Who says you have to get out of the city to go to the beach? One of Melbourne's favourite riverside joints, Boatbuilders Yard, is bringing the beach to the centre with summer pop-up Beach Club. The venue has laid down tonnes of sand over the banks of the Yarra, creating a summertime beach vibe complete with beanbags, deck chairs, grassy areas and private beach lounge spaces.
What goes well with the beach? Frozen Piña Coladas and Tiki-style cocktails, of course, which are exactly what Boatbuilders Yard has put on the menu. If beer is more your beach drink of choice, there are plenty of ice-cold summer ales available too. The food menu has a Latin American influence, so if you close your eyes you'll swear you're on spring break in Cancun.
If you'd rather do the cooking yourself, you can hire a private beach lounge area for yourself and your mates with a DIY barbecue for $89 per person. Bookings are for three hours for up to 20 people and include free-flowing drinks.
Feel like a bit of summer lovin'? You can get a bottle of Champagne and two lobster rolls for $125 to share with that special someone.
The last component you need for a perfect summer on the beach is tunes, and Boatbuilders Yard has you covered there too. The calendar is jam-packed with well-known local DJs, who will be cranking out all the summer party anthems.
So pack a beach towel and your sunnies and get ready for summer in the city.