Transport Hotel

Partystar Review

Melbourne's image of a typical bar - small, exclusive, hard to get into and often hard to find amongst garbage bins in an alleyway, is challenged by this brazen behemoth of a place. Transport was the combined effort of hospitality guru Paul Mathis and architect Peter Maddison, a team which also brought us Chocolate Buddha, Blue Train and Automatic. It's the biggest of the lot, accommodating hundreds of people and offering views of the Yarra River, the MCG, Flinders Street Station and the city.

Transport's industrial minimalism with polished concrete benches, terrazzo floors and gleaming chrome beer pipes is muted by low-key lighting to keep patrons reasonably relaxed in such a huge space.

Flat screen televisions keep punters informed about news, sport and videos to suit the time of day.

With so much to offer and a central location it's no wonder that Transport is often packed to the (very high) rafters. You might need to queue, but usually not for long.

Sushi-style snacks go down well with corporate types on week nights, but with over 100 beer varieties on offer, it's lagers that are the key items of consumption.

Outdoor Area / Beer Garden

Tear yourself away from the action downstairs and head upstairs to Transit, the more upmarket piano bar on the rooftop. Or, chill outside downstairs.

Julie Whiting

Second Opinion

Busy prime-positioned bar on Federation Square. Feel is futuristic, industrial grey with a wildly varied clientele as one would expect at such a location. A small collection of stools outside come in handy to enjoy a drink and watch the square's daily life go by.

Simon Woodhouse

Readers' Reviews

Very chilled out, great music, fresh beer... everybody is welcome (no issues of guest list, private function etc). The bouncers don't stare at you like some of the other bars in Melbourne. On the whole, everybody enjoys themselves at Transport.

Adi, Melbourne, 07/05

Great place to chill out on the long tables with cosy cushions and raised foot platforms, either with your friends or introduce yourself to the people opposite and make some new ones, brilliant for people watching...

Nikki, Port Melbourne, 03/04