Where better to enjoy a frosty, afternoon beverage with your favorite people than a rooftop bar overlooking the Gold Coast? We can’t think of a more appealing option. Luckily, our seaside city is blessed with plenty of venues where the views are as refreshing as the brews, the breeze is blowing and the drinks are flowing. Raise a glass to these Gold Coast rooftop bars.
CALI BEACH CLUB
The newest of the bunch, Cali Beach Club can be found in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Boasting stunning ocean and city views and complete with cabana, booth and daybed options, live music, a beautiful pool and a huge array of bites and beverages, it’s the balmy holiday vibe you’ve been dreaming of. Perfection.
Where: 7 Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise
THE EXHIBITIONIST
As the name suggests, this bar is a bit of a show off. But as the highest open-air rooftop bar on the coast it boasts the best views from a very flattering vantage point. The Exhibitionist is located on the fifth floor of the HOTA Gallery and the Gold Coast looks good from up there! If you fancy your sipping with a side of culture, this is the spot. Specialty cocktails are created using major artworks in the gallery as inspiration and you can accompany them with tapas, bar snacks or coffee if that’s more you style.
Where: 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise
THE ISLAND
Another Surfers Paradise gem, The Island is a colourful, character-filled oasis for those who love the high life. Decked out with striped umbrellas, plenty of greenery and sweet city views, it’s the perfect spot for an after-work tipple and a spot of dinner. Treat yourself to a lunchtime banquet on weekdays including fresh, fruity cocktails or simply sit back with a beer and soak up the atmosphere.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
NINETEEN AT THE STAR
If a sophisticated, sky-high sojourn is what you’re after, look no further than Nineteen at The Star. The luxurious space is made for an evening of champagne and oysters with 180-degree ocean views and a spectacular infinity pool (perfect for Insta snaps) to top it all off. From dining to drink options, everything is five-star.
Where: The Darling, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
THE COLLECTIVE
Family friendly and always fun, The Collective is one of Palm Beach’s most popular dining destinations. The rooftop bar allows for uninterrupted sunset views over the mountains in the east at dusk. Enjoy the vista while sampling eats from five different kitchens, serving up American, Italian, Mexican, Asian and Greek cuisine all under one roof.
Where: 1128 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
SANTERIA – THE PINK HOTEL
Perched atop The Pink Hotel in Coolangatta, Santeria is a cool cocktail bar boasting the freshest sea breezes and ocean views. Sumptuous day beds are made for maximum relaxation and on a sunny day, with a frosty drink it hand, you’ll feel very much like a VIP. Santeria is open Friday and Saturday afternoons.
Where: 171 Griffith St, Coolangatta
JUSTIN LANE
Burleigh Heads beloved Justin Lane is a rooftop bar-lover’s dream with views over Burleigh Beach and the bustling street below, tasty cocktails and some of the best wood-fired pizzas you’ll find anywhere. Weekend afternoons here are always a high vibe time but it’s one of Burleigh’s best spots every day of the week.
Where: 1708-1710 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
THE SALTY FOX ROOFTOP BAR
A new elevated venue in the sky high scene is The Salty Fox Rooftop Bar, found down Bilinga way atop Rydges Gold Coast Airport. With views from the airstrip to the sea, seven floors up and open from Friday to Sunday, the Salty Fox is THE place to be for sundowners or a quick little pre-flight tipple.
Where: Lot 5, Terminal Drive, Bilinga
WILDERNIS
Wildernis is one of the original Gold Coast rooftop bars and an absolute favourite among locals. It’s open for breakfast and lunch with ocean views and offers up a menu packed with delicious eats, perfectly brewed coffee and sweet treats. If relaxed dining and sweet sea breezes are your thing, then take a table.
Where: 1166 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
AVIARY ROOFTOP
Cocktails and city views are the name of the game at Southport’s Aviary Rooftop Bar, and both are as good as it gets. It’s a bright, colourful space with both undercover and outdoor seating options plus live music, woodfire pizzas plenty of drink options. It’s a beautiful place to enjoy an afternoon out with the crew.
Where: 5 Melia Ct, Southport
FRIDA SOL
The Coast’s only Mexi-venue slash rooftop bar is Frida Sol, found in Palm Beach and an absolute must-visit. With water views, some of the finest Mexican food you’ll taste on the Gold Coast and plenty of incredible cocktails to choose from (the Margarita menu is impressive), Frida Sol is bright and bold and a guaranteed good time.
Where: 1176 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
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