Hidden gems to visit in Docklands
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 ³Ô¹ÏÍø from a different perspective. Kayak ³Ô¹ÏÍø offers sparkling 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 ³Ô¹ÏÍø'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.
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.
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.
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
³Ô¹ÏÍø'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.
Create a masterpiece at the library's free makerspace
Library at the Dock has one of ³Ô¹ÏÍø'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 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.
Find one of ³Ô¹ÏÍø'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 , or check out . Grab a toastie at the igloo cafe or get a little fancy at the St Moritz bar on site.
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.
Explore a tropical oasis in an iconic sports stadium
Docklands just scored a massive new tropical beer garden. This palm tree-lined oasis is located inside Marvel Stadium and open on event days. Pop into Moon Dog Doglands for a pre-footy parma. It comes with double cheese, mozzarella and fior di latte! Plus a side of fries and green salad. Don't forget a craft beer or cocktail from the glowing 360-degree bar.
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 ³Ô¹ÏÍø, 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 the MCG and Marvel Stadium
Heading to a game? Here’s where to stop off for pre or post-event feasting.
Steakhouse Grill 66 Docklands
A modern Australian venue featuring a range of a steaks and a la carte menu.
Victoria Police Museum
Explore the social history of policing through interactive displays and over 300 collection items.
Good Cycles
Social enterprise selling bikes, accessories and clothing, with profits going to youth programs.
Chilangos Mexican Cantina Docklands
A popular Docklands spot serving burritos, tacos and Mexican drinks.
Nourished
Healthy, wholesome, delicious meals inspired by healthy international cuisines around the world.
APY Gallery ³Ô¹ÏÍø
APY Gallery is an Indigenous-owned art gallery that exhibits work from the APY lands in regional SA.
Noelle.Store
A Colombian fashion boutique specialising in quality leather footwear and women’s fashion.
Groovy Mama Fusion Cafe
A retro-style cafe serving specialty coffee and homemade Cajun x Asian fusion dishes.
Best Docklands events
Christmas Day Lunch Buffet at Crowne Plaza ³Ô¹ÏÍø
Enjoy a Christmas Day buffet by the Yarra River, with seasonal favourites and festive entertainment.
Christmas Stand Up Paddleboard along the Yarra
A super fun, super-festive paddle that is a truly unforgettable experience.
Paint Myself Christmas Gift Workshop
Join a chocolate painting workshop and create edible art that speaks from the heart.
Christmas Day Dining at Gaylord
Enjoy a special festive set lunch and dinner menu to make your celebration truly memorable.
Serene Terrarium: Workshop for Beginners
Create your mini plant world while enjoying a soothing cuppa and a calming environment.
Jo Ryan: Lettr4ms
Letters combine and intertwine to create sculptures that make us lose sight of the letter.
Mosaic Making Workshop for Beginners
Learn the art of creating beautiful mosaics from start to finish.
Christmas Lunch at From Here By Mike
This Christmas, gather, laugh and savour the simple magic of being together at From Here by Mike.
Flinders Quartet Community Concert
Enjoy a free concert of classical music for string quartet in Docklands.
Last updated on Mon 3 Nov 2025
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The District Docklands
Open-air shopping precinct with attractions, entertainment, dining and fresh food.