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Rooftops, beaches and pool bars: Top Australian spots for a cool drink this summer

A swim-up bar, like this one on board P&O's Pacific Pearl cruise ship, could be just the ticket to cool it...

A swim-up bar, like this one on board P&O's Pacific Pearl cruise ship, could be just the ticket to cool it this summer. Source: Supplied


Ice bar

At -10C, you don't get much cooler than this in the Aussie summer. Arctic-themed cocktails are served in glasses made from ice at Chill On Ice Lounge on Melbourne's Southbank.

 

Ski jackets, gloves and woollen boots are provided for guests at the Chill On Ice Lounge.

Ski jackets, gloves and woollen boots are provided for guests at the Chill On Ice Lounge. Source: Supplied


Iconic beach bars

With a panoramic view of Bondi Beach, Bondi Icebergs Club is the only licensed swimming club in the world.

 

Bondi Icebergs has been the home of winter swimming in Sydney since it was founded in 1929.

Bondi Icebergs has been the home of winter swimming in Sydney since it was founded in 1929. Source: Supplied

 

The Sunset Bar overlooks the Indian Ocean at Broome's Cable Beach.

 

No surprises that the Sunset Bar at Cable Beach Club is best enjoyed as the sun goes down.

No surprises that the Sunset Bar at Cable Beach Club is best enjoyed as the sun goes down. Source: Supplied

 

On Melbourne's St Kilda Beach, Republica has hanging basket chairs to relax in and live music on weekends.

 

Republica overlooks St Kilda Beach and organises a beach volleyball competition.

Republica overlooks St Kilda Beach and organises a beach volleyball competition. Source: Supplied


Rooftop bars

In Brisbane, you don't get much more summery than the 1970s tennis club themed bar of Dandy's Rooftop atop the Fox Hotel.

 

Cocktails on offer at Dandy's Rooftop include the Pat Cash Smash and Tennis Open ...

Cocktails on offer at Dandy’s Rooftop include the Pat Cash Smash and Tennis Open Iced Tea. Source: Supplied

 

At Adelaide's Crippen Place, Rocket Rooftop has retro decor with open air cinema facilities.

Rocket Rooftop above Rocket Bar in Adelaide.

Rocket Rooftop above Rocket Bar in Adelaide. Source: Supplied

 

The rooftop bar at The Conservatory in Perth has outdoor barbecues for a traditional Aussie summer vibe.

Diners can cook up a storm on the barbie at The Conservatory.

Diners can cook up a storm on the barbie at The Conservatory. Source: Supplied


Swim-up bars

Queensland's Whitsunday Island resorts are home to numerous swim-up bars, including at Hamilton Island and Daydream Island.

Exotic cocktails are a specialty at Daydream Island's swim-u...

Exotic cocktails are a specialty at Daydream Island’s swim-up bar. Source: Supplied

 
In Darwin, SkyCityis also home to a swim-up bar in its lagoon pool, which also features a 30m white sand beach thanks to 400 tons of sand brought in from Queensland.
 
Escape the tropical heat in the lagoon with swim-bar at SkyCity in Darwin.

Escape the tropical heat in the lagoon with swim-bar at SkyCity in Darwin. Source: Supplied


Pool bars

Soak up the atmosphere under the palm trees by the pool in private cabanas at Sydney's Ivy Pool Club.

Ivy aims to channel a Hollywood Palm Springs retreat with its pool bar.

Ivy aims to channel a Hollywood Palm Springs retreat with its pool bar. Source: Supplied

 

Or check out Brisbane's only rooftop poolside bar at Bacchus Southbank.

Bachhus poolside bar on Brisbane's S...

Bachhus poolside bar on Brisbane’s Southbank. Source: Supplied

 

Floating bar

On Sydney Harbour, The Island is the world's first floating beach club. Take the water taxi from Rose Bay Wharf or arrive by private boat.

If it's exclusivity you're after, The Island might just f...

If it’s exclusivity you’re after, The Island might just float your boat. Source: Supplied