Top, Best & Fun Rooftop Bars in New South Wales

"Back in the day, a visit to Sydney wasn't complete without a visit to the family-friendly nooks and picture-perfect crannies of the Grounds. You'd know it was a long wait to get in, but it was an honour you'd queue for. While the brand of prettily plated café fare popularised by places like the Grounds has filtered out to eateries around the city, it's still a lovely spot to wander around, pet the pigs and grab a fresh brewed takeaway coffee to sit in the sun with."

"A firm Sydney lunch favourite since opening, The Grounds of Alexandria has gone from strength to strength. This destination restaurant and café has a paddock-to-plate approach, and will have you munching down on the likes of buttermilk pancakes, Turkish-style eggs and toasted crumpets, or tempting you with the hearty Brekkie Burger served with a side of polenta chips. There is also a bakery churning out all kinds of delicious breads, muffins, cakes and tarts."

"It's not often that you can enjoy the company of piglets and goats while feasting on chocolate-filled doughnuts and freshly baked pastries. Responsible for putting Alexandria on the map, The Grounds is arguably the most Instagrammed establishment in Sydney. A whimsical escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, this beautifully designed space is an idyllic excursion for weekend brunch."

"One of the best Italian restaurants in Sydney is offering up a whole heap of their menu highlights for pre-order and pickup, much to the fortune of Potts Point locals, and much to the envy of everyone else. And yes, that includes their mind-blowing pasta scampi, as well as their fried calamari, and even the pretzel with whipped roe from sister restaurant 10 William St. order.hungryhungry.com"

"Great wine, delicious food and genuine service is all rolled into one at Fratelli Paradiso, a friendly One-Hat restaurant in Potts Point. Although not as swanky as other restaurants on the list, the hospitality here makes you feel right at home. Match that with a seasonal gourmet menu and you’ve certainly got one charming, laid back eatery worth visiting."

"From ex-pollies enjoying an espresso over the paper to couples in need of a late-night bowl of scampi spaghetti, this café-turned-trattoria is woven into many a local's weekly routine. There might be a wait. A glass of Tuscan sangiovese from the mostly Italian, largely natural wine list might take a while to arrive."

"Café Sydney’s rooftop position, chic interiors and sweeping harbour views make this an essential dining spot, especially during Vivid. Unlike the other venues, Café Sydney sits atop the popular Vivid projection at heritage-listed Customs House, so diners are right at the heart of the action. Book a seat on the balcony so you can enjoy the sunset and watch the lights turn on."

"I have had many a long lunch on the balcony at Cafe Sydney, which feels very much like sitting in the dress circle of Sydney Harbour. If you would like to be seated on the terrace, you really need to make a reservation. I find the serving sizes are more generous here than at the previous restaurants, so if you have a hearty appetite, you might be happier here."

"For Art Deco allure you can’t beat Primus Hotel Sydney, launched in 2015 in the heart of the CBD (Central Business District). Architects Woods Bagot transformed the iconic 1939 former Sydney Water Board headquarters into a luxe urban retreat. The dramatic, elegant lobby sets the scene, with soaring red columns dwarfing the convivial clusters of pink lounge chairs below, and geometric rugs and wallpaper channelling the period."

"You will find this palatial, heritage-listed hotel in midtown Sydney, closely located to transport options that will connect you to where you want to go. 172 guestrooms are thoughtfully designed to mirror the perfect blend of historic charm and bespoke designer furnishings. Be spoilt for choice as you can choose from seven different room types that are tailored to your preferences and needs."

"The Primus Hotel Sydney is in a heritage-listed building in midtown Sydney first erected in 1939. Original features – such as the striking terracotta-tiled facade and panelled skylight in the grand lobby – were restored in all their Art Deco glory in 2015. Upstairs, 172 generously sized rooms and suites combine modern design details with heaps of historic charm."

"Inspired by New York’s signature architecture and food, join the hoopin’ good times at The Carter Restaurant & Bar on O’Connell Street in Sydney’s CBD. This entertainment hot spot comes alive on Frida..."

