Yarra Riverfront

Melbourne
Southbank showing a city, city views and a skyscraper
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 RM658 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
RM658
RM724 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
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)
"As a Gold member we received nothing only to be put in a room where we could hear the lifts thru the wall. We have stayed at The Langham times in suits, and they are fantastic. As a Gold VIP stay somewhere else for less in the CBD to get rewarded"

Reviewed on 3 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 RM328 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
RM328
RM365 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
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! (2,762 reviews)
"great location, very clean"

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2024

Aura on Flinders Serviced Apartments
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
The price is RM503 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
RM503
RM553 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 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! (787 reviews)
Pleasant surprise.
"Couldn't have been more surprised by how close we were to everything in the city.So central for our needs.25 min walk to Marvel Stadium ,5minutes and your on southbank. From our arrival to checking in ,staff were very friendly,our room was very clean,everything you need for a comfortable stay. Breakfast ..."

Reviewed on 1 Nov 2024

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank, an IHG Hotel
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 RM583 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
RM583
RM641 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
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)
"The King room I booked would have to be the smallest hotel room I have ever stayed in. It was cluttered with a round glass table in a corner that was near impossible to sit at as the bed was right behind it. There was a chair which you could sit at on the wall bench, so the table is unnecessary. ..."

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2024

Crowne Plaza Melbourne, an IHG Hotel
Vibe Hotel Melbourne
Vibe Hotel Melbourne
4 out of 5
1 Queen Street, Melbourne, VIC
The price is RM521 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
RM521
RM573 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
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! (674 reviews)
Great stay
"Great clean hotel for Melbourne. Will stay again"

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2024

Vibe Hotel Melbourne
Hyatt Centric Melbourne
Hyatt Centric Melbourne
5 out of 5
25 DOWNIE STREET, Melbourne, VIC
The price is RM568 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
RM568
RM624 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
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! (479 reviews)
"Great location, fabulous facilities and very friendly staff. We loved our stay over the weekend."

Reviewed on 30 Oct 2024

Hyatt Centric 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
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South Melbourne

Travellers enjoy South Melbourne for its spas and zoo. Consider checking out South Melbourne Market while you're in the area.

South Melbourne
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
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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