Yarra Riverfront

Melbourne

Southbank featuring a river or creek, city views and a skyscraper
Southbank featuring a city, a river or creek and modern architecture
Yarra Riverfront
Yarra Riverfront
Yarra Riverfront

Centuries ago, settlers developed Melbourne around this river. Today it is the heart of the city with bars, shops and restaurants lining its banks.

The picturesque Yarra River is the focal point around which Melbourne flourishes. Enjoy the river's beaches, try out a watersport or take a boat tour to one of the scenic islands. 

Go shopping at the Southgate complex which is situated along the river’s banks. Find upmarket shops, entertainment and restaurants here. Climb aboard a boat at Southgate or Princes Walk for a trip down the river. 

To the east, you’ll find a more rural setting. Take a stroll around the Royal Botanic Gardens and stop at one of the many picnic and barbecue facilities. Visit Herring Island Park in the summer months by taking a Parks Victoria ferry and walk around the sculpture parks. This area is remarkably tranquil considering it is in the center of a busy city. Take photos of the Melbourne skyline at sunset. 

Cycle along any of the many cycling routes or go kayaking along the waterways. Swim at one of the river’s many beaches, manned by lifesavers in the summer months. 

If you are brave enough, take a dip during the chilly winter months. If that seems a bit too cold, visit one of the numerous heated pools and centers. The annual Moomba Festival celebrates the cultural significance of the Yarra River to Melbourne. It takes place over Labor Day weekend on the first Friday of March. Head to the river then for firework displays and live music.

Before the arrival of Europeans, the river was used as a main meeting point for the indigenous people of Australia. As Europeans began to settle, they forced the indigenous population away from the river and gradually the city was built along the banks.

The river runs from the Yarra Ranges down through the center of Melbourne and into Hobsons Bay. The main attractions around it are focused within a 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) section but parks and recreational attractions spread out for miles along its banks.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Yarra Riverfront

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG

4 out of 5
35-47 City Road, Southbank, VIC
Fully refundable
The price is P5,010 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P5,010
P5,511 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Breakfast was very crowded and food barely warm"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG
The Langham, Melbourne

The Langham, Melbourne

5 out of 5
One Southgate Avenue, Southbank, VIC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P10,179 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P10,179
P11,197 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,159 reviews)
"Nil"

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

The Langham, Melbourne
Hyatt Centric Melbourne

Hyatt Centric Melbourne

5 out of 5
25 DOWNIE STREET, Melbourne, VIC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P7,259 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P7,259
P7,985 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (733 reviews)
"Super comfortable and clean"

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Hyatt Centric Melbourne
Crowne Plaza Melbourne by IHG

Crowne Plaza Melbourne by IHG

4.5 out of 5
1-5 Spencer Street, Docklands, VIC
The price is P6,523 per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
P6,523
P7,175 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
Excellent city hotel
"Great location. Perfect Hotel"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Crowne Plaza Melbourne by IHG
Quincy Hotel Melbourne

Quincy Hotel Melbourne

4.5 out of 5
509 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, VIC
The price is P7,146 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P7,146
P7,860 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (664 reviews)
"Nice hotel"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Quincy Hotel Melbourne
Vibe Hotel Melbourne

Vibe Hotel Melbourne

4 out of 5
1 Queen Street, Melbourne, VIC
The price is P6,624 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P6,624
P7,286 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (863 reviews)
"Fantastic service and the staff went above and beyond. Will definitely be staying here again."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Vibe Hotel 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.

Other neighbourhoods around Yarra Riverfront

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Southbank

Visitors to Southbank rave about its stunning river views, first-class casinos, and popular shops. You might also want to make some time to see Crown Casino or Melbourne Skydeck while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Southbank
Docklands showing a bay or harbor, a city and night scenes

Docklands

Travelers 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
Melbourne CBD which includes outdoor eating

Melbourne Central Business District

4.5/5(16 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
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South Melbourne

Spas and zoo are just a few things travelers like about South Melbourne. A stop by South Melbourne Market is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

South Melbourne
Carlton Gardens which includes a pond, chateau or palace and a park

Carlton

Carlton is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Melbourne Museum and Royal Exhibition Building while you're in town.

Carlton
Fitzroy Gardens which includes heritage architecture, a house and a park

East Melbourne

Known for its abundant dining options and colorful 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

Yarra Riverfront