Heading down to the waterside in Docklands? Check out these hidden bars, epic attractions and amazing art galleries while you're in the area.

Kayak by moonlight

See the sun set over Melbourne from a different perspective. Kayak Melbourne offers sparkling night-time tours along the Yarra, with an active twist. But don’t panic, there’s no experience required! Departing from picturesque Docklands harbourside, this is an evening adventure like no other. You even get to dine while on the water.

Feast in a leafy brunch wonderland

Seek out some of Melbourne's most aesthetic brunch dishes in this cute-as-a-button cafe. Take a seat under Cocobei's towering wall of greenery and ponder the stacked all-day menu. Tuck into the braised beef benedict, the creamy sautéed mushrooms or the seafood linguine. To drink, try one of the specialty coffees. Our pick is the signature cold brew. It comes topped with creamy salted coconut foam and honey Cornflakes.

Two people are doing a cheers in front of a green leafy wall
Cocobei

Sip your way through a three-level pub

Quarterhouse is a new pub offering a quintessential experience on the ground floor, with hearty meals and live sports. Upstairs, the rooftop provides an elevated escape with skyline views, cocktails, and DJs from sunset 'til late. A stones throw from Marvel Stadium, it's the perfect place for a pre-footy snack or post-concert drink.

Soar up to a poolside rooftop bar

Tucked away 15 storeys in the air, you'll find a little slice of the Riviera. Sunset House sits atop the Marriott Hotel. On a clear day, there's no better spot than beside the infinity pool. Order some tapas, and a cocktail of course, then soak in the stunning city skyline views.

Visit Dockland's newest cafe

Enjoy an all-day brunch and stacked sandwiches at this sleek new cafe. Milkbar merges an old-school menu with gorgeous modern design. Expect buttermilk pancakes, Reubens, pastries and loaded salad focaccias. Stock up at the takeaway pantry section before you go.

People ordering at the counter of a cafe with timber interiors.
Milkbar

Inhale the world's best porchetta panini

You might know the Flinders Lane store a little better, but Saluministi's Docklands outpost is just as delicious. And we simply can't go past the best-selling grilled panini, the porchetta. That’s free-range roasted pork ribboned with artichoke paste, partnered with pecorino and rocket. Served in a stone-baked ciabatta roll, with a side of house-made pickled veg, it's perfetto.

Play inside a neon-lit arcade wonderland

Roll up to Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq for the ultimate arcade experience. Once you’ve finished with bowling, bumper cars, arcade games, or virtual reality be sure to try their circus sour. A fruity twist on your classic cocktail, served with a tower of sugary sweet fairy floss on top.

Three people driving bumper cars
Bumper cars at Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq

Sink eco bevs at Urban Alley Brewery

You don’t need to drive out to the ‘burbs for a legit brewery experience. Urban Alley has the capacity to produce 1 million litres of beer a year, and its unique eco-model means your sips are super sustainable. Settle in for a signature bev in the loft style surrounds and order from a menu of burgers, pizzas and steaks.

Have a dumpling feast at Heartling

Melbourne's most exclusive dumpling restaurant has arrived. With space for just eight diners, you'll feel very special when you nab a seat at Heartling. The focus here is on 'slow' dining – a meditative food experience that allows you to savour every flavour. Choose the seafood or plant-based menu, then indulge in a series of hand-crafted, heart-shaped dumplings. Splurge on dessert, you won't be disappointed.

A colourful platter of dumplings and sauces.
Heartling

Create a masterpiece at the library's free makerspace

Library at the Dock has one of Melbourne's biggest makerspaces, with stunning harbour views to boot. With podcast studios, a green terrace for yoga and oodles of books, it's an inspiring space to unwind, read, or get lost in your own thoughts. Head up to level 2 to experiment with sewing, laser cutting, embroidery and more.

