Situated as close as a venue can get to the Yarra without toppling in, Arbory occupies the decommissioned platform for the Sandringham train line at the edge of Flinders St Station. At over 100m long, it's Melbourne's longest bar. Come for the view of the Arts Centre across the water, stay for the espresso martinis. The food's not bad.
It's open every day of the year, but September to April sees the addition of huge, candy-coloured floating pontoons moored just off the riverbank and festooned with deckchairs, loungers and even a pocket-sized swimming – er, sitting – pool.