River bar Arbory Afloat makes Yarra the hot spot this summer

MELBOURNE’S drinkers have embraced the rivertop bar, illustrated by the return of a floating drinking hole on a pop-up pontoon on the Yarra.

Kristen Thompson, India Munn and Mel Gezer check out the new Arbory Afloat. Picture: Tony Gough

THERE have been bars hidden down alleys, tucked away underground and perched on rooftops.

But Melbourne’s drinkers have embraced the rivertop bar, illustrated by the return of a floating drinking hole on the Yarra.

Back for a third year, Arbory Afloat, on a pop-up pontoon next to Flinders St station, is bigger than ever, and for the first time, patrons can arrive by boat.

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The opening comes as Parks Victoria is calling for more ideas to make use of the Lower Yarra.

Examples of activities being sought include on-water bars and restaurants, recreational entertainment, “temporary accommodation pop-ups” and performance spaces.

Warmer weather has signalled the return of floating bar on the Yarra River. Picture: Tony Gough

Park Victoria chief operating officer Simon Talbot said the move followed the success of Arbory Afloat and Supafish bars last summer.

“In recent years, the lower reaches of the river have become recognised as the commercial, residential and recreational hub of the city,” Mr Talbot said.

Arbory Afloat launched this week in time for the AFL Grand Final crowds and will be open until April.

This year’s floating pontoon is 19m longer than last year’s 50m structure.

Arbory marketing manager Dan Manly said his restaurant had also struck a deal with Melbourne Boat Hire and Cloud 9 Boats to berth their vessels at the pontoon.

“We are passionate operators who want to celebrate the Yarra River’s north bank precinct,” he said.

Kristen Thompson, India Munn and Mel Gezer check out the new Arbory Afloat. Picture: Tony Gough

Industry expert Tony Eldred, owner of Eldred Hospitality, said bar trade during winter was not consistent enough for operators to justify all-year open-air locations.

“What they are trying to do is increase their capacity (during summer) so they can take advantage,” he said.

“Melburnians have always had a love affair with open-air bars.

“That was usually beer gardens, but when property prices became so expensive, operators in desperation went to their rooftops, and now floating bars.”

The CBD section of the Yarra is also undergoing a facelift, with the construction of floating landings for ferry operators at the Southgate waterfront.

The works are part of a $2 million improvement of riverside services for ferry operators and passengers.

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@IanRoyall