03 October 2024
7 mins Read
Perth has its fair share of amazing bars, and in a place as warm and sun-drenched as it is, it would be almost criminal not to have an assembly of rooftop venues. From venues perched almost 20 stories high overlooking the glistening Swan River, to intimate terraces nestled amongst heritage rooftops, these are Perth’s most unmissable rooftop bars.
Best for: Bold and bolshy cocktails
One of Perth’s original and iconic rooftop small bars, The Mechanics Institute is tucked down a laneway in the inner-city Northbridge. Once you ascend the staircase, you’ll find yourself on their intimate alfresco roof deck that’s nestled amongst the city’s heritage rooftops. The talented team behind the bar craft unique and interesting cocktails, and also feature regular bar ‘takeovers’ with visiting mixologists who try daring and different things—including a cocktail served on fire.
Address: Rear 222 William St, Northbridge
Opening hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4pm-late; Friday-Sunday 3pm-midnight
Best for: A glamorous experience
Perched on the rooftop of one of Perth’s best hotels, The Ritz Carlton, Songbird is a haven for delicious food, skilfully crafted cocktails and sweeping panoramic views of the Swan River.
While their cocktail list is impressive, our hot tip is to go to the gin menu. The bar has partnered with Rainfall Distillery to create a bespoke gin that is exclusively available at Songbird.
The specialty gin has been distilled with native WA botanicals of pink finger lime, Geraldton wax, pepi leaf and sea parsley to produce a balanced mix of playful and zesty flavours.
Address: 1 Barrack Street, Perth
Opening hours: Monday & Thursday 3-9pm; Friday 3pm-midnight; Saturday 12pm-midnight; Sunday 2-9pm
Best for: A beer and boogie
Hello is the rooftop venue of Northbridge’s The Rechabite, an emporium of entertainment, good food and great drinks. The space is fun and unpretentious, with seating options being a bunch of colourful retro lawn chairs that sit beneath a canopy of vibrant plastic lanterns.
The DJ behind the decks will have you toe-tapping and the team behind the bar serve up classic cocktails, wine and tap beer.
Address: 224 William Street, Northbridge
Opening hours: Wednesday-Sunday 5pm-late
Best for: Award-winning cocktails
Just last year Terrarium won the title of WA’s best cocktail bar. On the corner of Howard Street and St Georges Terrace, this place is a go-to for specialist cocktails, a comprehensive selection of spirits and a refined bar food menu.
And what better way to enjoy all that than on their lush foliage-filled rooftop terrace. A stand-out cocktail is the Primrose—a lime curd margarita served with lemon myrtle salt.
Address: Howard St Entrance, 99 St Georges Terrace, Perth
Opening hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4pm-midnight; Friday 2pm-midnight; Saturday 4pm- midnight
Best for: Med-inspired drinks and food
One of the earliest venues offering a rooftop bar experience, Perth favourite The Standard has recently undergone an evolution. After a decade of Southeast Asian inspiration, the venue has entered a new era honouring the European charm of Northbridge with a Mediterranean-inspired menu and charming med-inspired space. Set on top of a shipping container, the venue’s rooftop deck is by no means the highest in the city, but the lush and rustic terrace still offers some fantastic views over the city skyline.
Address: 28 Roe Street, Northbridge
Opening hours: Wednesday-Friday 4pm-late; Saturday & Sunday 12pm-late
Best for: Drinks with a side of art
The Art Gallery of WA (AGWA) has merged art and entertainment at this unique rooftop space. Architecturally designed, the AGWA Rooftop is the largest rooftop venue in Perth and features an open-air sculpture walk featuring works from the State Art Collection, an internal gallery space and two rooftop spaces with brilliant city, hill and museum views.
The food and drinks lists are tinged with a distinct WA flavour, and local DJs will set the soundtrack to your night.
Address: Perth Cultural Centre, Perth
Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm in spring and summer months
Best for: Mad Men meets tiki vibes
It goes without saying that Tiki as FK is a tiki bar, however, it’s a tiki bar with a difference. A bit tiki, a bit 60’s, the cocktail lounge and rooftop bar give a self-proclaimed “Mad Men meets Shag” vibe. Step through the tiki door on Northbridge’s James Street to be transported to a different world, with palm tree wallpaper, retro furniture and artisan beaded door curtains adorned with toucans. The rooftop bar boasts shimmering city views, live DJs, and (as you expect) exotic tropical cocktails. Plus, if you’re peckish you can order a mouth-watering toastie from Perth’s iconic toastie joint, Toastface Grillah.
Address: 91A James Street, Northbridge WA
Opening hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 4pm-midnight
Best for: Year-round rooftop drinks
On the top floor of the exquisite Hibernia Place in Perth’s east end, Hadiqa delivers a Mediterranean-Arabian experience that you can see through its bespoke cocktails—think Turkish delight martinis and rose gin and pomegranate spritzes. (Belly dancers and snake handlers make regular appearances too.)
What’s great about Hadiqa is that it’s open all year long. In summer the rooftop space is a stunning spot for an open-air evening with city views, and in winter it’s converted to a cosy undercover area.
Address: Top floor, Hibernian Place, 40 Irwin Street, Perth
Opening hours: Wednesday and Thursday 4pm – late; Friday and Saturday 12pm – late
Best for: Asian-fusion drinks and food
A Perth institution, Lucky Chan’s is an Asian-inspired bar and restaurant nestled in the heart of bustling William Street in Northbridge. The team pride themselves on fresh, local ingredients that are transformed into Asian street food delights. The themed rooftop bar features classic and modern cocktails, as well as great tunes and all-together fun vibe. Try one of their famous bubble tea cocktails—the Chan’s Iced Tea is a crowd favourite, featuring vodka, green tea, passionfruit and yuzu.
Address: 311 William Street, Northbridge WA
Opening hours: Tuesday-Thursday 5.30-10.30pm; Friday 11am-3pm & 5pm-midnight; Saturday 11am-3pm & 5pm-midnight
Best for: Sky-high views
Rooftop at QT gets the bragging rights of being one of Perth city’s highest rooftops, soaring 18 stories high at the top of QT Hotel (which happens to be one of Perth’s best hotels. The bar is an aesthetic wonderland, with the space curated by local artists and designers, and offers sweeping viewing of the cityscape.
The wine, beer and cocktail list is extensive, while the Mediterranean food menu ensures you won’t go hungry, with snacks including pickled octopus and San Danielle prosciutto, and larger plates such as Greek lamb pita and fritto misto.
Address: 133 Murray Street, Perth
Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 4-10pm; Friday & Saturday 2pm-late; Sunday 2-10pm
Best for: Sunset drinks
Eighteen stories high, you’ll feel like you’re well and truly in the sky at Folly’s rooftop bar. In the eastern end of Perth city, this sun-drenched rooftop space serves a selection of Australian wines, local and international beers and signature cocktails—try the Cinnamon May, their surprising take on the classic margarita.
Address: Level 18/176 Adelaide Terrace, East Perth, WA
Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday during spring and summer
Discover the best bars in Fremantle.
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