Rating: 8.7
The Margaret River has so many wonderful wineries, it would be a crime to visit the region and not enjoy a visit to at least one of them. The problem is which one? Located just over 3 hours drive south of Perth, it’s a hugely popular region for most holiday-makers to Western Australia. There are so many fabulous wineries and gourmet breweries in the area, that not only offer the most fantastic vintage of Chardonnay and Pinot, but also have excellent restaurants, and lie within the most exquisite of settings. Frankly its almost an impossible choice! But fear not, we have scoured the area to find for you all of the best wineries in the Margaret River. Here are a selection of them.
The O.G. of Margaret River’s wineries, Vasse Felix was the first to open in the region way back in 1967 and still remains one of the best today.
Boasting a stunning cellar door, fantastic art gallery and excellent restaurant, the venue perfectly fuses together an intoxicating, rustic vibe with contemporary design, to create a truly wonderful spot to spend an afternoon.
Their award winning wines are sold around the world, with the 2017 Tom Cullity Magnum being a must try. Their 2020 Heytesbury Chardonnay, and 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, are also very distinguished as well. You’ll definitely want to take one or two bottles home with you.
Previously known as the Freycinet Estate, until it changed its name in 1991, the Voyager Estate is one of the region’s leading wineries. Having recently moved to full organic certification, they now offer sensational wines which you can enjoy without any guilt!
Planted over 113 beautiful hectares, their vineyards create a veritable who’s who of wine. Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz, Tempranillo, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Semillon, Merlot – they are all here and a lot more.
In their Wine Room they offer an award-winning tasting that is usually accompanied by a delicious share platter. While if you book a tour of their estate, they will allow you to fill your glass straight from the barrel!
Another of the Margaret River’s founding wineries is Cape Mentelle, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. One of the nation’s most iconic producers of red wine, they were the first Margaret River winery to win the prestigious Jimmy Watson trophy at the Melbourne Wine Show in 1983.
Contained within 140 hectares of vines which lies across four sites, Cape Mentelle’s main operation lies in the Estate Vineyard, which can be found in Wallcliffe.
It is responsible for its most popular labels, which include the likes of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Zinfandel. All of which you can try onsite.
If you love nothing more than a good cellar door than Amelia Park wines is the place for you. Named as one of Australia’s best cellar doors in Margaret River by Gourmet Traveller, this place offers a magnificent wine experience.
The entrance to the tasting room makes quite an impact, leading you past a dimly lit row of barrels filled with cabernet, out to sweeping views of the vineyards on the beautiful Wilyabrup Valley.
The quality of the wines and level of service here are top notch, with their 2021 Pinot Gris, 2020 Amelia Park Chardonnay and 2021 Amelia Park Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, being particularly in demand.
Another company nestled in the heart of the stunning Wilyabrup region is Pierro. Established in 1979, it came slightly later to the party than other some of the other vineyards on this list but is no less deserving to be on it.
Best known for making some of Australia’s best Chardonnay, this estate is less showy than others, with its cellar door conveying the winery’s rich history in a soft and somewhat understated way.
Perhaps this is because they like the wine to do the talking for them? And that it certainly does. Because one glass of their 2020 Pierro Chardonnay, or 2018 Pierro ‘VR’ Chardonnay will tell you all you need to know about its brilliance.
Rating: 8.7
Ever notice how the best rooftop bars in the Sydney CBD are often full of city workers? That’s because they represent excellent places to de-stress after a hard day in the office. But which are the best rooftop bars to go to for a spot of dinner and some cocktails? Check out our recommendations below for some of the freshest and hippest rooftop bars in the Sydney CBD:
Based in Circular Quay, Bar Ombre also offers a rooftop terrace with excellent views of the Harbour Bridge.
Situated on the top level of the Gateway Dining Precinct, this stylish bar is part of the Salt Meats Cheese group. It boasts a vibrant setting with lots of bright decorative furnishings, that are offset by plenty of green plants.
With a daily happy hour and a dedicated spritz menu, this place is always popular straight after work. Not least because it makes its own house-made cheese and offers delicious antipasto and share plates that include cured meats, wood-baked focaccia, fried calamari and prosciutto with grilled eggplant.
