Things to Do in Southbank Melbourne: Eat, Drink, Stay, & Map

Southbank, Melbourne – a more recently evolved and modern neighbor of the city center, Southbank has come a long way in a small number of years and there are things to do in Southbank Melbourne for any kind of person or visitor.

Southbank Melbourne is now a hub for tech and corporations, a trendy riverside boardwalk, the largest casino in Australia, and home to massive conventions, famous hotels, high-rise apartments, central museums, markets, and even gardens.

This guide of all the things to do in Southbank Melbourne touches upon my own experience living there for about 6 months when I first moved to the city. You best believe I made the most of it – trying lots of cool bars, exploring parks, walking along the river, and checking out as many restaurants as I could, too.

This guide includes a bit of South Melbourne and also a bit of South Yarra. Basically, it includes all the places you would want to see when walking around Southbank for a day or two, even if it includes crossing a tiny bit of suburb borders 😛

Visiting Melbourne? I have guides to many other areas, too!

• 2 Days in Melbourne Itinerary
• Hidden Bars in Melbourne Map + Guide
• Breakfast + Brunch Guide to Melbourne CBD
• 50 Places to Visit in Melbourne
• Abbotsford Guide 
• Fitzroy Guide
• Melbourne Day Trips 
• Melbourne Weekend Getaways

Southbank, Melbourne at a Glance:

Before we get to it, here are some quick lists you might find useful.

Getting to Southbank

Southbank is super easy to get to! it’s literally across the river from the main train station in Melbourne (Flinders Street Station), so you can walk there in about 5 minutes from the CBD. Trams also run along St Kilda Road (routes 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67, 72) if you’re coming from farther out. Once you’re there, everything is walkable, though the area is bigger than it looks on a map.

Check out my Melbourne 2 day itinerary for the best ways to see the city in 2 days – including the CBD, Southbank, Fitzroy, and St Kilda.

Best time to visit Southbank and seasonal events

The best time to visit Southbank is honestly any time, but I especially love it in spring (September-November) when the Botanic Gardens are going OFF with blooms and summer (when the weather is usually perfect for riverside drinks). Summer gets more packed but the energy is amazing – you’ll catch the fire shows at Crown every night after dark, there are tons of streeet performers on the promenade, there are tons of events at the museums and theaters, and MPavilion is usually set up in the gardens December through February.

The Australian Grand Prix/F1 races happen annaully in Albert Park, making Southbank a bit more packed and expensive during the event. It’s usually in March/April/

Free Things to Do in Southbank

• Walk the Southbank Promenade (up to 3km)
• National Gallery Victoria (free entry unless special exhibit)
• Shrine of Remembrance museum and balcony view
• Royal Botanic Gardens
• Crown Casino fire display (every hour after dark)
• South Melbourne Market (Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun)
• Albert Park Lake walk (4.7km loop)

Best Views in Southbank

• Eureka Skydeck 88 (highest viewing platform in southern hemisphere)
• Shrine of Remembrance third-floor balcony
• Echostate Bar + Terrace at Crown Casino
• Waterfront Restaurant riverside tables
• All waterfront restaurants
• Ponyfish Island under the bridge

Things to Do in Southbank Melbourne

If you can spend a day in the area, there are plenty of things to do in Southbank Melbourne. Check the map above to organize a route based upon what you’re interested in.

Southbank Promenade

The Southbank Promenade is a boardwalk along the river that can go for up to 3 kilometers if you’d like it to. The section I recommend walking is from Princes Bridge (across from Flinders St Train Station) to the convention center (just under 2km) to see most of the sights and restaurants of the area.

You’ll pass by the Crown Casino, Polly Woodside, and most likely some street performers, restaurants, and bars you’ll want to return to later – or grab a drink on the way!

Eureka Tower + Eureka Skydeck 88

The Eureka Tower is a MUST in Melbourne. If you choose just one of the touristy things to do in Southbank, make it the Eureka Skydeck!

Why? The Eureka Skydeck is on the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower – the second tallest building in Oz and the fourth tallest in the whole southern hemisphere! Meaning: this view is amazing. The whole 88th floor is a public observation deck, giving you 360-degree views around Melbourne. It’s actually the highest viewing platform in the southern hemisphere, too.

