Southbank Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Southbank
Southbank
Southbank
Southbank
Southbank

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

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$154 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
AU$154
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,010 reviews)
"I'm coming stay here again in a few weeks. Great place to stay."

Reviewed on 25 Jul. 2025

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG
The Langham, Melbourne

The Langham, Melbourne

5 out of 5
One Southgate Avenue, Southbank, VIC
The price is AU$275 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
AU$275
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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 helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,172 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel"

Reviewed on 26 Jul. 2025

The Langham, Melbourne
Mercure Melbourne Southbank

Mercure Melbourne Southbank

4 out of 5
Corner of Southgate Ave & Riverside Quay, Southbank, VIC
The price is AU$142 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
AU$142
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"All good."

Reviewed on 24 Jul. 2025

Mercure Melbourne Southbank
Oakwood Premier Melbourne

Oakwood Premier Melbourne

4 out of 5
202 Normanby Road, 202, Southbank, VIC
The price is AU$230 per night from 30 July to 31 July
AU$230
30 July - 31 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, a casino, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (852 reviews)
"Clean and staff was amazing. Would love to stay again."

Reviewed on 24 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 AU$170 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
AU$170
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (563 reviews)
"Loved it there, the staff were great"

Reviewed on 26 Jul. 2025

AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank
Ink Hotel Melbourne Southbank

Ink Hotel Melbourne Southbank

3.5 out of 5
167 City Road, Southbank, VIC
The price is AU$149 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
AU$149
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (705 reviews)
"Really recommend this hotel"

Reviewed on 24 Jul. 2025

Ink Hotel 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

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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 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 Collins Street 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 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 Albert Park Lake.

Albert Park
Fitzroy Gardens which includes a garden, heritage architecture and a house

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

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