Their cocktail menu, which is inspired by Europe, includes such delights as Forget Me Not and the particularly delicious Smokin’ Nights.
Boasting one of the best rooftop bars in the city The Glenmore Hotel has been an Aussie icon for over 100 years.
Located in The Rocks, the views of Sydney Harbour are quite magnificent.
Also featuring a pub in the floors below, the cocktail bar is always busy. Especially around 5pm when hoards of hungry and thirsty suits come here to deconstruct their working day.
Offering a range of beautifully curated cocktails and an excellent menu of food, the atmosphere is also fun and engaging. While the level of service from the bar staff is easily world class.
How does cocktails with sunset views of Darling Harbour sound to you? Well at The Rooftop Sydney that is exactly what you get.
Located on Sussex Street, on the top level of the recently refurbished Shelbourne Hotel, this Hamptons inspired venue is the perfect spot to wind down after a hectic day in the office.
Offering some of the most exquisite views of Darling Harbour you’ll see anywhere in town, the venue presents a relaxed and beautiful décor of rattan lounges, hanging chairs and verdant palm trees.
A retractable roof protects you from inclement weather, so you can come here all year round. Which is just as well really, because their range of cocktails, champagnes and light bites will ensure you will definitely want to.
You can’t beat a good rooftop pool party, and one of the best of them in town can be found in the Pool Club at The Ivy.
Located in George Street, right in the heart of the Sydney CBD, this venue boasts a distinctly Santorini style, complete with cabanas and designer chic striped loungers.
Offering an excellent brunch or lunch menu during the earlier part of the day, at night the Pool Club at The Ivy transforms into a happening hotspot. Pumping out banging tunes and funky beats, spun by the coolest DJs.
A great spot to dance the night away, their signature cocktails include the ‘swim good’ – a mix of Absolut Elyx, Americano Bianco, fruit salad wine cordial, grapefruit and soda, which apparently was inspired by Frank Ocean.
On the top floor of the Republique Hotel you will find Taylor’s Rooftop. A hip and lively rooftop bar on Pitt Street that is well known for its vertical garden.
Another venue with a retractable roof; like the Pool Club at The Ivy, this place also features resident and international DJs who fill the dancefloor with both the latest mixes and old skool classics.
The vibe at this Sydney CBD venu is also fantastic here, especially on a Saturday night. Due in part, no doubt, to a fabulous cocktail menu that includes salted caramel Espresso Martini and a spicy Margarita.
Food options are pub inspired – think chicken schnitzel, beef brisket nachos and chiko spring rolls – and are absolutely delicious.
Rating: 8.7
For those in the know, the Blue Mountains serves up some of the best cafes and coffee in NSW. Whether you need one to kickstart your morning, or perk you up in the afternoon, there are plenty of places to get a decent brew. Here’s where we think you can buy the best cafes in the Blue Mountains.
Set on the main street of Leura, the Red Door Café is a great choice for those who seek a healthier options when it comes to their coffee.
Featuring red and black décor, artwork from local artists, green hanging vines, a very large mirror and of course a red front door, the café has a fresh, youthful vibe to it.
A mix of 80s rock and 90s techno seems to be the music of choice here. While the organic coffee ranks up there as the best in the Blue Mountains.
The food is good too, with plenty of plant-based options to complement their excellent range of meat dishes.
Given their name they probably wouldn’t like us making reference to them, but Anonymous deserves to be on this list.
Located in Blackheath, not far from the Parklands Country Gardens & Lodges this café is a must stop if you are heading the Megalong Valley.
Their delicious coffee is produced from Campos and single origin beans. It might be a little more expensive in comparison to the offerings from other local cafes, but it still represents excellent value for money.
Anonymous also have an extensive tea list featuring brands from around the world, and their sumptuous and innovative food menu stylishly celebrates locally sourced, seasonal produce.
The Blue Mist Café is the kind of coffee shop you will instantly take a shine to.
Not only are the prices pretty good, the staff are always friendly, and the atmosphere is very congenial. Most importantly the coffee is terrific too.
