Southbank Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A city skyline with modern skyscrapers and a historic church.
A city skyline at dusk with illuminated buildings, a prominent cathedral, and a river reflecting the lights.
A cityscape at night with illuminated buildings, a river, and a bridge.
A modern cityscape with a river, a bridge, and several high-rise buildings.
A park with a walkway lined by trees, a river, and a bridge in the background.

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.


Stay near popular Southbank attractions

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$275 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
AU$275
24 Aug - 25 Aug
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 ...
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
The price is AU$160 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
AU$160
9 Aug - 10 Aug
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)
"Loved the friendly and helpful staff on reception, on bar and kitchen dining room staff. Really appreciated table tennis etc for young people. Only problem was that the room air temperature was too warm loved the bathroom/ shower door arrangement - Thank you. I will come again"

Reviewed on 26 July 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$137 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
AU$137
3 Aug - 4 Aug
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! (1,962 reviews)
"The property is located on Southbank and is reasonably clean. However my room was next to the garbage shute and thus"

Reviewed on 26 July 2026

Imagine Marco
ibis Styles Melbourne Southbank

ibis Styles Melbourne Southbank

3.5 out of 5
167 City Road Southbank VIC
The price is AU$96 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
AU$96
2 Aug - 3 Aug
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! (942 reviews)
"Only spent two nights here, but hands down the best hotel shower I have ever used! Great temperature and pressure."

Reviewed on 26 July 2026

ibis Styles Melbourne Southbank
Oakwood Premier Melbourne

Oakwood Premier Melbourne

4 out of 5
202 Normanby Road, 202 Southbank VIC
The price is AU$170 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
AU$170
2 Aug - 3 Aug
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Usual friendly- most efficient staff."

Reviewed on 23 July 2026

Oakwood Premier Melbourne
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 2 Aug to 3 Aug
AU$140
2 Aug - 3 Aug
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. ...
8.4/10 Very good! (1,003 reviews)
"Comfortable bed, a couch for two, great view over the river, and an easy walk over a pedestrian bridge to Flinders Street Station in the city centre. Enjoyed breakfast as had a good variety of cereals, yoghurts, fresh fruit, breads, jams, scrambled eggs, baked beans, meats, and vegetable fried rice. ..."

Reviewed on 20 July 2026

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.

Our guide on where to stay in Southbank

Find the best Southbank areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Southbank
Learn more about Southbank

Melbourne Central Business District

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.

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.

Melbourne Airport

Melbourne Airport is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to URBNSURF Sports Park or Woodlands Historic Park.

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.

Sorrento

Sorrento is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Sorrento Front Beach and Searoad Ferry Terminal.



Southbank Travel Guide

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