Trendy rooftop bars have been appearing across global cities from Shanghai to Stockholm and Miami to Mumbai, and Perth’s eclectic Northbridge neighborhood has followed suit. With Western Australia’s mild, star-filled evenings, entrepreneurs have transformed downtown rooftops into lively destinations that showcase the city’s relaxed outdoor lifestyle.
Two years ago Marcus Canning launched Rooftop Movies seven stories above a parking garage on Roe Street. Cinema-savvy guests bring blankets, pillows and picnic baskets to relax on the roof while enjoying pre-film jazz, rooftop-delivered pizza and carefully chosen cult and independent films. Screenings have ranged from Gus Van Sant’s Mala Noche to Robert Mapplethorpe’s documentary Black White + Gray, often timed to match city events like PrideFest FilmFest.
Another rooftop addition is The Nest, located above The Aviary, one of Perth’s trendiest bars. This multi-level venue sits several stories above William Street and offers activities like lawn bowling on rolled-out AstroTurf during the afternoon. As evening falls, patrons gather around the bar or at tables overlooking the street, ordering drinks and dinner while watching the sunset. The Nest operates year-round, with a large fireplace and outdoor heaters providing comfort on cooler nights.
Downtown Perth also hosts other notable rooftop spots. Greenhouse is a popular restaurant and bar that features an on-site herb garden; the fresh herbs supply bartenders and the kitchen with organic ingredients used in cocktails and dishes. The Conservatory Rooftop Bar offers a designer-crafted environment with a 52-foot retractable roof, wide views of the city skyline and individual barbecue tables, attracting locals who appreciate stylish, social dining experiences.
These rooftop venues reflect a broader shift in Perth’s nightlife and dining scene—toward outdoor, socially driven spaces that take advantage of pleasant weather and city views. Whether for a film screening, a relaxed meal, lawn games or a rooftop cocktail beside a fireplace, the city’s elevated venues deliver memorable evenings and a fresh perspective on urban entertainment.