Southbank & South Wharf

Enjoy waterside dining, drinking, shopping and strolling in Melbourne's Southbank and South Wharf.

Southbank

Pull up a riverside table at any of the excellent eateries that stretch from Southgate to Crown Entertainment Complex. Dine alfresco as the city lights up at night or just watch the bustle along the Yarra River. Venture out onto the river itself for a coffee, meal or sunset drink at Ponyfish Island, Arbory Afloat or Yarra Botanica.

Step into the luxurious world of Crown and splurge at a super-chef's signature restaurant or at the international designer boutiques. Revert to childhood with mini golf, bowling and arcade games; catch a movie; or meet mates to say cheers in one of the many bars.

Time an evening stroll with Crown's Gas Brigades to see enormous fireballs light up the night sky.

For a dose of public art, track down Queen Bee, a colony of giant golden bees on Eureka Tower or The Travellers lining Sandridge pedestrian bridge over the Yarra River.

Two-wheeling it? Southbank makes a perfect pit stop on the Capital City Trail.

South Wharf

South Wharf brings new meaning to the humble shed, with its restored heritage sheds now housing waterfront bars, restaurants and cafes, and the looming Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Laze on the lawns in front of the Convention Centre or make the most of a sunny afternoon with a deckchair and tipple at the Boatbuilders Yard. Wine and dine along South Wharf Promenade, or head over to DFO South Wharf for a bargain-hunting shopping spree.

Take little explorers for a maritime adventure on tall ship Polly Woodside, permanently docked at South Wharf.