Blogs

Melbourne Public

June 21, 2021
Melbourne Public is the biggest pub on South Wharf, but it's more than just a place to enjoy a beer, as our intrepid blogger Sandi discovered. There's lots of games and activities to enjoy, events, great food and many more drinks than just the amber fluid.

Plus 5

June 8, 2021
Plus 5 on South Wharf is a bar and small eatery that often flies under the radar. This means that it is a cosy, intimate and friendly place, which is what our intrepid vlogger Sandi Sieger discovered recently.

Pure South

May 31, 2021
What a great combination - Pure South's food/ drinks + a trip up Eureka Skydeck to gaze over our beautiful city. That's exactly what our intrepid blogger Sandi did last week, and we'll think you'll like what she found.

Riverland

May 25, 2021
The Yarra River Precinct's famed riverside dining and drinking started with Riverland Bar at Federation Wharf nearly 20 years ago. It's still going strong and Sandi pops in to reconnect with this icon of hospitality.

La Camera, Southgate

May 16, 2021
With the weather turning a bit cooler, this week Sandi turns her attention a more traditional indoor venue, Southgate's La Camera, although it does have a delightful north-facing deck that catches every bit of the winter sun.

The Mission

April 20, 2021
Sandi wanders into Northbank's historic Mission to Seafarers one evening and bumps into CEO Sue Dight, who explains what the modern Mission does. It also happens to be one of their regular Sea Shanty evenings, so sing-along !

The Common Man

April 13, 2021
The Common Man, and its sister outdoor venue, Common Lawn, is the buzzing nerve centre of South Wharf. Sandi re-acquaints herself with this great social meeting spot.

Byblos, WTC Wharf

April 5, 2021
Melbourne influencer Sandi Sieger visits Byblos, on WTC Wharf, just as the sun is setting over the beautiful Yarra River. The rich interiors of Byblos match the beauty and tastes of its delectable middle eastern food. Another dining gem of the Yarra River Precinct !

The Wharf Hotel

March 26, 2021
Sandi takes a stroll around the western end of the Yarra River Precinct, sampling the delights of WTC Wharf. She pops into one of the precinct's favourite watering holes, The Wharf Hotel, with its indoor/outdoor dining areas.

Arbory Afloat and Arbory Bar Eatery

March 13, 2021
Melbourne influencer Sandi Sieger explores the now iconic Arbory Afloat - Melbourne's only floating bar & eatery - which sits right alongside its sister venue, Arbory Bar Eatery - enjoy this special place.

Yarra Bar & Kitchen

March 5, 2021
Melbourne social media influencer Sandi Sieger ventures down onto the Lower Promenade on Southbank to explore the latest outdoor eatery and drinking space.

Leftbank Melbourne

February 21, 2021
Melbourne influencer Sandi Sieger takes a stroll along Southbank Promenade and pops into Leftbank Melbourne's new outdoor riverside eatery, where she bumps into owner Eddie Muto

BangPop, South Wharf

February 21, 2021
Melbourne influencer Sandi Sieger takes you on a brief tour of South Wharf's bustling Thai-style eatery 'Bangpop'. It's one of Melbourne's best regarded Thai restaurants, with a colourful, funky decor to match the exciting food.

Melbourne's Many Attractions Along The Yarra River

December 4, 2020
What’s better than visiting the many attractions of Melbourne’s Yarra River Precinct over summer? It’s being able to visit them time and time again over the next 12 months. Fortunately, there’s a very cost effective way to be able to do it, and we’ve picked out a few to highlight here.

Learn To Cook Thai With BangPop

May 5, 2020
BangPop’s online Thai Cooking Classes have been a big hit. Thai food is really about taking those strong and subtle flavours and perfecting the ‘balance’ of salty, sweet, sour and spicy. And you can learn how to do that from your kitchen at home!

The Spiegeltent Returns!

