Ten waterside watering holes in Victoria, from the beach to the river

Places to perch beside the water with a glass of something cold on a hot day, be it a bar wrapped around one of the Yarra's footbridges or a tropical-themed beer garden backing onto a river in Melbourne's west.

Ponyfish Island

This original floating bar of the Yarra may have been dwarfed in size by neighbouring newcomers, but Ponyfish's petite proportions are now part of its charm. A recent revamp leans into mid-century Californian looks, with clever design touches such as handsome sun shades that you can move as the light changes. Staff are friendly and efficient, wine and beer choices are uncomplicated, and there are plenty of light and fizzy cocktails, including jugs to share.

Below Evan Walker Bridge, Southbank, ponyfishisland.com.au

Terrace at Victoria by Farmer's Daughters

Federation Square finally has a restaurant that faces the Yarra, and it's making all the right moves. The shaded Terrace is the place to watch rowers glide past, while you snack on charcuterie made by Castlemaine's Oakwood with something Victorian in your glass, part of the restaurant's commitment to put the state on the plate. During summer, Four Pillars Gin are taking over the Terrace on Sunday afternoons, serving two hours of bottomless cocktails alongside a seven-course snack menu ($90).

Ground floor, river side of the Yarra Building, Federation Square, Melbourne, victoriarestaurant.com.au

Morgan's Sorrento

If you're feeling travel-starved, a sunny afternoon at Morgan's in Sorrento, with its Greek beach holiday vibes, might just tide you over. It's a friendly, laidback space with accents of blue and white and a contemporary, seafood-led menu. Drinkers are welcome, but if you're staying for lunch, seaweed-crumbed fillets of King George whiting or pork cotoletta are part of the regular menu. Over summer, it's a Mexican fiesta of tacos, ceviche and grilled dishes.

1 Esplanade, Sorrento, morganssorrento.com.au

Cerberus Beach House

Perched above Half Moon Bay, the city beach of choice for many Melburnians, is this eatery with cut-above food and service. Upstairs is the restaurant, the place to go when you're ready to linger and happy to spend more. Find prawn cocktails and oysters, perhaps, or scallops Kilpatrick and prawn linguine. Down at the kiosk, you're closer to the water and the menu is a no-nonsense affair of burgers, fish and chips, and other crunchy, salty things. It's licensed, too.

212 Half Moon Bay, Black Rock, cerberusbeachhouse.com.au

Transit Bar

Those in the know keep peeling back megapub Transport Hotel's many layers: every flight of stairs you climb reveals a new side, with Transit Bar perched at the top. The deck is the spot for 180-degree views of the Yarra and Southbank; inside, bands play to toe-tappers occupying black leather lounges. Food can be as fancy (scallops with Cafe de Paris butter) or casual (triple-decker club sandwiches) as you like.

Level 2, Transport Hotel, Federation Square, Melbourne, transporthotel.com.au

Teddy Picker

Dogs, kids, diners and drinkers are part of the hubbub emanating from Teddy Picker's enormous outdoor area, with two bars and a kids' play zone that backs on to the Werribee River. It's part of the all-comers approach of the restaurant, which opened mid-pandemic. Plant-based options are numerous, there's wine on tap, and there's even a list of shots with adults-only names. Pizza is the signature here, the dough rested for 48 hours and topped with confit garlic, prosciutto di Parma or satay prawns. It's bookended by pubby dishes and a wide choice of snacks.

Shop 5, 116 Watton Street, Werribee, teddypickerwerribee.com

Elwood Bathers

Spruced up by Riviera-style striped umbrellas, rattan chairs and white timber finishes inside, Elwood Bathers is looking better than ever. The beach balcony is for when spontaneity strikes. Nab a table with your bestie or date for rosé, pizza and other snacky things ordered via QR code. Want to make a day of it? No seat in the restaurant is a bad one for water views and approachable, mod Oz fare. Be warned: the waterside dining price premium is in full force, but if you're ready to splash out, step this way.

15 Elwood Foreshore, Elwood, elwoodbathers.com

Sebastian

This former bathers' pavilion with a multimillion-dollar view has become a Williamstown go-to. The expansive deck beckons for summer sessions. Fill your table with rounds of gildas, the pintxos of the moment (pictured, right), or lightly fried calamari. Or take it up a notch with the house hot dog: pork sausage and chimichurri on a crusty roll. Beachy cocktails – mojitos and bellinis – are joined by vermouth-based drinks. Keen on dinner? Book a table by the water.

26 Esplanade, Williamstown, sebastianbeachgrill.com

Lorne Hotel

There's plenty of change afoot at the Lorne Hotel, following Merivale's purchase in 2021, but thankfully the formula of drinks and views hasn't been touched. On the second floor is the bistro and beer garden, with a beach-facing dining room for when you want cover, and an outdoor deck with umbrellas for stellar days. Pub meals and snacks are now in the hands of former Captain Moonlite chef Matt Germanchis who is spotlighting local seafood.

176 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne, merivale.com

Arbory Afloat

Why drink by the water when you can drink on the water? That's the logic at Melbourne's Arbory Afloat, the floating sibling to the land-based Arbory. This summer, stepping on board takes you to the Balearic Islands, complete with a palm-fringed plunge pool. DJs, a seafood-heavy menu and staff uniforms complete the Ibiza holiday fantasy while the backdrop reminds you you're still in the big smoke.

1 Flinders Walk, Melbourne, arboryafloat.com.au

The Age Good Food Guide 2023 magazine is available for $9.95 from newsagents, supermarkets and at thestore.com.au