Pleasant Riverside Bar and Dining at Riverland Bar in Federation Square
Head to Riverland Bar for a laid-back urban beer garden experience in the historic Federation Wharf vaults, just below Federation Square.
On our recent visits, we were happy to find easy accessibility, a vibrant atmosphere, and delicious bites including weekday lunch specials, all in an iconic setting perfect for unwinding.
Whether you’re soaking up the sun with a glass of wine during summer or cosying up under heaters with a winter cocktail, Riverland Bar offers a year-round outdoor retreat.
>> Head straight to our personal tidbits and accessibility advice for Riverland Bar
Riverland Bar, Melbourne
With a menu featuring Australian cuisine, visitors can enjoy a range of dishes and beverages in a picturesque setting at the iconic Riverland Bar.
We haven’t yet tried the bottomless brunch though it does sound like a fun and value-packed experience. We can vouch for the charming riverside ambiance to simply relax with a cocktail, coffee, or tea.
Meeting someone under the Big Screen in Federation Square is a great place to meet. My brother travelled into the city by tram, we came by train. He was a bit early but enjoyed watching people going about their business, including quite a few school groups. I love to see school groups enjoying our wonderful city of Melbourne.
We made our way down to the Riverland Bar/Restaurant, choosing to take the lift instead of the stairs. It was a bit cloudy and cool and though there was an indoor option, we enjoyed sitting at the outside tables.
The food was reasonably priced and good. I had the steak and the boys had the schnitzel. We declined the Pizza on the menu even though it did smell very good. The bottle of wine we shared was excellent!
Very pleasant atmosphere with the river beside you and the bridge and city buildings. However we did have a bit of fun with parrots enjoying the nuts from the Liquid Amber tree towering above us, they chewed until the nuts dropped around us, even hitting me on the back. Next time we will make sure we are sitting undercover. There were plenty of umbrellas and a larger undercover area. Toilets available also.
-Terrie
Weekday Lunch Specials
The simple and tasty lunch special at Riverland Bar offers a porterhouse steak, chicken schnitzel, or cauliflower steak served with chips and salad. We found it great value for the portion size, at $22, available only on weekdays.
Lunchtime, in the heart of Melbourne, feeling a bit peckish and looking for a peaceful hideaway, away from the hustle and bustle of the CBD, to enjoy a meal.
On a lovely autumn day recently we found the Riverland Bar, and it ticked all the boxes.
Right on the edge of the Yarra, down steps or a lift from Federation Square, the Riverland Bar is nestled in a cluster of vaults that must’ve been part of a wharf many years ago.
Today it is the site of a unique urban bar with a choice of indoor and outdoor spaces and good pub food.
We decided to eat outside at the tables and chairs spread along under the liquidambar trees and I chose the $22 lunch special chicken parmi.
With a sated hunger and a glass of chardonnay it was very enjoyable relaxing for a while and watching the comings and goings of river traffic.
P.S. If you’re familiar with the liquidambar tree you will know that they have round spikey seed pods that are really annoying when they dry out and cover the ground. The pods hadn’t fallen yet on this autumn day but there was a cheeky parrot chewing them off and he seemed determined to land one on our heads. No problem.. added to the ambience and enjoyment of the location.
– Chris
Entry and Accessibility
Riverland Bar is located on the banks of the Yarra River, making it easily accessible for day visitors.
The venue is situated in the historic Federation Wharf vaults, just below Federation Square, with convenient access to public transportation and parking facilities nearby.
For diners who may have mobility challenges, Riverland Bar offers wheelchair access to the venue, including ramps and elevators for easy navigation. The outdoor beer garden area is spacious and flat, allowing you to move around comfortably and enjoy the scenic views of the Yarra River.
Additionally, Riverland Bar provides ample seating options, including benches and tables with chairs, which have back support. There are shade umbrellas and outdoor heaters.
We have always found the staff to be friendly and accommodating.
I discovered Melbourne’s Federation Square in the mid-2000s as a convenient meeting place. “Under the Clocks” had been the established congregation point in earlier decades, but “Under the Big Screen” became more congenial because of readily available seating and the passing parade of pedestrians was a pleasant distraction while awaiting your rendezvous.
The company, coffee, conversation, and poetry was always delightful.
I rediscovered Fed Square this Easter when my sister invited me there to celebrate my 76th birthday. The tram ride from Ascot Vale was quick with the cheerful chatter of fellow passengers. Walking to Swanston Street brought memories of the wonderful second-hand book shops I used to frequent decades earlier – leisurely window shopping opportunities for new publications before scanning the more affordable shelves for old thrillers and the expanding collections of science fiction classics from the 1960s and 1970s.
On this occasion, I joined my sister Terrie and her husband Chris under the big screen and we strolled down to the aptly-named Riverland Restaurant along the Yarra riverbank. Dining was al fresco under a canopy of established trees, with a view of the river and moored crafts. It was a quiet spot protected from the city traffic noise. The service was quick and friendly. The food was good: our selections were Porterhouse Steak and Chicken Schnitzel, accompanied by a fruity NZ Sauv Blanc. A very delightful birthday lunch.
– Joe
Nearby Attractions
Combine your lunch outing with a visit to one of three splendid galleries in Federation Square.
ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) stands as a beacon of innovation in the realm of film, digital culture, and art.
NGV Australia, part of the National Gallery of Victoria, showcases an extensive collection of Australian art spanning from Indigenous art to contemporary masterpieces.
Additionally, the Koorie Heritage Trust provides a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage and contemporary art practices of Victoria’s Aboriginal communities.
Tidbits for visiting Riverland Bar
- Open daily for lunch and dinner;
- $22 lunch specials available Monday to Friday between 12-3 pm
- Both indoor and outdoor dining options;
- Bench seating as well as dining chairs with back support;
- Wheelchair-friendly with ramps and lift access;
- Accessible toilets on site;
- Explore nearby attractions at Fed Square, including ACMI, NGV Australia, and Koorie Heritage Trust;
- Located a short walk from Flinders Street train station.
Riverland Bar
Vaults 1-9 Federation Wharf Melbourne, (under Princes Bridge)
(03) 9662 1771
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