Spring is in the air, summer’s around the corner and Sunday sessions are back, baby! And just like that we’re getting major nostalgia for the Sunday sessions of yesteryear see: our early 20’s – when the only way through a hangover was to keep the good times going. Ahh, feels just like it was yesterday.

We’ll have you know we’ve found JUST the place for said Sunday sesh and it’s with our mates at The Island Rooftop who have done all the heavy lifting to bring us Above Sundays, guaranteed to make the last day of the week a cut above the rest if you ask us.

Sunday scaries? Never heard of ‘em. Well okay, yes we have but never around these vibey rooftop sessions – not possible.

It’s only fitting that the first-ever Above Sundays sesh kicks off on a long weekend, the 6^th October, so you can get realllly well acquainted with the cocktail list, which is brimming with goodies btw.

You might say that the newest Sunday sesh is a cut above the rest, physically and metaphorically. Perched on The Island Rooftop Above Sundays are taking your weekends to new heights with immaculate vibes, thanks to their lineup of DJ’s that just know what the people want.

It’s more than just a vibe, it’s your new weekly ritual. Just don’t tell your usual meal prep Sundays we said that because you’ll be treating yourself to pizza and other indulgent share-style eats. Fries for the table? It’d be rude not to.

But let’s get to the real reason we’re all here… cocktails. Think sips that taste like a summer vacay, no passport required though – did someone say pina colada? Or spicy margarita? Above Sundays is boasting a specially curated cocktail list by the absolute legends at Absolut and Red Bull. Now you’re talking our language.

Since good things come to those who plan ahead, if you’re clever enough to book your spot early you’ll get an Absolut Vodka & Red Bull on arrival because The Island knows how to treat you right and we figured some wings are always welcome to help the vibes take flight.

You can treat yourself to a cheeky sleep in (go on, you know you’ve earned it), then get your Sunday best on and get ready to soak up some rays on the rooftop, because it’s your day and that just sound like a pretty *chef’s kiss* end to the weekend.

That’s right lounge lizards, it’s your time to let loose because what’s more iconically GC than a weekend spent on the rooftop basking in the sunshine. Answer: NOTHING.

Doors open from 11 am, so you can start your Sunday session early and make the most of every golden hour. Cheers to Sundays that don’t suck!

For more information and to book, go here.

Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
When: Sundays from 11am

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski

STORY SPONSORED BY THE ISLAND AND PERNOD RICARD

If Queensland weather doesn’t shout rooftop bars at you in a high-pitched squeal, we don’t know what will. Our climate, coupled with the amazing hospitality scene here in our city, means these open-air meccas of good times and delicious libations are the prime place to find yourself — any time of the year! It’s all about drinks in the sunshine and snapping selfies with picturesque backgrounds for Insta-bragging purposes.

So, in honour of bars in high places, here are 14 next-level rooftop bars (listed north to south) you should prioritise visiting this weekend, next weekend, and the weekend after…

Aviary Rooftop Bar
Perched atop Mantra on Sharks, Aviary Rooftop Bar’s views are as stunning as their extensive drinks list. With 180 degree views over the Surfers Paradise skyline and the ocean, it’s the perfect place for an after work beverage or Sunday arvo session with the crew. Ohh and don’t even get us started on their authentic Italian pizzas, and tapas… if you know, you know.
Where: Mantra at Sharks, Melia Ct, Southport (next to Southport Sharks)

Mr PP’s Deli & Rooftop Bar
A game-changer in Southport’s food and beverage scene, Mr PP’s is a multi level pizzeria and rooftop bar boasting city views and plenty of good vibes in the century-old postal building. There is a generous menu full of pizzas, tapas and charcuterie boards, the ideal scenario. Plus cocktails and local tipples, of which there are many. Live music on Sundays too.
Where: 43 Nerang St, Southport

Last Night on Earth
Pretty sure that if it were, in fact, your last night on Earth, you would want to spend it at a sweet rooftop bar with bulk cocktails at the ready. Which maybe isn’t the point of Southport’s Last Night on Earth but a good intro nonetheless. Last Night on Earth is the work of local legend Arran Wollams and his crew. It’s a somewhat underworld themed rooftop bar in the heart of Southport offering good times aplenty. It’s a dive bar, but not as you know it. Check it out.
Where: 50b Nerang St, Southport 

