Southbank Cultural Precinct

Melbourne's cultural edge

Southbank is the area that stretches along - and behind - the southern bank of the Yarra River. It starts from when you cross Princes Bridge, turn left and walk down the steps towards the river.

Once an old, neglected and mostly industrial area, Southbank is now an integral part of the creative fabric of Melbourne life. It is about to undergo another redevelopment which will enhance its main attractions and add a few more!

Victorian Arts Centre Spire and St Kilda Road (2002)

Copyright: contact Arts Victoria

One thing leads to another here - take your time in one or two places or spaces or make a day of it and see them all.

• The Arts Centre is a complex of theatres, concert halls, galleries and foyer spaces - all built under ground. A great place for Australian-made products is the Sunday market at The Arts Centre with over 140 stalls of arts and crafts from around Victoria.
• St Johns Lutheran Church at 20 City Road, Southbank, is often used for concerts and a varied program of music and art.
• The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) International spans four levels and houses Victoria's extensive international collection of European, Asian, Oceanic and American art.
• From the NGV International, it is a short walk or tram ride on the number 1 tram, to the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA), a dynamic public contemporary art space in a uniquely-shaped 'rusty' building.
• Down the road from ACCA in Sturt Street is the Malthouse Theatre which presents new, Australian contemporary theatre, as well as 're-investigations' of classic works.
• The Victorian College of the Arts, on St Kilda Road, is Australia's leading visual and performing arts training centre and works by students, staff and alumni can be seen on a regular basis.
• New to the precinct is the Melbourne Recital Centre, the home of chamber and small ensemble music-making and development in Australia. This cutting-edge building is on the corner of Southbank Boulevard and Sturt Street, next to the VCA.
• The famous Melbourne Theatre Company will move to its new home on Southbank Boulevard next to the Recital Centre in January 2009 - MTC productions will appear in four new theatres.