Southbank

Southbank is Melbourne's lively riverside arts-and-dining precinct, lining the south bank of the Yarra River across from the CBD. A pedestrian promenade runs along the water, lined with restaurants, bars, and buskers, linking the city's cultural heavyweights: the Arts Centre Melbourne (with its spire), the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International, free), and the concert halls, plus the Crown entertainment complex with its riverside flame towers that erupt with fireballs on the hour at night. The Melbourne Skydeck rises above it all.

It's the natural place for an evening by the river, dinner with city-skyline views, a show at the Arts Centre, or a wander past the street performers. Footbridges connect it to Flinders Street Station and the CBD, making it an easy, atmospheric extension of a city visit, especially after dark.

Don't miss

• The Yarra riverside promenade and skyline views
• The National Gallery of Victoria (free) and Arts Centre
• Crown's hourly riverside fireball towers at night
• Riverside dining, bars, and buskers
• Melbourne Skydeck above the precinct

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Southbank

Cheapest way inCity Highlights Express Cruise4.3★ · 26 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$21 per personSee dates →Most bookedUltimate Melbourne Walking Tour: History, Laneways & Culture4.9★ · 1,558 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$91 per personSee dates →Top ratedGreat Ocean Road Reverse SUNRISE TOUR–SML GRP-DLX BUS Hotel Pikup4.9★ · 1,379 travelers~12 hoursFree cancellationFrom$70 per personSee dates →

Good for

How travelers rate it

Know before you go

• The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International) is free and excellent, pop in.
• After dark, catch Crown's riverside fireball towers erupting on the hour.
• Evening is best for the riverside dining and lit skyline.
• Footbridges connect it to Flinders Street Station and the CBD.

A bit of history

Once an industrial riverfront, Southbank was redeveloped from the 1990s into a cultural and entertainment precinct, anchored by the pre-existing Arts Centre and NGV and the new Crown complex, transforming the south bank of the Yarra into one of Melbourne's social hubs.