From up here, you can spot TONS of the most popular Melbourne attractions from up in the sky – the Botanic Gardens, the MCG, Flinders Street Train Station, Federation Square, the Crown Casino, the whole Yarra River winding through the city… you can even see to St Kilda and Luna Park if you look hard enough. It’s pretty awesome.

They also have a glass-floored platform you can pay extra to stand on. Regular tickets will set you back $39AUD at the door, but click here for discounted advance tickets.

Crown Casino

The Crown Casino is the largest casino in Australia. It’s home to 3 hotels, a massive casino, and (literally) dozens of bars, clubs, restaurants, and food courts. It’s a massive metropolis that takes up a huge portion of Southbank, and it’s definitely worth at least a look.

The best way to experience Crown is to either have a walk through it, visit any of its great restaurants, play a couple rounds of poker or roulette at the casino itself, or check out the nightlife there.

My recommendation would be to head up to Echostate after dark (prev Groove Bar + Terrace – just ask for the bar with a terrace!) – Crown does a fire display on the hour every hour after dark (they set off big plumes of fire that warm all of Southbank) and the terrace bar is the best place to view them!

Southgate Center

Southgate is the center point of some of the best restaurants in Southbank as well as some shops, takeaways, and more. You can’t miss the big Southgate sign with lots of restaurants scattered around it.

Yarra River Cruises

One of the best things to do in Southbank is to do a Yarra River Cruise. Some of them leave from Southbank and some leave from just across the river in the CBD. These cruises are a great introduction to Melbourne and will give you lots of fun facts and historical tidbits to take with you through the city.

When I first arrived in Melbourne, one of my backpacker jobs was selling tickets to these, haha! I have done them many times and honestly recommend it as a fun, chill afternoon activity where you learn a lot about the city and see a lot too, from the comfort of the boat. Book the cruise from Southbank here!

Polly Woodside

Polly Woodside is one of Australia’s historic tall ships. It was built in Ireland, first set sail in the 1880s, apparently circumnavigated the world 17 times, and is now positioned as a museum down at the end of the Southbank Promenade.

If you’d like to visit her today, go on the weekends between 10 am and 4 pm and learn about a bit of very interesting history + culture.

National Gallery Victoria (NGV) Museum

If you go to one art museum in Melbourne, make it the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). The NGV is just across Princes Bridge from Fed Square. The entry is free (unless they have some kind of special exhibit on, which will usually set you back $40 or so and will usually also be very worth it).

The NGV has 3 floors and has constantly-changing exhibits which are usually quite exciting, often photo-worthy, and diverse. It’s one of the best things to do on a rainy day in Melbourne, too.

Ian Potter State Theater

Next to the NGV is the State Theatre, which you can see from nearly all over Melbourne due to its large, white, Eiffel-Tower-like spire on top. The State Theater has half a dozen plays and shows going on at any given time, usually with multiple each day.

Melbourne is a fabulous city for theatre (with over a dozen venues and famous plays often coming through after New York). Check what’s on at the State Theatre now.

Melbourne Convention Center

The Melbourne Convention Center is adjacent to the Crown Casino and always has something on. From video game expos to gin festivals to Jehovah’s witness conventions to speakers and comedians… there’s always a little of everything. I have been to a couple travel shows here and a gin show too! Check what’s on at the MCEC in Southbank Melbourne while you’re here.

DFO South Wharf

If you feel like a bit of shopping, the outlets at DFO South Wharf (right next to the convention center) are fantastic. There are over 180 outlets, all in big brand names and offering hefty discounts off MSRP prices.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Pop across the street from the NGV, check if anything is on at the summer installation MPavilion, and walk south. You’ll pass by the famous “Tan” running track, and you can enter the Botanic Gardens near the Melbourne Observatory (check map).

Give yourself a few hours to explore the gardens at your leisure; they are some of the largest in the world and have a crazily diverse array of plants and gardens. If you so desire, take a picnic blanket and some snacks and find a secluded shady spot for a picnic. Trust me, I have gotten lost in here plenty of times and found some hidden gem spots!

