You can row on it, or run and ride alongside it. Picnic by it, photograph it, or simply situate yourself in the area's gardens, eateries, bars and arts spaces that afford amazing views of the Yarra River.
The city square
Get started amid striking design at Federation Square. More than 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).
Recharge at one of the many eateries and bars peppering the square, including Karen Martini's Hero and Victoria by Farmer's Daughters.
Aboriginal heritage
Hit the north bank of the Yarra River and check out Aboriginal rock carvings along 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.
Grab a table at Big Esso by Mabu Mabu, run by Torres Strait Islander chef Nornie Bero, for a taste of contemporary Indigenous cuisine.
Riverside inspiration
Get arty at NGV International and the Arts Centre, and go further afield into the arts precinct for theatre and musical performances.
Riverside dining
Stay at water level with a sundowner riverside at Riverland, just below Federation Square, or head up high to Transit Rooftop Bar for spectacular views over the Yarra River and Arts Centre.
Be seen on the water at Arbory Bar, a converted train platform at Flinders Street Station; at the newly revamped Ponyfish Island under the Yarra Pedestrian Footbridge (connecting Southbank to Flinders Street Station); and upon stylish floating barges Arbory Afloat and Yarra Botanical.
Whet your appetite at Southbank's many cafes and restaurants, get a taste of laneway cuisine at Movida Next Door, or splurge with a feed at the many high-end restaurants at Crown.
