This is deliberate, accentuating the considerable lateral distance the bridge must accommodate to reach its respective landing points.

Leaving the northwalk, the views are virtually unrestricted with the end of this section given over to a covered seating area isolated from the main foot traffic.

The intention is that the seemingly inadequate dimension of the arch and the displaced tree reflected in the dark waters of the river will give the bridge a somewhat surreal quality.

[4] In November 1998, conservation architect Peter Lovell described it as "one of the largely unrecognised architectural gems of Melbourne", calling it "a beautifully designed and engineered structure which is a pleasure to use and view.

It came after three years and many planning applications to the City of Melbourne, who ultimately supported his idea but warned that rising water flooded the area in winter.

The cafe is shaped like the bow of a ship so that when the Yarra River rises, the waters part on either side of its waterproof panelling.

[7] In 2010, Grant Smillie, Jerome Borazio and Andrew Mackinnon re-opened the venue as Pony Fish Island, which became an instant success as well as a permanent addition to the Melbourne hospitality scene.

The spokesperson explained that small numbers of locks are routinely removed by City of Melbourne officers to "preserve the structural integrity of the bridge.