Southbank, Melbourne - - The Walk Along the Yarra River

Melbourne Streets Photos

Southbank is the area of Melbourne along the southern bank of the Yarra River. Cross Princes Bridge, turn left and walk down the steps to the river. Southbank is a formerly dilapidated area recently renovated and now a hub of theater happenings and trendy restaurants. Check out the Southgate Arts and Leisure Precinct, Melbourne's entertainment precinct, which is home to the Arts Centre and Hamer Hall (formerly Melbourne Concert Hall), and walk to the Southgate market at the eastern end of the riverbank walkway on Sunday mornings for a lot of homespun Australian goods.

Catch a steamboat opposite Southgate complex to go up the Yarra River to interesting St. Johns Lutheran Church (a modern chapel where you'll find music and art programs). West on the Southbank is the Crown Entertainment Complex, which has a couple decent hotels (I've stayed in the Crown Promenade), a bunch o' restaurants and shops, and gambling (interestingly, the casino is where you can find the Crown Promenade's ATM). And past that are the Melbourne Exhibition Buildings.

More photos and reading:

• Southgate Market Food
• Bonsai Salesman at Southgate Market