Ponyfish Island

I'm hesitant to write this review. There's nothing wrong with this place, but not every place suits everyone and this one wasn't one that suited me. It's a bar. Not a pub/restaurant. Just a bar.

The location itself is spectacular. The entire structure of the bar is attached to one of the supports for the walking bridge between Southbank and the CBD. Great views all around, and certainly a nice place to sit (when the weather is nice) towatch the rowing teams practice on the river. I'm not sure how quickly that comfort would evaporate if it had started raining. The bridge itself provides limited cover, but not completely, so probably not the best place to be sitting outside if there was more than a light drizzle.

As for the ambiance, I thought the trance/dance music was a bit too loud and completely out of place for a venue with barely space to walk and no place to dance. I was reminded of a wannabe clothing store at a shopping mall that plays dance music to try to seem cooler. That doesn't work for me when I'm shopping and it didn't work at Ponyfish either. Every patron was talking to others in small groups, and the music just made it harder to do what everyone had come there to do, which was to meet friends and colleagues after work.

I never saw a food menu, and don't even know if they had one. I did try to order a cup of tea and was told they didn't have that. I ended up settling on an expensive glass of soda water. Prices were high, selection was limited to basically alcoholic drinks only. I guess that makes sense considering their limited space and ultra-premium location.

None of this is actually bad, if that's what you're looking for, but it's a bar, and just a bar. Considering the limited selection, distracting music and high prices, it's not a place for me. I'm clearly not their target customer.

NOT RECOMMEND

Great vibe. Great water view. Private. Wasn't busy at all. Had heaters for warmth and service was fast:)

Nice little bar in the middle of the Yarra River off Evan Walker Bridge. Something different with a terrific view

One of my favourite quirky bars. Best at sunset where you can sit and watch the city lights come on over the water.

A secluded spot to enjoy river with a few drinks! Can get a bit cold during winter but the heaters so the job.

Easy going and relaxed venue to have some drinks after work, or before you kick on. Unique and great views of the city, especially at night!

I've never been here before because it's always been too busy but I went with a friend on a cold winter's night mid week and it was great. Not too many people, lots of heaters to keep toasty warm and unlike most other times, plenty of privacy. Still got the great views including the periodic Crown Casino gas ball explosions as well as really quick bar service. Overall a really good night. Recommended for mid winter nights when everyone else is too afraid to be outside on the water!

Only Melbournians could Njoy this place, in the midst of winter stuck out in the middle of the bloody Yarra! I'd B lookin' 4 a nice waterin' hole with a nice log fire!

Unique, fun place to grab some amazing signature drinks to share and get a different perspective of the city! Can’t wait to come back on a summer night.

A awsome lunch spot on a sunny day, the new menu provides a great selection. Very entertaining to watch the experienced fishermen catching bait fish.

Favourite bar in the world! Great sunset views, great drinks.

Get here early afternoon if you want a decent spot!

We loved this bar! Enjoyed sitting on the river, while having a few drinks. Great place for a view and people watching.

Umm not bad. It’s an outdoor bar. The novelty is it’s in the middle of the river with a pretty good surround view.

Best place for a quiet drink, whether you're heading out after or just heading home from work. In the summer it's cool and shady, in winter it's chilly and brisk but still worth going to if you layer up.

ヤラ川にかかる橋の下にあるロケーション的にとてもおしゃれなバー。
This stylish bar is quite unique location. It's under the bridge across the Yarra river.
船の形をしていて、川の真ん中に浮いているような景色を見ながらお酒を楽しむことができる。カップルで来るもよし、景色を見ながら語らい合うのもよし。
席数は多くないが、回転も早いため待っていれば直ぐに席は確保できると思う。
The shape seems to be ship, and you can see good view as if you were floating on the middle of water. I highly recommend this bar for couple or having conversation with someone.
There aren't many chairs, but I suppose that you can get seat soon when you wait.

Nice little bar to have a drink or two after work. A great place for friends and with amazing views over the river. Make sure to get there early to get the best tables.

Such a great place to have a drink on a hot day, the view was awesome. It's a shame they don't serve food all day long, the kitchen was closed between 3-4 so we missed out on snacks.

Great views and amazing drinks to choose from. Nothing beats that it’s a place hanging on river and gives you a feel of being somewhere out of the crowd.

Lived in Melbourne all of my life and walked passed this place for years wondering what it would be like. No smell which I thought there would be - quick service and good tunes. Quite a surprise and worth a stop for a drink and quick snacks.