Yarra precinct

Located on both sides of the Yarra River and accessed by Princes Bridge, the Yarra precinct is the cultural heart of Melbourne.

Fed Square – a creative hub
Federation Square is home to cultural attractions including The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, housing the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of Australian art; the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI); Champions Australian Racing Museum and Hall of Fame; and the Melbourne Visitor Centre. Alongside them all are restaurants, cafes and bars, and grand public open spaces embraced by striking architecture.

Sections of the north bank of the Yarra River have been revitalised, and there will soon be a continuous promenade from Birrarung Marr to Docklands. The riverland frontage at the World Trade Centre is undergoing a renaissance, and the Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has been significantly extended making it one of the most modern and environmentally sustainable centres in the world.

Over the bridge
The Southbank promenade is one of Melbourne's most popular dining and shopping precincts. There are cafes and restaurants all the way from the Southgate complex to Crown Casino – many with outdoor terraces and balconies. Southgate and Crown are also known for their unique shops and galleries.

Further afield
Along and around St Kilda Road is the arts precinct, starring The Australian Ballet, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, NGV International, the Arts Centre, Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne Theatre Company, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA), Malthouse Theatre and the Victorian College of the Arts. The Arts Centre Market is held on Sundays along the footpaths at the eastern end of the riverbank.

How to get there
By tram: Any tram along Swanston Street and St Kilda Road to stops at Federation Square, the Arts Centre and NGV International and the Victorian College of the Arts; the free City Circle Tram to the corner of Flinders and Swanston streets; Number 1 (South Melbourne) for Melbourne Theatre Company, Melbourne Recital Centre, ACCA and the Malthouse Theatre.

Free Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle: Stop 1. The complete trip includes 13 stops and takes approximately an hour and a half. The bus runs every 30 minutes between 9.30am and 4.30pm daily (excluding Good Friday and Christmas Day) and includes an on-board commentary.

By train: To Flinders Street Station.

By foot: From Federation Square, over Princes Bridge to Southbank, St Kilda Road and Sturt Street (5-15 minutes).

Along the river: For a different perspective, jump on board a scenic cruise, water taxi or gondola outside the Southgate complex for a cruise along the Yarra River.