Yarra Riverfront Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Southbank featuring a skyscraper, cbd and a city
Southbank showing a city, modern architecture and a bridge
Yarra Riverfront
Yarra Riverfront
Yarra Riverfront

Centuries ago, settlers developed Melbourne around this river. Today it is the heart of the city with bars, shops and restaurants lining its banks.

The picturesque Yarra River is the focal point around which Melbourne flourishes. Enjoy the river's beaches, try out a watersport or take a boat tour to one of the scenic islands. 

Go shopping at the Southgate complex which is situated along the river’s banks. Find upmarket shops, entertainment and restaurants here. Climb aboard a boat at Southgate or Princes Walk for a trip down the river. 

To the east, you’ll find a more rural setting. Take a stroll around the Royal Botanic Gardens and stop at one of the many picnic and barbecue facilities. Visit Herring Island Park in the summer months by taking a Parks Victoria ferry and walk around the sculpture parks. This area is remarkably tranquil considering it is in the centre of a busy city. Take photos of the Melbourne skyline at sunset. 

Cycle along any of the many cycling routes or go kayaking along the waterways. Swim at one of the river’s many beaches, manned by lifesavers in the summer months. 

If you are brave enough, take a dip during the chilly winter months. If that seems a bit too cold, visit one of the numerous heated pools and centers. The annual Moomba Festival celebrates the cultural significance of the Yarra River to Melbourne. It takes place over Labour Day weekend on the first Friday of March. Head to the river then for firework displays and live music.

Before the arrival of Europeans, the river was used as a main meeting point for the indigenous people of Australia. As Europeans began to settle, they forced the indigenous population away from the river and gradually the city was built along the banks.

The river runs from the Yarra Ranges down through the centre of Melbourne and into Hobsons Bay. The main attractions around it are focused within a 1-mile (1.6-kilometre) section but parks and recreational attractions spread out for miles along its banks.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Yarra Riverfront Hotel Deals

The Langham, Melbourne

The Langham, Melbourne

5 out of 5
One Southgate Avenue, Southbank, VIC
The price is AU$302 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$302
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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! (1,163 reviews)
"Buffet offered at The Melba was immaculate. Options for Japanese, Seafood, Chinese, Indian, American, and Dessert made it feel like I was never without a good option. Location on the riverfront was perfect. Always a perfect walking distance to local icons such as Hosier Lane or various waterfront ..."

Reviewed on 17 Aug. 2025

The Langham, Melbourne
Hyatt Centric Melbourne

Hyatt Centric Melbourne

5 out of 5
25 DOWNIE STREET, Melbourne, VIC
The price is AU$215 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
AU$215
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (733 reviews)
"Super comfortable and clean"

Reviewed on 15 Aug. 2025

Hyatt Centric 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$165 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
AU$165
8 Sept - 9 Sept
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! (1,001 reviews)
"The staff are very friendly and helped my son find his lost AFL cap in the lobby. Veey good buffet breakfast and easy to checkin and checkout. Will definitely stay again."

Reviewed on 13 Aug. 2025

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG
Crowne Plaza Melbourne by IHG

Crowne Plaza Melbourne by IHG

4.5 out of 5
1-5 Spencer Street, Docklands, VIC
Fully refundable
The price is AU$194 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
AU$194
27 Aug - 28 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Location to where we wanted to go excellent. Room not what we expected had only one chair making dining in difficult. Had tea and coffee but not even a biscuit.Confusing having to use two lifts to get to floor seven. Regards Barry"

Reviewed on 15 Aug. 2025

Crowne Plaza Melbourne by IHG
Quincy Hotel Melbourne

Quincy Hotel Melbourne

4.5 out of 5
509 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, VIC
The price is AU$212 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
AU$212
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (664 reviews)
"Nice hotel"

Reviewed on 12 Aug. 2025

Quincy Hotel Melbourne
Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne

Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne

4.5 out of 5
328 Flinders Street, Melbourne, VIC
The price is AU$188 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
AU$188
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Terrific - friendly staff ; hot shower; comfortable bed; extremely quiet and good breakfast. Would stay again ."

Reviewed on 15 Aug. 2025

Rendezvous Hotel 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 Yarra Riverfront

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Southbank

Are you interested in stunning river views, first-class casinos and popular shops? A visit to Southbank might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Crown Casino and Melbourne Skydeck.

Southbank
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
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
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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
Carlton Gardens which includes a pond, a castle and a park

Carlton

Carlton is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Melbourne Museum and Royal Exhibition Building while you're in town.

Carlton
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


Yarra Riverfront Travel Guide

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