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 refundable
The price is AU$275 per night from 1 Jan to 2 Jan
AU$275
1 Jan - 2 Jan 2026
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! (1,183 reviews)
Lovely room with great view of river. Staff very friendly.

Reviewed on 9 Dec 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
The price is AU$152 per night from 4 Jan to 5 Jan
AU$152
4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026
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! (1,005 reviews)
Breakfast was standard. I feel as though with some better quality products available it could be a real game changer.

Reviewed on 9 Dec 2025

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG
Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Southbank

Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Southbank

4 out of 5
99 City Road Southbank VIC
The price is AU$178 per night from 15 Dec to 16 Dec
AU$178
15 Dec - 16 Dec
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! (765 reviews)
Perfect for the independent traveller. All the amenities you need and great location

Reviewed on 30 Nov 2025

Adina Apartment Hotel 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 3 Jan to 4 Jan
AU$170
3 Jan - 4 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a casino and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (901 reviews)
Everything was fabulous

Reviewed on 8 Dec 2025

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 4 Jan to 5 Jan
AU$140
4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026
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)
Didnt use laundry . Parking was good .expendive if not going through motel

Reviewed on 9 Dec 2025

Mercure Melbourne Southbank
Imagine Marco

Imagine Marco

4 out of 5
42-48 Balston Street Southbank VIC
The price is AU$149 per night from 18 Dec to 19 Dec
AU$149
18 Dec - 19 Dec
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! (1,869 reviews)
Room clean, bed comfortable. Parking was an issue with parking full and needing to move car every 3 hours.

Reviewed on 22 Nov 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

Default Image

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 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
Default Image

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 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 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


Southbank Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip:

Explore a world of travel with Expedia