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

Let it be known, we are quite the fans of basking in the sunshine and drinking icy cold tipples whilst gazing appreciatively at pretty views. In fact, those three things are right up there when it comes to our top reasons for living on the Gold Coast in general.

We suspect you might feel the same so, in celebration of summer and getting amongst all the goodness on offer, we’ve collated a list of the 14 best spots to drink frosty daytime beverages for maximum sun soaking opportunities.

Palm Springs Cafe
Miami’s new addition is indeed a cafe, but not as you know it. Found on the highway, where Siam Thai once lived, Palm Springs Cafe is unmissable, all white washed with pops of green – Southern California style. Inside it’s absolutely beautiful, the menu is packed with goodness and the best part – morning cocktails of the Margarita, Espresso Martini and Bloody Mary varieties. As early as you like. Best.
Where: Cnr Gardenia Grove and Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Aviary Rooftop Bar
Rooftop bars are up high (surprise), so it makes sense they would get even more sunshine and even more balmy breezes, making them the perfect spot for daytime drinks. Aviary Rooftop Bar has a sweet little outdoor section called The Nest, it’s an uncovered space with cute pops of colours and 180 degree views toward Surfers Paradise. See, perfect.
Where: Melia Court, Southport

Burleigh Brewing Co.
Laidback beers around a table full of mates is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Particularly when said beers are local made by a team of absolute legends who know what’s up when it comes to brews. Burleigh Brewing Co. is all those things and more, found just off the beaten track and ready to cater to all your day drinking needs. Weekend sorted.
Where: 2 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Pavilion
This place was pretty much made for day drinking – right on the beach at Burleigh, with guaranteed life-changing sunset views, all your favourite beers on tap, Frosé (a revelation), plenty of fancy cocktails and lots of tasty each, there’s really nowhere better than Burleigh Pavilion to don your fave oceanside drinking outfit and gather the crew for a good time.
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

Garden Kitchen & Bar
It goes without saying a venue with the word garden in it is a good choice for day drinking. 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

Southport Yacht Club
Talk about jaw dropping views. The Southport Yacht Club is perched on the edge of the marina in Main Beach and with a huge outdoor deck, lawn space and even a white sandy beach, there are plenty of spots to kick back with a drink in hand and pretend one of those multi-million dollar yachts is yours. Drinking and dreaming, it’s definitely allowed.
Where: 1 Macarthur Parade, Main Beach

Rick Shores
Another Burleigh beauty, Rick Shores recently reopened with an updated menu and drinks list. Not that you need any extra incentive to go there because, bug rolls. With uninterrupted ocean views, and maybe even a salty splash or two, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better place to spend your drinking days. Get dressed up and grab the girls, this one is unmissable.
Where: Shop 3, Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

Precinct Brewing Co.
A brand new brewery on the Miami / Burleigh block is Precinct Brewing Co. by the good people who brought us a slew of epic local venues (Bine Beer Bar, Nightjar, Hideaway etc.). It’s a converted garage on Christine Ave and the team are going to be brewing an array of unique sips, they serve beloved Mr Consistent cocktails AND they’re serving up pizzas, fried chicken and all of the perfect beer-accompanying eats. Pop in for frothy and see it for yourself.
Where: 17 Christine Avenue, Miami

Justin Lane
Burleigh’s much-loved rooftop bar is a no brainer when it comes to day drinks. Sunshine pouring in, an open roof and LOTS of other fun lovers enjoying the frivolities. Treat yourself to a pizza to go with those cocktails and that is one of the best days out you can possibly have. Oh and did we mention there are ocean views and people watching opps aplenty. Yes please.
Where: 1708 – 1710 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Lost Palms Brewing Co.
Miami’s pretty pink brewery is the GOODS guys. There is a basketball hoop for your playing pleasure and what could be better than sinking beers with your pals, while also sinking hoops and being outside in the fresh air. Not much we say. If running around isn’t your thing, pull up a seat along the fence and sledge those willing to give it a go. Or don’t and just drink beer.
Where: 11 Oak Avenue, Miami

Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Club
Without a doubt, one of the most spectacular venues on the Gold Coast in terms of five star views is Currumbin Vikings. It rises directly out of the ocean and offers views of the city to the north and as far as Tweed Heads to the south. It’s a little bit magical to be honest and an absolute cracker of a spot for day drinking and counting your lucky stars you’re a Coastie.
Where: 741 Pacific Parade, Currumbin

Balter Brewing
Another of our epic breweries is the one and only Balter Brewing, found in Currumbin’s cool-as industrial area. The indoor space is good enough but there’s also an outdoor strip with umbrellas and bench seating and colourful cushions for lazing about with a beer in hand. Get a designated driver and taste test every single one. Best spot for a Sunday session.
Where: 14 Traders Way, Currumbin Waters

Mr PP’s Rooftop Bar & Deli
Another bar up high is Southport’s Mr PP’s, overlooking the Southport cityscape and with plenty of space for all your pals. Found in the old post office building, there’s a deli downstairs for all your charcuterie needs plus plenty of pizza options to go with those tasty cocktails you’re sure to consume. The perfect spot for a long lunch that stretches into the evening.
Where: 43 Nerang Street, Southport

Words by Kirra Smith

What comes to mind when you think of the humble Piña Colada? Tropical getaways lazing by a pool with a balmy sea breeze rustling through the palm fronds most likely spring to mind. And the vast majority of people will probably agree with you.