Visit an Instagrammable cafe

With its pastel-coloured drinks and aesthetically-pleasing brunch items, you’d be silly not to whip out your phone and post a pic or two of Min the Cafe on Instagram. Take a seat under the cherry blossoms and sip on signature beverages like the iced purple sweet potato latte or unicorn dreams blue latte topped with crunchy fruit loops. For something to eat try the honey toast with Oreo crumbs.

French toast topped with strawberries and oreo cookies
Min the cafe

Find one of Melbourne's best katsu sando

Ilza’s home-style chicken katsu sandos are a Docklands sensation. The equally delicious pork-cutlet sandwiches are just as crispy, served on the same fluffy white bread. But why stop there, when there’s chicken karaage, udon noodles, yuzu cocktails and strawberry shortcake to devour.

Learn to ice skate

Whether you’re experts or beginners, skating with your crew is always fun at O’Brien Icehouse. Slice across the ice during the public skating sessions, or check out an ice hockey match. Grab a toastie at the igloo cafe or get a little fancy at the St Moritz bar on site.

Three girls ice skating
O'Brien Ice House

Wander rooms of illusion at ArtVo

Lose yourself in a world of illusion at this one-of-a-kind art gallery. ArtVo is the ultimate trick art spot, home to a collection of over 80 hand-painted immersive artworks. Kids young and old will love the different zones where viewers become the art.

Explore a topsy-turvy house

Flip your world upside down and explore the mind-boggling House Down Under. Snap hilarious pics with your mates as you journey through this house of optical illusions. Walk on the ceiling, headstand on the couch and climb the walls at this immersive trick-art installation.

A couple are in an inverted house installation. They are inside an upside-down lounge room.
House Down Under

Live like a pirate

To get your pirate on, heave ho to the Mission to Seafarers. Test your pipes at a free sea shanty sing-along session. These ever popular sessions are the ultimate way to blow off some steam, pirate-styles.

Cook DIY okonomiyaki at Dohtonbori

The first of its kind in Melbourne, Dohtonbori is a popular export from Japan specialising in okonomiyaki. Plate up fresh cabbage pancakes at the helm of your personal teppanyaki hot plate, then load it with kimchi, lobster, pork belly and more.

More must-visit spots by the waterside

Where to eat near Marvel Stadium and the MCG

Where to eat near Marvel Stadium and the MCG

Heading to a game? Here’s where to stop off for pre or post-event feasting.

Steakhouse Grill 66 Docklands

Steakhouse Grill 66 Docklands

A modern Australian venue featuring a range of a steaks and a la carte menu.

Berth

Berth

Premium waterfront dining restaurant with a Mediterranean and Italian-inspired menu.

Victoria Police Museum

Victoria Police Museum

Explore the social history of policing through interactive displays and over 300 collection items.

Cargo

Cargo

Casual and dynamic dining with a stunning waterside view.

GoBoat Melbourne

GoBoat Melbourne

Be your own captain by renting a picnic boat, with no boat licence required.

Good Cycles

Good Cycles

Social enterprise selling bikes, accessories and clothing, with profits going to youth programs.

Gelateria on The Docks

Gelateria on The Docks

Serving the best ice cream and gelato in Docklands.

Chilangos Mexican Cantina Docklands

Chilangos Mexican Cantina Docklands

A popular Docklands spot serving burritos, tacos and Mexican drinks.

Nourished

Nourished

Healthy, wholesome, delicious meals inspired by healthy international cuisines around the world.

APY Gallery Melbourne

APY Gallery Melbourne

APY Gallery is an Indigenous-owned art gallery that exhibits work from the APY lands in regional SA.

Billy Barista

Billy Barista

Nice little cafe for brunch in Docklands.

Noelle.Store

Noelle.Store

A Colombian fashion boutique specialising in quality leather footwear and women’s fashion.

Groovy Mama Fusion Cafe

Groovy Mama Fusion Cafe

A retro-style cafe serving specialty coffee and homemade Cajun x Asian fusion dishes.

Last updated on Sun 6 Jul 2025

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