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
The price is P4,621 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P4,621
P5,083 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Above and beyond"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 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 P9,396 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P9,396
P10,335 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! (1,164 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel"

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

The Langham, 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 P7,359 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P7,359
P8,095 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 breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Loved this place! Will be staying again"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Crowne Plaza Melbourne by IHG
Hyatt Centric Melbourne

Hyatt Centric Melbourne

5 out of 5
25 DOWNIE STREET, Melbourne, VIC
The price is P6,983 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P6,983
P7,681 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (712 reviews)
"Lovely hotel, central to all amenities & transport links. First class service at all times"

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Hyatt Centric Melbourne
Quincy Hotel Melbourne

Quincy Hotel Melbourne

4.5 out of 5
509 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, VIC
The price is P7,535 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P7,535
P8,289 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
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! (641 reviews)
"We really enjoyed our stay. The room was spacious, bed was comfortable and the room was very clean. Will definitely stay again!"

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2025

Quincy Hotel Melbourne
Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders by IHG

Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders by IHG

4.5 out of 5
575 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, VIC
The price is P6,503 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P6,503
P7,154 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star business-friendly hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (731 reviews)
"Wonderful hotel. Nice, clean and modern facilities. Great location. Would happily stay again, and would definitely recommend to others."

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders by IHG
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
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Albert Park

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Albert Park. You might want to make time for a stop at Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre or Albert Park Lake.

Albert Park

Yarra Riverfront