7 Of Australia’s Best Hotel Rooftop Pools
Australia, as we know, is not lacking in world-famous bodies of water. From our pristine beaches to vast kilometres of rivers and lakes, you can spend an entire year on strictly aquatic activities. If you want to swim, fish, surf, water ski, snorkel, dive, parasail or captain a tinnie, this is the country to do it.
But there’s another element in Australia’s aquatic equation that doesn’t get nearly enough shine. You won’t see these quiet achievers on postcards or novelty aprons, but they absolutely deserve our raised glasses.
We’re talking, of course, about rooftop pools. Sure, you can’t bodysurf in them or feel the salt in your hair, but you also won’t bring a mystery sand clump to bed. And they’re the perfect excuse to splurge on a cheeky staycation or long weekend away while you wait for your next O/S holiday to roll around.
Read on for seven of the most luxurious, photogenic swimming spots for the discerning dipper, then head over to Wotif to book it in and thank us later.
The Johnson, Brisbane
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Most hotel pools are designed for, at best, some polite wading. Not so at Brisbane’s boutique hotel The Johnson, which looks out at the city skyline from the suburb of Spring Hill. Here you’ll find a full 50-metre lap pool waiting on the rooftop. Its generous proportions were designed by none other than Olympic gold medalist Michael Klim, so you’re swimming in safe hands.
Vigorous exercise isn’t your idea of a relaxing time? Luckily the pool is decked out with sun lounges, booths and that killer view.
The Old Clare Hotel, Sydney
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Sometimes you want a view across the open ocean, dotted with an occasional yacht. Sometimes you want rolling waves. And other times you want your feet in the water and the bustling city in the distance. Enter The Old Clare Hotel.
This boutique hotel, built within two heritage buildings in Sydney’s Chippendale suburb, proudly touts its inner-city locale. The 14-metre lap pool is for hotel guests only, but all comers can enjoy a rooftop bar menu from nearby A1 Canteen to go with your Bourbon Smash. To get some urban grit with your swim, go ahead and splurge on a room.
The Fantauzzo, Brisbane
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You can’t get a view more iconically Brissy than the Story Bridge — and we can’t think of a better way to enjoy it than from the rooftop infinity pool at The Fantauzzo. This thing is so close the bridge provides welcome shade at certain times in the day.
The six-storey boutique hotel is inspired by Australian painter Vincent Fantauzzo, with original works and prints scattered throughout its 166 rooms and luxuriously designed common areas. And the pool is the perfect place from which to gaze the mighty Brisbane River and recently revitalised Howard Smith Wharves.
Holiday Inn Old Sydney, Sydney
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Is a rooftop pool facing Sydney Harbour an obvious choice? Well, yes. But no list would be complete without a view this iconic.
Holiday Inn Old Sydney occupies a heritage-listed building in The Rocks between the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, with several world-class restaurants in skipping distance. You’ll be dazzled by the sparkling water at sunset whether you’re a local getting to know another side of your town or a visitor to the Harbour City.
The Chen, Melbourne
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Sure, you’ll find most of Melbourne’s charms in its hidden laneways, small bars and up-close music venues. But sometimes, just sometimes, you want to sit on a sunbed on the 24th floor of a luxury hotel.
The Chen, in the Melbourne suburb of Box Hill, is all about that rooftop pool life. The hotel – named after artist Zhong Chen, whose work hangs throughout – boasts a sleekly-designed 50-metre pool and sundeck with Insta-worthy views across Melbourne to the CBD skyline. It’s the perfect place to snooze in your sunnies and contemplate all the small bars you’ll have to visit next time.
Como The Treasury, Perth
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Okay, this one’s not technically a rooftop pool, but it’s perch at the top of the hotel and the fact that it’s enclosed from floor-to-ceiling windows means it offers the best of both worlds.
With just 48 guest rooms, two restaurants, a lounge and bar, along with a library and spa, Como The Treasury practically oozes style. It’s the kinda of place to splash out, so make it worthwhile by splashing around in that pool.
The Pool Terrace and Bar, Next Hotel Brisbane
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If you find yourself struck with shopping fatigue on Brisbane’s bustling Queen Street Mall, relief is just an elevator ride away. Ascend four floors in the iconic Lennons building and you’ll find yourself above the throngs at Next Hotel’s welcoming pool terrace and bar, where you can hang out from midday until late.
The 20-metre infinity pool is an ideal spot for soaking up Brisbane’s balmy weather, and you’ll feel pretty set if there’s a Negroni or margarita within reach. Just looking at the pool’s soothing blue will make the buskers and big-brand stores feel very far away.
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It’s time to Wotif it. Find these hotel rooftop pools and plenty more on wotif.com.
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(Image courtesy of The Holiday Inn Old Sydney)