Shrine of Remembrance

The Shrine of Remembrance is both an amazing memorial museum and a phenomenal view of the city (my second favorite after the Eureka Skydeck).

You cannot miss the huge square concrete building in the south corner of the Botanic Gardens. It’s got a third-floor balcony providing unbelievable views of the city skyline, a memorial crypt with historic war flags, and a massive museum underneath the entire structure.

The museum goes in-depth into all worldly conflicts that Australia had a part in (which is most – Aus was an ally of the US in most wars). It’s both humbling and fascinating – and free!

South Melbourne Market

If you’re exploring on a Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, the South Melbourne Market is a must. A short tram ride or decent walk from anywhere else on this list, this market is a Melbourne gem for shopping, finding unique food, or just walking around on a free afternoon, which is what I usually do (and grab a few snacks of course, and ALWAYS an oyster or six).

You’ll find tons of stalls with crafts, knick-knacks, clothes, and specialty items, and also a fully stocked food court with loads of fresh food. Think – seafood straight from the ocean, cured meats and cheeses, spices, fresh bread, and more. There are also some fab restaurants there too. It’s a perfect place to go for lunch – grab a few bites from different stalls and create a tasting platter.

Albert Park

We’re getting pretty far south here, but if you need to walk off your lunch at South Melbourne Market, the walk around Albert Park Lake is gorgeous. It’s got great city views and feels removed while actually being very close to everything. The whole loop is 4.7k, so go if you’d like a decent adventure.

Best Brunch/Brekky in Southbank Melbourne

I had to split the list of places to eat in Southbank to Breakfast/Brunch and Dinner because there are too many! Here are my tried-and-tested faves:

And if you are a big brunch fan, my Melbourne breakfast and brunch guide is one of my most popular posts!

The Bond Store

The Bond Store is tucked away inside a brick wall next to the Eureka Tower. It may be hidden, but it’s definitely worth finding with their beautifully-presented breakfast dishes and delicious coffee. It’s a very ‘old building in the Melbourne CBD’ vibe in Southbank.

Left Bank

Of all the restaurants right along the Southbank promenade, this is the one I would most recommend for brunch! They have special brunch sessions and menus, including a bottomless option on weekends at 11:30. But, it’s good any time of day, and they have lots of events going on too.

St Ali Coffee Roasters

This cafe is technically in South Melbourne, but I would have to award it one of the best cafes in Melbourne. St Ali is one of the prominent coffee roasters throughout the city, and visiting them right at the source is rewarding in terms of both coffee AND food.

Their food is simply delectable, with creative mixtures of flavor in both sweet and savory dishes. My favorite thing about their coffee is that you can get coffee tasting boards, with a mix of espresso, filter, and flat white coffees so you can truly taste the flavors. It’s the most Melbourne thing you can do! I brought my parents here when they visited me, and they were impressed.

The Kettle Black Cafe

Kettle Black Cafe is another of my favorites in Melbourne. It’s set between an old historic house and a high-ceilinged modern building, immediately setting an interesting aesthetic.

They have an incredible menu of both food, coffee, and cocktails that will leave even the most pretentious of Melburnians impressed. It’s directly across from the Shrine of Remembrance, so would be great to visit before/after.

Best Restaurants in Southbank Melbourne for Dinner

Bang Pop Thai

If you’re into Thai Food, Bang Pop is a great and yummmmmy option. It’s down the end of Southbank Promenade past Polly Woodside – one of the best Southbank restaurants along the river.

Meat + Wine Co

The Meat + Wine Co is a popular steak house with a few locations throughout Melbourne’s metropolitan area. Its Southbank location is no different. You can expect fantastic, well, meat and wine (didn’t leave much up to interpretation with that name, did they?) in a modern setting right in the center of Southbank.

Yarra Botanica (Bar + Resto on the river)

This is a super cute restaurant and bar floating on the river. It’s got a lovely, floral and *botanical* vibe as the name suggests, and they had a pretty decent happy hour last time I visited. Try the flatbread pizza or the baked brie.

Gradi

Gradi is one of those high-class restaurants within the Crown Casino I was talking about. It’s actually highly regarded as one of the best Italian restaurants/pizzerias around, and you can enter right from Southbank Promenade.

