Henry Deane, Hotel Palisade, Millers PointCredit: Destination NSW
Drink up the views along with the cocktails at Sydney’s elevated bars.
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Sandwiched between UNESCO-listed wilderness and an iconic harbour, Sydney has postcard views from every angle, and the city’s high-rise bars provide the most joyous perch to take it all in. From luxury lounges with Hunter Valley wines and water views, to Blue Mountains vistas with cocktails by a rooftop pool, experience the best angle of the city with a drink, a mate and an evening with no plans.
City views
Here’s a local secret, not everyone walking into the State Library is renting books or studying – they're going to Library Bar. Head straight to the rooftop of this 150-year-old building for views of the Domain, and Hunter Valley wines and cocktails made with local spirits. Take in the city lights from the other side at Panorama Bar in Martin Place. The bar wraps around 25 Martin Place where plush lounges offer a relaxed space to snack on skewers of Skull Island prawns and Japanese style meatballs all curated by Kazu Matsumoto (ex-Chaco Bar head chef), and drink seasonal cocktails while a DJ preps you for a dance.
When the city workers have finished their post-work drinks and dinner is being cleared off the tables, that’s when Joji kicks off. The restaurant-bar-club hybrid serves Japanese burgers (designed by none other than 2025 Good Food Guide Chef of the Year winner Paul Farag), cocktails (inspired by Japan’s great bar scene) and beats (live DJs or vinyl) until 2am. For more restaurant-bar mashups both Penelope’s and Martinez offer longer, more explorative menus with strong drink offerings served to sunny rooftops and views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
With towering high rises, luxury hotels and innovative restaurateurs, the city centre is a hub for the rooftop bar scene with many more venues offering both views and quality-focused bars. Harper, one of biggest open-air rooftop bars in the city, provides poolside luxury and summery bites from well-known chef Luke Mangan above the Kimpton Margot hotel. City locals know how to get into Old Mates Place, a hidden bar with an outstanding cocktail service in the city’s centre. Head to The Rooftop at The Bristol for a stylish scene that fits the Mediterranean seaside menu and Shell House’s Sky Bar for panoramic views, after parties with international touring artists and a menu by Joel Bickford (former executive chef at Aria).
The Library Bar, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying drinks at the Library Bar, located on the rooftop of the State Library of NSW.
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The Library Bar, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying drinks at the Library Bar, located on the rooftop of the State Library of NSW.
On the waterfront
Level 12 is going to deliver incredible views from any building but Zephyr Sky Bar has the luck of occupying level 12 of the Hyatt Regency Sydney, a luxury hotel just a few steps from the water’s edge of Darling Harbour. While you’re looking onto the famous bay, you’ll have the option of choosing from an extensive drinks list that covers high-end whisky, local and international wines and a creative cocktail list (try an alcoholic soft serve).
Bar Ombré delivers a slice of the Italian Riviera directly to Circular Quay. Located on the third level of the Gateway building, this buzzy rooftop bar with views of Sydney Harbour serves classic and Italian cocktails next to Neapolitan pizza, luxe antipasto plates and a rolling roster of DJs. For water views on the other side of the bay, Henry Deane (on the top floor of the heritage-listed Hotel Palisade) looks on to Millers Point through floor-to-ceiling windows and a small, sunny balcony. The bar’s drinks list is in the something-for-everyone school of thought while the edible menu is short but creative – pair a koji and garlic roasted chicken with a martini infused with kakadu plum.
With water views on one side and city lights on the other, Barangaroo gives a dual outlook with rooftop bars Smoke and Untied providing not just sunny bar scenes but creative menus. The former, part of Matt Moran-helmed Barangaroo House, serves up experimental cocktails with a short but varied snack menu ranging from oysters with shisho mignonette to chicken karaage with smoked trout roe. While the leafy courtyard of the latter delivers a more classic bar menu (also friendly for vegans) alongside a fun drinks menu featuring seltzers and Australian cider on tap.
