Glass Island Is Australia's Gleaming New Three-Level Floating Venue
It's currently floating around Sydney Harbour — and it'll head to Brisbane later in the year.
Fancy cruising around on a glass-walled boat, partying over three levels, and pairing a killer view with a beach club vibe and plenty of beverages? Then you'll want to book a berth on Australia's new floating bar and party venue, Glass Island. Now sailing through Sydney Harbour until April — and then making its way up north for a Brisbane season, too — it's the country's latest excuse to live it up on the water.
If the concept sounds familiar, that's because Seadeck has been doing the same thing in both cities for the past couple of years. In fact, Glass Island is actually the brainchild of one of that luxe vessel's creators. This time around, hospitality entrepreneur Scott Robertson has paired up with his frequent design collaborator Alex Zabotto-Bentley, aiming to mastermind "the most iconic hospitality location afloat in Australia". The resulting boat certainly stands out — surrounding out the ship with glass will do that, of course.
Those gleaming, glistening panels are found on Glass Island's middle deck. In a space inspired by Miami pool clubs and beach front hotel lobbies, patrons will also find a seven-metre-long bar covered in mint-hued tiles, raw timber flooring, and a heap of lounges and other seating. The windows slide open, too, so you can enjoy the sea — or river — breeze.
Upstairs, Zabotto-Bentley nods to Mediterranean beach clubs. Think dark orange, red and white colours, lounges you can sink into, VIP seating and crimson-toned umbrellas. There's one other big highlight up here as well: the 360-degree views.
Both the top and middle decks place a big focus on music, with Glass Island playing host to resident DJs across a number of regular events. The first Sunday of each month sees Sneaky Sundays take over, with Sneaky Sound System's parties hitting up the venue. Also set to hit the boat are Yolanda Be Cool, Poolclvb and Colour Castle, as well nights dedicated to soul and retro 80s tunes.
For those eager to chill downstairs, it houses a champagne and cocktail lounge — and a range of natural wines that you can only find on that level.
Drinks-wise, the 18-strong cocktail list spans both classic and creative concoctions, so you can choose between espresso martinis and two types of negronis, or opt for a Pretty in Peach (with gin, prosecco and white peach) or Rib Tickler (with tequila, absinthe, pineapple, lime and cucumber). Food is also available, spanning flatbread pizzas; sliders with halloumi, wagyu or friend chicken; charcuterie boards and cheese plates; and Moreton Bay bug rolls.
Glass Island is floating around Sydney until Sunday, April 5, setting off from King Street, Wharf 6, Darling Harbour, with tickets starting at $30. It'll return again in October — and head to Brisbane in-between, with exact dates yet to be announced. For more information — or to buy tickets to its current season — visit the venue's website.
Images: Glass Island.
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