Southbank, VIC 3006

Nestled along the picturesque Yarra River, Southbank epitomizes the epitome of urban sophistication and contemporary living in Melbourne. Boasting a vibrant cultural scene, stunning waterfront views, and an array of dining, entertainment, and recreational options, Southbank offers a lifestyle that is second to none.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Southbank is its diverse and dynamic community. From young professionals to families and retirees, residents of Southbank come from all walks of life, contributing to a rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds. This vibrant mix creates a sense of inclusivity and warmth, fostering connections and friendships that span across generations.

Beyond its bustling streets and bustling cafes, Southbank offers a variety of housing options to suit every lifestyle. From sleek high-rise apartments with panoramic views of the city skyline to elegant townhouses nestled in leafy boulevards, there's something for everyone in this vibrant neighborhood. Whether you're seeking modern luxury or historic charm, Southbank has it all.

In addition to its thriving residential community, Southbank is also home to an array of world-class amenities and attractions. From the iconic Crown Entertainment Complex to the lush greenery of Southbank Promenade, there's never a shortage of things to see and do in this vibrant neighborhood. Whether you're indulging in a gourmet meal at one of the waterfront restaurants, taking in a show at the Arts Centre Melbourne, or simply strolling along the riverbank, Southbank offers endless opportunities for relaxation and recreation.

Overall, Southbank is a place where modernity meets tranquility, where residents can enjoy the best of both worlds. With its unbeatable location, diverse community, and unparalleled lifestyle offerings, it's no wonder that Southbank is considered one of Melbourne's most desirable neighborhoods.

There is no place like Southbank in Melbourne, close to almost everything, from shops to casino, from river to the beach.

Perfect for apartment style living. Short walk to some of Melbourne’s best restaurants, cafes, bars, parks, plus great access to public transport! Always has a great buzz!

Not too bad to visit Southbank, however I would not recommend living in this dirty, smelly, noisy, unsafe place.
Unless you love the sound of trucks, car horns, concrete saws, jack hammers, reverse sensors and endless non stop construction and you don’t mind risking your life every time you cross the road, then I would strongly recommend you look for somewhere tolerable to live because after a short period of time, the glitz and glamour of Southbank wear off and the horrible reality sets it that you’re living on a noisy, smelly and unsafe construction site.

I don't think I would have survived ISO had I not been in this vibrant part of town. It has a city feel but also a neighborhood atmosphere. Walking the dog, I've got to meet locals who are great people. Schools are an issue, however Albert Park College is not that far and I hear there are plans to build another high school at South Wharf. I feel blessed to live here.

I have lived in Southbank with our small family for the past 5 years and have seen so many positive changes to this suburb.

Southbank is close to public transport (trams and Flinders st station), they have recently made a park (Boyd park) for families, with great community program/activities in the Boyd library. They are building a giant Woolworths and restaurants (in Kavanagh street), with an addition to another park. They are also converting the streets to a more 'green' approach which is great.

Easily accessible to kids activities in the city (NGV, Botanical gardens), Short drive/walk to South Melbourne Market and Port Melbourne Beach.

The new primary school (South Melbourne Primary) is also a great addition.

The only downside for the moment would be the endless amount of apartments that they are constantly building, so you will constantly see many construction work here and there. Hopefully this will slow down soon, though.

Southbank appeals to a range of demographics. The two pockets of Southbank accommodate different lifestyles that are easily accessed by all.

Crown Precinct
The heart and soul of Southbank and Southgate, walking distance to the sprawling riverside entertainment complex, Crown Casino, high-end restaurants, bars, entertainment, day spas and its riverside promenade all at your finger-tips. No need for a car because the public transport is easily accessible to take you into the city in minutes, if you can’t be bothered with the short stroll.

Accommodation: high-rise living varying from affordable to luxury resort style.
Main Streets: City Road, Clarendon Street
Buildings with the best facilities: Freshwater Place
Favourite building: Quay West
Favourite Restaurant: Asada

Arts precinct
The 'quiet end' of Southbank brimming with culture. A beautiful little pocket between Sturt Street and St Kilda Road. Whether you are strolling through the NGV, watching world class shows like ‘The Nutcracker’ at the Arts Centre or contemporary drama in a renovated old brewery, ‘The Malthouse’. You will never be bored.
Arts isn’t your thing? No worries, The Royal Botanic Garden is on your door step. Be one of many to run (or walk) 'The Tan'. Join in on a meditation group, have picnic in the park. Who needs a backyard when you can access this for free!