Cali Beach Club
Cali Beach Club is not just a rooftop bar, it’s Australia’s largest Beach Club! This Gold Coast classic is the ultimate beachside party destination that’s never known a dull moment. The 2L spritzer and cocktail jugs may have something to do with this… One minute, you’re lounging on your dedicated daybed by the pool. Next, you’re sipping a Cali Colada in the pool. What’s that? The DJ set has begun?! Off to the dancefloor with you!
Where: 21a Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

The Exhibitionist Bar
News flash: HOTA isn’t just for the arts and culture, people, it’s also for cocktails. Speciality cocktails- each inspired by and changed to reflect the art centre’s current major exhibitions. We feel more cultured already. Enjoy it all while absorbing the breathtaking views of the city skyline. The highly talented Tom Angel heads up the bar and cocktail list, which is a seriously good spot for a sundowner — and the ideal place to take out of towners!
Where: Level 5/135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise

Lulu Rooftop & Bar
Say hello to one of GC’s newest editions- the lovely Lulu. Think Miami’s art deco scene meets laid-back tropical Gold Coast, with lush greenery, plush booth seating and marble-topped bars, it’s a vibe! Throw in the fact it’s on a rooftop and we’re sold. Okay, that’s a lie, our booths were booked when we got word of a Frosé Wall! Choose from six boozy frosé flavours (or try them all) and garnish your icy creation with an array of lollies.
Where: Level 2/4 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

The Island Rooftop
It’s the largest open-air (and much adored) rooftop on the Gold Coast, perched on top of The Island in Surfers Paradise. This spot is kind of a unicorn, being part nightclub, part bar and part live music venue. And now, they have taken things up a notch, launching Above Sundays. where killer beats meet delicious eats and craft cocktails. From 11am every Sunday, find a line-up of DJs playing, a specially curated summer cocktail menu, and indulgent share-style eats. Think of it as your new Sunday ritual.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

Nineteen at The Star
The fanciest of the bunch is undoubtedly Nineteen at The Star, complete with velvet booth-style seating, an infinity pool and ocean views for days. Found atop The Star Gold Coast’s The Darling, Nineteen is the perfect place for people-watching, dressing up and sipping on fancy tipples while dancing the night away. Be sure to take a snap on the runway stretching out into the pool!
Where: The Darling, Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach 

JuJu
The GC’s newest rooftop bar has serious “it’s a vibe” energy. JuJu in Nobby Beach delivers upscale dining with a side of cheeky fun. Split across two levels, this new venue is perfect for sunset cocktails and late-night revelry. Expect Euro-summer vibes, lush greenery, and after-hours parties that feel straight out of Mykonos. With a sleek rooftop bar featuring a retractable roof, tequila carts, and live DJ-saxophonist duos, JuJu is where you go when you’re ready to keep the night alive.
Where: 2235 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Tropic Vice
Tropic Vice is one of (if not, the) hottest bars on the Gold Coast, and for excellent reason. Go from dinner to disco, and dance the night away under the neon lights. The Nobby Beach venue is ideal for a weekend catch-up, a mid-week cheeky cocktail, or an epic bottomless brunch every Sunday. Do yourself a favour, find yourself here sipping a cocktail whilst drinking in the gorgeous hinterland view.
Where: 2215 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Justin Lane
A much-loved favourite among locals and visitors alike, Justin Lane is still one of the most popular rooftops on the Gold Coast and was actually the coast’s first official rooftop bar opening in 2011! Hard to imagine.  The space is intimate, with booth-style seating overlooking Burleigh and plenty of cocktails to tickle your fancy. Once you’re done slinging back bevvys with the gang, head downstairs for some fair dinkum pizza (it’s so damn good).
Where: 1708-1710 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

The Collective
Everyone’s favourite multi-restaurant establishment, The Collective in Palm Beach, boasts a sweet rooftop bar with epic cocktails for your sipping pleasure. You can also order eats from one of the five menus on offer and watch the sunset over the ocean while you’re at it. We HIGHLY recommend it.
Where: 1128 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach

