The 14 best rooftop bars in Brisbane

As far as backdrops go, it doesn’t get much better than Lina Rooftop’s display. With its 12th floor, South Bank locale, Lina boasts a sky-high panorama of Brisbane City, Mt Coot-tha and the inner-city treetops. Lina’s minimalist, blue and white fit-out is reminiscent of a chic Grecian beach club, taken to the next level with an infinity pool to boot. The open-air terrace is complete with ever-so-comfy day beds that are available for hire – the ideal spot to park up and enjoy a little something from the Mediterranean-inspired menu with a drink in hand. Lina’s extensive drinks list is bound to please, whether you’re after a wine by the glass or bottle, a signature cocktail, or a non-alcoholic refreshment. 

Located atop Linton Apartments in the renowned and remarkable Kangaroo Point postcode, Sunsets Rooftop just isn’t like the other rooftops. With 2023 beginnings, Sunsets is hot off the press and is already known as one of Brisbane’s best rooftop bars – not only for its swanky, desert-inspired interiors, but for its spectacular vistas across the entire cityscape, as well as a bird’s eye view directly into The Gabba. Some nifty design work means uninterrupted sundowns with hilly silhouettes to the east, accompanied by a drink in one hand and a Mediterranean nibble in the other. Sink your teeth into the calamari with fennel salt and lime mayo, or perhaps the chargrilled lamb cutlets with Aleppo pepper and tahini lemon sauce. Wash it all down with an Espresso Martini and a warm Portuguese tart for the full Sunsets Rooftop affair.

The Terrace is one of Brisbane’s ultimate, open-air rooftop bars, serving up luxe vibes, stunning views and drinks that are sure to hit the spot. Located on the rooftop of Southbank’s Emporium Hotel, the Terrace serves up an all-day menu, capped off with an extensive drinks menu featuring signature cocktails and premium wines. The weekends host live music and DJs, making it the perfect spot to party with a fruit cocktail or a chilled glass of French Champagne. Be sure to check out the retractable ceiling and glass roof, as well as the infinity pool looking out over the Brisbane River.

Hop on over to Valley Hops Brewing in Brisbane’s famed nightlife precinct that is Fortitude Valley. Perched atop Cloudland’s multi-level drinking and dining hub, Valley Hops Brewing brings casual sophistication to the fifth floor. The rooftop oasis is decked out with plenty of greenery to suit the tropical climate, along with a fabulous stained glass bar that hints at Art Nouveau class – not to mention the city skyline vista. Pull up aside Valley Hops’ production line, aka their big ol’ silos where the yeasty magic happens, while sipping on the fruits of their labour and nibbling on a piping hot, wood-fired pizza. But never fear if you’re not into beer, Valley Hops offer a considered wine list and a cocktail list to boot.

Having opened its doors in late 2024 as part of the Queen’s Wharf development, Cicada Blu takes things to new heights in Brisbane’s lively CBD. Perched at an almost daunting 100 metres above the city streets, Cicada Blu looms on the 23rd floor of The Star Brisbane – a ritzy, riverside locale offering uninterrupted scenes with sunsets on the menu. Pre-dinner apéritifs and botanical-infused, post-dinner cocktails are a Cicada Blu highlight – but the drinks list specifics are shrouded in mystery (not available online) – so it looks like you’ll just have to go and give Brisbane’s highest rooftop bar a suss. 

Brisbanites can’t get enough of chic rooftop bars, and with its LA-resort vibe, Fiume offers up something a little different. Fiume – which means river in Italian – sits atop the funky Crystalbrook Vincent hotel in the historic Howard Smith Wharves precinct, making it a great option for a glass of fresh and fruity rosé after a day taking in the sights of the city. Whether you want to share a grazing board and some light bites with friends or lounge next to the infinity pool as you watch the sunset over the Story Bridge, you are sure to have a wonderful time at Fiume.

Sitting at a staggering 14 floors above Jubilee Place, Soko Rooftop Bar and Restaurant brings a subtle Amazonian flair to Fortitude Valley. The sky-high hide-out covers some mega ground – 1,500 square metres to be exact – and serves up sweeping views of Brisbane City, as well as a marriage of Peruvian and Japanese flavours. Deep green tiles, furniture and rainforest flora occupy an internal dining space, while the open-air terrace comes to life with DJs and samba dancers that frolic around the lush garden beds as the sun sets over Brisbane – the drama. In terms of fare, expect big tastes from Soko’s selection of ceviches, bao buns, yakitori skewers and notable desserts, including the ‘perumisu’ – a Peruvian take on tiramisu with espresso, dulce de leche, mascarpone and matcha. Pisco (Peruvian grape spirit) and sake (Japanese rice spirit) are a Soko feature, and trust us, they’ve got the good stuff too.

