Southbank Travel Guide

Melbourne
Southbank
The Yarra River’s waterfront offers a diverse range of hotels, galleries, bars and a casino complex.

Southbank is a lively neighbourhood in the centre of Melbourne. Packed with cafes, restaurants and outdoor performers, the area is the ideal spot to enjoy a sunny afternoon. It is also a hub for shopping, culture and the arts and attracts an eclectic assortment of tourists and locals.

Stroll down the Southbank Promenade to take in the sights and sounds of central Melbourne. Capture photos of the skyline along the Yarra River and gaze at the city lights after sunset. Watch theatre, dance and opera at Australia’s busiest performing arts facility, the Melbourne Arts Centre. Browse the art on display at the National Gallery of Victoria, the oldest public art gallery in the country. Take in a slice of history at the Victoria Barracks, a 19th-century government building. 

The western region of Southbank has been named South Wharf. Here you will find the Melbourne Maritime Museum Polly Woodside with historic buildings and ships. Admire the award-winning modern structure of the Convention and Exhibition Centre nearby and enjoy the art gallery inside. At night, have a glass of wine at one of the many bars. Try your luck at the Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex. Children under 18 are allowed in the shopping and amusement sections, but the gaming part is for adults only.

As the community's population increased in Melbourne, the need for high-rise residential buildings arose. One of the tallest of its kind in the world, the Eureka Tower stands at almost 1,000 feet (300 metres) and has 92 floors. Enjoy stunning views of the city from Skydeck 88.

Southbank sits a half-mile (one kilometre) south of Melbourne’s central business district. The neighbourhood is fairly central and borders the south side of the Yarra River. Traffic is congested with limited parking. Many tramlines run through the area or you can reach it by crossing the river from Flinders Street Station, which is on all major metro lines.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Southbank

Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Southbank
Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Southbank
4 out of 5
99 City Road, Southbank, VIC
The price is ₹7,864 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
₹7,864
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (413 reviews)
"Little things like making the bed properly and making sure bathroom products pump would make it 5 stars"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Southbank
The Langham, Melbourne
The Langham, Melbourne
5 out of 5
One Southgate Avenue, Southbank, VIC
The price is ₹13,091 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
₹13,091
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
Luxury & Comfort
"I love the Langham, comfy cloud beds, lovely breakfast food. Great service. Old style luxury is never old."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

The Langham, Melbourne
Imagine Marco
Imagine Marco
4 out of 5
42-48 Balston Street, Southbank, VIC
The price is ₹9,505 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
₹9,505
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness centre and on-site parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,652 reviews)
"Great location and walking distance to anything in the CBD"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Imagine Marco
Oakwood Premier Melbourne
Oakwood Premier Melbourne
4 out of 5
202 Normanby Road, 202, Southbank, VIC
The price is ₹9,880 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
₹9,880
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, a casino and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (594 reviews)
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Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Oakwood Premier Melbourne
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
35-47 City Road, Southbank, VIC
The price is ₹8,188 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
₹8,188
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (560 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2024

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank, an IHG Hotel
Mercure Melbourne Southbank
Mercure Melbourne Southbank
4 out of 5
Corner of Southgate Ave & Riverside Quay, Southbank, VIC
The price is ₹8,847 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
₹8,847
per night
5 Apr - 6 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"We were so happy and pleased with our stay it suited our purposes for attending the F1 event. Great location for our purpose."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Mercure Melbourne Southbank
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Southbank

Southbank which includes city views, a high-rise building and a city

Yarra Riverfront

The stunning river views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Yarra Riverfront. Make a stop by Crown Casino or Collins Street while you're exploring the area.

Yarra Riverfront
Melbourne CBD showing outdoor eating

Melbourne Central Business District

4.5/5(400 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Melbourne Central Business District. Check out top attractions like Melbourne Central and Collins Street, and jump on the metro at Melbourne Central Station or Flagstaff Station to see more of the city.

Melbourne Central Business District
Docklands which includes a bay or harbour, night scenes and a high-rise building

Docklands

Travellers come to Docklands for its waterfront views, and you can see top attractions like Marvel Stadium and Collins Street while you're in town.

Docklands
Default Image

Albert Park

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Albert Park. You might want to make time for a stop at Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre or Albert Park Lake.

Albert Park
Fitzroy Gardens featuring heritage architecture, a house and a garden

East Melbourne

Known for its abundant dining options and colourful gardens, there's plenty to explore in East Melbourne. Top attractions like Melbourne Cricket Ground and Collins Street are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Jolimont Station or Parliament Station to see more of the city.

East Melbourne
Jam Factory showing heritage elements

South Yarra

Como Centre and Prahran Market are top sights in South Yarra, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at South Yarra Station or Hawksburn Station to see more sights in the area.

South Yarra


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