Enjoy sky-high sips at the Gold Coast’s best rooftop bars
Nothing elevates a long lunch or night out like a rooftop bar – and the Gold Coast is packed with some seriously incredible spots where you can snack and sip alfresco. Whether you’re into breezy sunsets by the beach, want to dance the night away under the glittering city lights or you’re chasing a view that will make your jaw drop and Insta feed pop, this guide to the Gold Coast’s best rooftop bars will have you covered.
Sueño, Nobby Beach
The Rick Shores team are the brains behind Latin American dining double-header Norté and Sueño in Nobby Beach. Downstairs, the Norté dining delights with fine flame-licked fare, while a few a strides up the eye-catching red spiral staircase leads to its sun-drenched sibling, Sueño. The vibrant rooftop dining space and bar has two separate umbrella-lined terraces, each treating snackers and sippers with impressive views across the cityscape. The 140-seat Sueño has its own rooftop kitchen, which fires up to serve a snacky menu led by fresh ceviche, grilled skewers and tortillas, alongside a beverage list that takes notes from the cocktails of the Americas.
Justin Lane, Burleigh Heads
From humble beginnings as a local pizzeria, Justin Lane has grown to become a bustling multi-level restaurant and bar, crowned by its popular open-air rooftop. On a sunny day, the JL rooftop is packed with locals pulling apart its iconic wood-fired pizzas, paired with top-notch wines, quality cocktails and ice-cold tap beers. Pro tip – the passionfruit and chilli Tommy’s margarita is a good time.
Lulu Rooftop & Bar, Surfers Paradise
Perched above Orchid Ave overlooking Cavill Mall, Lulu Rooftop & Bar is perfect for sun-soaked get-togethers by day, which inevitably turn into fun nights dancing under the stars after dark. The vibes are high at the retro-glam rooftop, amplified by its popular Sunday brunches, a boozy frosé wall and DJ-led entertainment calendar.
The Island Rooftop, Surfers Paradise
Dubbed one of the Gold Coast’s largest rooftop bars, The Island Rooftop is ideal for sun-soaked lunches, sunset cocktails, casual dinners and late-night fun under the glittering Surfers Paradise skyline. The rooftop boasts a mouth-watering selection of wood-fired pizzas, juicy burgers, bar snacks and shareable grazing platters, alongside an extensive drinks list where cocktails take centre stage.
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JuJu, Nobby Beach
The striking two-level restaurant and bar in the heart of Nobby Beach (in the old Hellenika site) takes you from lunch to dinner and dancing in the most playful of ways. There’s a handful of terracotta-hued booths, tucked under the shade of the rooftop’s centrepiece giant tree, as well as smaller high tables for more intimate dining. On Sundays, you can get started early with a feast at JuJu’s popular Brunch Club or head in after dark for cocktails and dancing until the wee hours.
Nineteen at The Star, Broadbeach
Feeling a little fancy? For an elevated rooftop experience, take The Star Gold Coast elevator up 19 floors and soak up stellar skyline views from Nineteen’s sun-drenched lounge bar. The luxe rooftop features private booths with the option of VIP bottle service, or you can enjoy a spritz and charcuterie spread outside on the terrace balcony and let the views do the talking.
Burleigh Pavilion, Burleigh Heads
An Aperol spritz in one hand, a blistering margherita pizza in the other, and surfers so close you can almost touch them – Burleigh Pavilion is one of the most popular rooftop bars on the Gold Coast, and for good reason. While you may be met with a line-up on weekends, the wait is worth it. Gather the crew, snag a table and enjoy the unbeatable views over Burleigh beach.
Aviary Rooftop Bar, Southport
Nestled atop Mantra at Sharks in Southport, Aviary Rooftop Bar offers panoramic views that stretch across the skyline and the lush hinterland, creating the ultimate setting for sunset cocktails. The impressive bar menu is both crowd-pleasing and boundary-pushing, while the wood-fired pizzas and delicious series of small plates ensure that your taste buds are just as entertained. Relax with a cocktail in hand in the enclosed rooftop space near the main bar, or you can flock outside to open-air space The Nest for a hit of sunshine.
Kirra Beach House, Kirra
Delicious food, great margaritas and some of the best views in town. Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely, sun-soaked lunch (try the pipi spaghetti or the steak frites!) or a round of golden-hour spritzes with friends, Kirra Beach House ticks all the boxes. With the world-class Kirra surf break as your backdrop, what more could you want?
Cali Beach Club, Surfers Paradise
Complete with sparkling pools, sun lounges, VIP cabanas and an entertainment calendar stacked with DJs, Cali Beach Club ranks as one of the impressive rooftop bars on the Gold Coast. Once you’ve secured your spot in the sun, dive into the sizeable drinks menu, featuring everything from classic cocktails and boozy slushies to wine, tap beers and cocktail jugs. Feeling boujee? Book a cabana and indulge in the champagne bottle service. The Cali Beach food menu is a crowd-pleaser, featuring everything from bar snacks and burgers to fresh salads and share platters – including an eye-catching sushi boat piled high with nigiri and sashimi.
Mr PP’s, Southport
Sitting above its dimly lit counterpart Percy’s Bar, Mr PP’s Rooftop features a sun-kissed terrace (with a fully retractable roof) dotted with high tables and lush greenery. Overlooking the Southport CBD, rooftop revellers can indulge in pizzas, pasta and antipasto while working through Mr PP’s extensive menu of shared cocktails, tap beers and stacked collection of boutique spirits. Fun fact – the Mr PP’s is named after Mr PP Agnew, a postmaster who rolled around Southport in the late 1800s.
Exhibitionist Bar at HOTA, Bundall
While the spectacular views from the top level of the HOTA Gallery are hard to tear your eyes away from, The Exhibitionist’s cocktail menu certainly deserves your attention. Renowned beverage extraordinaire Tom Angel is at the helm so, as you’d expect, the cocktails offering and wine lists are next level – made even better by the bar’s sky-high outlook. Hungry? Go for the wagyu-brisket burger with foie gras butter, provolone and truffle mayo.
The Collective, Palm Beach
If you take the stairs to the top level of The Collective, you’ll find a rooftop oasis serving frozen cocktails, margaritas and ice-cold sangria, alongside an extensive multi-cuisine food menu. Settle into a plush lounge and soak up the views across the hinterland as the sun dips or make your way up after dark for a night of fun under the twinkling festoon lights.
Last Night on Earth, Southport
With a touch of grunge and underworld vibes, the second-storey rooftop of this popular neon-lit dive bar is a go-to for locals craving tasty burgers, baskets of crispy fried chicken and ice-cold beers under the Southport stars. There’s always a stacked schedule of live and loud music and a weekly comedy calendar with both local and big-name funny folk hitting the stage.