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In Melbourne, most locals can hardly wait for summer to end each year. No, it’s not that they’re fed up with the hot weather – it’s because the end of summer each year means one thing: the start of the footy season. Because the return of the AFL (and NRL if that’s your thing) isn’t just about the games. Oh no. It’s also about the atmosphere – the ability to bond over a few drinks with a couple of strangers before a match or commiserate with other fans after a loss. And for locals, Transport Bar epitomises all that’s good about the footy season with free-flowing beers, pub food and friendly crowds. The appeal of Transport isn’t just its location. To be fair, the location is a big drawcard for fans headed to the MCG, with Transport right next to Flinders Street Station and only a 15-minute walk to the ‘G (ten if you’re really keen). You can even catch a tram from Transport to Marvel Stadium in Docklands for free (catch the number 75 or 35 from Flinders Street). But the bar has also won over fans from all sporting codes for its impressive list of beers, wines and cocktails that help make match day just that little bit better. We challenge any beer lover not to find something they like at Transport Bar. The venue rocks 15 beers on tap (including Furphy, Little Creatures and Guinness) as well as a huge number of bottled beers from Melbourne and around the world. Prefer a vino before the big match? Transport has six different wines on tap and a whole lot more by the bottle. And f

Inviting riverside pub the Wharf Hotel has answered everyone’s prayers — they have taken the concept of bottomless brunch (where you would usually get sugary drinks and indulgent treats which definitely don’t pass for breakfast) and have flipped it on its head with healthier low-sugar cocktails so you can treat yourself without the calories. Every Saturday afternoon from 2pm-4pm, grab a few mates and settle yourself on the garden deck where for $49, you will be served up unlimited jugs of cocktails with a healthy twist — they are made with a ‘shrub’ starter (a mixture of fruit, vinegar, and sugar). The shrub syrup is used as the base for some tempting tipples, especially when you know they contain less sugar than the bevvies usually found in your typical Saturday sesh. There are currently some pretty enticing cocktails on offer, like tequila, watermelon and basil, or Bacardi, mint and cucumber. Also looking good are the dark rum and spiced pineapple or a Vodka and berry bliss option, and you’ll be able to enjoy any and all of them with a healthy grazing platter to share between you and your mates. Flavours will change seasonally, and you’ll have to book ahead in order to snag yourself some prime real-estate on the banks of the Yarra for a couple of hours.  To check out the details on the Wharf Hotel's website and book a table click here.