March 13, 2020
You know it is autumn in the Yarra River Precinct when the Famous Spiegeltent reappears on the Arts Centre forecourt, taking centre stage along St Kilda Road. It’s a little bit of the olde-worlde entertainment venues, reminiscent of the travelling sideshows of past times. But, there’s nothing old fashioned about the entertainment available inside.

Mad March In The Yarra River Precinct

February 12, 2020
March is the month of big events in the Yarra River Precinct, so plan ahead to get the most out of it! From the Australian Grand Prix to Moomba, ASIA Topa to Melbourne Design Week, and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival to Blak Box at the Botanic Gardens, there is something for everyone this March.

Six Things You Didn't Know About The Yarra River...

February 10, 2020
Known by locals as ‘My Brown Yarra,’ there’s much more to the Yarra River than meets the eye. Despite being one of the city’s most recognisable natural landmarks, even locals know little about the Yarra River. Here are six interesting facts you need to know...

Take A Walk On The North Side

February 3, 2020
It has been operating for more than a decade, but WTC Wharf, on the Yarra’s northbank is still one of the precinct’s largely undiscovered gems. It faces south across the river, with great views of Jeff’s shed and South Wharf, but its northbank location makes it one of the coolest places to escape the summer sun.

Australian Open Fever Along The Yarra River

January 17, 2020
Late January in the Yarra River Precinct only means one thing – tennis! The hardened tennis fans will be happy to join the endless queues at Melbourne Park for just about everything. Good luck to you and don’t forget the sunscreen. For me, I prefer my tennis on the big screen, next to the river, with ready access to unlimited food and drinks – without any queues. In our part of the world, there are two locations to choose from: Federation Square and Common Lawn on South Wharf.

The Best Way To Experience Melbourne

January 15, 2020
From a simple water taxi ride to reach a concert at Hisense Arena or the Australian Open, through to the floating restaurant, Spirit of Melbourne, or a self-drive hire boat, there’s just about every way to really float your boat.

The Yarra’s ‘Invasion’ Of The Blobs

January 12, 2020
There’s even more reason to visit SEALIFE Melbourne, on the banks on the Yarra, this summer. Apart from the usual enthralling undersea displays, plus the always delightful living exhibition of giant penguins, there’s a new exhibition that takes you into the mysteriously fascinating world of jellyfish.

This Summer's Must See Family Show

January 1, 2020
The Yarra River Precinct’s must-see family show this January is Cirque Stratosphere at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Hamer Hall. It’s from the same people who have previously given us The Illusionists and Le Noir. This January’s Cirque Stratosphere promises to turn Hamer Hall into a circus extravaganza, but for 8 days only, from 3 January.

Father's Day Along Yarra River

August 26, 2019
Celebrations for fathers are often last minute affairs. If this is your case, then let us give you some more unusual suggestions to solve the dilemma of what do with dad this Sunday!

Buxton Adds To Southbank Artspaces

August 20, 2019
Designed by renowned architects Fender Katsalidis, the Buxton Contemporary Gallery opened in March last year and comprises four public exhibition galleries, teaching facilities, and the largest outdoor screen in Australia dedicated to the display of moving image art.

Cheap Lunch Eats In The Yarra River Precinct – Part 3: World Trade Centre

July 19, 2019
Often overlooked in the quest for fine dining, and even lunchtime fare, is the World Trade Centre, which overlooks the river at its western end, opposite Jeff’s shed and South Wharf.

Wallet Friendly South Wharf Lunches

June 6, 2019
With winter underway, how to keep out of the cold becomes top of mind for most people. Grab the beanies, gloves, scarves and thick socks, but don’t forget about inner warmth. The easiest way to get that is to find a hearty, cost-effective lunch in the Yarra River Precinct

Wallet-Friendly Southbank Lunches: Part 1

May 10, 2019
Treating yourself to a quality lunch on Southbank need not cost a small fortune. With the prices we have unearthed for you, you could lunch out in style once a week, every week, and not take a hit to the wallet, or the waistline for that matter!

