Casino Rooftop Bar Gold Coast
When it comes to savouring a delicious cold drink, the atmosphere can make or break your experience – and the cool breezes and sun-kissed vibes of rooftop bars can’t be beaten. These clever spots have tapped into the fact that the coast’s weather is poppin’ practically year-round, utilising stunning outdoor spaces (and views) to make your drinking experience that much better. Pop on that SPF, bust out your breeziest linen ensemble and soak up this list of the best rooftop bars on the Gold Coast.
Burleigh Pavilion, Burleigh: Nabbing a seat out on The Pav’s sun-kissed, ocean-bound outdoor bar is like striking gold – so once you’ve secured a spot, hold onto it and settle in for the ultimate seaside sip-fest. There’s a raft of cocktails (go for The Glen Coco with pickled green chilli), a bunch of beers on tap and a quality cellar list to work your way though. Enjoy it all while watching the waves roll in across Burleigh Beach. Does it get much better? Nope.
The round-up: have fun in the sun at the Gold Coast’s best outdoor bars and rooftops. It’s officially that time of year (we’re stamping it) where we flock to outdoor bars for sunshine beers, alfresco ciders and cocktails with a splash of vitamin D. Lucky for all of us, the Gold Coast has really nailed the concept of an outdoor watering hole. Gold Coast Rooftop Lounge Devereaux Set on the 18th floor, Devereaux, the rooftop lounge and seasonal pool, serves craft cocktails and delicious bites with unobstructed views of Chicago’s picturesque skyline and Lake Michigan. The Skyline Rooftop Rooftop Bar Gold Coast is a fresh, contemporary bar and nightclub located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, perched above the longstanding Waxy’s Irish Pub. Garden Kitchen & Bar, found in The Star Gold Coast, is a delightful mix of pretty insides and expansive, outdoor sunshine-filled spaces so you can alternate between the two and cram in as many good times as possible. One of our absolute favourites. Where: Casino Drive, Broadbeach. The Island Rooftop Surfers Paradise. If you’re partial to a good Sunday sesh, then The Island Rooftop Bar is calling for you. As one of the largest rooftop bars on the Gold Coast, its prime location in Surfers Paradise means it offers a stunning view of Main Beach and all the action of Surfers.
Nineteen at The Star, Broadbeach: Enjoying prime position atop The Star Gold Coast’s ultra-luxe The Darling hotel, Nineteen at The Star’s breezy lounge bar is a sophisticated sipping spot with fabulous views across Broadbeach and beyond. While you get the spectacular vistas and sea breeze, Nineteen is also protected from the elements so you can sip mimosas and enjoy grazing platters at any time of year.
The Island Rooftop, Surfers Paradise: As one of the coast’s largest open-air rooftop bars, The Island is a go-to for drinks both in the sunshine and under the stars. There’s a fun offering of cocktails, delicious food (from snacks to pizzas, bao buns and cheese boards), a quality line-up of live music, DJs and entertainment, plus dreamy views that capture the bright lights of Surfers Paradise and span toward the Main Beach coastline.
Justin Lane, Burleigh Heads: Here’s an ideal situation – park yourself in the sunshine on Justin’s rooftop, enjoy the sea breeze, order a zucchini pizza and a passionfruit and chilli margarita (or two) and forget about life for a while.
Aviary Rooftop Bar, Southport: With uninterrupted skyline views, a fine collection of cocktails, a solid back bar of craft spirits, a raft of tap beers and an open-plan pizza kitchen firing delicious creations, it’s no surprise why Aviary has become a firm favourite for folk across the central-to-northern areas of the Gold Coast. You can sip and snack in the main bar area, or really soak up the sunshine (or stars) with your flock out on the open-air deck known fondly as The Nest. Wherever you perch yourself, you’re guaranteed killer views.
The Collective, Palm Beach: The Collective’s rooftop bar is armed with one of the most comprehensive cocktail menus on the coast, so you’ll always find something new and intriguing to sip. It’s an ideal spot to soak up the afternoon warmth and watch the sun go down with a tipple in hand. You also have access to The Collective’s crowd-pleasing menu of eats while on the rooftop. Bug rolls and rosé, anyone?
Mr PP’s Deli & Rooftop, Southport: Sunset drinks at Mr PP’s is truly a great way to cap off your day. Snack your way through the menu of woodfired Italian pizzas, charcuterie spreads and cheese platters while sipping negronis, Italian wines and rotating craft beers from the taps. It’s also located right next to the G:Link stop – handy if you want to have more than one.
