Often regarded as Melbourne’s self-proclaimed entertainment hub, Southbank is not only a tourist hotspot frequented by those based in a Southbank hotel in Melbourne but a cultural epicentre in its own right. With accommodation options the likes of Oaks Southbank among countless others occupying the landscape, visitors can now discover the wealth of experiences available in the area at their own pace. With its location on the shores of the Yarra River, it is easy to understand why the locale which is laden with cafés and galleries is Melbourne’s favourite recreational precinct.
The Melbourne Arts Centre is one of the area’s main highlights. An iconic cultural institution, this music, art and theatre centre provides visitors with a plethora of entertaining showpieces. Visit the centre on Sunday for a backstage tour of the premises. Casino fans, on the other hand, can experience the world of entertainment available to them at the Crown Entertainment Complex where the most expansive casino in the Southern Hemisphere awaits alongside restaurants, cinemas, discos and live performance hubs. The Southbank Promenade is an equally interesting and engaging space ideal for shopaholics and food lovers. Lined with eateries, street performance artists, boutiques and intriguing sculptures, the area is the best place to enjoy an evening stroll after a day of sightseeing and experiencing local dining hotspots.
Art lovers can also explore the National Gallery of Victoria which is the country’s oldest museum and art space where the works of Aboriginal artists are displayed along with other Australian greats. The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art on Southbank’s Sturt Street is another wonderful and open space for art connoisseurs while a tour of the Polly Woodside Maritime Museum is also a must for first-time visitors. River cruises and dinner cruises are another great way to discover the beauty of Southbank and the many iconic structures littering its shore. Visitors also have the option of not only enjoying a scrumptious dinner on board such cruises but also choose from high tea cruises and tours on ancient steamboats.
Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+