Autumn Pop-Ups Along The Yarra

March 5, 2019
March-April is probably the pick of the months to enjoy the riverside ambience of the Yarra and your last chance to relish some great pop-up installations.

Yarra River Precinct A Drawcard For Big Name Entertainers

February 14, 2019
The month of February usually sees the return of some big entertainment names to stages around the Yarra River Precinct. With Christmas and school holidays behind us, and cold weather in the Northern Hemisphere forcing musicians down-under, there is usually a wealth of musical talent to look forward to.

Game, Set, Match: Take A Water Taxi To The Australian Open

January 15, 2019
The downside of the Aus Open is the huge crowds, the heat and parking. However, we have all those covered for you so that your AO experience is as enjoyable as possible.

Solving The January Family Dilemma

December 28, 2018
Here are some thought starters for spending January in the Yarra River Precinct with the little, and the not-so-little, tackers.

Beat The Heat at Royal Botanic Gardens This Summer

November 28, 2018
The best thing about December through to February is the more relaxed atmosphere and having a bit more time on our hands. The worst aspect can be the heat. Here's how to bear the heat at the Royal Botanic Gardens this summer.

Summertime...And The Living Is Easy

November 7, 2018
It might not be summer yet, but the days are getting longer and the nights balmier, so we thought we’d give you a run-down on how to get as close to the water as possible during late spring and summer...

Messing Around In Boats

October 18, 2018
With the weather improving and with plenty of onshore options to slake thirst and satisfy hunger, here is our selection of how to mess about on the water during spring 2018.

Sanity-Saving School Holiday Ideas

September 1, 2018
Our guide to the best school holiday activities in the Yarra River Precinct - whether you're a parent looking to fill in two weeks of the kids at home, or a friend or relative wanting to get the kids off someone's hands for a couple of hours. We've got you covered.

Dads’ Day in the Sun

August 13, 2018
Fathers’ Day is just around the corner again and, Southbank and the Yarra River Precinct provide plenty of options, and we present a few of them for your information. Remember to book asap, because they will fill-up quickly over the next few weeks.

MCEC To Reinvent Events As We Know Them in Melbourne

June 26, 2018
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is reinventing events in Melbourne. Their new spaces and activations – to be unveiled next month - will help people reimagine their next event and create amazing experiences, growing the business events sector in Melbourne.

A Journey Through South Wharf’s Dining Precinct

June 12, 2018
I recently got the chance to explore the best of South Wharf’s dining precinct by way of a multi-course degustation. From casual snack spots to luxury dinner venues and everything in between, South Wharf has something for everyone. Which one will you visit first?

Winter Warmers: Southgate Restaurants Serving Up Seasonal Delights This Winter

May 14, 2018
Winter warmers: Southgate restaurants are serving up seasonal delights with a series of masterclasses, meet-the-maker events, and innovative new dishes and drinks.

Riverside Party Spaces For Any Function

April 27, 2018
Events in the Yarra River Precinct can range from a surprisingly good busker on the Promenade through to major international acts at the Myer Music Bowl and Rod Laver Arena, but for most people the most memorable are usually those with a very personal flavour.

Your Guide To Cheap Eats & Drinks in South Wharf

March 22, 2018
With so many cheap eats options in Melbourne, it's not hard to eat out without breaking the bank. Whether it’s lunch, dinner or drinks, you can enjoy the best of food and drink in South Wharf? while still sticking to your budget.

Unlocking The Vault of Aus’ Music

February 20, 2018
Now open at Arts Centre Melbourne, the Australian Music Vault is a place to explore your love of music, revisit some of the big music moments of your life, share those memories and discover the exciting new stories of today’s Australian music scene.

Yarra River's Chamber Of Secrets

November 27, 2017
This month we’re opening-up the vault of Yarra River ‘secrets’ to give you a selection of places away from the river bustle to eat and drink, with just a bit of quirkiness as a side dish.

