The modern riverside strip along the Yarra — Southbank's promenade of restaurants, the arts centre and NGV gallery, the casino, and the gleaming towers and marina of Docklands. Polished, central and cultured, walkable to the CBD across the river; the base for travellers who want river views, the big arts institutions and modern comforts, a stroll from the heart of the city. Sleek and convenient.
€280–500
typical per night in Australia
You pay for the postcode
One of the pricier addresses in Melbourne.
Where it sits
The circle is Southbank & Docklands and roughly a 10-minute walk around it.
How far is everything?
From the middle of this area to the city's headline sights — pick your own on the city page and these become your list.
- Federation Square & the NGV8 min walk645 m
- The laneways & street art9 min walk746 m
- Melbourne coffee culture12 min walk1.0 km
- Queen Victoria Market22 min walk1.8 km
- Lygon Street, Carlton8 min taxi2.7 km
- Fitzroy & Brunswick Street9 min taxi2.9 km
- Melbourne's food scene9 min taxi3.1 km
- St Kilda (beach)16 min taxi5.2 km
- St Kilda & the bay16 min taxi5.2 km
On your doorstep
What you’re living next to if you stay here.
- 5.NGV International — The National Gallery of Victoria is Australia's oldest and most-visited art museum — a grand institution on St Kilda Road with a vast collection spanning European masters, Asian art, fashion and design, and blockbuster international exhibitions, all behind its iconic water-wall entrance. World-class and often free to enter, it's a cultural highlight of the city; wander the galleries, touch the famous water wall, and catch whatever major show is on. A superb, rainy-day-proof few hours. Don't miss it.
- 7.The MCG & sport — Melbourne is Australia's sporting capital, and the mighty Melbourne Cricket Ground (the 'G') is its cathedral — a colossal 100,000-seat arena that hosts AFL footy and cricket and holds the National Sports Museum. Catch a game for an unforgettable, roaring atmosphere (AFL in winter, cricket in summer), or take a tour of the hallowed turf. Sport is woven into the city's soul, from footy to the Australian Open and the Grand Prix; a game here is a real Melbourne experience. Thrilling.
- 10.The Yarra River & Southbank — The Yarra River winds through the heart of the city, and its Southbank promenade is a lovely place to stroll — lined with restaurants, bars and the arts precinct, with rowers on the water, a Ferris wheel and the city skyline glinting above. Take a riverside walk or a cruise, watch the fire-breathing towers of the casino at night, and admire the bridges and boats; a relaxed, scenic way to see the city from its river. Especially pretty in the evening. A pleasant, central highlight.
When are you staying?
Booking.com & Airbnb open searched to Southbank & Docklands; flights via Google Flights.