Ponyfish Island

Ponyfish Island sits on the Evan Walker Bridge — the pedestrian bridge spanning the Yarra River between Southbank and Flinders Street — in the heart of Melbourne. A genuinely unique bar, it's tucked onto a little island beneath the bridge, right on the water, making it one of the city's most distinctive and beloved drinking spots, with great river-and-city views.

The appeal is that combination of a one-of-a-kind setting, good drinks and casual food, and a relaxed, buzzing atmosphere right on the Yarra: there's nowhere else quite like it, perched over the water in the middle of the city. It's a brilliant spot for a drink and a bite with a view, and its unique location has made it a real Melbourne favourite.

With a 4.4 rating from more than 1,700 reviews, it's clearly a much-loved spot. Drinks lists, any food, opening hours and access vary with the weather, and it fills up on warm evenings and weekends, so it's worth checking current details before you go — though for a drink in one of Melbourne's most unique settings, it's often just a matter of heading down to the bridge and finding a spot over the water.