Soak up the summer sun
Scale to the top of Melbourne’s premier buildings and laze around in the sun by a luxe hotel pool, sip cocktails at a bar, or pull up a chair for an evening of outdoor cinema. Now’s the time to soak up some rays and spectacular city views from one of Melbourne’s best rooftop attractions.
Hotel pools & quirky accommodation
Lounge by the pool and live your best life with a stay at one of our favourite city hotels. Hidden behind an art deco façade is 12-storeys of pure luxury at Le Meridien Melbourne, but the best feature when it’s hot out is the showstopping pool and deck that overlooks Fitzroy Gardens and Parliament.
Image: Rydges Melbourne
Dream of hot Californian nights on the rooftop of Rydges Melbourne, where the retro terrace, pretty festoon lights and refreshing swimming pool enhance the hotel’s already opulent experience. Check out the Adelphi Hotel for a fun art deco vibe and lavish interior, complete with an overhanging rooftop pool, outdoor deck and cocktail bar – what’s not to love?
Old world charm meets modern luxury at The Langham. Admire the expansive marble foyer and elegant stairway decorated with a crystal chandelier and water features as you head straight to the rooftop. Laze by the undercover pool and look out at spectacular views of Flinders Street and Federation Square.
Swap the rooftop pool for a hot tub and the posh hotel suite for a vintage 1970s airstream trailer and you’re in for an adventurous getaway at no other than, Hotel No. The hidden rooftop hotel has six trailers, which are fitted out with a deck and fully renovated to feature a comfortable lounge area, queen-size bed and ensuite bathroom.
Open air cinemas
Head to Lido on the Roof in Hawthorn to enjoy a drink at Lido Cinema’s rooftop bar, or catch the latest flicks in the open air rooftop cinema when the weather is nice. You can also catch a film outside at the iconic Coburg Drive In, set up a camp chair by your car or pop open the boot and get comfy watching a film through the open door.
Chase down some of Melbourne’s best pop up cinemas and watch a movie under the stars at one of Moonlight Cinema’s new locations. Locations often include the Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens or St Kilda Botanic Gardens. Pentridge Open Air Cinema is an exciting addition to Melbourne’s outdoor scene. Located in the revamped Pentridge Precinct in Coburg, you can watch a new release or retro favourites under the summer sky in a striking locale.
Rooftop bars & restaurants
Set amongst the Melbourne skyline with 270-degree views of the city is The Stolen Gem. Likened to iconic New York City rooftops, the bar has an adventurous cocktail menu, fully retractable roof and rolling transparent windows in case the weather turns.
Image: The Stolen Gem, Melbourne
Next up on our list is Blossom Rooftop Bar. Situated on the 14th floor, high above Swanston Street, indulge on woodfired pizza, local wines and beers, and curated cocktails in an industrial, art adorned space. Visit on a Friday or Saturday evening for live music as well.
Visit the Palm Springs-inspired rooftop at Good Heavens for a fun 80s vibe with pretty much any drink you could ever want and tasty smash-and-grab eats on the menu, or lose yourself in the tropics at Loop Project Space & Bar as you sip hard ice teas and signature cocktails.
Elsewhere, HER Rooftop is the crown on HER Melbourne, a vertical laneway comprising a bar, Thai restaurant and music room, where you can easily while away the afternoon and night.
Grab a few friends and slip into a deckchair at Rooftop Bar. Set on the seventh floor of Curtin House, the bar’s simple aesthetic makes it a hot spot for a chill evening under the stars.
