Southbank is the area that stretches along the southern bank of the Yarra River. It starts the moment you cross Princes Bridge, turn right and walk down the steps to the river. Southbank was once an old and neglected area, mostly industrial, which has been rejuvenated as the heartbeat of the central city area.
This has been done by using the Yarra River as a central feature and by introducing entertainment facilities along the river bank. The main focal point is the Southgate Arts & Leisure Precinct, which is Melbourne's main entertainment precinct. This photo is facing north and was taken from Southgate. The green dome you see is Flinders Street Station and the Church spire is that of St. Paul's which is on the opposite corner diagonally to the station.
There are upmarket shops and restaurants, trendy cafes, food courts and a five-star hotel. I took this photo from one of the upstairs levels.
This area also is the home of the Arts Centre and its theatres, as well as the Hamer Hall (previously Melbourne Concert Hall). At Southgate, a huge emphasis is placed on outdoor eating and sidewalk entertainment. A market is held along the footways at the eastern end of the river bank on Sunday mornings.
It is not only tourists who love Southbank and Southgate - many Melbournians when visiting the city come for a snack and a drink, and city workers can be seen on their lunchbreak relaxing under the many shady trees along the Promenade. The trees are deciduous so the area still gets plenty of light even on the darkest winter day. It is also a great area for families - at weekends and during school holidays especially - mums and dads and babies in prams.
You can catch a steamboat opposite the Southgate complex for a trip up the Yarra.
Today's Quote: When you look at a city, it's like reading the hopes, aspirations and pride of everyone who built it - Hugh Newell Jacobsen.
14 comments:
A superb collection of photos that show off your city in all its glory! What a fabulous place this is...you can do just about anything you could possibly want! It's so modern, and clean and colorful! Amazing!
I have a son and his family in Melbourne and I love visiting, when I cant your blog is a delight and making me aware of areas that perhaps I am not familiar with.
Beautiful Autalia. Love to visit one day.
Great photos and captures!
I enjoyed so much. Thank you for sharing.
Your post today brought back delightful memories of our visit to Melbourne a little over one year ago. We stayed in the Langham hotel, which is shown in your first photo. We had a nice view across the river to the Flinders Street Railroad station from our room. That was our first stay on our tour of Australia.
I have enjoyed your comments on my blog and apologize that I was not able to acknowledge them recently, as we were away in Tanzania for several weeks until two days ago.
I have signed up to follow your blog so it will be easier to keep up with your wonderful posts.
This reminds me of Southbank in Brisbane, my favourite place over there!
God bless you!
Cezar
An impressive set of pictures of an amazing waterfront. I like how it is on different levels and so various, neat and modern. You live in a beautiful city
Your quote makes me sad about some of the worst part, the newest, of my city.
You have captured the area beautifully. We always visit there when in Melbourne.
I feel as if I've spent a refreshing day along the Yarra with you.
WOW! Wonderful. Great pictures!!! It looks like a tremendous place to visit.
I love your flower photos!
Lovely set of photos. I especially like the one of the Southgate. So fresh and green!
I love the one with all the colored seat, but they're all actually quite lovely. It certainly is bright and cheerful there :) have a great Sunday!
Beautiful city...that cafe looks fun!
I want to go there!
What a nice place to spend the day!
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