cityscape: the melbourne waterfront

When I first arrived in Melbourne, Australia I’ll admit to being completely overwhelmed. I stayed on the north end of the CBD and I spent my weekend not venturing much further than that. On my last day in town, however, I got fed up with writing. Taking advantage of the sunny weather, I jumped a free tram to Swanston Street and walked down to the Melbourne waterfront. Zach told me about a bar and – typical Sarah – I wanted to go and check it out. It was a beautiful, hot day and I bought a cider and sat in the sun like the sunbaby I am. Initially, I’d been hesitant to go to the waterfront at all. The casino is on the south bank and much of the rest of the waterfront is made up of brand spanking new restaurants, bars, and shiny things. In all, not my ideal place.

What changed my mind? Read on…

Melbourne, Australia is a great city. Over the course of my time in Australia, I ventured back multiple times. I fell head over heels for it and I recommend it to anyone and everyone. It’s a good city for solo travellers, as well, because there’s always something going on. Coupled up? Kids at home? Melbourne is so perfect for everyone that it’s been listed as the world’s most liveable city for SEVEN YEARS. They must be doing something right! Couples will love the city’s many (4,000 odd) restaurants and hidden bars, while families will revel in Melbourne’s exciting activities and museums. There are so many great things to do in Melbourne with kids.

the melbourne waterfront

After I returned from my trip along the East Coast, I went back to the Melbourne waterfront. I sat at Ponyfish Island under the stars and the Chinese lanterns on the bridge above. Walked the bank promenade with Kenna to the Australian Open grounds. And watched the crew teams practicing on the river, and I watched the Chinese New Year fireworks from the Southbank side.

As I spent more time on the Melbourne waterfront, I saw past its shiny facade to the real waterfront. The docks have been there long before the bars that belly up to them, the shady old trees line the riverbank on both sides, Melburnians and tourists alike use the riverbank as a line of transportation, walking there instead of on the street above. My entire thoughts toward the Melbourne waterfront changed as I wandered along it, and now I want to share it with you.

where to go

The Travellers

This public art installation is very cool. I wish I’d gone back during the day to see it properly. It’s on the pedestrian bridge and is dedicated to the various immigrants that make up Melbourne. It breaks down the different countries we come from, the languages we speak, the religions we are, and the cultures were brought with us (I use “we” very liberally of course).

Sandridge Bridge, near Flinders Street Station and Southbank

Federation Square

Ok, so technically this isn’t right on the river, but it is just above the river on the city level, and its definitely worth checking out. Federation Square constantly has something big going on – whether its a peaceful rally, a Chinese New Year show, the tennis/rugby/footy matches on the big screen, the Super Bowl, food festivals  – and that’s just outside. Inside, under the atrium, visit the many little shops, happen upon a used book fair, or marvel at the fascinating architecture that makes up the vast blue space. If you have time, stay and watch as the glass transforms colours with the shifting light.

Across from Flinders Street Station, Flinders Street

Ian Potter Centre: NGV

A (mostly) free Australian art gallery, this museum is in conjunction with the National Gallery of Victoria, across the river. Visit for the Aboriginal art and for the interesting traditional sculptures. It’s attached to Federation Square and can be accessed from the atrium or the elevators down from the square itself.

Across from Flinders Street Station, Flinders Street

Birrarung Marr

Don’t ask me what a Birrarung is, nor what a Marr is. But put them together and you have a grassy knoll in the centre of the city. Birrarung Marr is a series of terraces that step down to the river. Designed to provide a “robust setting” for festivals, while at the same time providing a peaceful, relaxing space, Birrarung Marr provides the Melbourne waterfront with a less-formal garden to call home. The park follows the line of the river and the highway, and is surprisingly quiet despite the traffic and the trains that fly past. Keep an eye out for various art installations.

River walk

where to eat

Arbory Bar

The Arbory Bar sits under the large trees that shade the waterfront and runs 120m down the promenade. This distinction makes it officially Melbourne’s longest bar. Do go, and do enjoy the espresso martini that’s on tap. Seriously.

Flinders Walk, under Flinders Street Station

Ponyfish Island

Leave it to Melbourne to put a bar under a bridge support. I mean, Melbourne is full of amazing little bars in weird places (more on those later!), so it comes as no surprise that this bar is in a great spot. You get to it from the pedestrian bridge but its easily spotted from the riverbank and even the trams on the other bridges. Go: in the afternoon, in the evening as the sun sets along behind Southbank, or late at night when the stars are out.

Southbank Pedestrian Bridge, Southbank

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While this is by no means an exhaustive list of the Melbourne riverfront, its a start. I’ll be updating this post as I continue to return to Melbourne and visit more of the bars, restaurants, and attractions along the Melbourne waterfront.

Wondering what to do in other Australian cities? Check out my Brisbane riverfront post and my Adelaide coffee post! Taking a road trip? Here are some details about the Sapphire Coast and the Great Ocean Road!

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