6 New Rooftop Bars Open In Melbourne In Time For Summer

Everyone knows Melbourne is a laneways, basements and rooftops kind of a town – but visitors might not know about the newest rooftop bars to open the city just in time for lazy summer afternoons and sundowners.

Good Heavens
The newest of all the rooftop bars sits above the new Fancy Hanks outlet on Bourke Street. Promising ‘something fun and flirty for those lustful summer nights’ the rooftop will offer 80s style cocktails that are a mix of Australian and American favourites, along with craft heavyweights to ensure there is a recipe for everyone to enjoy. The menu will also feature American favourites including beef brisket sandwiches and cheeseburgers. A local DJ’s spinning the decks on the rooftop will help transform the vibe from after-work drinks to weekend party. 1/79 Bourke Street, VIC 3000, Media enquiries: +61 (0) 3 9690 7000

The Hills
With a typically Melbourne convoluted entrance – up an outdoor stair case several levels – The Hills Rooftop is set to be one of the hottest pop ups of 2016. Whilst the building, down a laneway above a former historic pub, is earmarked for demolition in 2017, summer drinking will be the order of the day over the next few months. The vibe is as laid back as Melbourne can get with visitors choosing from an assortment of make-shift seating options. The local drinks menu is teamed up with a basic menu, great views of the city, and a BYO BBQ. Flaningan Lane, Melbourne, 3000

QT Rooftop Bar
The icing on top of the cake at Melbourne’s newest and most exciting five star hotel. The QT Rooftop Bar is available for non-hotel guests to enjoy the panoramic views extending across the rooftops of Bourke Street and beyond. The Rooftop has a sophisticated and cosy interior and opens out to a wooden decked expansive area for 185 people to enjoy the views as the sunsets and the city lights come on. Glamorous designer decor, cutting edge sound, and music has provided a cool new venue for visitors to relax and enjoy with friends. 133 Russell Street, Melbourne, 3000 +61 (0) 3 8636 8800

The Corner Hotel
The historic venue has stood on the corner of Swan Street, Richmond, since the nineteenth century and has been a popular live music venue since the 1940s and playing host to some of the most prestigious names in music, both locally and internationally. Now, The Corner reveals its spacious new rooftop, with an indoor dining area, outdoor courtyard and private function spaces, plus an impressive new menu and bar offering, The new outdoor space is a perfect daytime drinking and dining destination, featuring a new outdoor kitchen and barbecue and city views. 57 Swan St, Richmond VIC 3121, Ph +61 (0) 3 9427 7300

Fonda Windsor
Offering quality, fresh modern Mexican cuisine with mexi-cocktails and a su casa, mi casa mentality at six – about to be seven – locations around Melbourne, Fonda is that always reliable, always fun restaurant that is especially great for groups. The newly opened Fonda Rooftop Bar is in the increasingly exciting Windsor end of Chapel Street in South Yarra. It seats 62 and has a retractable roof and offers the same menu as downstairs. 144 Chapel St, Windsor, ph +61 (0) 3 9521 2660

The Imperial
With stunning views of Parliament House and back towards the city, the impressive Imperial Rooftop is a large relaxed space, decked out with plenty of seating, cushions, 20 beers on tap and the rooftop’s own kitchen, serving sandwiches, burgers and more. The rooftop sits above one of Melbourne’s popular sports pubs, which itself has had a handsome new makeover. Heaters are available during the winter months but as one of Melbourne’s newest rooftops – it is set to be very popular this summer. 2-8 Bourke Street, Melbourne, 3000, +61 (0) 3 9810 0062