Not in a million years would anyone have believed that in the centre of the Melbourne CBD, there was a giant waterslide. Waterslide Bar, the latest slick bar to join Southgate, has the stories and pictures to prove it.

Quick history lesson – in the late 1800’s, Princes bridge had a circus, an outdoor playground, and a giant waterslide (particularly hard to fathom in this winter chill, but true nonetheless). The bar pays tribute to Melbourne’s carnival past.

While the waterslide was centuries ago, this bar is super cool, super modern and definitely with the times. There are still stunning views of the Yarra, heightened by the height of the second story balcony with a skyline of the sparkling city. The lounge like inside is cosy, shmick, and warm with a bit of edge. Find a little nook and cranny for some quiet intimacy, or spread out along the opulent bar.

You cannot go past their unique and clever cocktail list, created by cocktail guru Fred Siggins (Black Pearl). The “Grace Kelly” is as poised and graceful as the lady herself. An elegant drop of Hendricks gin, earl grey, honey and cinnamon syrup, arrives in a gorgeous little teacup and saucer. For the more serious drinkers, the ‘Sage Advice’ in a crystal glass is a blend of 10 yr old whiskey, walker black label, Benedictine, apricot and sage syrup. It’s ‘warm like a Scottish hearth, sly like a highland fox’. (If that’s too deep for a cocktail, let’s just say strong, sweet and simply delicious).

To line the stomach are options such as dainty kingfish carpaccio, with shavings of fennel and a ginger citrusy dressing. ‘Miniature Po’ boys’ with crunchy soft shell crab are more of a filler. Oozing with creamy aioli, a crunch of coleslaw and a dash of chilli, these boys seriously hit the spot. And, if you can’t be bothered perusing through a wine list, each of these little bites have a suggested wine match.

Let the fun times slide in.

Waterslide Bar
Princes Court, Southbank, Melbourne
Official website