Have you seen what’s hidden beneath Federation Square? If your answer is No, then let us show you… and if your answer is yes then this article validates your experience even more!
Established in 2006, Riverland Bar has become a mainstay on the Yarra waterfront and sometimes it’s easy to forget that it’s there. Let’s not make that mistake again!
Just head down the staircase on the Federation Square side of Princes Bridge (look for the sign with an arrow pointing down to ‘Riverland Bar’) to find this bustling oasis equipped for rain, hail, or shine. You can’t miss it – a huge sprawl of tables and chairs of all sizes, comfortably shaded (and heated for those chillier nights) and complemented by lush greenery.
After being welcomed by the super chill staff, make your order at the bar window – here is where the experience really begins.
You’ll notice that the bar is cleverly set up inside a heritage-listed bluestone vault – one of nine vaults total that make up the venue. This is where you’ll realise you’ve found a gem with true Melbourne charm.
It’s Melbourne personified. Just a quick glance around and you’ll spy all kinds of characters that make up our city: young couples on a romantic date, a fun family lunch, friendly catch-ups and suited corporates on their lunch break. The common denominator: everyone is smiling.
Maybe it’s the food: there are plenty of options from finger food to mains. We recommend ordering a couple of pizzas and their deliciously-seasoned fries (which come in a nice big bowl!).
Photography: Christine Chanty
Maybe it’s the drinks: Riverland’s house cocktails vary depending on the season, meaning you can never make a wrong choice. With spring and summer coming up, we recommend the ‘Yuzu Highball’ and ‘Strawberry Lemonade’ – so fresh!
Or maybe it’s simply the scenery: A sunny day by the water in a comfortable space, a cool breeze and happy vibes all round. You can even do a bit of people-watching, with peaceful picnic boats passing by every so often.
Photography: Christine Chanty
It’s hard to say why Riverland is such a good spot. Whether it’s the setting, staff, food, mood or all the above, this place certainly has the goods to make your day as it did mine.
