9 Remarkable rooftop spaces for your next event

Gili Rooftop at Taronga Zoo, Sydney

Cocktail capacity: 100 guests

Set against a staggering backdrop of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline, including the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Gili Rooftop at Taronga Zoo is the ultimate showstopper for a future business event. With the capacity to host 90 guests for a banquet or 100 cocktail-style, groups can celebrate the day’s activities then wander back to their suite at the onsite Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, where they'll fall asleep to the sounds of nature on their doorstep.

Merrymaker at Hotel Indigo, Adelaide

Cocktail capacity: 70 guests

One of the latest additions to Adelaide’s hotel scene is IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Hotel Indigo, which boasts a sensational new rooftop bar. Merrymaker is a vibrant space available for exclusive hire for up to 70 guests, boasting views over the city and out to the Adelaide Hills. With a covered area to provide shelter from the weather as needed, Merrymaker is the perfect place for a group sundowner after a day exploring the city and the iconic Adelaide Central Markets, only a three-minute walk from the hotel.

Burleigh Pavilion Beach Bar, Gold Coast

Cocktail capacity: 220 guests

In the glittering Gold Coast, rooftop events are best served with a side of ocean views. The Burleigh Pavilion Beach Bar can be hired exclusively for up to 220 guests cocktail-style, or 140 for a seated event. Overlooking Queensland's famous Burleigh Heads beach, guests can watch local surfers carving up the waves as they enjoy freshly shucked oysters from the pop-up oyster station, with a glass of sparkling in hand. 

MAYA, Brisbane

Cocktail capacity: 80 guests

Located in the heart of Brisbane’s nightlife hub of Fortitude Valley is classy Mexican rooftop restaurant MAYA. Offering unbeatable views of Queensland’s capital city, groups of up to 80 guests can bask in the cactus-fringed open-air courtyard furnished with soft pastels and cool stone accents, as the team serves up flame grilled tequila prawns and zesty margaritas. Afterwards, it’s only a five-minute stroll back to high-end Brisbane hotels The Calile and the newly opened Hotel X.

Aura at Crowne Plaza, Hobart

Cocktail capacity: 250 guests

Centrally located on level 12 of the Crowne Plaza Hobart in Tasmania, Aura opened in November 2020 as Hobart’s first rooftop bar. The cosy indoor restaurant, lounge and event space are flanked by an outdoor terrace which is an excellent place to admire the commanding views of kunanyi / Mount Wellington with a glass of Tasmanian sparkling in hand. The event space suits groups of up to 150 for a standing function, or the entire venue can be booked for groups of up to 250 guests.

Crown Aviary, Melbourne

Cocktail capacity: 550 guests

Host a suave soirée beneath Melbourne’s twinkling city lights at Crown Aviary. This large rooftop space is perched on Crown Towers Melbourne’s third floor overlooking the Yarra River and the city skyline. The landscaped terrace is a great spot for a welcome reception, before moving to the enclosed glass atrium that sits centre stage and can host up to 550 guests for cocktails or 400 seated. Local event planners Dann Event Hire can provide the final flourish with plush furnishings and styling ranging from sleek Art Deco to modern industrial or Australian coastal design. 

Rocco at Riley, Cairns

Cocktail capacity: 120 guests

In Cairns, Rocco at Riley takes the official title of the city’s highest rooftop bar and restaurant. Located at the northern end of Cairns’ iconic waterfront esplanade, this oasis is perched on Level 12 of the five-star, 311-room Riley Hotel, one of three Crystalbrook Collection hotels in Tropical North Queensland. Rocco is available for exclusive hire for up to 120 guests, who can soak up the 270-degree views of Cairns and the Coral Sea as they indulge in Mediterranean-style share food.

HENNESSY at the Mayfair Hotel, Adelaide

Cocktail capacity: 150 guests

Located on the 13th floor of Adelaide’s Mayfair Hotel is the HENNESSY rooftop bar. The outdoor terrace is an elegant, open air space with a glass ceiling, underfloor heating and sweeping views over the city. Indoors on the same level is the Lounge, a sophisticated space adorned with crystal chandeliers and stylish leather furniture. The whole venue can be booked for a cocktail-style event of up to 150 guests, or the outdoor terrace for up to 55 guests. Tip: try the Gin-spiration drinks package which features an impressive selection of local craft gins.

Rooftop at QT, Perth

Cocktail capacity: 200 guests

Located on the 18^th floor of the five-star QT Perth is the Rooftop at QT. Serving Insta-worthy cocktails alongside tasty bites and smooth tunes, this space offers a glamorous option for an event in the heart of Perth’s city. It’s available for exclusive hire for up to 200 guests for morning events, or special areas can be reserved for groups of up to 50 guests for afternoon and evening soirées. With a signature pink grapefruit & yuzu spritz in hand, guests can admire the views across the Swan River and the city before retiring to one of the hotel’s 184 plush guest rooms.

Published: 25 June 2021