Things to Do in Southbank, Melbourne: The Local Guide

Southbank sits on the south side of the Yarra River, just across from Melbourne's CBD. It's a dense, walkable pocket known for its riverside promenade and a strong mix of dining, cafes and bars. The supplied venues point to a lively food and drink scene alongside a handful of well-known visitor attractions.

Why visit Southbank

Southbank packs a lot into a compact area: cafes and coffee spots for a casual stop, restaurants and bars for going out, plus attractions and lookouts that draw visitors to the riverside. Its location next to the CBD makes it an easy addition to any Melbourne itinerary.

What Southbank is best for

• Riverside dining and drinks
• Coffee and cafe stops
• Visitors after city views and attractions
• A casual day out near the CBD

Local favourites

A few of our highest-scoring spots in Southbank:

• Streets Beach
• Trend Cafe and Restaurant Southbank
• Mr. Summit Cafe City Road
• Mawa Sweets Melbourne
• CIEL Cafe
• Yarra Botanica

Explore Southbank

Browse the best restaurants, cafes, bars, tourist attractions, coffee in Southbank, or see every spot in Southbank.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Southbank?

Southbank is in Melbourne, located on the southern side of the Yarra River directly across from the CBD.

What can I do in Southbank?

Southbank offers a range of restaurants, cafes and bars, along with tourist attractions and lookouts. Notable spots in the area include Melbourne Skydeck and Streets Beach.

Is Southbank good for coffee?

Yes, the area has a number of cafes and coffee spots, including venues such as Gordon Espresso, CIEL Cafe and Mr. Summit Cafe City Road.

Are there bars in Southbank?

Yes. Southbank includes bars and drinking spots such as Ponyfish Island, Asado and Hopscotch Melbourne, among others in the area.