Southbank Travel Guide

Melbourne

Southbank
Southbank
Southbank
Southbank
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

The Langham, Melbourne

The Langham, Melbourne

5 out of 5
One Southgate Avenue, Southbank, VIC
The price is ₹13,662 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
₹13,662
₹15,028 total
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,163 reviews)
"It’s ‘old school’ grand, warm and welcoming"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

The Langham, Melbourne
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG

4 out of 5
35-47 City Road, Southbank, VIC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹7,882 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
₹7,882
₹8,671 total
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
Happy customer!!
"It was very comfortable, staff were very friendly and helpful"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG
Oakwood Premier Melbourne

Oakwood Premier Melbourne

4 out of 5
202 Normanby Road, 202, Southbank, VIC
The price is ₹11,254 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
₹11,254
₹12,379 total
7 Aug - 8 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a casino and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (850 reviews)
"Nice"

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Oakwood Premier Melbourne
AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank

AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank

4 out of 5
199-201 Normanby Road, Southbank, Southbank, VIC
The price is ₹8,748 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹8,748
₹9,622 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (561 reviews)
"Near DFO"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank
Mercure Melbourne Southbank

Mercure Melbourne Southbank

4 out of 5
Corner of Southgate Ave & Riverside Quay, Southbank, VIC
The price is ₹7,461 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹7,461
₹8,207 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Great spot for a trip to Melbourne eay walk to casino, flinders,shops"

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Mercure Melbourne Southbank
Imagine Marco

Imagine Marco

4 out of 5
42-48 Balston Street, Southbank, VIC
The price is ₹8,290 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
₹8,290
₹9,119 total
7 Aug - 8 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,832 reviews)
"Amazing views! Spacious for a family for four. The apartment was clean and comfortable. Reception staff were welcoming and helpful. Overall, great stay!"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Imagine Marco
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

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South Melbourne

Travellers enjoy South Melbourne for its spas and zoo. Consider checking out South Melbourne Market while you're in the area.

South Melbourne
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
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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 South Melbourne Beach.

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


Southbank Travel Guide