In spring and summer, Melbourne locals climb the stairs to their favourite rooftop bars, with funky Seventies garden furniture and great urban views. Here are some of our favourite secrets.

Madame Brussels

We love their garden parties (under A$40 per person) with sandwiches, cupcakes, sausage rolls and home-made punch. Your hostess here is Miss Pearls and she specialises in Pimms and fondue. There is something so Melbourne about this place: lots of retro, bags of charm. And if you’re travelling with your dog, you can take him/her too. There are faux hedges, and it’s open until 1am. Cheers!
Madame Brussels
Level 3, 59 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Website www.madamebrussels.com

Siglo at Melbourne Supper Club

Climb up from the European and the Melbourne Supper Club to Siglo, the rooftop sanctuary. The outdoor heaters are great in winter, but this place also stars in sweltering Melbourne summers. The furniture is pure French cafe, the vibe is heavy sophisticat. The views are sensational. We could seriously do without the chaps smoking their cigars up here, but otherwise – what’s not to love about somewhere which has won so many Age awards it’s falling over sideways? Especially when it’s open until 3am. Note: the door to the Supper Club is unmarked.
Siglo, Melbourne Supper Club, 161 Spring Street, Melbourne
Useful Website: http://melbourne.citysearch.com.au/bars_clubs/1137591406627/Siglo+Bar

The Order of Melbourne

Blink and you could miss the entrance, but once you are upstairs on the roof, Melbourne is laid out before you. It’s fully heated in winter, and there are often great gigs here too. Join the Facebook page and hear about their famous free barbecues upstairs. Lots of musicians and music industry faces end up here; it also attracts students from nearby RMIT. Extremely casual – be early to nab a table and seats.
The Order of Melbourne, 401 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Website www.401theorder.com.au/