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$266 per night from 30 Apr to 1 May
AU$266
30 Apr - 1 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! (1,225 reviews)
The Langham Melbourne is a gorgeous hotel, elegant and lovely staff. I always love a stand alone shower in a hotel - though the shower head could be further out from the wall). The only things that could be addressed is perhaps it is time for new mattresses, as the current ones have obvious dips ...

Reviewed on 14 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 16 Apr to 17 Apr
AU$190
16 Apr - 17 Apr
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! (824 reviews)
Laundry facilities good as were kitchen

Reviewed on 15 Apr 2026

Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Southbank
Imagine Marco

Imagine Marco

4 out of 5
42-48 Balston Street Southbank VIC
The price is AU$153 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
AU$153
22 Apr - 23 Apr
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! (1,932 reviews)
Room not very clean and had a bad smell. The pool was locked every time I tried to visit (3-4 attempts). Other than that, it was fine

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2026

Imagine Marco
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 3 May to 4 May
AU$152
3 May - 4 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! (1,003 reviews)
Great clean room, excellent block out blinds, good bathroom and comfy bed. Breakfast is a huge spread of cooked eggs bacon beans toast, pastries and cereals.

Reviewed on 12 Apr 2026

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG
Mantra Southbank Melbourne

Mantra Southbank Melbourne

4.5 out of 5
31 City Road Southbank VIC
The price is AU$189 per night from 19 Apr to 20 Apr
AU$189
19 Apr - 20 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Melbourne. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,291 reviews)
Really enjoyed the location. We were able to get to everything as it was close to Flinders and trams. Staff were friendly and helpful. Room was perfect for us .

Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026

Mantra Southbank Melbourne
Oakwood Premier Melbourne

Oakwood Premier Melbourne

4 out of 5
202 Normanby Road, 202 Southbank VIC
The price is AU$169 per night from 19 Apr to 20 Apr
AU$169
19 Apr - 20 Apr
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! (954 reviews)
Everything was great, good location and accessible with good breakfast. however the lifts are painstakingly slow.

Reviewed on 7 Apr 2026

Oakwood Premier Melbourne
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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