Situated in the Wentworth Falls village, not far at all from the Grand View Hotel, the café has comfortable booths on its ground level, as well as a lounge suite on the upper level. Where you will also find a second-hand bookshop too.
The perfect place to relax and enjoy a leisurely hour or so, the food options here, especially the ricotta hot cakes, are very, very good.
Boasting not one, but two espresso bars in Springwood and Katoomba, as well as its own roastery, Cassiopeia is a serious coffee brand.
Launched in 2006, its owner, Zac, is a genuine coffee aficionado. Regularly travelling to Panama, Costa Rica, Colombia, Brazil, and Kenya to source the best coffee beans to bring back to Australia.
Also distributing its coffee beans to other cafes, both in the area and all over the country, a Cassiopeia coffee features coffee beans that have been lightly roasted. Thus allowing the fullest flavour of the beans’ origin to emerge.
It is a must try coffee for anyone passing through Springwood or Katoomba.
Talking of the Cassiopeia brand, The Laneway in Leura is one of the many cafes in the Blue Mountains that use their gourmet coffee beans.
Situated just off the main street of Leura, down a secluded laneway (hence the name), the coffee is, as you would expect, fantastic. As is the café’s ambiance.
The kind of place where the staff, after a couple of visits, will know your order without you having to say anything, this establishment is also lauded for serving exquisite, toasted sandwiches, as well as a selection of other tasty foods.
Rating: 8.7
In a city as beautiful as Sydney, it is only natural to want to visit a rooftop bar. Luckily there are hundreds to choose from. So if you are angling for a night of cocktails, champagnes, wines and delicious gastronomy with an epic view, here are some of the best rooftop bars right across Sydney to visit. No matter what part of Sydney you live in, there’s literally something here for everyone. If you’re in the centre of Sydney looking for some after work drinks, also check out our guide to the best rooftop bars in the Sydney CBD.
Located in Darlinghurst, on top of Hyde Park House, Slims Rooftop offers sensational, uninterrupted views across Hyde Park.
Aside from the views, which are accentuated by the westerly sunset, the cocktails here are a major drawcard.
Sitting alongside all the usual suspects like Margaritas, Aperol spritz, Bloody Mary and Espresso Martinis are other inventive concoctions like the Million Dollar Mermaid – a mix of Ketel One Vodka, lychee liqueur, Blue Curacao, lychee juice and lime, that will blow your mind.
The craft beers are exceptional too, while the food menu features contemporary Asian fusion style ‘izakaya’ share plates, that you won’t want to share!
Nestled on the edge of the CBD, this is a wonderful place to unwind after the completion of your working day.
A couple of years ago the Royal Hotel in Paddington underwent a major refurbishment.
Included within this was the rooftop Elephant Bar and Dining, which still seems to have been kept somewhat under wraps.
Perhaps not for much longer though because this stunning space is steadily developing a reputation for being the place to go for after work drinks.
Its terrific views of the city provide an excellent backdrop in which to watch the sunset with a cocktail or champagne in hand. Whilst the coastal themed décor, complete with animal prints, creates a relaxed ambiance in which to view it.
The bar also has a retractable roof, which makes this destination an all year venue, and a Mediterranean inspired food venue with a terrific assortment of light bites.
Craft beers are very much in vogue at the moment in Sydney, and Elm, the rooftop bar at Taphouse, in Darlinghurst, is a great place to try some.
An open-air, all weather joint that offers superb views of the surrounding area, the bar presents 20 craft beers on tap – with a focus on ales and porters – from around the world. They also have a range of outstanding cocktails too.
Their food menu can be described as ‘upmarket pub’ and features the likes of andouille sausages, smoked brisket and chicken wings. While the atmosphere is always blessed with intoxicating laid-back vibes.
One of the coolest rooftop bars in town can be found on top of the Cauliflower Hotel.
While a congenial pub lies on the floors beneath it, The Forgotten Cask is a rooftop rum bar that will transport you straight to the West Indies.
Replete with appropriate palm trees and tropical décor, this place is a haven for those who love rum, as they offer over 100 labels from around the world.