"Set right in the heart of Vivid, Cruise Bar will partner with Cointreau this year to transform the ground floor into a warming winter oasis. This year guests can enjoy uninterrupted views of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House while sipping on Cointreauinfused margaritas, cosmopolitanss and mulled wine from a cosy pop-up bar. Party into the night under the city lights, whilst dancing to the epic DJ beats."

"The Newport is set on the stunning shores of Pittwater and is the place for parents and kids to soak up the laidback local vibe while enjoying the diverse menus and activities on offer. The kid appeal really lies in their ability and freedom to run around as well as play with one of the many games on offer. Think badminton, ping pong and a giant magnetic Scrabble board on the wall and you'll have just one of the many reasons families flock here to enjoy the relaxed vibe."

"If you are a bit outside of Sydney, this waterfront location is a perfect dining option. Guests can enjoy a hearty meal in this open-air restaurant, held on a huge deck that is surrounded by lush bushland. The restaurant offers both dinner and just drinks, with even your dogs welcome on this alfresco spot!"

"Located in Sydney’s beautiful Northern Beaches, The Newport has to be at the top of the best kid friendly restaurants in Sydney. Its huge terrace sits at the Pittwater beachfront. This makes anywhere you sit a great spot for seeing the sunset over the water in the background."

"Cicciabella’s second location pays tribute to the pared-back “cucina povera” style of Italian cooking – think woodfired Florentine steak, crudo, pasta and pizza. Parramatta Square 153 Macquarie Street,Parramatta"

"Suite 14 / 3-9 Terminus St, 2154, Castle Hill (NSW)"

"Built in 1805, Vaucluse House is quite extravagant and one of the remaining 19th-century mansions still surrounded by its original gardens and wooded grounds. Purchased in 1827 by William Charles Wentworth (yes, the very man who Wentworth and Wentworth Falls is named), he set about making the original cottage quite a statement with his partner Sarah Cox. However it was never completed and finding the front door is still quite a perplexing issue."

"Vaucluse House was built in 1803 and was once owned by William Charles Wentworth, father of the Australian Constitution. It’s one of Sydney’s few remaining 19th-century mansions that is still surrounded by its ten hectares of original gardens and grounds. Take a tour through the house for a glimpse of what life was life for the families who once lived there, stroll around the beautiful gardens and enjoy a high tea at the tea rooms."

"Construction of this imposing, turreted specimen of Gothic Australiana, set amid 10 hectares of lush gardens, commenced in 1805, but the house was tinkered with into the 1860s. Atmospheric, and decorated with..."

"Built in the 1850s, Sydney’s copper-domed, Italianate sandstone observatory squats atop Observatory Hill, overlooking the harbour. Inside is a collection of vintage apparatus, including Australia’s oldest working telescope (1874), as well as background on Australian astronomy and transits of Venus. Also on offer (weekends and school holidays) are child-focused tours (adult/child $10/8), including a solar telescope viewing and planetarium show. Bookings are essential for night-time stargazing sessions, which come in family-oriented (adult/child $22/17) and adult (adult/child $27/20) versions."

"Sydney Observatory was built in 1858 on a hill above The Rocks and was used for decades for research into astronomy and weather conditions. It was also crucial for navigation, meteorology and timekeeping. The observatory is still an important scientific site but is used mainly as a museum these days."

"The Sydney Observatory is an iconic part of the city’s skyline, and one of the most popular attractions close to the city. The Observatory is located within a beautiful sandstone building right in the middle of..."

"Occupying a prime location next to Sydney’s Darling Harbour, the Australian National Maritime Museum is a must-visit for tourists as well as for local Sydney-siders. As the name suggests, the Australian National Maritime Museum is focussed on Australia’s maritime history, and is home to an impressive collection of objects that go as far back as the 17th century. Note that tickets are required for specific exhibitions and to enter the ships and vessels that are on display inside and outside the museum."

"The Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) is Australia’s national centre for maritime collections, exhibitions, research and archaeology. Grab a free ticket from the front desk for admission into the permanent indoor galleries and under 5s play area “Mini Mariners”. For entry into our fave spot, the “Kids on Deck” craft area, visiting exhibitions and the ships, a paid ticket is required."

"* James Craig – (Sydney Heritage Fleet... Location: Sydney"