Southbank is a lively neighborhood in the center of Melbourne. Packed with cafes, restaurants and outdoor performers, the area is the ideal spot to enjoy a sunny afternoon. It is also a hub for shopping, culture and the arts and attracts an eclectic assortment of tourists and locals.

Stroll down the Southbank Promenade to take in the sights and sounds of central Melbourne. Capture photos of the skyline along the Yarra River and gaze at the city lights after sunset. Watch theater, dance and opera at Australia’s busiest performing arts facility, the Melbourne Arts Centre. Browse the art on display at the National Gallery of Victoria, the oldest public art gallery in the country. Take in a slice of history at the Victoria Barracks, a 19th-century government building.

The western region of Southbank has been named South Wharf. Here you will find the Melbourne Maritime Museum Polly Woodside with historic buildings and ships. Admire the award-winning modern structure of the Convention and Exhibition Centre nearby and enjoy the art gallery inside. At night, have a glass of wine at one of the many bars. Try your luck at the Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex. Children under 18 are allowed in the shopping and amusement sections, but the gaming part is for adults only.

As the community's population increased in Melbourne, the need for high-rise residential buildings arose. One of the tallest of its kind in the world, the Eureka Tower stands at almost 1,000 feet (300 meters) and has 92 floors. Enjoy stunning views of the city from Skydeck 88.

Southbank sits a half-mile (one kilometer) south of Melbourne’s central business district. The neighborhood is fairly central and borders the south side of the Yarra River. Traffic is congested with limited parking. Many tramlines run through the area or you can reach it by crossing the river from Flinders Street Station, which is on all major metro lines.