10 Gold Coast rooftop bars you need to be at

Any Gold Coast rooftop bar with views like those at Burleigh Pavilion is destined for greatness. Poised over the southern corner of Burleigh Beach, The Pav’s alfresco terrace bar gazes out over the Pacific Ocean, Burleigh Beach and Broadbeach’s skyline.

Made for hot, humid nights and long, summer days, this is one Gold Coast rooftop bar to have on your hit-list. No bookings, just pull up a bar stool on the balcony or nab a table under a beach umbrella.

Order: A Pimm's jug —and a half dozen freshly shucked oysters. A woodfired pizza (or two) if you’re settling in.
Where: 43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

For rooftop drinks that are all class, take it next door to The Tropic; the sultry big sister to the Burleigh Pav. A dedicated restaurant (with a next-level cocktail and wine list), pair your tipple with some serious classy dining. The Tropic has even better views (if you can believe it). And it’s not the only one; check out these Gold Coast restaurants with epic views.

Justin’s Rooftop at Justin Lane

Already a local hot-spot thanks to Justin Lane’s famed Napoli-style pizza and smart cocktail list, their rooftop bar, Justin’s Rooftop, is certainly one of the best on the Gold Coast.

Located a stone’s throw from the 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 Margarita with chilli-infused blanco tequila, passionfruit, agave and lime.
Where: 1708 – 1710 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads.

Moxy’s Rooftop Bar

Minimalist chic with plenty of moxie and a side of sea views is the vibe at Moxy’s rooftop bar in Coolangatta. Known for their live DJ set on the weekends, Sunday sessions and late Saturday afternoons are prime rooftop action at Moxy’s,

Want to make a day of it? Hit the walking trail that stretches from around Greenmount Hill to Rainbow Bay, for the ultimate pre-cocktail coastal walk and ocean dip.

Order: The Hot Lips; jalapeño-infused tequila, pomegranate and lime.
Where: 152-154 Griffith Street, Coolangatta.

The Island Rooftop

Surfers Paradise boutique hotel The Island is also home to the Island Rooftop; the Gold Coast’s largest rooftop bar and alfresco open-air patio.

Oozing Californian style, the venue is part lounge bar—think, relaxing couches and seating nooks—part bustling bar, with incredible views over Main Beach.

With a reputation for its killer Sunday sessions, featuring DJs and live music, this trendy Gold Coast rooftop bar has all the laidback, coastal vibes you're looking for.

Order: Signor Andy’s Negroni.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise.

Tank Bar & Dining, Palm Beach

With ten rotating craft beer taps showcasing local and Aussie brews, Tank has become Palm Beach’s newest laid back watering hole for those who love their drinks malty and hoppy.

From the brains and friendly faces behind Bine Bar & Dining, Tank offers a family-friendly atmosphere across two storeys, boasting ocean views from the top level. There's a solid line up of Gold Coast craft beer, and bites that’ll please the whole crew, from burgers and parmis to bao buns and wings.

Order: Black Hops Hornet.
Where: 1166 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach.

The Exhibitionist Bar, HOTA

The arrival of HOTA has seen the Gold Coast's art scene skyrocket - and once you've had a spin through the galleries, exhibitions and markets held here you can take things sky-high at the precinct's very own rooftop bar. 

With panoramic views of Surfers Paradise, waterways and the hinterland, The Exhibitionist Bar is the perfect spot for a sundowner - whether you nab a spot on the open-air deck or stylish indoor lounge. 

Order: A creative cocktail - the drinks menu is curated to reflect HOTA's major exhibitions, so you'll always find something new and inventive to quench your thirst.
Where: HOTA, Level 5/135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise.

Frida Sol

An ode to the infamous Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo, Palm Beach’s Mexican Bar & Taqueria is as close as you’ll get to Cabo San Lucas on the Gold Coast.

A hacienda-style rooftop bar decked out with cacti and bougainvillea, Kahlo-style murals and glimpses of ocean, you’ll struggle not to stay until after sunset, sampling all of their signature margaritas - including frozen 'ritas.

Order: Sandia Margarita made with Herradura tequila, watermelon liqueur, fresh lime, mint + watermelon juice, with a dash of agave syrup and finished with a salt rim - then try everything on the taco menu.
Where: Level 1, 1176 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach.

Nineteen at the Star

Opulent Sunday sessions-meet high-end dining at Broadbeach's Nineteen at The Star; one of the Gold Coast’s most luxurious rooftop bars.

Residing on the top floor of boutique luxury hotel, The Darling, sipping cocktails here will offer a front-row seat to city and ocean views. Options to take your spritz poolside in your private cabana only makes this Gold Coast rooftop bar even more special (the VIP bottle service is the cherry on top).

Prefer to take it inside? Head to the lounge bar, nabbing a spot on of the sleek 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.

MR. P.P.’s Deli & Rooftop

Knock back a drink with a side of local history at Mr P.P.’s Deli and Rooftop; a heritage bar and restaurant in the heart of Southport’s CBD.

Located on the same site which housed the Postmaster general 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.

Seek out drawings, songs and poems—all written by P.P.A—that adorn the venue walls as you indulge in parmesan truffle fries, deli platters and classic pizzas.

Order: Postman’s Passion cocktail with Brookies Sloe Gin, Campari, and house made tangelo syrup.
Where: 43 Nerang Street, Southport.