Southbank isn’t just somewhere to visit or work – it’s somewhere to live life to its full. Our local tips will help you maximise your extended stay experience. Enjoy!
If you’re wondering what to do in Southbank Melbourne during an extended stay, the good news is this: you won’t run out of options.
With its riverside promenade, hidden cafés, world-class arts venues and easy access to the CBD, it offers the perfect balance of work and lifestyle. And when you’re staying in a spacious, residential sized Astra Apartment, you have the freedom to experience it all like a local.
Whether you’re here for a project, relocation or long-term assignment, here’s how to make the most of your time in Southbank.
Start with the Southbank Promenade (But Don’t Stop There)
The Yarra River promenade is the beating heart of Southbank. It’s where you’ll find morning runners, after-work catch-ups, and some of Melbourne’s most iconic views.
Begin your stay with a simple ritual: a sunrise walk along the river. Cross Queensbridge or the pedestrian bridges to Flinders Street Station, watch the rowers glide past, and grab a takeaway coffee on your way back. It’s an effortless way to feel part of the city from day one.
It’s also beautiful at night – here’s a short clip we caught recently:
But the real magic of Southbank reveals itself when you step slightly off the main strip.
Discover Southbank’s Hidden Gems
Beyond the well-known waterfront restaurants, there’s a quieter, more local side to explore.
Hidden Cafes worth finding
- Saporito Café – Tucked away on Kavanagh Street (which is very close to our Melbourne Square apartments), this family-owned café is ideal for a relaxed breakfast or weekend brunch away from the crowds .
- The Bond Store – Housed in a charming 19th-century building at Riverside Quay, perfect for a long lunch in a historic setting .
- Mr Summit Café & Bar – A local favourite on City Road, known for specialty coffee, toasties and live music on select nights .
When you’re staying for weeks or months, these are the places where staff start to recognise you. That’s when Southbank really begins to feel like home.
Under the radar arts and culture
Southbank is Melbourne’s cultural hub, but some of its best experiences are lesser known:
- Buxton Contemporary at the Victorian College of the Arts – a contemporary art space with experimental exhibitions .
- Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) – the striking rust-coloured building showcasing bold, emerging artists .
- Arts Centre Melbourne Backstage Tours – a rare glimpse behind the curtain at one of Australia’s premier performing arts venues .
For extended-stay travellers, these spaces offer midweek inspiration just minutes from your apartment.
Elevate a Special Occasion at Eureka 89
If you’re celebrating a milestone, hosting clients, or simply want to experience Melbourne from above, Eureka 89 is unforgettable.
Located on the 89th floor of the Eureka Tower, nearly 300 metres above the city, it offers fine dining with panoramic views of Melbourne’s skyline . Guests can enjoy a three-course Altitude Dining Experience or indulge in a chef’s tasting menu crafted by award-winning chef Renee Martillano .
It’s the kind of experience that reminds you why Melbourne is considered Australia’s cultural capital – and it’s right on your doorstep.
Taste the World in Southbank
Extended stays are the perfect excuse to work your way through Southbank’s evolving food scene.
The London Arms – British–Indian Hospitality
New to Southbank in October 2025, The London Arms at 160 Clarendon Street brings premium British–Indian cuisine to Southbank, blending bold flavours with warm hospitality . It’s an inviting spot for team dinners or relaxed evenings with colleagues.
Dulce Bakehouse – South American Sweet Treats
For something sweet, Dulce Bakehouse at 109 Clarendon Street is a popular spot for locals . Known for its dulce de leche-filled pastries and award-winning vanilla slice, it’s perfect for a weekend indulgence or midweek pick-me-up .
When you have a fully equipped kitchen in your Astra apartment, you can also balance dining out with home-cooked meals – the best of both worlds.
Embrace Melbourne’s Sporting Calendar
One of the perks of staying in Southbank is proximity to Melbourne’s biggest sporting events.
Depending on the season, you could be here for:
- Australian Open in January
- Formula 1 Grand Prix in March
- AFL season and Grand Final
- Melbourne Cup Carnival in November
- Boxing Day Test at the MCG
After the crowds disperse, you’re just an easy walk back to your spacious apartment – no late-night commute required.
Find Your Flow: Work-Life Balance in Southbank
For corporate travellers, the question isn’t just what to do in Southbank Melbourne – it’s how to balance work and life seamlessly.
Southbank makes it easy:
- Walk or tram into the CBD in minutes
- Cycle along the Yarra Trail
- Catch trains from nearby Flinders Street Station
- Explore by ferry, water taxi or kayak on the Yarra
With excellent public transport links by tram, train, bus and even water , you’re connected to the entire city while enjoying a quieter riverside lifestyle.
Live Like a Local with Astra Apartments
The real difference during an extended stay isn’t just location – it’s how you live while you’re here.
Astra Apartments in Southbank offer:
- Full-sized, modern residential apartments
- Zoned living spaces and balconies
- Fully equipped kitchens
- Internal laundries
- Secure, private WiFi
- Weekly cleaning and linen service
- A personal meet-and-greet on arrival
It’s everything you need to work, live and stay comfortably for a week, a month or longer. Instead of one room and a mini bar fridge, you have space to unpack, cook, entertain and truly settle in. That’s when Southbank transforms from a business destination into your neighbourhood.
TAMIM KHAN
director astra apartments SOUTHBANK
So what to do in Southbank Melbourne?
- Walk the river at sunrise
- Book that restaurant with the view
- Find your regular café
- Catch a midweek performance
- Say yes to a big sporting event
- Invite colleagues over for dinner in your apartment
Southbank offers energy, culture and convenience in equal measure. And when you stay with Astra Apartments, you’re not just visiting – you’re living here.
Welcome to Southbank. Check in, relax, you’re home.