Christmas Partying: Yarra River Style

October 18, 2017
While you don’t need to be thinking of stocking-fillers just yet, you do need to be planning and booking-in your pre-Christmas functions, especially around the ever-popular Yarra River Precinct.

Slap Those Thighs: It's Oktoberfest in the Yarra River Precinct

September 10, 2017
Dust-off the leather shorts, grab your Dachshund and practice the thigh slapping, because it’s Oktoberfest time again, and nowhere in Melbourne does it better than Southbank and South Wharf.

Focus on Fathers for Yarra River Precinct

August 8, 2017
With Father's Day just around the corner, we give you a preview of what you can do, see, eat, drink and enjoy along the Yarra River with the main man in your life - from sports to arts, epic views to classic pubs. Make this Father's Day the most memorable yet along our gorgeous banks.

Winter 2017 Highlights Along The Yarra River

June 7, 2017
Just because the weather is cooler and the days are shorter doesn’t mean that there’s not much happening on Melbourne’s riverside. Just the opposite in fact, as three of the Yarra River Precinct’s major attractions crank-up their activity level for winter.

Yarra's Edge Is Well Worth A Look

May 17, 2017
Ever heard of Yarra's Edge? Probably not, because it’s a modern village, right on the water, close to the CBD, but tucked-away from the city’s busier places. Once you get there it will be well worth it, and you’ll probably wonder why you didn’t know about it before.

Cosy Corners Along The Yarra

May 5, 2017
The days and nights along the river are getting colder and while there are plenty of places that have external heating, it’s often nice to hunker down inside somewhere cosy to enjoy a drink, whether that be a red wine, spirits, a cocktail, or perhaps just a coffee or hot chocolate.

Melbourne Food & Wine Festival: River Graze

March 14, 2017
If you needed even more proof that great food, wine and water scenery go together, then make sure you diarise Friday night 31 March through to Sunday 2 April, when the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival 2017 bursts into life with ‘River Graze’ along the city section of the Yarra.

White Night 2017 Set To Dazzle Southbank

February 3, 2017
The line-up for February 18th's White Night has been revealed and Southbank features prominently in the highlights.

Lunar New Year Celebrations

January 19, 2017
Lunar New Year celebrations bring today colour, movement, music and Melbourne across our favourite Melbourne riverside precincts.

Coffee by the Yarra

November 7, 2016
A coffee in Melbourne is one of our most time honoured traditions. Find the best brews (and beers!) by the Yarra River.

Spring Boating

September 21, 2016
Fancy an adventure on the Yarra? Jump aboard one of our many waterway transport options this Spring and enjoy the city from the river.

Spring in the Gardens

August 18, 2016
Spring in Melbourne is beautiful, so why not enjoy the parks and gardens by the Yarra River.

Yarra River Precinct Promises Icy Winter Treats

June 8, 2016
Winter by the Yarra River has never looked more exciting! Bring your family and friends to experience all the fun of Melbourne, even when its cold.

Moomba 2016

March 1, 2016
It's all about the Birdman Rally, Waterskiing, Fireworks and the Moomba parade - Melbourne's quintessential festival will again be celebrated by young and old this Labour Day weekend.

River Graze

February 5, 2016
A weekend culinary adventure for big and little foodies alike. Kicking off the 2016 Good Food and Wine Festival’s Opening Weekend, the Yarra River transforms into a food and wine lovers playground bursting with culinary hot-spots, free entertainment, regional flavours, and water ferries to get you from one spot to another.

February - Love, Sport and all things WHITE!

January 28, 2016
February is a fantastic month of activity by the river, where Valentines Day reigns supreme for dining and romantic walks by the water, the Superbowl brings out the most dedicated of sports supporters and White Night gives us plenty to see and do until the small hours of the morning.

A Yarra River New Year

December 18, 2015
As the end of 2015 draws near, it's time to book your spot for the biggest party of the year.

Christmas in Melbourne

November 25, 2015
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Melbourne - and especially by the Yarra! Join in the festive spirit with a range of events for the whole family.

