You can’t see them from street level but sparkling pools dot Sydney rooftops across the city and beyond, many with stunning views, outstanding food and refreshing drinks. Here are some of Sydney’s most beautiful.
May 2025 -
6
min readTheo’s Rooftop
Where: Penrith
Penrith might be far from Sydney’s breezy coastlines but the open-air rooftop oasis at Astina Suites, complete with an infinity pool (for hotel guests only), will feel like a coastal vacation. The bleached white stone and azure pool say Greece but then the dense gumtree forests in the distance place you in the Western Suburbs at the foot of the Blue Mountains. Theo’s Rooftop menu is designed for long afternoons of cocktails and share plates. There are standard sized drinks like the citrus, gin and curacao Cold Plunge or “micros” – half-sized cocktails ideal for drink between dips. A snack tower with prawn rolls, wagyu sliders and more will feed a peckish group or share a few large plates – slow-cooked lamb shoulder; Portuguese roast chicken – served with sides of corn riblets, and roast pumpkin.
Entry: Open daily 8am-8pm; for hotel guests only.
Theo's Rooftop, Penrith
InterContinental Sydney Double Bay
Where: Double Bay
The pool at Double Bay’s InterContinental is small but mighty, and shows off breathtaking views of the harbour from the roof of the grand Eastern Suburbs hotel. Hotel guests can relax at the Upper Bar, a lounge with classic cocktails, a thoughtfully curated wine list and bar snacks. The only thing left to do is dip your toes in the water and wait for a spectacular sunset.
Entry: Open daily 7am-sunset; for hotel guests only.
InterContinental Sydney Double Bay - Credit: InterContinental Sydney Double Bay
Crown Towers
Where: Barangaroo
Between the luxe styling and broad windows framing stunning harbour views, it might be hard to leave your room at Barangaroo's Crown Towers. But venturing to level five for the frangipani-framed, heated infinity pool is worth it. Charge cocktails and snacks to your room and nab a soft day bed or hire a private cabana and while away the afternoon.
Entry: Open daily 7am-9pm; for hotel guests only.
Crown Towers, Barangaroo
Park Hyatt Sydney
Where: The Rocks
At the rooftop pool of the Park Hyatt, with views of the harbour and the Sydney Opera House, you'll feel a million miles away from the city. Rows of minimalist lounge chairs sitting on the timber deck are perfect for soaking up the sun, and for hot days, there are a handful of shaded beds overlooking the pool. Have a dip while waiting for your poolside cocktail or stay the afternoon and sample a selection of casual dishes from the restaurant menu, such as a rock lobster roll and Caeser salad.
Entry: Open daily sunrise to sunset; for hotel guests only.
Park Hyatt Sydney - Credit: David Mitchener
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
Where: Darling Harbour
Le Rivage Pool Bar at the Sofitel is a pretty, French Riviera-inspired escape in the heart of Sydney. Striped blue and white towels await on sun-soaked lounge chairs, and the inviting infinity pool has views of Darling Harbour and the CBD skyline. Crisp whites, refreshing beers and bubbles are on offer poolside, along with a selection from the in-room dining menu that includes exquisite cheese platters, caviar, pizza, burgers and grilled meats.
Entry: Open daily 6am-10pm; for hotel guests only.
Sofitel Sydney, Darling Harbour
The Old Clare
Where: Chippendale
Just a few blocks away from Central Station, The Old Clare deftly mixes old and new, with heritage Art Deco features blended with modern furnishings and contemporary art. The rooftop swimming pool is one of the drawcards. The glittering water is the perfect escape from the city, and unlike many hotel pools, it’s open to the public. Quench your thirst with bubbly spritzes and sample the snacks menu with dishes like salt and pepper squid, buffalo style hot wings, or garlic flatbread with za’atar.
Entry: Open Monday and Thursday 4pm-10pm, Friday and Saturday 12pm-10pm, Sunday 12pm-8pm; open to public.
The Old Clare by Ode Hotels, Chippendale - Credit: The Old Clare by Ode Hotels
Manly Pacific Hotel Sydney - MGallery Collection
Where: Manly
Manly Pacific is just over the road from one of Sydney’s most iconic beaches but there are plenty of reasons to stay at the hotel and enjoy the amenities – the rooftop magnesium swimming pool with its panoramic ocean views for one. The sunny pool deck is a scenic spot for a pre-lunch elderflower spritz or lychee bellini. The food menu features charcuterie and burgers but a seaside locale calls for seafood: Sydney rock oysters with spicy cucumber granita, sashimi platters, or chargrilled southern rock lobster with salsa verde.
Entry: Open daily 9am-8pm, weather depending; for hotel guests only.