The Boatbuilders Yard

The Boatbuilder’s Yard is a massive and trendy outdoor pub directly next to Polly Woodside. This place is so versatile that I would not only recommend it for a solid pub meal, but also as a great place for breakfast, coffee, AND a drink! It’s one of my faves.

They oftentimes have events and screenings of sports games on their massive screen. It’s surrounded by water as it’s on a bit of a jetty, and there are multiple bars throughout the venue and also a fire pit if it gets chilly.

Waterfront Southgate

If you like seafood and good views, this is the place to go! It’s a highly regarded and fairly fancy seafood restaurant right on the river near Princes Bridge.

Best Bars in Southbank Melbourne

Southbank is as rich in bars as it is in restaurants – many (if not most) places function as both!

Ponyfish Island

Ponyfish Island is one of the favorite things to do in Southbank Melbourne. It’s a tiny little bar located on a little island UNDERNEATH a bridge over the river. It stems right from Flinders St Train Station – you can’t miss it. There’s nothing like enjoying a wine surrounded by water and the city.

If you love unique and hidden bars, I have a whole list and map of them too!

Hopscotch + Other Promenade Bars

There’s a stretch of 4 or 5 bustling outdoor bars right along the beginning of the Southbank Promenade that are all great for a riverside open-air drink on a warm day. My favorite of them is called Hopscotch because they have a really big selection of craft beers and ciders and some tapa-like snacks.

Echostate (Crown Casino) terrace bar

As I mentioned above, the best bar to go to in the Crown Casino is called Groove Bar + Terrace. It’s on the third floor, looks out over the river, has happy hour specials, and is right next to the fire show each night.

Hophaus Euro Bar Bistro

One of the few places to get a good German Bier in the city, Hophaus Euro Bar is right above Waterfront Restaurant and also has a great promenade view. Take the escalator inside to get there – it’s a bit confusing.

XE54 Club

If you want a step up from a bar, go clubbing at XE54. This is a well-known Melbourne club for electronic music, and they will have pretty big house + techno acts on the weekend. It used to be in Southbank but now it’s right across the river in the CBD, so still the closest clubbing option here.

Where to Stay in Southbank Melbourne: Hotels & Apartments

There are tons of places to stay and hotels in Southbank – it’s hard to know where to begin! This area is full of high-rise apartment blocks and hotels, as well as some bigger accommodation options a bit farther out. Here are my picks.

High Rise Luxury Southbank Apartments

This is the building I used to live in! I lived there for 6 months, so I can attest that the building is VERY well-maintained, clean, and secure. I never thought I’d be one to live in a high rise (on the 33rd floor no less), but I adored this building. Short-Stay people came in and out all the time while I lived there (it’s half long-term tenants and half short stay).

All the staff are lovely, there’s a pool, barbecue, and gym on the 8th floor, and the place is very sleek and new. The views are amazing from pretty much any floor, and they all have balconies. Rather than take chances with other Southbank high rises, I would book here if you want an apartment-style accommodation in Southbank.

Great Location + Luxury 5 Star Hotel – The Langham

If you’re after luxury, the Langham is another must to check out. This 5-star property is right on the corner of Southbank – within 5 minutes of the Botanic Gardens, the NGV, Fed Square, and Flinders Street station. Views are unbeatable, and amenities are also second to none (spa, pool, fitness center, etc).

Super Luxe Hotel – Crown Towers

Out of the three different hotels at the Crown Casino, the Crown Towers is the BEST one to stay in – it’s widely known to be pretty much the best hotel in Melbourne. This one is directly above the casino and the Yarra River, and really central. With luxury does come a price, however!

More Affordable + Still Nice: Oaks WRAP on Southbank or Imagine Marco Hotel

Oaks WRAP on Southbank is a really decent hotel in a good location for a much more affordable price than many others around here.

Imagine Marco Hotel

Imagine Marco is maybe 5 minutes farther than the other hotels by walking, but it is just as nice and a lot cheaper as well. I would say it’s one of the best values in Southbank Hotels for the price vs what you receive – it’s a lovely property!