Hotel X serves up the delectable flavours of Europe right from the heart of Fortitude Valley. On the rooftop, you’ll find Iris – a luxury bar complete with killer city skyline views and a Spanish-inspired menu. Relax poolside in one of the private cabanas as you sample the flavours of Spain and sip on a chilled glass of Rosé Sangria, perfect for summer nights. Downstairs you’ll be whisked off to France at restaurant Bisou Bisou, the hotel’s classic French brasserie, complete with chic Parisian styling and a wine list fit for special occasions. 

With a humble sixth-floor altitude, Cielo Rooftop is Fortitude Valley’s canopy with Italian Riviera attitude. As part of the adjoining La Costa Restaurant, Cielo is a breezy, up-market terrace complete with olive trees and lemon-yellow booths that invite you to stay for a good time and a long time. With concrete jungle surrounds, Cielo’s mission to whisk you to the Med comes in the form of fresh-baked focaccia and zingy, ice-cool cocktails – whether that’s an Aperol Spritz or an Amalfi Sour of limoncello, gin, citrus and egg whites – la dolce vita, Brissy style.

Located on W Brisbane’s fourth level, Wet Deck is the city’s rooftop bar with a touch of resort luxe – and by that, we mean that there’s a whole entire pool up there. Pretty-in-pink sun lounges and booths reinforce the summery feeling, along with a zippy black-and-white kaleidoscope mural that’s sure to add pizzazz to any average Joe’s Instagram game. As for Wet Deck’s view, expect distant hill- and riverside-scapes to behold which go down a treat during golden hour – aquatic reflections and all that. Wet Deck’s tipples also go down a treat, with punchy cocktails at the forefront of their offerings. Take the Berry Bang of vodka, lychee, lavender honey, raspberry and lime, for a taste bud delight. 

If you’re not too keen on heights, the Hyatt Regency’s Hibiscus Bar and Terrace is the place to be for rooftops with a somewhat acceptable distance to solid ground. This Brisbane City haunt is complete with a centrepiece pool, beach brollies and plenty of coral hues, overlooking the heritage facades of neighbouring Queen Street Mall. Hibiscus Bar and Terrace pays homage to its 1970s heyday with signature cocktails that were all the rage way back when and a revival of retro fare with modern spins. The Oyster Shell Martini and smoked beef tartare should go off with a bang.

The rooftop of 757 Ann Street in Fortitude Valley has seen many a venture over the years, all while standing witness to the ever-changing Brisbane City skyline. Now, the 11th-level retreat is home to Maya Rooftop – a Mexican bar and restaurant inspired by the city of Guadalajara. The stone sanctuary is bedecked with cacti and licked with neutral tones – from the tiled courtyard and marble counters to the refined crockery. It’s safe to say that Maya Rooftop’s mission to bring the diversity of Mexican cuisine and artisanal tequila into the spotlight has been a success. Elevated classics are a menu highlight, with the likes of lobster, scallop and king prawn ceviche in coconut leche de tigre (spicy, citrus marinade) with habanero granita and plantain; as well as the nanacatl taco of grilled king oyster mushroom, crumbed shiitake, confit potato and salsa negra mayonesa (smoky, spicy, sweet mayonnaise). Pair the bites with a Margarita and you’re in for a ripper night.

Six levels above Fortitude Valley’s The Constance hotel lies Dirty Sultan, an urban oasis that welcomes you upstairs for a taste of Istanbul nightlife and dining. The Turkish-style hang-out is a multifaceted hub that takes claim to Brisbane’s first rooftop shisha lounge title, all while dishing up polished street food that’ll take you straight to flavourtown, along with a weekend DJ that never fails to get the party started. In a wise move by Dirty Sultan, the shisha lounge is separate from the dining room and bar. Here, you can tuck into plates with the likes of slow-cooked lamb ribs, roast cauliflower and artichoke with buckwheat, and harissa-roasted half chicken, too. Artful cocktails are a Dirty Sultan mainstay, including the Musa of brandy, white crème de cacao liqueur, roasted macadamia and wattleseed liqueur with a hint of orange. 

Boasting sweeping views from the coast to the hinterland, this Gold Coast rooftop bar (just a one-hour drive from Brisbane) is the perfect place to unwind with a sour peach slushy or an old-fashioned G&T. The Exhibitionist Bar sits atop the HOTA Gallery, adding an edge of glamour to the Gold Coast’s premier arts destination. With signature drinks and dining options inspired by HOTA’s world-class art collection, there is always something new and exciting on the menu. Drop by for lunch and dinner, or make a night of it and enjoy sundowners or a nightcap under the stars.