Southbank Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Southbank featuring a bridge, a sunset and a river or creek
Southbank featuring a bridge, a sunset and a river or creek
Southbank which includes a sunset, a bridge and a city
Southbank which includes a bay or harbor, night scenes and a city
Southbank featuring a bridge, a city and a river or creek

Explore this eclectic neighbourhood, which features hotels, galleries, bars and a casino complex on the south side of Melbourne's Yarra River.

Whether looking for a day's shopping or a fun night out, Southbank offers an energetic atmosphere with plenty to do. This neighbourhood lies near Melbourne's business district, on the southern bank of the Yarra River. Stroll along the promenade and find your groove in its shopping precincts, its riverside bars or its extravagant casino.

Start your day with a coffee along the Southbank Promenade and watch the business district come to life. Capture photos of Melbourne's high-rise skyline and the Eureka Tower. Built in response to Melbourne's rapidly increasing population, this 300-metre (1,000-foot) tower is one of the tallest residential buildings in the world. Take the elevator up its 92 floors and marvel at the stunning city-wide views to be seen from Skydeck 88.

Back on ground level, book a show at the Melbourne Arts Centre and experience the city's rich drama culture. Admire prominent works of art at the National Gallery of Victoria and learn about the institution's long history. The nearby Victoria Barracks, a 19th-century government building, also offers an insight into the city's past.

Discover the Melbourne Maritime Museum Polly Woodside at South Wharf, on Southbank's western side. Inspect its fascinating buildings and ships, preserved from throughout the ages. The Convention and Exhibition Centre stands as a symbol of exceptional modern architecture and houses an art gallery within.

As the sun sets, sit at a wine bar and watch the romantic lighting reflect off Melbourne's skyscrapers. The Crown Casino and Entertainment offers shopping and amusement sections, alongside an expansive gaming room. Try your luck inside or watch a flashy fire show outside at night.

Southbank is accessible on foot from anywhere around Melbourne's central business district. Cross one of many bridges connecting the city to South Yarra. Alternatively, use one of many trams routes that run from north to south. Flinders Street Station, the city's main interchange, is a 5-minute walk from Crown Casino. Driving though the city is not recommended as congestion is common.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Southbank Hotel Deals

The Langham, Melbourne

The Langham, Melbourne

5 out of 5
One Southgate Avenue Southbank VIC
The price is AU$305 per night from 2 Feb to 3 Feb
AU$305
2 Feb - 3 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 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 in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,204 reviews)
Great location. Staff very friendly. Hotel clean and nice lobby area etc. Great coffee each morning before we head out for the day!

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

The Langham, Melbourne
Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Southbank

Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Southbank

4 out of 5
99 City Road Southbank VIC
The price is AU$170 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
AU$170
1 Feb - 2 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (787 reviews)
Good

Reviewed on 23 Jan 2026

Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Southbank
Imagine Marco

Imagine Marco

4 out of 5
42-48 Balston Street Southbank VIC
The price is AU$144 per night from 4 Feb to 5 Feb
AU$144
4 Feb - 5 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 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 in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,901 reviews)
Lovely staff, great location. Two bedroom apartment was great.

Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026

Imagine Marco
WRAP on Southbank

WRAP on Southbank

4.5 out of 5
133 -139 City Road Southbank VIC
The price is AU$179 per night from 15 Feb to 16 Feb
AU$179
15 Feb - 16 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,784 reviews)
Nice area

Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026

WRAP on Southbank
Mercure Melbourne Southbank

Mercure Melbourne Southbank

4 out of 5
Corner of Southgate Ave & Riverside Quay Southbank VIC
The price is AU$154 per night from 3 Feb to 4 Feb
AU$154
3 Feb - 4 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
Great location, room was spotless and really comfortable, staff were all so friendly and helpful. Decent breakfast and room service too.

Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026

Mercure Melbourne Southbank
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG

4 out of 5
35-47 City Road Southbank VIC
The price is AU$151 per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
AU$151
8 Feb - 9 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
Free Breaky is always great. Tennis lounge and bar open late, quiet venue. Room was spacious.

Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG
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 featuring a skyscraper, cbd 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 SEA LIFE Melbourne while you're exploring the area.

Yarra Riverfront
Melbourne CBD showing outdoor eating

Melbourne Central Business District

4.5/5(20,262 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 Rod Laver Arena, 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 Melbourne City Marina while you're in town.

Docklands
Jam Factory which includes heritage elements

South Yarra

Prahran Market and Chapel Street 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
Fitzroy featuring a house and signage

Fitzroy

Gardens, bars and museums are some highlights of Fitzroy. Make a stop by Brunswick Street or Smith Street while you're exploring.

Fitzroy
Richmond featuring a park and a playground

Richmond

Travellers choose Richmond for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Richmond Station or Burnley Station and check out top sights like Bridge Road.

Richmond


Southbank Travel Guide

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