Yarra precinct

You can row it, run and ride along it, picnic by it, photograph it, or simply situate yourself in parks, gardens, eateries, bars and arts spaces that afford amazing views of the Yarra River.

The city square

Get started within the striking design of Federation Square. More than just a public space, it's the city's creative hub, boasting Australian art par excellence at the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, and homages to film and TV at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI).

Get all the information you need at the Melbourne Visitor Centre then recharge at one of the many eateries and bars peppering the square.

Riverside inspiration

Get arty at NGV International and the Arts Centre, and go further afield into the Arts Precinct for theatre and musical performances.

Aboriginal heritage

Hit the north bank of the Yarra River and check out Aboriginal rock carvings in Birrarung Marr. Book a guided walking tour through the Koorie Heritage Trust at Federation Square and stay to admire the Trust's impressive art exhibitions.

Riverside dining

Start with a riverside sundowner at Riverland, just below Federation Square, or at Arbory Bar, a converted train platform at Flinders Street Station.

Dine al fresco under city lights at Southbank, enjoying river views from the cafes and restaurants lined up from the Southgate complex down to Crown Casino. Venture out onto the river for a nightcap at Ponyfish Island, under the Yarra Pedestrian Footbridge (connecting Southbank to Flinders Street station).

Getting there

By tram: Any tram along Swanston Street and St Kilda Road to stops at Federation Square; the free City Circle Tram to the corner of Flinders and Swanston streets.

Melbourne Visitor 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 and St Kilda Road (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.