Yarra Riverfront Travel Guide

Melbourne

Southbank which includes city views, a high-rise building and a city
Southbank showing a river or creek, modern architecture 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 centre 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 Labour 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 centre of Melbourne and into Hobsons Bay. The main attractions around it are focused within a 1-mile (1.6-kilometre) 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp2.793.282 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
Rp2.793.282
Rp3.072.622 total
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,186 reviews)
"Lovely hotel.. Amazing entrance and lobby area. Nice rooms but they are a bit dated. Soap dispenser empty or not pumping properly."

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

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 Rp1.264.332 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
Rp1.264.332
Rp1.390.765 total
20 Oct - 21 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,135 reviews)
"The view was nice but can be noisy sometimes the kettle and toaster we not very clean can do with a new one. The exhaust fans in bathroom and laundry area not working. The lounge wasn't comfortable and not clean but otherwise everything was nice the staff were friendly and helpful would stay there ..."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Aura on Flinders Serviced Apartments
Hyatt Centric Melbourne

Hyatt Centric Melbourne

5 out of 5
25 DOWNIE STREET, Melbourne, VIC
The price is Rp2.499.262 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
Rp2.499.262
Rp2.749.188 total
17 Nov - 18 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (785 reviews)
"The overall experience is great. Minutes walk away from Southern Cross station with great cafes nearby. Easy walk to CBD and trams. The facilities are good, pool is heated. Room is clean and bathroom has a lot of storage. Fridge is actually cold. Only disappointment is that the coffee machine is ..."

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Hyatt Centric Melbourne
Crowne Plaza Melbourne by IHG

Crowne Plaza Melbourne by IHG

4.5 out of 5
1-5 Spencer Street, Docklands, VIC
Fully refundable
The price is Rp2.107.172 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
Rp2.107.172
Rp2.317.943 total
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,012 reviews)
"Yes"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Crowne Plaza Melbourne by IHG
Quincy Hotel Melbourne

Quincy Hotel Melbourne

4.5 out of 5
509 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, VIC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp2.157.696 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
Rp2.157.696
Rp2.373.466 total
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Melbourne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (724 reviews)
"Easy and friendly check-in, clean and spacious room. Air con was confusing and didnt seem to stay on thru the night making the room stuffy. Mattress and pillows were great. Breakfast was cold as was ‘hot’ water for tea, pastries seemed stale. Wouldn’t pay for breakfast there again."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Quincy Hotel Melbourne
Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne

Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne

4.5 out of 5
328 Flinders Street, Melbourne, VIC
The price is Rp1.843.573 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
Rp1.843.573
Rp2.027.930 total
20 Oct - 21 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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 the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"We stayed here for 5 nights for our honeymoon. All the staff were very kind, and the cleaning quality and the process of borrowing amenities were smooth and helpful. We had a wonderful time. I have just one request: for the soba noodles at breakfast, I would prefer the dipping sauce to be the traditional ..."

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

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
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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
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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
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


Yarra Riverfront Travel Guide