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    Southbank

    Australia

    Southbank

    CityCulture

    Southbank, on the Yarra's south bank, is Melbourne's cultural and entertainment district. Restaurants and bars line the promenade; St Kilda Road houses the Arts Centre, Hamer Hall, and the National Gallery of Victoria.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Australia
    7. Melbourne
    9. Southbank
    Southbank, on the Yarra's south bank, is Melbourne's cultural and entertainment district. Restaurants and bars line the promenade; St Kilda Road houses the Arts Centre, Hamer Hall, and the National Gallery of Victoria.The former industrial area was redeveloped from the 1990s. Today, skyscrapers like the Eureka Tower (with Skydeck) and the Crown Complex dominate the skyline.

    Sights in Southbank

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    NGV

    1NGV

    Public museum with a large collection of significant Australian and international artworks and objects.
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    Arts Centre Melbourne

    2Arts Centre Melbourne

    The cultural center on St Kilda Road with its striking spire houses theaters, concert halls, and Hamer Hall. It's a venue for opera, ballet, and orchestras, with free exhibitions often in the foyer.
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    Melbourne Skydeck

    3Melbourne Skydeck

    Eureka Tower's 88th-floor observation deck offers panoramic views of the city, bay, and Dandenong Ranges. In the glass cube The Edge, you float above the facade.
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    Southbank Promenade

    4Southbank Promenade

    The riverside promenade on the Yarra between Princes Bridge and Crown links restaurants, bars, and sculptures with skyline views. In the evenings, columns of flame shoot skyward in front of the Casino.
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    City walks in Southbank

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Southbank Flair: Melbourne's Arts & Riverside Promenade

    Experience the pulsating heart of Melbourne's Southbank on this 2-hour walk. Discover impressive art and culture, stroll along the picturesque Yarra River and enjoy spectacular views of the city skyline. A perfect mix of sightseeing and relaxed ambience.

    ~2 Std.
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    Stops (7)

    Essen & Trinken

    1

    The Meat & Wine Co Southbank

    Steak restaurant on the promenade with ribs, skewers, and a large wine list.
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    Rockpool Bar & Grill Melbourne

    Upscale steakhouse in the Crown Complex featuring dry-aged Australian beef and an extensive wine list.
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    Nobu Melbourne

    Japanese-Peruvian cuisine of the international Nobu chain in the Crown complex on the Yarra, known for Black Cod Miso.
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    Southbank's Culture, Art & History

    Southbank, once a bustling industrial area on the south bank of the Yarra River, underwent a comprehensive urban transformation starting in the late 1980s. The area, previously characterized by warehouses, factories, and shipyards, was redeveloped into a modern cultural and lifestyle district as part of urban development and after Expo '88.The current architectural landscape of Southbank is a dynamic blend of contemporary skyscrapers, housing residential and office spaces, and functional structures serving the thriving cultural sector. This urban design reflects the evolution from an industrial waterfront strip to a hub for art and entertainment. The district is home to Melbourne's renowned Arts Precinct, which plays a central role in the city's cultural life and unites a variety of institutions for fine and performing arts. There are no specific inherited “local traditions” in the classical sense, but the establishment of this cultural hub is a modern cultural characteristic that shapes the district's identity.

    Nightlife

    The nightlife scene in Southbank is concentrated along the Yarra River, offering a mix of upscale cocktail bars and live music venues. Here you'll find elegant spots like Left Bank Melbourne for drinks with river views, or you can experience intimate jazz evenings at the Paris Cat Jazz Club.
    1

    Left Bank Melbourne Restaurant & Cocktail Bar

    Restaurant and cocktail bar directly on the Yarra bank in Southgate, with a terrace and skyline views. Often with a DJ on weekends.
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    Ponyfish Island

    Small bar under the pedestrian bridge between Southgate and Flinders Street, right on the Yarra, accessible via stairs from the bridge. Popular for a sunset drink.
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    On-site adventures

    On foot: From Flinders Street Station, it's just a few minutes across Princes Bridge to the Arts Centre.Tram: Services on St Kilda Road stop at the Arts Centre; parts of Southbank are within the Free Tram Zone.River: Boat cruises on the Yarra depart from the promenade.

    Accommodations in Southbank

    Find perfect stay in Southbank

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      • 1NGV3 days
      • 2Arts Centre Melbourne4 days
      • 3Melbourne Skydeck5 days
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    Nearby

    Melbourne

    Melbourne

    Melbourne, Victoria's capital, is Australia's second-largest city with around 5 million residents. Situated on Port Phillip Bay and the Yarra River, it's considered the country's cultural heart, boasting Victorian architecture, laneways filled with cafes and street art, and major sporting events.The city centre is compact and easily explored by tram. Neighborhoods like Fitzroy, Southbank, and St Kilda each boast their own character.
    Fitzroy

    Fitzroy

    Fitzroy, Melbourne's oldest suburb, is distinguished by its pronounced bohemian atmosphere and a dynamic art scene. Brunswick Street and Gertrude Street form the heart of the neighborhood and are home to a wide range of independent boutiques, art galleries and varied cafés. Historic Victorian buildings shape the streetscape and often serve as a canvas for the ubiquitous street art that underlines the urban character. In the evening Fitzroy comes alive with a lively bar and restaurant scene and numerous live-music venues. For an authentic experience, you should explore the hidden lanes, where special galleries and cafés are often tucked away. Ideally, plan your visit for late morning to explore the shops and cafés in peace before the evening atmosphere sets in.
    St Kilda

    St Kilda

    St Kilda lies about 6 km south of the center on Port Phillip Bay and is Melbourne's most famous beachside district. Palms along the Esplanade, the pier with its penguin colony, and the 1912 Luna Park amusement park define the scene.Acland Street is known for its traditional patisseries, Fitzroy Street and Carlisle Street for bars and cafés.
    Surf Coast

    Surf Coast

    The Surf Coast between Torquay and Aireys Inlet kicks off the Great Ocean Road: long beaches, surf spots like Bells Beach, and relaxed coastal towns an hour from Melbourne.
    Great Ocean Road

    Great Ocean Road

    The roughly 240-kilometer coastal road southwest of Melbourne runs from Torquay, via Lorne and Apollo Bay, to the limestone cliffs of the Twelve Apostles. Along the way, surf beaches, rainforest in the Otway Ranges, and steep cliffs alternate.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Unsplash. Each photo carries its credit.
    • Place data such as addresses and ratings comes from Google Maps.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI