Arbory Afloat is a seasonal floating bar and restaurant on the Yarra River in central Melbourne, offering cocktails, wine and casual dining on a large pontoon adjacent to Arbory Bar & Eatery.
Arbory Afloat is a seasonal floating bar and restaurant moored on the Yarra River in central Melbourne, alongside Arbory Bar & Eatery and right next to Flinders Street Station. Each season it’s transformed with a fresh theme and menu, featuring a large open‑air deck, cabanas, daybeds and riverside views. Arbory Afloat is known for cocktails, wine, local and imported beers, and casual dining such as wood‑fired pizzas and share plates, with both walk‑ins and limited bookings available via arboryafloat.com.au.
A charge from “ARBORY AFLOAT” or similar on your bank or card statement usually relates to food and drink purchased on-site, a bar tab you opened and then settled, or a booking deposit for a reservation, daybed or group function. You might also see a temporary authorization hold when you start a tab at the bar or when a card is used to secure a booking online; these holds can be higher than the final spend and typically fall away once the actual transaction is processed. In some cases, split bills, gratuities added after the card is presented, public holiday/weekend surcharges, or adjustments for group packages can make the final amount differ slightly from the initial receipt.
If you’re unsure about an Arbory Afloat charge, start by checking your recent visit history, receipts, and any email confirmations from arboryafloat.com.au or its booking partners. Look at the transaction date and amount and think about whether you opened a bar tab, shared a bill with friends, or paid a deposit for a group or event. For further clarification, you can reach Arbory Afloat via the contact or bookings section on their website and provide the exact charge date, amount, and the last four digits of the card used; they can generally look up the transaction and email you a copy of the receipt or explain any surcharges. If you still believe the charge is incorrect after speaking with the venue, contact your bank or card issuer to dispute the transaction.
Bank Statement Variations
1 known variations
These are the raw merchant codes that appear on bank and credit card statements that we've identified as belonging to Arbory Afloat.
Why was I charged by Arbory Afloat after opening a bar tab?
When you open a bar tab at Arbory Afloat, the venue may place a temporary pre-authorization hold on your card to confirm funds (often an estimate, such as $50–$200, depending on venue policy). Once you close the tab, the final amount you spent is processed as a completed transaction, and the original hold is released by your bank, usually within a few business days. This can briefly make it look like there are two charges, but the hold should disappear and you’re only actually billed once.
What are typical Arbory Afloat charge amounts I might see on my statement?
Typical charges reflect food and drink purchases, such as $30–$80 for drinks and snacks for one or two people, and $100 or more for larger groups or extended visits. If you booked a daybed, cabana, or group package, you might see a larger fixed amount or a deposit (for example, a few hundred dollars) charged on or around your booking date. Public holiday surcharges or gratuities added at the time of payment can also slightly increase the final total compared with menu prices.
Why does my Arbory Afloat charge not match the amount on the menu?
Menu prices don’t always include optional extras, gratuities, or any applicable surcharges (for example, weekend or public holiday surcharges). If you added a tip on the EFTPOS terminal, ordered premium spirits or bottles, or shared a group tab, your final charge can be higher than a rough mental total. Ask the venue for a receipt copy via their website contact form if you need a detailed itemized breakdown.
How do I get a copy of my Arbory Afloat receipt or check what this charge was for?
Visit arboryafloat.com.au and use the contact or bookings section to reach the team, including the date and approximate time of your visit, the amount charged, and the last four digits of your card. In many cases they can search their point‑of‑sale records and email you an itemized receipt or explain whether the payment was for a bar tab, booking deposit, or function spend. You can also check your email inbox for any reservation confirmations linked to your visit.
Can I cancel or change a booking or function that I paid Arbory Afloat a deposit for?
Booking and cancellation policies for Arbory Afloat depend on the type of reservation (standard table, daybed, or group function) and the terms shown when you booked. In general, deposits are tied to specific cancellation windows; cancelling early may allow a refund or credit, while late cancellations or no‑shows can result in forfeited deposits. To change or cancel, refer to the instructions in your confirmation email or contact the venue through arboryafloat.com.au with your booking name, date, and reference number.
How do I request a refund or dispute a charge from Arbory Afloat?
If you believe you were charged incorrectly—for example, charged twice, charged for the wrong amount, or billed after a cancelled booking—contact Arbory Afloat directly first. Use the contact form on arboryafloat.com.au or reply to your booking confirmation email and include your receipt (if any), the transaction amount, and the exact date and time of the charge. The venue can review their till and booking records and, if an error is confirmed, process a refund back to your original payment method; if you still disagree, you can then raise a dispute with your bank.
Why do I see a small or duplicate Arbory Afloat amount as “pending”?
Small or duplicate pending amounts are often card authorization holds placed when your card is first tapped, inserted, or used to guarantee a booking. These are not additional payments; they’re temporary checks used by the bank and venue to verify the card and ensure funds are available. The hold should automatically drop off and be replaced by the final settled charge within a few business days, depending on your bank’s processing times.
How can I contact Arbory Afloat about a charge or billing question?
Go to arboryafloat.com.au and use the ‘Contact’ or ‘Bookings’ section to send a message to the team; include your full name, visit or booking date, the exact amount charged, and the last four digits of your card. If your query relates to a reservation or function, attaching your confirmation email or booking reference will speed up the search. For urgent matters while the venue is open, you can also visit in person and speak with a manager, who may be able to look up your transaction on the spot.