Melburnians will get the chance to enjoy a new two-level outdoor pontoon bar, Yarra Botanicals, on the river at Southbank from March.

The venue is about supporting and celebrating Victorian producers, with 100 per centof the drinks and the majority of food produce being from Victorian suppliers.

With views of Melbourne’s cityscape and a design that has been created for year-round weather conditions in mind, it will be the perfect landmark destination for guests to sip, snack and relax.

A floating botanical garden oasis on the Yarra River offering casual pub-style eating and drinking with stunning views of the city skyline.

With a dedication to nature and sustainability, Yarra Botanicals has been designed to be installed with minimum impact on the environment. The venue will brimming with native plants and indigenous aquatic vegetation, including climbing vines, native trees, planter boxes, herb gardens and edible plants that focus on the integration of gin botanicals.

The unique venue, from hospitality group Australian Venue Co, has all the makings of becoming Melbourne’s newest landmark destination where guests can sip, snack and relax while taking in the buzzing city surrounds and Yarra views.

Yarra Botanicals will be supporting Victorian producers, with 100 per cent of all drinks and the majority of food produce being from Victorian suppliers, with the rest all sourced from elsewhere in Australia.

The carefully considered seasonal menu, will feature 100 per centAussie produce, celebrating sustainable local and native Australian ingredients throughout to hero our Victorian farmers. Perfect for small and large groups, the menu offers sociable share plates, tasty pub-style snacks and a focus on local fresh seafood and woodfired pizzas designed to be shared amongst friends.

Sun-drenched drinking sessions are complete with an extensive drinks list, heroing botanical gin varieties. Guests can even garnish their sip with fragrant herbs from the on-board herb gardens.

With the full range of cocktails, wines, local beers, ciders and premium spirits people expect from their favourite pub, Melburnians and tourists can relax water-side under market umbrellas, gather their group in a comfy booth, pop bottles on a day bed, enjoy a boozy brunch session, listen to the regular live music and DJS or retreat to the Upper Storey and sip on a cocktail as the sun goes down.

CEO of Australian Venue Co, Paul Waterson, said he is thrilled to be opening Yarra Botanicals in Melbourne.

“We’ve committed to investing $20million into Victorian beverages over three years, and are proud to support the Drinks Victoria campaign.

“We list Victorian products across all of our Victorian venues but to be able to deliver 100 per cent Victorian drinks and 90 per cent Victorian produce is a really exciting milestone for us, as a Melbourne-based hospitality group. We’re so proud to back Victoria with Yarra Botanicals.”

Anthea Loucas Bosha, CEO of Melbourne Food & Wine + Drinks Victoria, said: “I am very excited for the upcoming launch of this incredible new venue on the Yarra which will showcase the world-class food and drinks which make Victoria one of the great drinking and dining destinations of the world. Paul Waterson and his team at Australian Venue Co are to be commended on their commitment to supporting Victorian producers and their support of the Drink Victorian initiative which is running through their venues.”

Telina Menzies, Executive Chef at Australian Venue Co, is looking forward to working with so many of her favourite Victorian suppliers.

“We’re so lucky here in Melbourne to have such spectacular produce on our doorstep. After the last two years, it feels especially good to be working so closely with Victorian producers and farmers again, and to let their produce shine on the menu.”

The seasonal Yarra Botanicals menu will be celebrating local and native Australian ingredients to champion Victorian farmers. While approximately 10% of food produce will need to be sourced interstate due to differing climates, Australian Venue Co is inviting suppliers to contact them if they can offer a Victorian sourced alternative.

Entry into Yarra Botanicals will be free, and the venue will be open 7 days a week from 10am until late.