Head to 29/30 at W Sydney, which mixes up the high-rise bar tropes – instead of sunny terraces, soft colours and greenery, it’s like a bar scene from a sci-fi set where bold colours, dark fittings and multi-coloured lights decorate a bar that looks onto Darling Harbour. Spend the evening with a NSW vino or a cocktail based on ‘exotic Australian fusion’ and Korean fried chicken bao (if you’re a W Sydney guest, take a dip in the pool between rounds). Aster, on the 32nd floor of the InterContinental is a more classic experience, with velvet furnishings in a light dining room, an epic list of liquids including many a local drop and an entire set of bespoke martinis. Nothing less than you’d expect from a luxury hotel sandwiched between views of The Royal Botanic Garden, the Sydney Opera House and Kirribilli Point.
Smoke, Barangaroo Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying evening drinks at Smoke bar, Barangaroo House.
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Smoke, Barangaroo Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying evening drinks at Smoke bar, Barangaroo House.
Mountain, burb and bush views
For a change of scenery, head 12km west of the city centre to Skye Bar, on Level 11 of Crowne Plaza Sydney Burwood. This top floor oasis in Sydney’s Inner West gives you an amazing vantage point for watching the sun setting over the Greater Sydney skyline, with a side of shisha, a platter of oysters and a luxury bottle of choice.
Twenty minutes’ drive further west, Nick & Nora’s sits on Level 26 of the V by Crown Group development in Parramatta, with views of the mountains and across Western Sydney, you’ll feel like you’re at the highest vantage point in the city. Inside the bar, it’s all luxury – no effort was spared in creating a lavish 1930s theme befitting the namesake protagonists of Dashiell Hammett’s detective novel. That’s matched by a drinks list offering hundreds of whiskies and over 60 champagnes (there’s even a cigar menu).
Right on the border of the city and the Blue Mountains is Theo’s Rooftop Bar, a poolside bar that channels the flavours and feel of a Mediterranean beach-side hotel. Located on level 8 of Astina Suites in Penrith, the view – from the lounge or infinity pool – is 360 degrees, meaning you’ll see sunsets over the first ridge of the famous mountains or over the Greater Sydney expanse.
Theo's Rooftop Bar, Penrith Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a glass of wine at Theo's Rooftop Bar in Penrith at sunset
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Theo's Rooftop Bar, Penrith Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a glass of wine at Theo's Rooftop Bar in Penrith at sunset
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Corowa Whisky & Chocolate, CorowaCredit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a visit to Corowa Whisky & Chocolate, Corowa.
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Feast on the riches of one of Australia’s most important food bowls on a road trip through the Murray, named after the mighty river that flows through this southwest area of New South Wales. Float down the river on a historic paddlesteamer wine cruise, stop by farm gates to sample incredible fresh produce, and dine at chic restaurants and bars in this unique culinary playground.
Take the back roads for gourmet treats
Head off the beaten path along The Backroads Trail, a 250km driving route that passes through the small pastoral towns of Barham, Moama, Mathoura and Deniliquin on the upper reaches of the Murray River. Sink your teeth into fresh olives, avocados, free-range pork, honey and citrus fruit from farm gates along its loops and trails, and taste the region’s wines at vineyards such as Restdown Wines. While you’re at this winery, venture out along the Restdown Wetland Walk to encounter Aboriginal cooking hearths and an old sheep camp.
Cruise along to The Old School Winery & Meadery in Womboota to pick up wine, pottery and honey mead. Or seek out Ivy Joyce in Barham to indulge in a warm space, offering local produce from farms for a truly paddock to plate experience in the heart of Murray River country. For more snacks and meaty fare such as British-style pork pies and sausages, head to Pacdon Park’s factory shop in Moama.
You can work up an appetite as you build your own itinerary on the theme of food, paddocks and produce, and find suggested routes and maps to Murray River farm gates, at the Echuca Moama Visitor Centre.
