From the iconic historic buildings of South Wharf to the scenic activity of the Promenade, Southbank is one of the liveliest neighbourhoods in Melbourne. Spend a sunny afternoon in this lovely riverside setting, an area that is peopled by outdoor performers and dense with cafés and restaurants. Join an eclectic mix of tourists and locals at this popular hub for shopping, culture, and nightlife.
Take a mazy walk along the scenic Southbank Promenade. Here, the sights and sounds of modern Melbourne are fully on display. Engage in some serious people-watching or snap photos of the city skyline over the beloved Yarra River.
The Promenade is also home to some Melbourne’s top cultural icons, including the 19th-century Victoria Barracks. Visit Australia’s oldest public art gallery, the National Gallery of Victoria. Catch a performance of theatre, opera, or dance at the Melbourne Arts Centre, the busiest performing arts facility in the country.
Make your way to Southbank’s western region, which goes by the name of South Wharf. Explore the Melbourne Maritime Museum Polly Woodside and admire its historic buildings and ships. The nearby Convention and Exhibition Centre is remarkable for its award-winning modern design. Inside, it houses an art gallery.
Melbourne is home to numerous high-rise residential buildings on account of its rapid population growth over the years. Southbank’s own Eureka Tower is actually one of the tallest in the world, with 92 floors and a total height of nearly 300 metres (1,000 feet). Ascend to Skydeck 88 for spectacular views of the city.
Head to Southbank Promenade by night to see the Melbourne city lights over the Yarra. Stop for a drink at one of South Wharf’s many bars, or take a gamble at the Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex. The gaming part of this complex is open to adults only, although children under 18 are allowed in the shopping and amusement sections.
Southbank is located, somewhat unsurprisingly, on the Yarra River’s southern bank. Melbourne’s central business district is just one kilometre (half a mile) away. The Flinders Street metro station is just on the other side of the river, and the area is served by numerous tramlines. Traffic is congested, and parking is limited.
