Southbank Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Southbank featuring a bridge, a sunset and a river or creek
Southbank featuring a bridge, a sunset and a river or creek
Southbank which includes a sunset, a bridge and a city
Southbank which includes a bay or harbor, night scenes and a city
Southbank featuring a bridge, a city and a river or creek

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
The price is AU$275 per night from 9 Mar to 10 Mar
AU$275
9 Mar - 10 Mar
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! (1,211 reviews)
Spacious, comfortable and quiet room with king bed on 15th floor. Hotel was within short walking distance of Sumner Theatre, for which we had tickets. City easily accessible also. inopposite

Reviewed on 17 Feb 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 22 Feb to 23 Feb
AU$190
22 Feb - 23 Feb
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! (799 reviews)
very clean

Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026

Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Southbank
Imagine Marco

Imagine Marco

4 out of 5
42-48 Balston Street Southbank VIC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$150 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
AU$150
16 Mar - 17 Mar
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! (1,914 reviews)
It was a very nice room! So clean, spacious and tidy! Staff are all lovely too! Would definitely book again here!

Reviewed on 17 Feb 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$169 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
AU$169
15 Mar - 16 Mar
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)
Great location and nice hotel. Highly recommended

Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG
Mercure Melbourne Southbank

Mercure Melbourne Southbank

4 out of 5
Corner of Southgate Ave & Riverside Quay Southbank VIC
The price is AU$153 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
AU$153
23 Feb - 24 Feb
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! (1,001 reviews)
Beautiful view

Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026

Mercure Melbourne Southbank
Mantra Southbank Melbourne

Mantra Southbank Melbourne

4.5 out of 5
31 City Road Southbank VIC
The price is AU$179 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
AU$179
22 Mar - 23 Mar
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,266 reviews)
Great stay! Large room with laundry in the room, very helpful for our long trip. Excellent service from front desk. Great food at restaurant! Awesome location, grocery store within the block and quick walk to transit, we loved it all. Would absolutely stay here again.

Reviewed on 13 Feb 2026

Mantra Southbank 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.

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.

Other neighbourhoods around Southbank

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 Collins Street 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 Collins Street, 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 Collins Street while you're in town.

Docklands
Albert Park

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 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
Jam Factory which includes heritage elements

South Yarra

Prahran Market and Chapel Street 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

Choose two or more items and save on your trip:

Explore a world of travel with Expedia