Ponyfish Island

Follow the hip-hop beats under the Southgate Pedestrian Bridge and you'll find one of Melbourne's most surprising bars. With the river sloshing past on both sides, Ponyfish Island attracts a thrumming mix of tourists, urban kids sipping draught cider, and city workers breathing some fresh air and soaking up the sun over an espresso. Live music is sometimes on offer, the drinks (standard beers and wine from a tiny list) are reasonably priced and there are salads, toasties and barbecued goodies for those not wishing to head to the mainland for food. It gets crowded at peak times, so arrive early to secure a seat.

This boat-shaped concrete island in the middle of the Yarra may not have the most extensive drinks list in town but it has location in spades.