Table with a view – Australia’s best riverside restaurants
Australia may be best known for its beach culture, but this land is also home to a number of peaceful and spectacular rivers that bring a sense of charm to the cities they flow through. Treat you and your friends to a well-deserved winter break and while the weekend away at some of Australia’s best riverside restaurants.
[Pictured above: The Boatshed Restaurant, Perth]
Brunch at The Riverside Café, Perth
Kick off your day in the heart of Perth city at the aptly named Riverside Café near Elizabeth Quay, overlooking the Swan River. Spread out in the open-plan indoor area or venture out to the balcony and watch the ferries idle by as you enjoy fresh cup of coffee.
If it's well past coffee time, rustle up your friends and kick back with a carafe of red sangria and a charcuterie board as the sun sets over the water. Top off the perfect day with a taste of the decadent deserts on offer – the more of you there are, the more you get to taste.
Eastern Pavilion, Barrack Square Barrack St, Perth WA 6000
Lunch at Hooks at the Yarra, Melbourne
If you’re after a casual dining experience in Melbourne, you can’t go past Hooks at the Yarra. Located just south of the Melbourne CBD on the Yarra River, Hooks at the Yarra is the ultimate spot for a laid back lunch with friends.
If you're still recovering after your flight to Melbourne, pull up some bean bags under the palm trees and enjoy a few beers with fish and chips as your afternoon winds down. If you're after a more intimate atmosphere, head inside the restaurant area, where you can settle in for a hearty meal without sacrificing your view of the Yarra.
50 River Esplanade, Docklands VIC 3008
Indulge at Customs House, Brisbane
Overlooking the Brisbane River you'll find Customs House, one of the most awarded and highly acclaimed restaurants in the city. This elegant eatery serves up Modern Australian cuisine in both indoor and alfresco settings, providing front row views of the Story Bridge and calm water that flows beneath.
The perfect place for a special occasion, Customs House offers a group dining menu of seasonal dishes, prepared with fresh ingredients sourced daily. Unsurprisingly, this is a favourite haunt of Brisbane's foodies and savvy visitors alike – so book in advance to avoid disappointment.
399 Queen St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Sharing plates at The Boatshed Restaurant, Perth
When you first walk into The Boatshed Restaurant, prepare to have your breath taken away by the floor to ceiling windows offering panoramic views over the Swan River, Kings Park and Perth cityscape. Things only get better from there, thanks to the delicious grazing menu that highlights the diversity of one of Perth's most respected kitchens. Gather your group and order some freshly shucked oysters and a bottle of dry white as you take in one of Perth’s best views.
Coode St, South Perth WA 6151
Soak up the atmosphere at The Boatbuilders Yard, Melbourne
As the sun goes down and the lights go on at The Boat Builders Yard, the Yarra River truly comes alive. As you stroll down the promenade after a day in town, you’ll have a hard time resisting the venue’s buzzing atmosphere and outdoor charm.
Stop in with your friends and take a look at the impressive menu, packed full of modern twists on pub classics along with a diverse range of beers and wine. Don't pass up the Nutella panna cotta for the perfect end – or beginning – to a great evening.
23 S Wharf Promenade, South Wharf VIC 3006
Afternoon drinks at Stokehouse Q, Brisbane
If you’re looking to get as close to the Brisbane River as possible without diving in, head south over the Goodwill Bridge to Stokehouse Q. This restaurant's open plan layout allows sunlight to pour in, creating the perfect atmosphere for afternoon wines by the water with friends.
Stokehouse Q provides both fine dining options as well as plenty of gourmet bar snacks, perfect for sharing and grazing. If it’s your first time visiting, have a peek at the seasonal cocktails for the perfect end to your riverside long lunch. Sidon St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Grab your friends and pull up a seat at some of Australia's best riverside restaurants when you book Mates Rates sale flights with Virgin Australia today.
