Melbourne gets a bad wrap for its weather at times. And yes it’s true, in winter it’s 20 degrees one day and three degrees and raining the next. But if there’s one thing Melburnians are good at, it’s being prepared for any conditions. Luckily, the team behind Melbourne’s newest floating venue, Yarra Botanica, have also taken that one on board.
Located by Sandridge Bridge in Southbank, Yarra Botanica is a two-level floating venue that is open all year round. They’re committed to showcasing the best produce and beverages that Victoria has, making it the perfect spot for your next day out.
The team behind the venue, Australian Venue Co, have transformed the menu for the colder months. Packed full of cosy options, their winter menu is sure to keep you nice and warm. There’s a seafood Vol au Vent, with Port Arlington hot smoked barramundi, Murray cod, mussel, lemon aspen cream and puff pastry. Another highlight is their signature truffle-baked brie, with Yarra Valley and Western Australian truffles, Gippsland brie, and Bad Bees honey served with their 90-hour sourdough.
If you’re feeling like something more carby, there’s 90-hour sourdough pizza, made using the finest quality Australian stoneground flour and pink river salt. For grazing board enthusiasts (aren’t we all), Yarra Botanical is serving up three-metre boards featuring local cheese, seafood and charcuterie. If you squint your eyes walking past the Arts Center it’ll almost feel like you’re in Paris…who needs a European summer anyway?
If you’re still not convinced about leaving the couch, they’re serving up mulled ciders and an apple cider hot toddy. Alongside a menu of 100% Victorian cocktails, beer and wine. You’ll be shielded from the cold with awnings and heaters on the pontoon, as well as rugs and blankets to snuggle up in. There’s also live music, with acoustic sets and DJs playing from Thursday through to Sunday.
Australian Venue Co has over 190 venues across Australia, so it’s no surprise that these guys knew how to make Yarra Botanical a hit when it opened in March this year. They’re veterans in the hospitality scene with over 170 years of experience. And even though the company is huge, you may not have even heard of these guys because each venue is so uniquely different. They’re all about working with locals to find out what people want. And they’ve nailed it with Yarra Botanica.