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

The Langham, Melbourne

The Langham, Melbourne

5 out of 5
One Southgate Avenue Southbank VIC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$285 per night from 19 May to 20 May
AU$285
19 May - 20 May
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! (1,251 reviews)
Best hotel

Reviewed on 28 Apr 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$190 per night from 11 May to 12 May
AU$190
11 May - 12 May
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! (828 reviews)
Laundry facilities good as were kitchen

Reviewed on 15 Apr 2026

Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Southbank
ibis Styles Melbourne Southbank

ibis Styles Melbourne Southbank

3.5 out of 5
167 City Road Southbank VIC
Fully refundable
The price is AU$108 per night from 19 May to 20 May
AU$108
19 May - 20 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (850 reviews)
Staff were epic, room clean and relaxing

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2026

ibis Styles Melbourne Southbank
Mercure Melbourne Southbank

Mercure Melbourne Southbank

4 out of 5
Corner of Southgate Ave & Riverside Quay Southbank VIC
The price is AU$140 per night from 3 May to 4 May
AU$140
3 May - 4 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
Great place to stay staff friendly rooms great

Reviewed on 26 Apr 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$169 per night from 20 May to 21 May
AU$169
20 May - 21 May
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! (1,004 reviews)
Good breakfast but very busy at 7am Saturday

Reviewed on 26 Apr 2026

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG
Imagine Marco

Imagine Marco

4 out of 5
42-48 Balston Street Southbank VIC
The price is AU$152 per night from 4 May to 5 May
AU$152
4 May - 5 May
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,939 reviews)
This hotel was really nice great facilities. Stuff were really friendly. Location was good. The pool was nice but could do with a clean and it would be nice if it was a slightly bigger.

Reviewed on 26 Apr 2026

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

South Melbourne

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
Yarra Riverfront

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 Central Business District

Melbourne Central Business District

4.5/5(20,460 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

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
East Melbourne

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 Bridge Road are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Jolimont Station or Parliament Station to see more of the city.

East Melbourne
South Yarra

South Yarra

Jam Factory 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


Southbank Travel Guide

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