Manly Pacific Hotel Sydney - MGallery Collection, Manly - Credit: Manly Pacific Hotel Sydney - MGallery Collection
The EVE Hotel
Where: Redfern
The EVE delivers a gorgeous aqua-tiled pool surrounded by elegant terracotta lounge chairs and shade umbrellas. What makes it especially unique is the fact that tunes are played in the water – listen out next time you have a dip. After a cocktail poolside, head to Lottie’s next door for contemporary Mexican cuisine alongside tequila and agave cocktails. Tuna tostadas are topped with spiced avocado and briny bottarga; pork jowl comes with cola mole; and everything is served with housemade tortillas.
Entry: Open daily 7am-1pm; for hotel guests only.
The EVE Hotel, Redfern - Credit: The EVE Hotel
Kimpton Margot Sydney
Where: CBD
Combining contemporary design with Art Deco elegance, the Kimpton Margot is a secret spot tucked among the CBD’s towering buildings. Despite the hotel’s tall neighbours, its level seven open-air pool still gets plenty of sunshine. For out-of-town visitors or Sydneysiders looking for a city staycation, the Kimpton Margot is a great place to sip on a spritz poolside and catch a show at the nearby Capitol Theatre.
Entry: Open daily 7am-7pm; for hotel guests only.
Kimpton Margot Sydney, Sydney - Credit: Kimpton Margot Sydney
Swissôtel Sydney
Where: CBD
The Swissôtel’s rooftop pool feels like a slice of LA blocks away from Darling Harbour – the long timber deck features comfortable chaise longues, plus semi-shaded cabanas, and armchairs and tables set for sipping cocktails. Champagne by the pool is on the menu or head upstairs to Ten Stories, the menu’s local produce includes honey sourced from the hotel’s rooftop beehives.
Entry: Open daily 6am-10pm; for hotel guests only.
Swissôtel Sydney - Credit: Alicia Taylor | Swissôtel Sydney
W Sydney
Where: Darling Harbour
The dramatic curved form of the W Sydney hotel rises over Darling Harbour like a glass wave. High on the rooftop, there's Level 29 Wet Deck, an open-air infinity pool with views that stretch to Barangaroo and beyond. The pool is part of the two-level rooftop bar, where guests can sample a fusion menu that includes dishes like Peruvian fish tiraditos, duck bao buns and Fremantle octopus with calamansi lime. Order a bottle of champagne with dinner and enjoy the sunset.
Entry: Open daily sunrise to sunset; for hotel guests only.
W Sydney, Darling Harbour
Pullman Sydney Hyde Park
Where: CBD
The Pullman’s rooftop bar, with its chic swimming pool and menu, is for relaxing, but there are also amenities for guests away from home to aid in their workout routine. Run through a circuit at the rooftop gym with CBD views, then cool off in the pool with a refreshing watermelon seltzer or Young Henry’s lager.
Entry: Open daily 6am-11pm; for hotel guests only.
Pullman Sydney Hyde Park, Darlinghurst
The William Inglis Hotel
Where: Warwick Farm
William Inglis Hotel’s heated rooftop pool is located on level nine, so, despite its Western Sydney locale, it shows off expansive views of the city and surrounding suburbs. Refreshed and hungry after a swim, head down to the ground level to the Newmarket Room to sample the restaurant’s menu where dishes like panfried gnocchi with king brown mushrooms and pesto are the opening act for grilled steaks, beef short rib and dry-aged duck breast.
Entry: Open daily 6am-9pm; for hotel guests only.
The William Inglis Hotel, Warwick Farm
Jimmy’s Rooftop
Where: CBD
With spicy margaritas, kafta wraps and salty things to snack on, Jimmy’s Rooftop takes the energy of the street-level sibling venue Jimmy’s Falafel and drops it poolside. Located at level four of The Ivy, this New-York-style rooftop pool is the place to dip your toes in the water or swim a few laps while relaxing with friends.
Entry: Open Monday to Saturday 12pm-late, Sunday 3pm-late; open to public.
Jimmy’s Rooftop - Credit: Yusuke Oba
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Where: The Rocks
The Four Seasons rooftop is home to one of Sydney’s biggest heated outdoor pools. The lovely blue waters are surrounded by greenery and deck chairs, and from November to March, The Cabana bar is open where bartenders mix refreshing cocktails, and the alfresco menu will satisfy your appetite fresh from a swim.
Entry: Open daily 6am-8pm; for hotel guests only.
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, The Rocks - Credit: Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour
Where: Darling Harbour
Known for its centrally-located modern hotels, the Vibe Hotel in Darling Harbour is near plenty of attractions – Pitt Street Mall for shopping, and Capitol Theatre and ICC for a show – but you might want to spend part of the day in, enjoying a holiday read and a dip in the rooftop pool, followed by happy hour negronis and mojitos at the rooftop bar, Above 319.
Entry: Open daily 6am-10pm; for hotel guests only.
Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour - Credit: TFE NSW
