Riverland (Federation Wharf)

Search for Melbourne pubs, bars and nightclubs

List all suburbs

Partystar Review

Seriously laid-back primarily outdoors venue that has the location down pat. The whole bar operates like such a well-oiled machine we really do need to tip our hats to management. There's an abundance of seating, umbrellas, gas heaters and enough staff serving and collecting empties which does goes to show all those small things can add to make one good experience. To top it all off Riverland has moored a permanent gourmet sausage stand in the middle of it all. If only it wasn't so expensive.

Our tip: Friday after-work drinks must arrive early due to capacity issues.

Outdoor Area / Beer Garden

With beverage in hand, watch tram boats, canoes and other vessels float past.

Simon Woodhouse

Readers' Reviews

Riverland is a thriving, stylish bar set to bring drinkers outside to enjoy the view of the passing Yarra river. With a small array of imported beers and wines, as well as your standard mixers. There is a nice blend of music, but the music background is usually drowned out by the constant chatter of patrons. Be sure to get there early on a Friday, post-work, as the place tends to fill rather quickly and seating is limited. The crowd is nice and relaxed and most people are happy to mingle with people they've never met before, but arriving after 5.30 might see you forced to queue.

Greg, St Kilda, 03/07

Readers' Reviews

Riverland is THE place for Friday afternoon drinks. Head down the stairs from Fed Square to discover a popular after work crowd enjoying the fresh air and overlooking the Yarra. You need to get there early if you want any chance of getting a table so most of this bar is standing. They have umbrellas over the tables but if it rains it still puts a real damper on things with the outdoor setting. However its a great bar and word is getting out about the vibrant atmosphere and the good wine and beer selection.

Melissa Southwell, South Yarra, 02/07

Riverland is two beasts. It opens everyday at 7am to serve up a perfect breakfast: sourdough toast, muslei with sheeps-milk yoghurt or egg and bacon rolls from the BBQ. Seated outside right on the bank of the Yarra you can linger over another rich, strong coffee with the papers.

Come mid-morning you may decide you need to sample something sweet - a flourless chocolate friand maybe, or a flaky almond croissant. With the sun shining and the clock striking twelve you could ease into lunch with a drink: Stella, Asahi, Kronenburg or Carlton come on tap and the wine-list is wll-chosen with a large selection by the glass. Tasty pizzas with toppings like pesto and goats-milk feta, or herb and mushroom are available from the tiny kitchen, or the BBQ supplies mouth-watering organic sausages piled with fried onion and mustard as the perfect accompaniment to a refreshing beer.

As the shadows lengthen the bar comes to life - literally. A second bar opens, the beer flows faster and the tempo of the music keeps pace.

During the day Riverland is the most laid-back riverside cafe - a place to sit for hours and soak up the sunshine. At night it is transformed into the perfect place to spend glamourous summer nights.

Laura, Carlton, 11/06

Write a Review