Discovery Melbourne Recommends: Ponyfish Island

Enjoy a drink on the island in the heart of the city.

If you’re planning on a night out in the CBD, then you’re not going to want to miss the crème de la crème when it comes to the best that Melbourne has to offer… But where to find such places, you might be wondering? Especially as Melbourne’s most unique venues also tend to be their most inconspicuous too. Yes, Australia’s culture capital sure does love its secret bars, and this one in particular would be fairly easy to pass by, should you not be too familiar with this labyrinth-like district.

But floating just under the Yarra Pedestrian Bridge along the Southbank – connecting you from there to Flinders Street Station – is the charming Ponyfish Island; the zany brainchild from the team that brought us the grungy Sister Bella, the eccentric Thousand Pound Bend and the quirky Workers Club.

Accessible via only one stairwell heading in and out, there is an air of exclusivity to this venue. It’s as if because you’ve found the place in question, you’re now part of a select club who’ve passed the bar’s initiation by actually tracking down its location. And you’re kindly rewarded for your efforts too, as you can pull up a pew and take in the illustrious views of the river and the Melbourne skyline, whilst enjoying your tipple of choice at its alfresco seating lining the perimeters.

But what about that name, you might be thinking… Well, the place itself takes its moniker from the elusive Ponyfish, a mysterious creature apparently seen swimming in the Yarra River. Much debate has been roused as to whether the Ponyfish actually exists, or if the creature is simply a fabrication created by those who wish to believe it. Why not head on over and try and spot one for yourself? Failing that, enjoy the spoils of Ponyfish Island’s fully stocked and contemporary food menu; offering up everything from scrumptious waffles and smashed avocado on toast to mouth-watering quesadillas and toasties.

No bathing suit required! Enjoy.

www.ponyfish.com.au

Southbank Pedestrian Bridge, Southgate 3000

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By Sandy Dhaliwal