Wine and dine along the river
Embark on a wine tour by water in Moama, where the first steamboats made their way up the Murray in 1853. Take a Murray River Paddlesteamers Wharf to Winery Cruise from the town to Morrisons Riverview Winery for a leisurely lunch. Or drive along the river, stopping in at Three Black Sheep for risotto and woodfired pizzas, and tasting crisp dry whites and full-flavoured reds at St Anne’s Vineyards, where you can nibble on a cheese platter overlooking a scenic lake.
Head east along the riverside roads to rest and recharge in the town of Tocumwal, known for its riverside beaches, golf courses, glider flying and iconic Big Murray Cod statue. Start the following day with a solid foundation of breakfast pizza (topped with bacon, eggs and a hash brown) at The Old Bank and indulge in a scoop of ice-cream or sorbet from Tocumwal Ice Creamery – flavours include rocky road, green apple or macadamia. If you’re in town on a Saturday, pick up honey, fruit, vegetables, olive oil, dressings and other condiments made by local producers at the Tocumwal Foreshore Markets.
Continue your odyssey along the river to Corowa, the birthplace of Australian Federation. Immerse in the town’s rich turn-of-the-20th-century colonial heritage as you make your way to the former 1920s flour mill housing Corowa Distilling Co. Here you can book a whisky tasting and behind-the-scenes tour and buy locally made chocolates and sweets from sister shop Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory. Work off an indulgent afternoon with a walk along the river before settling into the stylish Circa 1936 hotel, which is housed in an Art Deco former bank on the main street of Corowa.
Celebrate regional ingredients in Albury
From Corowa, follow the Riverina Highway eastward to the city of Albury, a food, wine and culture hub. Taste how seasonality and locality are expressed at The Proprietor, a former butcher shop turned cafe offering brunch treats such as fruit toast with Beechworth honey and whipped ricotta, and banana waffles with Gundowring vanilla ice-cream. Or try the all-day breakfast offering at Mr Benedict, from cheesy bacon waffle with popcorn chicken to one of its signature eggs benedicts, including one with cider-braised ham hock.
At The River Deck restaurant, local ingredients are celebrated alongside stunning river views, and dishes may include chicken Caesar salad with Milawa eggs or beef brisket braised in coffee by Albury roaster The Brothers Cup. At tiny and elegant Bistro Selle, complement warm Gooramadda olives with a buttery Australian chardonnay and fresh market fish. Yardbird offers a bold-flavoured menu featuring dishes like scorched Albacore tuna, along with meats grilled in a Spanish woodfired oven.
In between meals, stroll along the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk and take in the contemporary artworks by Aboriginal artists that line the Wagirra Trail. Meander through the Murray Art Museum Albury’s contemporary photographic collection, Aboriginal art and works by renowned Australian artist Sir Russell Drysdale. Afterwards, order lunch or dinner at the museum’s excellent Canvas Eatery – try the saltbush lamb rump or one of their Neapolitan-style pizzas.
The Old School Winery & Meadery, Womboota Credit: Destination NSW
Couple taste tasting mead at The Old School Winery & Meadery, Womboota
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The Old School Winery & Meadery, Womboota Credit: Destination NSW
Couple taste tasting mead at The Old School Winery & Meadery, Womboota
Morrison's Riverview Winery and Restaurant, Moama Credit: Destination NSW
Food and wine available from Morrison's Riverview Winery and Restaurant, Moama.
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Morrison's Riverview Winery and Restaurant, Moama Credit: Destination NSW
Food and wine available from Morrison's Riverview Winery and Restaurant, Moama.
Corowa Whisky & Chocolate, Corowa Credit: Destination NSW
Corowa Whisky & Chocolate located in a 1920âs old flour mill in Corowa.
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Corowa Whisky & Chocolate, Corowa Credit: Destination NSW
Corowa Whisky & Chocolate located in a 1920âs old flour mill in Corowa.
Canvas Eatery, Albury Credit: Destination NSW
Food and wine available at Canvas Eatery in Albury.
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Canvas Eatery, Albury Credit: Destination NSW
Food and wine available at Canvas Eatery in Albury.