Melbourne Rooftop Bars with Unbeatable Summer Views
As the summer sun lights up the city skyline, Melbourne’s rooftop bars are calling. From glittering CBD skylines to coastal sunsets over St Kilda, these high-altitude hangouts offer unbeatable views, refreshing drinks, and relaxed summer energy. Whether you’re meeting friends, chasing sunset cocktails, or soaking up the city lights, these rooftop bars in Melbourne will make every afternoon and evening feel like a summer escape.
1. Fleet Rooftop Bar – 1 Queen Street, Melbourne
Perched atop the Vibe Hotel, Fleet Rooftop Bar is Melbourne’s highest open-air bar, sitting 22 floors above the city. The venue blends maritime-inspired design with a relaxed, modern edge. Think warm timber finishes, brass details, and panoramic windows that frame the skyline perfectly.
Fleet’s cocktail list is designed around local flavours, light, refreshing, and ideal for summer sipping. Try their signature “Fleet Spritz,” best enjoyed while the sun sets over the Yarra. On weekends, live DJs keep the energy going late into the night, creating a vibrant yet polished city atmosphere.
Opening Hours: Wed–Sun, 3 PM – late
Vibe: Upscale, energetic, ideal for sunset drinks
Average Spend: $$$
2. Rooftop at QT – 133 Russell Street, Melbourne
High above the stylish QT Melbourne hotel sits one of the CBD’s most glamorous rooftop spots. The Rooftop at QT is a lively lounge with plush seating, city views, and a retractable roof for Melbourne’s unpredictable weather.
Daytimes are perfect for long lunches with a spritz in hand, while nights bring out a sophisticated crowd ready for cocktails under the stars. Expect smooth tunes, creative drinks like the “QT Negroni,” and attentive service that matches the sleek setting.
Opening Hours: Daily from 12 PM – late
Vibe: Glamorous and lively, suited for cocktails and celebrations
Average Spend: $$$
3. Naked in the Sky – 285 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
A Melbourne icon, Naked in the Sky is the rooftop jewel above Naked for Satan. The panoramic 360° city views are breathtaking, stretching across the CBD and beyond. The space combines communal tables, hanging greenery, and colourful murals, creating a fun and unpretentious vibe.
The Spanish-style menu is made for sharing — think patatas bravas, chorizo sliders, and house sangria. It’s one of the best spots in Melbourne for a relaxed afternoon with friends that can easily roll into an evening of laughter under twinkling lights.
Opening Hours: Daily from 12 PM – late
Vibe: Social, casual, energetic
Average Spend: $$
4. Harvie – 877 High Street, Armadale
Harvie brings a touch of elegance to Melbourne’s south. This stylish rooftop blends Art Deco architecture with lush greenery and brass accents. Perfect for a romantic evening or an after-work glass of wine, it’s a relaxed escape from the city’s bustle.
Its menu features Mediterranean-inspired share plates and a premium wine list that complements the sunset perfectly. As daylight fades, the rooftop glows softly with ambient lighting, creating a refined yet cosy feel ideal for date nights or small gatherings.
Opening Hours: Wed–Sun, 4 PM – late
Vibe: Classy and relaxed, great for wine lovers
Average Spend: $$$
5. Captain Baxter – 10-18 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda
Few spots rival the seaside charm of Captain Baxter. Located just steps from St Kilda Beach, its retractable roof and wrap-around deck provide sweeping views of Port Phillip Bay. It’s the ultimate beachside rooftop bar to watch the sun dip below the horizon.
Expect a breezy, beachy atmosphere with chilled house music, cocktails inspired by the coast, and a menu packed with fresh, Pan-Asian comfort food. Brunch by day, cocktails by night, it’s a full summer experience in one spot.
Opening Hours: Daily from 12 PM – late
Vibe: Coastal and fun, ideal for beach sunsets
Average Spend: $$
Melbourne’s Rooftop Scene: Where Summer Comes Alive
From the city skyline to the seaside, these rooftop bars capture the essence of Melbourne’s summer: lively, stylish, and effortlessly cool. Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic evening, a lively night with friends, or simply a place to enjoy a cocktail under the open sky, there’s a rooftop waiting for you.
So this summer, skip the indoor crowds and head upwards, because the best memories are made with a drink in hand and Melbourne at your feet.