Unique Melbourne: the Lure of the Yarra River

With its trams, expansive parks and gardens,area of factories and seedy warehouses, this
alluring architecture and vibrant cultural, sporting,area on the south bank of the river was
dining and shopping scenes, Melbourne packs inrevamped in the early 1990s and transformed
enough attractions to cater for a lifetime ofinto a charming riverside stretch of shops, bars
holidays. But to experience the real Melbourne,and restaurants.
you need to spend some time on the YarraThe area begins at the picturesque Alexandria
River, home to many of the city's major holidayBridge to the rear of Flinders Street Station. From
attractions.here you can stroll through Southgate's collection
Melbourne is built on the Yarra River and thisof shops, bars and restaurants in a scenic
waterway has played a key role in the city'sriverside setting.
history and social life. And with recentNot only is the riverside area delightful in itself but
redevelopments, the river area offers day longmany of Melbourne's major attractions such as
attractions in the form of walks and sightseeingFederation Square with its galleries are nearby.
tours along with riverside bar hopping andAfter lunch you can rent a canoe at Studley Park.
shopping.From here you can paddle along one of the most
A morning walk through the city on the Yarra isbeautiful stretches of the Yarra River. Kayaks are
very rewarding. You can view the Polly Woodside,also available for rent.
a historic sailing ship, the Turning Basin, theIn the evening, Southgate is a fine place for a
Exhibition Centre and the Botanic Gardens andsundowner and if you fell like trying your luck, you
Melbourne Park. In fact both banks of the rivercan head for the Crown Casino, part of the
are rich in greenery. Often you forget you'reCrown Entertainment complex which is a major
walking through the heart of a great city as youlandmark on the Yarra River. If it's gambling
find yourself in the midst of nature.you're after, you'll find everything you want but
A great way to experience the whole river andthere's plenty to see and do outside the gaming
grasp its importance to the city of Melbourne is toarea.
take a river cruise. You can view such sights asThere's a host of shops and eateries and the
the harbour of Southern Hemisphere, Southgateatrium area puts on frequent exhibitions. It's also
Arts and Leisure Precinct, Crown Entertainmentthe venue for the city's many annual international
Complex, The World Congress Centre and Tradeevents. Altogether there are 17 bars, 35
Centre, Westgate Bridge and great city views allrestaurants, along with cafes, apartments, and
the way. Upriver you'll see the Royal Botaniccinemas.
Gardens, Governor's residence, National TennisExperiencing the Yarra River is one of the major
Centre, The Glasshouse, Olympic Park and Herringkeys to getting to know the wonderful city of
Island.Melbourne. And when you do, you'll be pleased to
Nowadays, one of the most important leisurefind a great collection of Melbourne City hotels to
areas on the Yarra River is Southgate. Long ansuit every taste and pocket.