In keeping with the theme, each of their cocktails is named after an infamous pirate, including the Red Beard and the William Kidd.
The food menu is suitably Caribbean too, with classics like jerk chicken wings, spiced barramundi tacos and cauliflower curry all being available.
Nick and Nora’s is a legendary rooftop bar in Parramatta.
Perched 26 stories up in the SKYE Suites Parramatta, Nick and Nora’s is an opulent Art Deco rooftop that showcases awesome 270-degree views that spread from the Blue Mountains on one side of the horizon to the Harbour Bridge on the other.
Inspired by Nick and Nora Charles, the fictional murder-solving duo from the 1930s detective story ‘The Thin Man’, this venue boasts over 900 spirits and 50 different types of champagne.
It also presents flamboyant cocktails made with liquid nitrogen – many of which take their name from original characters like ‘The Femme Fatal’ and ‘The Snitch’.
Radiating a decadent post-prohibition vibe, the food menu includes a range of charcuterie items like oysters, gin-infused olives and tequila-compressed watermelon, as well as a variety of exceptional imported cheeses and cured meats.
They even have a selection of high quality Cuban cigars, for those wanting to channel their inner Fidel Castro.
Rating: 8.7
Locals in Noosa take their coffee very seriously. Such is their love of coffee; it seems as if there is a café on every street corner. All offering their unique, specialty house blend, in quaintly decorated premises that stirs the soul. But which ones are the best? Check out our list of recommendations to find out!
Named after the popular surfing spot that produces the most outstanding waves, the Little Cove Coffee shop similarly produces outstanding coffee.
About a 15 minute walk along the scenic boardwalk that runs from the Noosa Main Beach, this quaint and rustic roastery is located on Weyba Road.
It boasts a charming setting with exposed-wood ceilings and specialty coffee crafted from the green bean to the cup.
Made from top notch Arabica beans, the coffee is roasted to perfection. The café also serves a great range of light bites too.
If you decide to get the coffee to go, then be sure to head on back to the boardwalk to enjoy it with sensational beach views.
Address: Shop 4/205 Weyba Road, Noosaville.
Over in Noosaville, close to where many of the Noosa luxury resorts are located is First Batch.
These guys live and breath coffee. And in particular the pursuit of coffee excellence. Not only do they share the expertise of their world class baristas through classes and the sale of equipment, they also produce a magnificent cup of java for you to have onsite.
Presenting their coffees as a Blend, Single Origin Espresso, they source and roast the highest quality of coffee.
Best of all, if you are a visitor and you want to enjoy their coffee at home, they offer free national delivery on all orders over $20 from their website.
Address: 2/8 Venture Drive, Noosaville
You can’t talk about coffee in Noosa without making reference to Clandestino.
Located in the Belmondos Organic Market in Noosaville’s industrial neighbourhood, these guys are experts at their trade. What they don’t know about the process of making excellent quality coffee is just not worth knowing about.
Their most popular house blend is Magneto which uses a mix of organic coffee beans sourced from the mountains of Papua New Guinea, Central America and Africa.
At any given time their full espresso bar has four grinders on the go. All of which serve up a fabulous range of coffee in a relaxed space with cool, friendly vibes.
Address: Belmondos Organic Market, 2/59 Rene St, Noosaville QLD 4566
If you are in to people watching then get yourself over to Café Le Monde.
Located in the heart of Hastings Street amongst all the designer boutiques and deluxe 5 star Noosa resorts, this uber cool coffee shop is the perfect place to wile away an hour or two.
Their signature house blend is a mix of certified organic arabica beans from Colombia, Mexico and Honduras, which has been designed and roasted for them by the Brisbane based company Fonzie Abbott.
They offer a delicious rotating menu of locally sourced, single origins, as well as single estate coffees as espresso and filter coffee.
The $1 Oyster Hour every Thursday is something else to look out for.
Address: 52 Hastings Street Noosa Heads, QLD 4567
Moto is a coffee shop like no other.
Created out of a passion for fabulous coffee, as well as great food, beers, music and motorbikes, a visit to Moto is ultimately about having a fantastic time with mates.
