Yarra Riverfront

Melbourne
Southbank showing a city, city views and a skyscraper
Southbank showing modern architecture, a city and a bridge
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

The Langham, Melbourne
The Langham, Melbourne
5 out of 5
One Southgate Avenue, Southbank, VIC
The price is RM666 per night from 17 Dec to 18 Dec
RM666
RM732 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Dec - 18 Dec
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,016 reviews)
"A wonderful Hotel, impeccable service. Som of the finer points in the rooms would benefit from improvement; a little too much chipped paint and furniture which needs replacing. Bed was wonderful."

Reviewed on 20 Nov 2024

The Langham, Melbourne
Aura on Flinders Serviced Apartments
Aura on Flinders Serviced Apartments
4 out of 5
707/534 Flinders st, (Enter via 7 Katherine Pl), Melbourne, VIC
The price is RM334 per night from 3 Dec to 4 Dec
RM334
RM371 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Dec - 4 Dec
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,779 reviews)
"clean apartment. close to everything."

Reviewed on 16 Nov 2024

Aura on Flinders Serviced Apartments
Crowne Plaza Melbourne, an IHG Hotel
Crowne Plaza Melbourne, an IHG Hotel
4.5 out of 5
1-5 Spencer Street, Docklands, VIC
The price is RM524 per night from 22 Dec to 23 Dec
RM524
RM577 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Dec - 23 Dec
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Excellent customer service from staff"

Reviewed on 17 Nov 2024

Crowne Plaza Melbourne, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
35-47 City Road, Southbank, VIC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM430 per night from 25 Nov to 26 Nov
RM430
RM473 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Nov - 26 Nov
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! (806 reviews)
"Staff were friendly, clean and comfortable rooms, close to everything and public transport"

Reviewed on 19 Nov 2024

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank, an IHG Hotel
Novotel Melbourne South Wharf
Novotel Melbourne South Wharf
4 out of 5
7 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf, VIC
The price is RM425 per night from 22 Dec to 23 Dec
RM425
RM467 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Dec - 23 Dec
Stay at this 4-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! (966 reviews)
"it was a perfect stay for the family. It was situated perfectly. I highly recommended to travelers that are looking for something central, clean, comfortable, friendly help."

Reviewed on 21 Nov 2024

Novotel Melbourne South Wharf
Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne
Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne
4.5 out of 5
328 Flinders Street, Melbourne, VIC
The price is RM433 per night from 16 Dec to 17 Dec
RM433
RM477 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Dec - 17 Dec
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Property is in a great location, clean and good breakfast , but if you are going to market the hotel as VIP access, make sure your guests benefit"

Reviewed on 20 Nov 2024

Rendezvous 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

Are you interested in stunning river views, first-class casinos and popular shops? A visit to Southbank might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Crown Casino and Melbourne Skydeck.

Southbank
Docklands which includes a bay or harbour, night scenes and a high-rise building

Docklands

Travellers 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 showing outdoor eating

Melbourne Central Business District

4.5/5(400 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
Carlton Gardens showing château or palace, a park and a pond

Carlton

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

Carlton
Fitzroy Gardens featuring heritage architecture, a house and a garden

East Melbourne

Known for its abundant dining options and colourful 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
Fitzroy showing signage and a house

Fitzroy

Gardens, bars and museums are some highlights of Fitzroy. Make a stop by Brunswick Street or Smith Street while you're exploring.

Fitzroy

Yarra Riverfront