Sydney is famous for having some of the world's best beaches, but a more relaxing and elevated option to enjoy the summer is to look upwards, to the Sydney rooftop pools. What better way to spend a hot day than at a rooftop, swimming in a pool with the view of the city skyline and famous monuments.
To help you find the very best venues, we have gathered a full list of the most amazing places to stay cool high above Sydney. Often found on top of swanky hotels, the pools are exclusive oases that might come with a cost. But the experience of a Sydney hotel rooftop pool is always a good idea, and always worth it.
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Here's our list of the 8 best Sydney rooftop pools
The superb Park Hyatt Sydney is home to one of the most luxurious and private rooftop pools you can find in this city. With beautiful views of the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour, you’ll feel like you’re right in the middle of everything.
Despite a central location, this is a real oasis in the heart of Sydney. A feeling that is never more true than at the lovely rooftop.
The terrace is equipped with a stylish and heated swimming pool, a spa, cabanas and a private sun deck. Like almost all other Sydney rooftop pools, it’s only available for the guests of the hotel.
The pool is heated during the colder months, so it is open and available for dips with a view year round. And the rooftop pool alone is well worth booking a stay at the fantastic and five star Park Hyatt Sydney.
Address: 7 Hickson Road, Sydney CBD, 2000 Sydney
Availability: Pool only available to guests at the hotel
Open: Sunrise to sunset
One of the biggest rooftop pools Sydney is found at The Star Grand Hotel and Residences. And the pool is not only big, but also well designed, making it look very luxurious and inviting.
To put a finishing touch to the beautiful pool, it also comes framed with a lovely view over the harbour and Sydney skyline. As with many other rooftop pools, you have to be a guest at the superb hotel The Star to use it.
As a guest, you’ll have access to complimentary towels, newspapers and water all day long. And if you should forget your swimwear, you can buy a pair of new ones right by the pool.
Situated in The Star Entertainment Complex, so after some laps in the rooftop pool or just relaxing in a sun lounger, you are just a short walk away from the casino, a variety of high-end restaurants, bars and loads of other entertainment.
Address: 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont, 2009 Sydney
Availability: Pool only available to guests at the hotel
Open: 6am-9pm
Location: Level 5
The superb Kimpton Margot Sydney is a luxury, heritage-listed hotel, conveniently located on Pitt Street, right in the heart of the city. Close to many of the famous attractions, you are also very close to a lovely rooftop oasis.
Perched on the 7th floor, and aptly named Level Seven, the Kimpton Margot rooftop holds both a New York-style open-air rooftop bar, and a fantastic Sydney rooftop pool.
The 20-metre lap pool is open dialy from early morning to late night, exclusively to guests staying at the hotel. Surrounded with comfy sun beds and stylish lounge areas, this rooftop pool and terrace is truly a space easy to spend hour upon hour. Come weekend nights, and the Level Seven rooftop bar also opens to the public.
Address: 339 Pitt Street, Sydney CBD, 2000 Sydney
Availability: Pool only available to guests at the hotel
Hours: 6am-10pm
Given the name, it should come as no surprise that this Pullman Hotel is located right by Hyde Park. The five star establishment holds a very famous Sydney rooftop pool, mainly because it’s been featured in several movies and TV shows.
The swimming pool at Pullman Hyde Park is super luxurious and offers premium views in the central parts of Sydney amidst the downtown skyscrapers. Only available for the hotels guests, who also can enjoy some poolside dining.
The rooftop actually holds a full recreation area, and in addition to the pool there is also a fully equipped gym, jacuzzi and a sauna. Perfect mix of energy and relaxation, combined with the breathtaking view of the city rooftops and glimpses of Wolloomooloo Bay.
Address: 36 College St, Sydney CBD, 2000 Sydney
Availability: Pool only available to guests at the hotel
Notable: Full recreation rooftop: pool, gym, jacuzzi, sauna
One of the newest (and most amazing) rooftop pools Sydney has to offer. Set on the 4th floor of the industrial-chic Old Clare Hotel, the rooftop pool and terrace offers a bird’s eye view of the city and its rooftops.
A sophisticated roof terrace with a harmonious atmosphere, located right by the Central Station. So this is a very central rooftop oasis.
The main feature of the terrace is the amazing 14-metre rooftop pool, which is heated and pleasant for a swim year round. The pool is usually only available for the guests staying at the hotel, but there is also a rooftop bar, open to all from Thursday to Sunday.
Mixing drinks and bites with a swim is definitely not a problem at the Old Clare Hotel. And since the superb hotel and beautiful hotel was recently refurbished, booking some nights here should mean no problems either. Quite the opposite, actually.
Address: 1 Kensington Street, Chippendale, Sydney CBD, 2008 Sydney
Availability: Pool only available to guests at the hotel (sometimes public events)
Rooftop bar: Open to all, Thu-Fri 3pm-9.30pm / Sat-Sun 12pm-9.30pm
The modern and stylish Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour offers a slice of the Riviera, right in the heart of Sydney. Step out on the 4th floor terrace and find yourself in a Mediterranean escape, surrounded with Instagrammable views over Darling Harbour and the CBD skyline.
Called Le Rivage Pool Bar, the terrace is impressive all around, but the true gem is the fantastic rooftop infinity pool. A swim here is probably as close you will get to a swim in Darling Harbour.
Exclusive to guests staying at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, this is a private oasis to give a golden edge to a Sydney stay. In between refreshing dips, the pool bar offers inventive cocktails, premium Champagnes and wines, as well as tempting gourmet bites.
Address: 12 Darling Drive, Sydney CBD, 2000 Sydney
Availability: Only guests at the hotel
Hours: 6am-10pm
Located in Double Bay, a bit outside the city center, the rooftop swimming pool at InterContinental Sydney Double Bay is not the largest in Sydney. But what it lacks in size, it delivers in setting, views and atmosphere.
Crafted with limestone rock walls, the rooftop pool is surrounded with stylish day beds and comfy cabanas, where guests staying at the hotel can relax, while admiring the beautiful views over the Double Bay harbour.
The pool is available from 7am to 1 hour after sunset, and the staff at hand is ready to help you with towels, sunscreen, or whatever you might need. Truly relaxing, and worthy of a five star venue.
The terrace is also equipped with a rooftop bar, called The Upper Bar, where all are wlcome to indulge in signature cocktails, handpicked wines, bubbles, and tasty small plates perfect to share.
Address: 33 Cross Street, Double Bay, Double Bay, 2028 Sydney
Availability: Pool only available to guests at the hotel
Open: 7am-1 hour past sunset
Tucked away in the heart of the vibrant CBD, the chic and trendy Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour comes with a Manhattan-inspired design that blends with Sydney’s casual cool.
Offering a great location, the hotel also features a prime Sydney rooftop destination. Home to the urban and lush Above 319, where all are welcome to enjoy drinks, bites and views, the final touch of the vibrant top floor is the heated pool.
Surrounded with lux cabanas and spectacular views over the Sydney skyline, the pool is an exclusive spot for hotel guests to cool off during the summer months, or stay warm in style when its cooler.
Address: 319 Sussex Street, Sydney CBD, 2000 Sydney
Availability: Only guests at the hotel
Hours: 6am-10pm
Rikard has spent the last 10 years exploring, enjoying, researching and working with rooftop venues. During these years he has visited more than 700 rooftops across the globe. The experience he has gained is used to create helpful, in-depth and accessible content, and to share his knowledge and rooftop expertise with fellow rooftop-lovers.
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