Moxy’s Rooftop Bar, Coolangatta: After opening its doors in late 2019, Moxy’s quickly garnered a strong following of local sippers seeking a casual vibe and quality cocktails. As the only rooftop bar in Coolangatta, Moxy’s is a go-to for Friday beers, cocktail-fuelled Saturday nights and chilled-out Sunday sips. There’s also a menu of Mexican eats (from The Aztec restaurant below) if you’re chasing a snack.
Gotham Grill & Rooftop Bar, Runaway Bay: While Gotham’s main restaurant and grill is a must-do for local diners, those looking for a more casual affair can ascend one more flight of stairs and head up to Gotham’s breezy rooftop. Open from Friday to Sunday, the rooftop is the perfect spot for long, lazy lunches (think burgers, salads, pizzas) with top-notch wine and dreamy Broadwater views.
Surfers Paradise Beer Garden, Surfers Paradise: A multi-million-dollar transformation in late 2019 saw the iconic multi-level Surfers Paradise Beer Garden revived with an impressive new aesthetic, an overhauled food offering, and a refreshed day-and-night appeal. Dressed in Hawaiian shirts, the bar team shakes, stirs and pours an extensive series of cocktails, offered alongside a wide range of spirits, wines, local and Australian tap beers, which you can enjoy in the open-air beer garden or out on the sun-kissed deck.
Last Night on Earth, Southport: Known for having one of the best collections of on-tap craft beer on the coast, this personality-packed dive bar also has a (newish) rooftop, so you can sink schooners under the stars in the heart of Southport. It’s located directly opposite fellow rooftop bar, Mr PP’s. High five to ‘SoPo’ for upping the coast’s rooftop-bar game.
Frida Sol, Palm Beach: If it’s tacos, tequila and sunshine you crave, then Frida Sol will be right up your alley. The Mexican eatery and bar (from the same owners of Bonita Bonita in Mermaid Beach) enjoys an elevated position in the heart of Palm Beach, with its Tulum-inspired fit-out designed to transport you to Mexico’s dreamy coastline.
Wildernis Cafe & Bar, Palm Beach: With cocktails served from 10:00 am, Wildernis’ bright and breezy rooftop is an ideal spot for boozy brunches. The elevated cafe and bar has views toward Palmy’s pristine beach, and is well equipped with a fun collection of cocktails, wines and tap beers to keep you well hydrated on these balmy Gold Coast days.
Pink Monkey Rooftop Bar & Grill, Burleigh Heads: It really doesn’t get much better than sipping ice-cold beers in the sunshine with your pals while gazing at the ocean. Pink Monkey’s rooftop bar is armed with go-to libations (shared cocktail, anyone?) and boasts an enviable aspect overlooking the best parts of Burleigh.
The Stumble Guide is our comprehensive Gold Coast dining guide with more than 870 places to eat, drink, shop and play.
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Dusk, dawn, AM, PM – it really is hard to beat the Gold Coast any time of day. And with the city transforming from a tourist mecca into a major player in the hospitality space over the past few years, there are now some seriously stylish open-air options for a drink or two when the sun goes down.
Taking advantage of the locals’ love of the outdoors, a good time and the glorious sub-tropical weather, savvy Gold Coast restaurateurs have jumped on the global rooftop bar trend and taken drinking on the GC to new heights.
Here’s our pick of rooftop bars you need to be at for a tipple:
THE COLLECTIVE
There’s no denying Palm Beach is having a moment.
Once the poor cousin to Burleigh in the north and the idyllic seaside enclave of Currumbin to the south, ‘Palmy’ is now the suburb du jour with a plethora of bars, restaurants and cafes opening up in the southern suburb what seems like every week.
Located on the old Palm Beach post office site, The Collective – which features five separate restaurants and two bars – is one such venue and is so popular, there’s often a queue for a table.
Their buzzing industrial-inspired rooftop bar is certainly a must-do and is a scenic space to enjoy a drink – rosé sangria, anyone? – at sundown.
The beauty of the Collective is you can order from any five of the restaurants – Italian, Mexican, Asian, American or modern Australian – and the staff will bring it all to your table – along with bevvies from the bar. We’ll drink to that!
Order: Balter XPA or a Tiki Me Elmo with spiced rum, watermelon shrub, falernum, pineapple and lime.
Where: 1128 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach.
BAR HELLENIKA
It’s not hard to see why Hellenika is one of the most loved restaurants on the GC.
Raising the bar (pardon the pun) with a swish $2.4million refurb back in 2017, the all-white rooftop space delivers a touch of Europe to Nobby Beach, along with a 10m-long wine cellar and sumptuous Greek mezze menu featuring family recipes passed down through the generations.
Better yet, Bar Hellenika is open for lunch and late night dining until midnight. Yamas!
Order: Greek rosé.
Where: 2235 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach.