Style School Melbourne

November 24, 2015
If you are looking for a fun and educational experience for your teenage daughter, Style School Melbourne is the ideal environment to learn lifelong skills in a dynamic environment.

Good Food Month

November 6, 2015
It's Good Food Month in Melbourne and that means the return of the Night Noodle Markets!

Spring Racing Carnival

October 24, 2015
Where will you be when the race that stops a nation is run? Head to the Yarra River for entertainment, food and drink - and maybe even back a winner!

September School Holidays and beyond

September 19, 2015
The school holidays are upon us again, and just around the corner - the AFL Grand Final and the Spring Racing Carnival.

Fathers Day

August 26, 2015
Father's Day is on September 6, and there are many places for you to spoil Dad by the river on his special day.

Melbourne Day

August 4, 2015
Melbourne Day will celebrate Melbourne's 180th birthday in 2015! Join in the celebrations, and other fun things to do by the Yarra in August.

Southgate Moveable Feasts

July 2, 2015
Southgate's Moveable Feasts are a Melbourne Institution and a wonderful way to spend a Sunday lunch, or Monday dinner. Until August 3, enjoy three courses from three different restaurants under the one roof.

School Holiday Activities

June 29, 2015
School holiday activities to please young and old. Keep the kids entertained by the river this winter!

Winter Roasts

June 3, 2015
A roast in Winter is one of life’s true luxuries.

Winter at Federation Square

May 25, 2015
The footy isn't the only activity in Melbourne during winter. Experience all Federation Square has to offer over the coming months, including David Bowie!

Winter Arts and Entertainment

May 25, 2015
Get some culture in Melbourne this winter at the National Gallery of Victoria, the Melbourne Recital Centre or the Arts Centre, and be entertained at Crown Melbourne!

Take it to the Water – Boating on the Yarra

May 14, 2015
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Mother's Day

May 1, 2015
With just over a week until Mother's Day, it's time to work out where you are going to celebrate on Sunday 10 May. Whether it's a sumptuous brunch, an elegant lunch complete with champagne or a delicious dinner, there are plenty of places to dine with Mum by the River.

Anzac Day 2015

April 14, 2015
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Melbourne International Comedy Festival

March 23, 2015
The best of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, at some of our favourite riverside venues!

Moomba on the Yarra

March 2, 2015
One of our favourite Melbourne festivals is due in town this weekend - MOOMBA!

White Night

February 18, 2015
Experience over 80 events at White Night Melbourne. This Saturday 21 February from 7pm, through to Sunday morning at 7am

OPEN KITCHEN @ MFWF

February 4, 2015
The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival's Open Kitchen Weekend by the Yarra. How will your spend your weekend? #eat #drink #bemerry

Love is in the air everywhere you look around… the Yarra!

February 2, 2015
Celebrate the most romantic day of the year by the Yarra River, whether its dinner, cruises or fireworks.

Australian Open hits town

January 13, 2015
Game, Set, Match! – the Australian Open is set to hit Melbourne’s shores in just under a week and we can’t wait!

Summer on the Water

January 9, 2015
Experience Melbourne and the Yarra River on the water with a range of boating options for you and your family to experience this summer.

Watching life pass on the Yarra River

January 5, 2015
As locals, we know and love the Yarra River, and now Sydneysiders will know it too!

Carols by Candlelight

December 18, 2014
Carols by Candlelight is a Christmas tradition. Enjoy the event at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, or at the Federation Square live site.

SummerSalt Festival 2015

December 12, 2014
The SummerSalt Festival 2015 will bring Southbank and the Yarra River to life, featuring a range of events covering dance, theatre, art, music and more!

New Year’s Eve by the Yarra River

December 12, 2014
Melbourne is a wonderful place to bring in the New Year, with a myriad of choices for families, party-goers, fine diners and more!??

The Top Ten Places to Eat by the Yarra

December 11, 2014
Your go to guide for the top ten spots to dine and drink by the Yarra River, Melbourne.