Burleigh Pavilion
This one is straight-up iconic and the vibe is a match. It’s as close to the ocean as you can get with a cocktail before it becomes a safety hazard. You may be closer to Earth for this one, but the view here is arguably the best on the Gold Coast. Soak in the stunning sunshine while mulling over which epic cocktail to try first.
Where: 3a/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

The Salty Fox
Made for those who are “here for a good time, not a long time”- literally. The Salty Fox can be found on the 7th floor and rooftop of Rydges Gold Coast Airport and is the perfect destination for your pre-departure or post-arrival drinks. Catch uninterrupted views of the stunning Bilinga Beach from the rooftop as you get ready for takeoff, or settle into the Gold Coast spirit with a cocktail (or a few). You may even snag some live music and DJ sets if you’re lucky.
Where: Lot 5, Terminal Drive, Bilinga

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

Get ready, Gold Coast, because JuJu is bringing a whole new level of fun and flavour to Nobby Beach. If you’re a fan of good food, great vibes, and even better after-parties, then this new split-level venue is going to be your next obsession. With its upscale dining meets European-inspired after-hours party scene, JuJu is here to deliver high-end “mischief” with a hearty side of sophistication.

Taking over the beloved space that was once Hellenika, JuJu is the brainchild of the geniuses behind some seriously cool Brisbane venues, Trent Redman and Cody Beck. According to Trent, JuJu is all about keeping the night alive, even after the bill hits the table and sir, we concur!

Downstairs, the decor features playful touches of local art and glorious greenery, giving the place a warm and inviting vibe that says, “stay a little longer.” The lush and leafy surrounds, where earthy vibes and chic sophistication collide, are truly awe-inspiring. Think expansive trees (giving off some serious zen garden energy), and luscious greenery galore. The seating options are as diverse as the dishes; from stylish communal tables to intimate nooks for romantic post feed beverages, there’s a spot for everyone.

Or slide into an oh-so-now striped booth – perfect for those long, lazy lunches. With soft neutrals, warm wood tones, and pops of greenery, it strikes the perfect balance between laid-back vibes and high-end style.

Upstairs, the entire space is as easy on the eyes as the cocktails are on the palate. The expansive windows paired with a chic colour palette of soft pastels and earthy tones are nothing short of perfection. The ceiling drips with greenery, creating a canopy of cascading vines and let’s not forget the bar. She’s a showstopper, combining terracotta hues and ever on-trend marble.

Okay, let’s eat! Why not start with a Duck Rilette with orange marmalade and a warm baguette or perhaps a sharesies dish of Spanner crab with broken rice, turnips and sabayon might float your boat. As for mains, the Pollo Ballotina; chicken ballotine wrapped in prosciutto, dried nuts and fruits, parsley and truffle supreme is a sure thing. Or – and we can highly recommend – the chef’s selection Tommy’s TomaHawk with 1kg wagyu tomahawk and jus and yes, this dish is named after the one and only Tom Tate!  

Still hungry? We won’t judge especially when there’s Bezier Curveon on offer. Think chocolate mousse, whipped chocolate ganache, chocolate sable…and we’ve possibly had a choc-induced heart attack but legit #worthit.

Not ready to leave? Us either and the real party starts when you head upstairs. Follow the dual staircases to the rooftop bar and prepare yourself for a cocktail-fuelled fancy fiesta, complete with tequila carts, a retractable roof, and DJ-saxophonist combos that’ll have you feeling like you’ve just landed in Mykonos.

As Cody puts it, JuJu isn’t just another restaurant – it’s a vibe.

“Upstairs, after 9pm, you’d be forgiven if you thought you’re in Mykonos or Mexico.” Hola and yεια all at once.

So, if you’re looking for a spot that ticks all the boxes – mouth-watering food, chic vibes, and a little cheeky late-night fun, JuJu is where it’s at. Whether you’re winding down your workweek with an epic dinner or ramping things up with rooftop cocktails and live beats, JuJu has a little something for everyone.

Where: 2235 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
When: Wednesday – Saturday 12pm – 12am, Sunday 11am – 12am

Words by Bianca Trathen
Images by Mathilde Bouby