The cocktail is a favourite worldwide and has origins in 1950s Puerto Rico, hence the tropical flavours and name. If you do love Piña Coladas (but not getting caught in the rain), you should be excited to learn next month celebrates a day dedicated to the drink on Saturday 10^th of July. Because all the best things deserve a day wholly devoted to them, right?

In honour of such an exciting occasion, our list highlights the bars where you can celebrate in fabulous fashion and give thanks to these lush-styled drinks from the Caribbean.

Aloha
If you haven’t found yourself sipping tiki-style libations in this back-alley Broadbeach haunt, then quite frankly, where have you been? When it comes to slinging the best drinks with a sprinkling of fun, you won’t find anywhere else that does it quite like these guys. There is always something going on here, so grab your best Hawaiian shirt and let Aloha take care of the rest.
Where: 18 Main Place, Broadbeach

Café Catalina
Right on the water’s edge in the Broadwater Parklands, Café Catalina has steadily become a crowd favourite due to its stunning water views and modern menu. We all know what goes best with water views, don’t we? That’s right, a sweet, sweet Piña Colada, of course. The café is famously pooch-friendly, so grab your furry mate and settle in for a couple of cocktails.
Where: 10/11 Broadwater Parklands, Southport

The Island Rooftop Bar
Surfers Paradise’s largest rooftop bar is a favourite for any sunny Sunday sessions. The Island Colada fits this bustling and subtropical scene to a tee, constructed with love — including pineapple juice, coconut cream and Havana Charta — meaning it’s a traditional-style Piña Colada with some extra island vibes thrown in to get you and the party started.
Where: The Island, Corner of Surfers Paradise Boulevard and Beach Road, Surfers Paradise

Naami
This relative newcomer to the Burleigh Heads bar scene is already garnering the right kind of attention for innovative signature drinks; the like of which you can sip and discuss with a friend/colleague/tinder date for hours with ease. The Pav is Mine is a clever adaptation of the classic Piña Colada that deserves to be tried, and as it’s a vegan-made cocktail, there are absolutely no excuses!
Where: 4/57 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Taboo Tiki
The tiki sensations are intense with this one — and that’s putting it lightly. With an upbeat setting and consistent line-ups of quality D.J.s, we suggest you pencil in this Surfers Paradise venue for celebrating international Piña Colada Day come next month. If you can’t wait that long, be sure to head along to one of their many party nights from Thursday through to Sunday to get a taste of the action.
Where: 19 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Cowch
When the words dessert and cocktail can be found in close proximity to one another, you know things are looking up. So, when Cowch opens a flagship venue in The Oracle Broadbeach next week, you can expect sweet and alcoholic things to collide in an udderly (pardon the pun) delish way. The Hoola Girl is a whipped cream and lollipop garnished version of the Puerto Rican classic you simply must try.
Where: 1 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Sticky Rice
The original naughty but nice excuse for a mid-week tipple or two: if Sticky Rice can’t get you out of the house for some next-level Thai cuisine accompanied by some seriously delish cocktails, nothing or no one can. The Pina Coladyboy (Dark Rum, Malibu, blended with fresh pineapple, coconut cream, lime & orgeat) is at the top of their cocktail list for a reason. Turn up the chilli in your Duck Red Curry and mellow out with the pick of the tropical cocktails.
Where: Shop 7, 443 Golden Four Drive, Tugun

Crafty’s
Finding yourself amid a shopping frenzy can not only be a hit to your bank balance but a trigger for an unquenchable thirst, the type that can only be satisfied with some top-notch cocktails, of course. Crafty’s is the optimum spot to lighten the load and get your lips around a tasty little Piña Colada. Their take, The G.O.A.T., has lashings of pineapple-infused rum and should make the second half of your shopping spree a breeze.
Where: Harbour Town Eats, Biggera Waters

Edgewater Dining & Lounge
The attention to detail taken by this venue with their drinks offering is nothing short of remarkable. The drinks list is titled, Liquid Journey and from cover to cover, you can see this Isle of Capri restaurant has placed great emphasis on having great food and the drinks to match. Their signature Pirate on the Beach takes the modest classic and completely revamps it with deluxe inclusions of Fireball, Amaretto, and nutmeg.
Where: Shop 3 G7, Capri on Via Roma, Surfers Paradise

Ms. Margots
If you find yourself on the shiny side of town and think a couple of sophisticated cocktails are in order, then you need to consider Ms. Margots at The Hilton Surfers Paradise. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; the venue has you covered for when you feel like pushing the boat out a little. As Piña Coladas come, the house version is aptly named Beach Blonde Jenny and twists the original with the addition of macadamia nut liqueur and cacao: thus, you have a delicious drink that is also health-conscious. Ingenious stuff!
Where: The Hilton, 6 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Words by Alex Mitcheson.