxter
Captain Baxter is Melbourne’s signature rooftop bar that overlooks the ocean. Inspired by Hamptons beach style, Captain Baxter is dressed from head to toe in navy, white and wood. With picturesque views of St Kilda’s Esplanade and beach sunsets, let Captain Baxter captivate you as you grab a drink from their extensive wine, beer and spirits list. Plus, taking a step outside of the CBD and exploring a bar that transports you to the beach with a seafood menu and delicious cocktails might just be the getaway you needed.
Tucked away above the hustle of Swanston Street, Goldilocks Rooftop Bar is a whimsical little escape where fairy tales meet fabulous cocktails. Perched on Level 5 of the Denyers Building, this hidden gem serves up inventive cocktails, Asian fusion bites, and sweeping views of Melbourne’s skyline. When you’re chasing golden hour with a spritz in hand, Goldilocks hits that sweet spot just right. It’s playful, it’s cosy, and it’s the kind of place you’ll want to stumble upon again and again.
Goldilocks Rooftop Bar. Image via Visit Victoria.Goldilocks Rooftop Bar
HER Melbourne is a rooftop gem that truly captures the essence of the city’s vibrant nightlife. Nestled atop a four-level venue on Lonsdale Street, HER offers stunning city skyline views that rival the best in town. The rooftop bar’s eclectic mix of classic and innovative cocktails including their delicious Strawberry & Plum Gimlet and Sex on the Rooftop. And with its chic Parisian-inspired decor, including colourful tile mosaics and mustard yellow awnings, it’s no wonder HER is quickly becoming a favourite among Melbourne’s rooftop enthusiasts!
HER Bar. Image via Visit VictoriaHER Melbourne
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Marameo
The recipe for a good time is to be a little cheeky and cause a little mischief, as Joe Mammone, Marameo’s founded would say. A decadent Italian inspired menu will have guests turning casual drinks into dinner, followed by a late-night tipple. On top of the 300 strong wine menu, the drinks list is extensive with a dedicated spritz section, a wide range of spirits, a concise cocktail list of elevated classics and house signatures. Who doesn’t love drinking wine and eating authentic Italian food while admiring the beautiful Melbourne skyline?
Photographed by Josie Withers. Image supplied via Visit Victoria.
Naked in the Sky
Naked for Satan is one of Melbourne’s most favourite venues for canapes and cocktails. So naturally their rooftop bar, Naked in the Sky, is no different. With some of the best views of the city and considered as one of the best cocktail bars in Melbourne; Naked in the Sky is a wrap-around rooftop bar decorated with strands of fairy lights to create an industrial, eclectic look – an all-time favourite that will bring out your naughty side!
Osborne Rooftop and Bar
Located in South Yarra, Osborne Rooftop and Bar is a haven of style and relaxation. Decorated with chaise lounges, industrial chic against the riveting city landscapes, Osborne Rooftop can rely on their atmosphere and killer drinks to get patrons returning again and again. The best rooftop bar in Melbourne for functions, work drinks and so much more; guests can expect contemporary cocktails, a curated selection of wine, beer and spirits all served from their expansive bar.
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QT Secret Garden Bar
Perched high above the city behind the iconic rooftop at QR is the QT Secret Garden Bar. Here you will find the luscious oasis that will have you transported to paradise. This hidden exclusive gem can only host 40 guests at once, so make sure to get there as soon as the doors open to secure a spot admiring the impressive view. Teaming up with Four Pillars Gin, QT Secret Garden Bar has created an alluring cocktail list that will have you trying something new each time. Make sure you arrive thirsty!
If you’re chasing good vibes and even better views, this rooftop bar is the place to be. Located on top of the iconic of Curtin House in the heart of Melbourne, the simply titled Rooftop Bar offers a vibrant escape above the city. Open every day from noon till late, it’s your go-to for chill afternoons, date nights, or spontaneous rooftop hangs. Just follow the music (and maybe the scent of burgers) all the way up to Level 7. 
Rooftop Bar, Curtin House. Image via Visit Victoria.Rooftop Bar
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Tetto di Carolina
From the creative minds behind Bar Carolina, II Bacaro and Sarti, Joe Mammone teams up with Joey Dee and James Sutherland to bring Europe to Melbourne with Tetto di Carolina. Inspired by the aroma of Italy, Tetto di Carolina was conceived to be an intimate, luxurious space with each fitting and finishing made exclusively for the venue. The drinks list was curated by award-winning cocktail bartender Alex Dyzart featuring a range of delicious cocktails complemented by a wide variety of premium champagne and sparkling, as well as a selection of European and Australian wines. We recommend trying the American Beauty!
Ready to drink your way through more of Melbourne? Start with the 10 Best Bubble Tea Shops in Melbourne of 2021. Or, pair it with a side of brunch at The 10 Best Quirky and Unique Cafes in Melbourne.
When Melbourne’s laneways and delectable cocktails come together you get some of the best rooftop bars soaring above the city!