Set near the edge of Melbourne’s iconic Yarra River and in the heart of South Wharf is Melbourne Public, known affectionately by regulars as ‘MP’. 

Melbourne Public, housed in one of South Wharf’s historic sheds, specialises in everything from casual bookings to intimate birthday celebrations and corporate events for up to 1,000 guests. Plus, it’s the perfect spot to catch all the biggest sporting events live and loud. 

We are located in an historic part of Melbourne. South Wharf is one of Melbourne’s oldest and most colourful heritage precincts. The area around South Wharf was originally developed in the 1830s when Melbourne was first settled. The city’s early growth was heavily reliant on its port, and South Wharf was a significant area for loading and unloading goods. 

About a third of South Wharf was built around the time of World War 1, and it was further extended during the 1920s. South Wharf was the main dock for timber and steel and where travellers and cargo from interstate arrived. 

For some time, the area remained unloved. Like many industrial waterfront areas around the world, South Wharf experienced a decline in the mid-20th century due to changes in shipping technology which made older docks obsolete. 

But attitudes towards Melbourne’s waterways – including the Yarra River – began to change, whereby the sometimes-maligned river became significantly more valued. 

Between 2005 and 2011 a group of leading Australian heritage architects and designers transformed a neglected part of the Yarra waterway into a precinct of hospitality and shopping. 

The sheds – which date back to 1884 – were restored to how they looked when South Wharf was at its peak, from 1920-1940. 

Some sheds were dismantled and taken off site to be rebuilt while others were taken apart and rebuilt in situ. 

The result is that at Melbourne Public there is a strong sense of history, and it’s not hard to imagine the comings and goings of freight and passengers arriving in Melbourne to visit, to start a life in a new city, or to offload crucial cargo. 

While its history is never far away, Melbourne Public offers a very contemporary experience with live music every Friday and Saturday night, Happy Hour from Tuesday to Friday, and unmissable weekly food specials, Melbourne Public is sure to keep you coming back for more.