Accommodation: A mix of low rise, medium rise and high rise buidlings. This section of Southbank was started by Central Equity in the early 1990s. So you can buy large apartments in a great price point. You still have luxurious high rise living in buildings like TheThe Melburnian located on St Kilda Road or in between the two with buildings like 8 & 102 Wells Street, but the core of this section is it's low rise lifestyle.
Main Roads: Sturt Street, Kingsway, St Kilda Road
Building with the best facilities: Sunday Apartments & The The The Melburnian
Favourite Building: Sunday or the low rises on Wells & Dodds Street
Best Coffee: Billy's Pantry

Raising a young family in Southbank has been such a great choice. Although we have no backyard, we have a large 3 bedroom apartment and more so, the botanical gardens across the road from our property. Each day we take our little girl along St Kilda Road and Southbank and she sees thousands of people daily and all of the great scenery Melbourne has to offer. For what you lose living in the city compared to the suburbs, I think it is definitely outweighed by all the positives that Southbank provides. I am not saying it is for everyone and when children are older and bigger things may need to change, but for young families with 1 or 2 little children - southbank living is definitely my tip.
Andy Nasr - Real Estate Agent

This review relates to the St Kilda Road side of Southbank rather than the Casino side. I lived there for approximately 2 years in 2005 and again in 2011. Southbank is one of my favourite places to stay at in Melbourne because it's close enough to the CBD (from my place on Sturt Street it took less 10 minutes on foot to the city) but not so close that you hear all the craziness at night! The precinct is relatively peaceful at all times. The only downside is that with so few commercial establishments, it's actually not easy to find something to eat if you need to get some take-away for the night or if you just want to pop out for some milk. There are convenience stores / express supermarkets around, but they tend to be a bit more expensive. Overall I loved living in Southbank! Now if only I could afford it...

This Suburb has lots of Cafes, Restaurants & Shops at Crown Casino! With its Proximity to the Melbourne CBD, This is the Ideal Location as this is a another great choice for me to live in Melbourne!

Southbank is a great little suburb that lies just south of Melbourne city, and lies along the Yarra River. Home to the Crown Casino, and beautiful Yarra River it is the hub of modern living. Providing great night life options, fantastic cafes and restaurants, and beautiful spaces for cycling, running or casual walks, Southbank caters to all. It is an easy stroll to the city, and is handy to all Public transport.

Got a great feel to it because its so convenient to everything in the city. I dont even need to ride my scooter anymore.

I have lived as an owner occupier in southbank for 4 years now (and 1 year as a tenant). The area has been great for what i wanted at the time. It is is however expensive for what you get (but this gets you into an area which is borderline perfect in terms of location).
HOWEVER....be careful what you buy. There are so many new apartment blocks being built, so views will quickly be taken away (and if there is something nearby that hasnt been built on, you can gurantee within 10 years time it will be!)...traffic will increase....more renters will converge on the place. The area also has a very high asian population, so expect more asian themed stores etc to open in the future.
If you're a foodie and like the glamour of city living, southbank is you're best option. If you want slightly better value for money....and dont venture out all that often then docklands is much better suited (although docklands is much colder than southbank in the winter!).
I would def recommend this area to single bachelors, not families.

This is a great place to live, especially for a university student or young professionals. i used to live here when i was at Uni. This area is just perfect, not as busy as the CBD, but really close to everything. You can get almost anything at anytime, and most importantly it has an easy transportation access.

Apartment living is not for everyone, but if it's for you, then Southbank is the place to do it. A huge range of apartments to buy or rent is available, many with commanding views of the city skyline, the Yarra, the bay, or the Botanic Gardens. All the buildings are modern, comfortable and practical, most with lifestyle facilities like pools, gyms and tennis courts. Southbank itself has a great selection of dining and entertainment options (Southgate, Crown, Riverside Quay), and is an easy to walk to both the CBD and South Melbourne. Most apartments have carparks, and road access is excellent (a distinct advantage over living in the city itself). If you work in the CBD, walking to work will revolutionise your life (unlike Docklands which is just a bit too far out). Originally Southbank was sought after by young singles and childless couples, but with more quality developments recently, "empty-nesters" have realised the attraction: they can downsize, be part of the action, forget the car, never have to walk up a stair again, and still have a luxurious home befitting their affluence. Obviously if you have kids or animals Southbank is not for you.

Stretching along the banks of the Yarra, Southbank is a bustling strip with a huge variety of cafés, restaurants and bars. Home to the Crown Casino, this is area maintains a continual stream of foot traffic and visitors year round.

This densely populated residential suburb offers inner city living in high apartment blocks. It is right in the thick of things, with the CBD just a short walk across the river, parklands ringing the area and all of the nightlife and entertainment along the leisure precinct on the edge of the Yarra.

A great spot to live if you like lots of people and a party atmosphere.

I have visited here a number of times over the years and have always enjoyed my stay. The area is very busy, but what else would you expect being so close to the city?

It provides easy access to everything in Melbourne and offers a great place to walk along the river down towards the Botanic Gardens.

It offers a quieter, cheaper alternative to central Melbourne but the proximity to the city that you feel like you are in the city. While it is quieter than the city it is far from quiet.

There are more than enough places to eat out and shop here.