Yarra precinct

Visit the Yarra Precinct – the cultural heart of Melbourne – and enjoy everything from beautiful riverside parks and botanic gardens to an endless array of restaurants, bars, galleries, theatres and concert halls.

The city square
Wander through grand public spaces surrounded by striking architecture and explore the city's creative hub – Federation Square. Choose from inspiring exhibitions and collections at the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, which houses the world's largest collection of Australian art, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), and the Champions Australian Racing Museum and Hall of Fame. Get all the information you need at the Melbourne Visitor Centre then recharge at one of the many eateries and bars peppering the square.

Northern lights
Take a stroll along the north bank of the Yarra River and check out Aboriginal rock carvings in Birrarung Marr, Melbourne's newest city park. Stop for a beer at Riverland then continue under the Princes Bridge past Flinders Street Station and watch the ferries and row boats criss-cross the river.

Riverside dining
Spend an evening under city lights at Southbank – one of Melbourne's most popular food and shopping precincts. Dine al fresco and enjoy river views at any number of the abundant cafes and restaurants lined up all the way from the Southgate complex down to Crown Casino.

Further afield
For those needing some drama in their lives, head to St Kilda Road to find the home of The Australian Ballet, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, NGV International, the Arts Centre, Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne Theatre Company, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA), Malthouse Theatre and the Victorian College of the Arts. The Arts Centre Market is held on Sundays along the footpaths at the eastern end of the riverbank and is well worth a visit.

Getting there
By tram: Any tram along Swanston Street and St Kilda Road to stops at Federation Square, the Arts Centre and NGV International and the Victorian College of the Arts; the free City Circle Tram to the corner of Flinders and Swanston streets; Number 1 (South Melbourne) for Melbourne Theatre Company, Melbourne Recital Centre, ACCA and the Malthouse Theatre.

Free Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle: Stop 1. The complete trip includes 13 stops and takes approximately an hour and a half. The bus runs every 30 minutes between 9.30am and 4.30pm daily (excluding Good Friday and Christmas Day) and includes an on-board commentary.

By train: To Flinders Street Station.

By foot: From Federation Square, over Princes Bridge to Southbank, St Kilda Road and Sturt Street (5-15 minutes).

Along the river: For a different perspective, jump on board a scenic cruise, water taxi or gondola outside the Southgate complex for a cruise along the Yarra River.