JUSTIN’S ROOFTOP AT JUSTIN LANE
This pizzeria and bar was one of the first venues on the Gold Coast to open a rooftop bar – and its popularity certainly hasn’t wavered since.
Located a stone’s throw from the pumping point wave at Burleigh headland, Justin’s Rooftop is an ideal spot to enjoy a cocktail, good food and tunes on a balmy night.
Order: Passionfruit & Chilli Tommy’s with chilli-infused blanco tequila, passionfruit, agave and lime.
Where: 1708 – 1710 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads.
THE ISLAND ROOFTOP
Surfers Paradise hotel The Island is also home to the Island Rooftop, the Coast’s biggest rooftop bar and alfresco open-air patio.
Oozing vintage Californian style with comfy couches, communal tables, lush plants and festoon lights, this hidden gem boasts views over Main Beach and is one inviting space for a tipple or two.
The Island Rooftop is known for its killer Sunday sessions with DJs and live music and those laidback, coastal vibes the Gold Coast is famous for.
Order: Signor Andy’s Negroni.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise.
GOTHAM GRILL AND ROOFTOP BAR
You won’t find Batman at Gotham Grill and Rooftop Bar, but what you will stumble upon is just as impressive.
The Manhattan-inspired decor is reason alone to check out this two-storey gem in the Northern Gold Coast’s Runaway Bay, with rich art deco styling, leather doors, red velvet carpet and a spiral staircase taking you to the top floor.
With two separate restaurants and a rooftop bar, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to dining: opulent New York-styled meaty goods at Gotham Grill, or casual dining with share plates and hearty burgers at Gotham Rooftop.
Order: Strawberry & lemon balm gin spritz.
Where: 6 Bayview Street, Runaway Bay.
NINETEEN AT THE STAR
Dress to the nines for this one, ladies and gents; Sunday sesh meets high-end dining at Nineteen at The Star, one of the Gold Coast’s most luxe rooftop destinations.
Sitting oh so swish on the top floor of boutique luxury hotel, The Darling, you’ll have a front-row seat to Pacific Ocean views from your poolside cabana (which you will never have to tear your eyes from thanks to VIP bottle service).
Too much? Stick around the lounge bar, nabbing a spot on of their sexy (yes, there is no other way to describe this level of upholstery) velvet couches, and sample your way through their two-storey wine cellar or signature cocktails.
Order: Kalimna Rose or L’Orange Sour.
Where: Level 19, The Darling at The Star Gold Coast, Casino Dr, Broadbeach.
FRIDA SOL
Named in honour of the legend herself, Frida Kahlo, this shiny new Mexican Bar & Taqueria in Palm Beach is a total sensory experience in looks and edible offerings: think Tiki chic meets Modern Mex.
Try their cauliflower tacos with pickled onion and cilantro crema, with a side of chorizo croquettes with smoked sour cream and habanero jam. Of course you’d be silly not to wash it all down with one of their seven signature margaritas.
Order: Bonita Margarita with tequila, agave, candied jalapeños, fresh cucumber juice and a chipotle salt rim.
Where: Level 1, 1176 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach.
MR. P.P.’S DELI & ROOFTOP
Enjoy your bevvie with a side of local history at Mr P.P.’s Deli and Rooftop, a multilevel bar and restaurant in the middle of Southport’s CBD.
Located on the same site which housed the Postmaster general and family over 100 year ago, the northern locale was named after the first ever Post and Telegraph Manager, a Mr P.P. Agnew, who as well as being a Postmaster was also an actor, playwright, poet, photographer and illustrator in the local community.
Keep an eye out for drawings, songs and poems written by P.P.A throughout the venue as you chow down on parmesan truffle fries, deli platters and classic pizzas.
Order: Postman’s Passion cocktail with Brookies Sloe Gin, Campari, housemade tangelo syrup and passionfruit.
Where: 43 Nerang Street, Southport.
WILDERNIS CAFE AND BAR
Palm Beach strikes again, this time at the beautiful and breezy Wildernis Cafe and Bar.
The precinct’s popular eatery on the ground level is a go-to haunt for brekky and lunches, but if you want to ease your way into the weekend in style, make your way ‘round to the secret laneway and enter into rooftop heaven.
Picture this: bifold doors opening up to beach views, a retractable roof and vaulted skylights taking full advantage of the GC’s balmy weather. Couple that with delicious cured meat and cheese boards, European wines, craft beers, and not one, not two, but five unique takes on the ol’ Espresso Martini, and you’ve got a winner in our books.
Order: Salty Sea Dog espresso martini with salted caramel infused vodka, fresh pressed house espresso, coffee liqueur and caramel syrup.
Where: 1166 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Source: blog.queensland.com