Ponyfish Island

NYE 2023
We booked tickets here to bring in the new year. Having not been here before it was slightly smaller than expected, but nice that it was in the middle of the river and not crowded. Service was attentive and friendly. Pizzas were good, and you had a whole pizza to your group fresh out of the oven, each time they came around.

It seemed there were enough seats for everyone who had booked tickets and it wasn't too crowded (I think this is due to water safety regulations or something or other), which meant little to no line at the bar until later in the evening when they opened the venue up to the public (for an entry fee I'm assuming). The live music was a DJ, but don't expect to dance as there isn't really space for it. There was also no countdown to the NYE, which was disappointing as it would've added to the atmosphere.

Was it worth the $250pp ticket? Personally, I don't think so (too expensive), but we had a good time - chill vibes. You would probably be better off getting there a bit later, paying an entry fee and then just paying for what you eat/drink. However, I spoke to others who felt like the ticket was worth it (this was the second year they'd booked), in part due to the central location/views, and capacity limit/lack of crowding.

Place was packed when we arrived. Few seats were available but wet from the rain during the day but we managed to find a table quickly.
Ambience is good. Great option if you wanna stay away from big crowds. Staff are great in accommodating special drink orders!

This is our third time, during our visit the weather is not in favor to us although the view still perfect with a cold windy rainy weather. Moving on, kind a bit disappointed when we ask one of the staff to give us an extra another blanket to cover up the couches due to super wetness but then she’s kind a impatient and bit rude the way she spoke with us and suddenly walked away (when you work at hospitality industry, no matter what the situation, you have to be polite specifically on that day, its freezing, the heater is not enough to accommodate everyone, and one of them are broken, so whats wrong if we just ask an extra blanket, we understand if it’s nothing at all but the way your attitude and face looks like uh oh, “she looks like an asian girl with an earring in her nose”?) anyway, there’s another staff man with a long hair and his really good and more easily to approach. In the end, still good place to visit.

Not a good place if you want to have a great time. Zero respect given. We are paying and you have the audacity to tell us we are blocking the way when we are not. Not once, not twice. More than that. Never coming back here again.

First time back in years - and love to see all the renovations and improvements you guys have done. The new menu is a great. I have to come back for more steamed dumplings! Absolutely delicious!

LOVE LOVE LOVE this place! Everything was perfect… except out cheese board only had 6 slices of bread and NO crackers! Plenty of cheese tho.asked them for something and they wanted another $6 (on top of the $40)

This place is RACIST- I am doctor and I came in the bar with 10 people and plus and this ponytail guy walks up to us as we stand at the fireplace to get some heat (we are Malaysian - we live on the equator - where it’s only one season - summer all day long) so we were there standing getting some heat and this guy comes up to us saying we are blocking the way (if you know Malaysian we are respectful of people and their space - we give space - we don’t be rude or sarcastic about it) and then the manager reprimanded him and subsequently he gets the bouncer to tell us to give him space when the people in the bar held their peace. Pretty disrespectful to be honest and they called the cops on us when we left the bar - so if you are MALAYSIAN - they are bad vibes. That’s that. CIBAI.

Ponyfish Island offers an incredible riverside setting, but seating can be limited during busy periods. The menu boasts a variety of delectable dishes, although prices might seem slightly high. The attentive service and vibrant atmosphere contribute to an unforgettable dining experience, making Ponyfish Island a standout destination for anyone looking to savor delicious food while enjoying breathtaking views of Melbourne's Yarra River.

An awesome bar in the middle of the Yarra river. It has a really nice ambiance and is perfect for a romantic date. Be sure to wear something warm as it can get a bit cold being close to the water in the evening.

Amazing experience to be sipping on a few cocktails under the bridge. Great service too! Loved the marg pizza.

Absolutely loved my experience there! Amazing location right under the bridge. It started raining shortly after we went there and the vibe was just amazing! The alcohol selection was big and the cocktails were amazing! Then to top it all off the pizza we ordered (mushroom pizza) was some of the best we've ever had! Definitely would go there again.

Amazing bar, must try in Melbourne!
Stunning fit out, friendly staff and a laid back environment to enjoy a fancy cocktail and snack

Quirky location, really fun. The music was a touch loud for conversation but that may be saying more about my age than the bar

Great location. You feel you are on the boat! I went on weekday after 8pm wasn’t busy. There is only outside seat, but they have heater. Fun to come with friends or partner.

I love this place sm, i even tipped the staff because they did such a great job of making me feel included

2 years on I revisited the nestled away Ponyfish island, after the sunny weather attracted people back into the city. It was bustling with every table taken, found a few chairs and enjoyed a cheeky drink or 2. Fantastic place to be when the weather is ripe, friendly bar staff and a variety of drink options to choose from. QR online ordering is a bonus too.

Fantastic location for a bar, waterfront seating and views at every turn. Fantastic kick back spot for a chilled afternoon.

Cool place to meet with friends or even for a date.
It has nice views to the city and buildings around the Yarra. The couch was pretty comfortable, different from the table + stools. Also, the breeze is very cold during winter, and might the heaters not be enough.
All drinks that we had was great and delicious.
Give it a go!

We frequent this beautiful little cozy casual inexpensive place for some usual cocktails and drinks as love the vibe.

Not much for a snacking place (read Disaster), A must if you want to let your hair loose.

Oh man, Ponyfish. You use to be my all time favorite place in Melbourne and your new refurb is just such a disappointment. If I wanted dumplings and a pretentious, trendy vibe, I could go anywhere else in the city. The atmosphere here now comes across as snooty and duplicated to feel like the Arbory Afloat across the way. Where did the funky, unique personality go that you use to have? I will not go out of my way to return.

This WAS one of my faves. The revamp though has made it bland and soulless. Nothing wrong with it just nothing compelling. All hard surfaces and plastic and blah colours. It’s lost everything that made it once awesome.: (