The Exhibitionist Bar, Surfers Paradise: If you’re partial to a champagne at sunset whilst soaking in spectacular city-wide views, head to The Exhibitionist Bar. The impressive rooftop bar and dining venue is located on level five of the HOTA Gallery and is centred around a sophisticated tapas-style bar menu with specialty sips including crafted cocktails, an extensive wine list and local craft beer. We’ll cheers to that.

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 (our choice pick is the spicy marg), 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.

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.

Kirra Beach House, Kirra: With jaw to the floor panoramic views, Kirra Beach House has the sweet sea breeze flowing all around this beachside rooftop. Drop in for great music, Mediterranean-style food, world-class drinks and wonderful service. An expansive terrace wraps around the whole venue alongside three bars – a wine bar, terrace cocktail bar and Preston’s, an intimate cocktail bar that can also be booked out for events.  An ode to coastal living, Kirra Beach House’s laid-back style is as fresh as its shucked oysters. 

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 (think pizzas, arancini 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 lychee daze (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.

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 boasts a 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.

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.

Tropic Vice, Nobby Beach: Perched above the Nobby Beach dining strip, Tropic Vice offers a kind of Palm Springs, California, meets Miami, Florida, kind of vibe with different sections scattered across the space. The grassy garden bar – shaded by candy-pink umbrellas – is the ideal spot for a couple of casual cocktails in the sunshine, while the deck lined with high tables is the ideal perch for long lunches and grazing. The neon-lit podium provides an elevated viewing platform to soak in the good vibes as the sun dips below the horizon.

Cali Beach Club, Surfers Paradise: For the rooftop that has it all, Cali Beach is a go-to with four glistening pools, VIP cabanas, countless sun lounges, two world-class restaurants, multiple bars, volleyball facilities and even an outdoor moonlight cinema. From poolside platters of sushi and fruit to its extensive list of signature cocktails, this slice of paradise is a top spot to soak in the spectacular views over the Glitter Strip.

The Salty Fox, Bilinga: A unique location for a rooftop favourite, The Salty Fox sits on top of the Rydges Gold Coast overlooking the ocean and the airport runway. That’s right, metres from the airport terminal this rooftop boasts ‘foxtails’ cocktails as well as a big list of wine and craft beers. With a menu of pub-style classics, there’s something for the locals or those flying in and out. 

COAST Rooftop Terrace, Surfers Paradise: The new and improved Rooftop Terrace perched on top of the Ocean by Meriton building is ready for all those looking for an easy breezy catch-up spot. Offering a daily happy hour with half-priced oysters, you can watch the sunset and the moon rise over the stunning Surfers Paradise.

Tommy’s Italian, Currumbin: If you’re lucky enough to nab an illustrious table on the rooftop balcony of Tommy’s Italian, you’ll have a feast for your eyes as well as your stomach. Overlooking Currumbin Beach you will sink into the red-and-white striped cushions while you devour one of many of the restaurant’s winning Italian dishes. It’s a modern coastal trattoria that brings a touch of luxe to the coast.

Cooly Breeze Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, Coolangatta: A rooftop with a focus on food, Cooly Breeze is a local favourite for modern Mediterranean fare. With ocean views as far as the eye can see, you can sip on cocktails aptly named after the beaches you’re overlooking. The menu of fresh and locally sourced produce is a breath of fresh air too.