The Emerson Rooftop Bar and Club, Rooftop bar in South Yarra, Australia.
The Emerson is a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the Melbourne skyline through a retractable roof system that can open or close depending on the weather. The venue has comfortable seating areas and multiple bars designed to serve different groups and drink preferences.
The Emerson emerged as part of Melbourne's growing rooftop bar trend that began to take shape as the city sought spaces where people could gather above street level. The venue was built with modern features like the retractable roof to enhance visitor comfort throughout the year.
The name references philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson, reflecting the venue's orientation toward intellectual and artistic conversation. Visitors notice the space functions as both a casual meeting spot and a dance venue, shifting character depending on the crowd and music being played.
The venue opens at different times depending on the day of the week, so check the specific schedule before you visit. Since it starts in the afternoon on weekends, you can come during the day or evening depending on how you want to spend your time.
On weekends there is a special brunch offering with unlimited cocktails and small appetizers during the day that turns the place into a relaxed gathering spot. After sunset the lower dance floor opens and the music gets louder, so the same space feels completely different.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