Located in the Noosa Junction, they offer a bespoke version of the Clandestino roast brand that you will only find at their establishment.
Made from Indonesian beans, it’s a smooth and strong coffee blend that is as warm and friendly as the café’s atmosphere.
If you love really cool motorbikes, this place will be your Disneyland, as they have loads of fantastic models on display for you to appreciate.
Address: 66 Noosa Dr, Noosa Heads QLD 4567
Rating: 8.7
If you like your wines or cocktails accompanied with spectacular views, then Brisbane is the place for you. Boasting some amazing rooftop bars, that showcase fantastic panoramic views of the city and the river, Queensland’s capital takes your evening out to another level. Check out these recommendations of some of the best rooftop bars in Brisbane that you could visit.
With its 180 degree views of the Brisbane skyline and outstanding menu of cocktails The Maya at Fortitude Valley is a fabulous venue in the heart of the CBD.
Inspired by a Mexican vibe, this stunning, open-air venue, replete with cacti, is so good it will have you shouting ‘Arriba!’ long before the night is out.
Their watermelon margarita is legendary – the perfect drink to have on a balmy evening, whilst you watch the sun set over the city.
But once the sun has gone fully down, their magnificent selection of mezcal cocktails, other margaritas and tequila; along with a mouthwatering range of light bites like snapper tacos and wagyu steak asado, will transport you to somewhere in the middle of Yucatan.
Address: 757 Ann St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
If you would rather head to the Mediterranean instead, then Iris is the place to go.
Located on top of Hotel X in the heart of the Fortitude Valley, this establishment is presented by the same mob who run Donna Chang, Blackbird and the wonderfully named Boom Boom Izakaya. So you just know its going to be fantastic!
The views of the Story Bridge are incredible, while its setting includes a swimming pool, wisteria and olive trees and mood fairy lights. There are even private cabanas for larger groups.
Its menu of delectable cocktails and delicious Middle Eastern mezze and tapas are suitably exquisite. While the tunes spun by the DJs are sure to lure you on the dancefloor.
Address: 458 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Arguably the best views of all rooftop bars in Brisbane can be found at Fiume.
This lofty establishment is situated in the luxury 5 star Crystalbrook Vincent hotel, which can be found within the riverfront hotspot of Howard Smith Wharves. It showcases sensational views of the CBD, river and wharf that will take your breath away.
Boasting a delicious range of cocktails that feature liqueurs from the Mt Tamborine Distillery, you will feel like a movie star as you sip on a wattle toffee espresso martini, or a wild plum spritz next to the eye-catching infinity pool.
The food menu includes such mouth-watering light bites as Moreton Bay calamari fritti, and nduja pizza topped with spreadable salami, fior de latte, honey and rocket.
Address: 5 Boundary St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
One of the newest spots in town, the Cielo Rooftop Bar is inspired by the Italian Riviera.
Located on Brunswick Street, six levels above La Costa in the Fortitude Valley, this venue is only open from Thursday to Sunday. But its reputation definitely precedes itself.
Featuring a cocktail menu curated by the team at Sydney’s much vaunted ‘Maybe Sammy’ – Australia’s number 1 bar – their drink selection is as much theatre as taste. Think beverages served with a puff of smoke.
The likes of a Portofino (vodka, mango, passionfruit, maraschino, orange curaçao, lemon and a tropical bubble) or Santorini (tequila, mezcal, aperol, mango and lemon) are just a couple of the many wonderful cocktails they offer.
Address: Rooftop, 209 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
High above the city in The Point Hotel you will find Eagles Nest.
Another joint that is only open for part of the week (Friday to Sundays) this stunning rooftop bar overlooks Kangaroo Point from 12 storeys up. So the views you get are magnificent, especially at sunset, or later in the evening when the Storey Bridge is lit up.
The bar serves a range of signature cocktails including the sumptuous Raspberry Lynchburg (Jack Daniels, Chambord, Lime Juice, Gomme, Raspberries, Sprite).
It also has a fine selection of Champagne, wine and craft beer, as well as a splendid tapas style bar.
Address: 21 Lambert St, Kangaroo Point QLD 4169