Luxury Escapes Guide to Southbank

Referring to themselves as ‘urban explorers’, the three founders of Ponyfish Island knew they couldn’t let a no-man’s land in the heart of the Yarra go unconquered. Surrounded by water on all sides, this unique bar floats under Southbank’s pedestrian bridge and is accessible only by stairs descending from above. The menu changes seasonally but always includes toasted sandwiches, nachos and share platters, best enjoyed with a round of drinks.

As soon as 5pm hits, this all-day outdoor bar is flooded with city workers looking to loosen their shirt collars and enjoy a drink. Arbory is a true Melbourne institution, built on a disused Sandridge railway platform with Flinders Street Station on one side and the Yarra River on the other. In the summer, Arbory Afloat pops up, a floating extension of the bar with a pastel-perfect design inspired by the colour and fun of Miami. There’s even a pool, so pack your bathers!

Experience Neil Perry’s multi-award-winning steakhouse with a twist at Rockpool Bar & Grill. An impressive dining room is complemented by a dramatic open kitchen and woodfire grill, offering an unforgettable dining experience. Guests can expect the finest cuts of beef, including grass fed, grain fed and David Blackmore’s Pure Blood Wagyu, with all beef dry-aged onsite. Seafood is treated with just as much reverence here, signified by the purpose-built ‘fish room’ and a menu that includes woodfire-grilled octopus and whole southern rock lobster.

Let an authentic teppanyaki experience take you on an incredible taste journey at Koko. Internationally renowned designer Tony Chi has created a space that brings the tranquil surrounds of a Japanese water garden to Southbank. Delicate sushi and sashimi are prepared by dedicated chefs on ‘teppan’ steel hotplates before your very eyes, while an impressive saké bar offers the city’s best range of aged and exclusive sake from Japan and Australia.

Let this charming bistro transport you all the way to France, right here on the banks of the Yarra River. Enjoy a menu of French classics as you watch the world go by with views of Southbank through floor-to-ceiling windows. Expect duck confit, steak, Paris mash and French onion soup, or select the ‘plat du jour’. Champagne Sundays are an indulgent affair, showcasing Guillaume Brahimi’s signature dishes with flowing Moët & Chandon.

Follow the Yarra south from Southbank and you’ll stumble across The Boatbuilders Yard. Technically classed as South Wharf, it’s just a five-minute stroll along the river from Crown. This is a relaxed indoor-outdoor space with river views and a vibrant, fresh menu that takes you from breakfast through to dinner. If it’s just a drink you’re after, try the refreshing South Wharf #6 with gin, apricot, lime and a cherry lollipop.

Savour Japanese with a twist at Saké, a unique restaurant that utilises the freshest ingredients to create a dynamic culinary experience in the heart of Melbourne. Signature dishes not to be missed include the Hiramasa kingfish with coriander-infused sweet ponzu and jalapeno kosho, and the popcorn shrimp with yuzu chilli mayonnaise. Pair it all with a saké-infused cocktail or opt for the chef’s seven-course omakase tasting menu with matched drinks.

Visit a place that refers to itself as a ‘Mozzarella Bar’ and you instantly know you’re in safe hands. Need more proof? D.O.C is a certification given by the Italian government to ensure quality and authenticity of its cheese and wine, so this place takes its cheese and pizza very seriously. Pizza toppings here include wild mushrooms, San Daniele prosciutto and tiger prawns, but the simple Pizza D.O.C, with its fresh DOP buffalo mozzarella takes the crown for spectacular simplicity.

Instantly recognisable and world renowned, Nobu attracts the rich and the famous to its restaurants across the globe, including New York, London, Las Vegas and – conveniently – Southbank. Savour the exquisite new-style Japanese cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa, expertly prepared by Melbourne Head Chef Joshua Bedell. Highly skilled, knife-wielding chefs plate up the finest sushi before your very eyes in a true feast for the senses. Inspired by its riverside location and Japanese heritage, Nobu’s interior is an elegant spectacle of river stones suspended in mid-air, cherry blossom and burnished woods, all adding to a truly refined dining experience.

Located on the top floor of the Eureka Tower, this is a truly memorable dining experience. Select from a five or seven-course degustation menu, with the option of adding matched wines to each dish. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase exceptional views of Melbourne, while the menu is a celebration of fine Australian cuisine. Think Hiramasa kingfish with sweet ginger, Gippsland beef with roasted cos and caramelised yoghurt and Western Australia marron with tamarind and miso. Window tables are reserved for dining guests, but the lounge bar area still offers incredible views if you’re just after a drink.

From the moment you enter The Langham’s grand lobby, adorned in marble and boasting a spectacular water fountain, you know you’ve arrived somewhere truly exceptional. A treatment at Chuan Spa here is an unmissable indulgence that helps to harmonise body, spirit and mind. The extensive menu uses Australian-made Chuan products and includes European-origin therapies and traditional Chinese medicine. The Discover Chuan package combines a herbal salt scrub with a massage and facial of your choice and will leave you with a feeling of floating on air. Enhance your experience with complimentary access to the Tri-Bathing Ritual — inspired by the philosophy of free-flowing water, the ritual includes a swimming pool, saltwater Jacuzzi with Southbank views, heated sauna and ‘river stone snail shower’ with a 12-jet design to stimulate individual muscle groups.

Immerse yourself in Southbank with Luxury Escapes’ hand-picked Experiences. We’ve curated a selection of cultural activities, adrenaline thrills, food adventures and luxury add-ons to help you discover your destination. These Experiences are bookable when you purchase your next escape. Simply select your travel dates and number of travellers for any package, and opt to tailor your escape by selecting the available Experiences.