Australia's sexiest rooftop bar — in Cairns?

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Jason Dundas only had to go as far as northern Queensland, Cairns to be exact, to find a rooftop bar similar to the ones he has enjoyed in Miami and Los Angeles.

Lilo takes up the top floor of the Rydges Plaza and makes the most of the 300-plus days of sunshine and average 25°C temperature the area enjoys. It cost more than $1 million and was, in fact, influenced by the popular Miami rooftop bars, but is still very Cairns.

Five indoor and outdoor lounge and dining areas are drawing the fun crowd who can relax in a cabana — candlelit at night — and listen to music between swims and enjoy a drink at the bar.

Breakfast is served every day between 6am and 9.30am and Lilo wet bar opens at 4pm and if you are with a hungry crowd, get ready to order the talk of the town.

Big Ass Burgers have to be seen to be believed. They have 2.7kg of beef and each one feeds eight hungry people. It has the usual lettuce, cheese, mayonnaise, onion rings and tomato like most hamburgers, but lots more of everything.

If you fancy something a little more delicate, sliders are a set of tiny burgers. Asparagus fries are something good to share, and it's a fair bet you will want to order another serving.

There are delicious selections from the hot buffet and they serve modern Australian cuisine "with a twist".

It's quite usual that you will see people still in their swimwear enjoying a drink with someone in their office clothes. The smart ones who have to go to work take a change of gear with them!

Related links: An Insider's Guide to Cairns and tropical north Queensland

Location

Cairns on the coast of far north Queensland.

Cost

Lilo's Big Ass Burgers are $25.

Virgin Blue has one-way flights to Cairns from:

Brisbane $149
Sydney $169
Melbourne $198
Canberra $229
Adelaide $239
Hobart $249
Darwin $259
Perth $329

There are limited seats, which may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Fares quoted are one-way booked on the internet. An extra $15 will be charged for phone bookings. A credit card surcharge of an additional $2 per person per one-way flight is applicable. Fares are correct at October 28, 2010, and are subject to change.

Price correct at October 28, 2010.