Yarra River
Yarra River
4.5
About
The Yarra River’s journey begins on the southern slopes of the Great Dividing Range and twists through the forested valleys of the Yarra Ranges and its quaint regional towns before concluding its journey on the muddy flats of Port Phillip Bay. Elemental to Melbourne’s identity, the Yarra River is one of Victoria’s iconic waterways. It has spiritual and cultural significance for Aboriginal communities. To the Wurundjeri people the river, known as Birrarung, was the life source and an important meeting place. And, to many locals, where happy memories of personal pilgrimages, peaceful summer evenings, and days exploring were made. Board one of the river cruises from Southbank to explore the lower reaches of the Yarra, follow the Capital City Trail on foot or bike, canoe or kayak all or part of its 240-kilometre expanse, or set up for a scenic sunset barbecue or picnic on the banks of the river.
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Southbank
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We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
4,769 within 3 miles
Attractions
1,431 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- 466surendermNew Delhi, India141 contributionsVery nice River surrounded by beautiful buildings.Yaara River has a pictorial view. There are very high rise buildings on the side of the river and eating outlets. Walking tracks are good. The Prince Bridge on the River was constructed in 1888. It is a very good place to enjoy the river and cruises.Visited May 2023Travelled with familyWritten 6 May 2023
- Jeffry bEssendon, Australia14,153 contributionsScenic river has many twists and turnsThe Yarra River is a feature of Victoria that appeals to travelers. The Yarra rises in the Yarra Ranges and flows 242 km (150 miles) through central Victoria, including the scenic Yarra Valley, well known for its vineyards. In 1835, the first settlers landed at a place on the Yarra River near the City of Melbourne. The Yarra empties into Hobson's Bay, near the Port of Melbourne. The Yarra has many twists and turns, it's certainly interesting.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 6 October 2023
- Mairwen1United Kingdom9,565 contributionsWalking Paths, Artwork, Cycling, Cruises & Dining…The Yarra is one of the most distinctive features of Melbourne, running through the CBD. For tourists, it offers a range of activities, including river cruises, waterside dining, long walks along the Southbank promenade, cycling paths and bike/scooter hire. We walked alongside the river each day to get to the Australian Open tennis competition. Whilst we didn’t get to explore a lot of the river, it was very pleasant walking beside it and even on a short stretch we saw interesting sculptures and indigenous artwork. The most striking of these was ‘Angel’, a giant, brightly coloured, Picasso-esque sculpture by Deborah Halpern in 1988. Don’t expect a sweet or cherubic angel. This is a strange, three-legged creature. With two heads and long extended necks, it looked more like a mutated dinosaur. On the centre of its body, is a bright yellow, demonic-looking angel. Standing at 10m tall and made of steel and concrete with 4000 hand painted mosaic tiles, it’s an imposing but fun figure.Visited January 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 23 January 2024
- smiler1956Birmingham, United Kingdom519 contributionsRiver cruiseTook a river cruise with my wife, and enjoyed a tranquil guided tour along the Yarra River. Some great history and highlights of buildings and bridges along the river. Really enjoyable and amazing sights. If you don't want to cruise their are promenades each side for walking or cycling.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,702 reviews
Excellent
779
Very good
739
Average
159
Poor
17
Terrible
8
smiler1956
Birmingham, UK519 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Took a river cruise with my wife, and enjoyed a tranquil guided tour along the Yarra River. Some great history and highlights of buildings and bridges along the river. Really enjoyable and amazing sights. If you don't want to cruise their are promenades each side for walking or cycling.
Written 14 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mairwen1
United Kingdom9,565 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
The Yarra is one of the most distinctive features of Melbourne, running through the CBD. For tourists, it offers a range of activities, including river cruises, waterside dining, long walks along the Southbank promenade, cycling paths and bike/scooter hire.
We walked alongside the river each day to get to the Australian Open tennis competition. Whilst we didn’t get to explore a lot of the river, it was very pleasant walking beside it and even on a short stretch we saw interesting sculptures and indigenous artwork.
The most striking of these was ‘Angel’, a giant, brightly coloured, Picasso-esque sculpture by Deborah Halpern in 1988.
Don’t expect a sweet or cherubic angel. This is a strange, three-legged creature. With two heads and long extended necks, it looked more like a mutated dinosaur. On the centre of its body, is a bright yellow, demonic-looking angel.
Standing at 10m tall and made of steel and concrete with 4000 hand painted mosaic tiles, it’s an imposing but fun figure.
We walked alongside the river each day to get to the Australian Open tennis competition. Whilst we didn’t get to explore a lot of the river, it was very pleasant walking beside it and even on a short stretch we saw interesting sculptures and indigenous artwork.
The most striking of these was ‘Angel’, a giant, brightly coloured, Picasso-esque sculpture by Deborah Halpern in 1988.
Don’t expect a sweet or cherubic angel. This is a strange, three-legged creature. With two heads and long extended necks, it looked more like a mutated dinosaur. On the centre of its body, is a bright yellow, demonic-looking angel.
Standing at 10m tall and made of steel and concrete with 4000 hand painted mosaic tiles, it’s an imposing but fun figure.
Written 24 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gryphon2014
Tauranga, New Zealand5 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Did the restuarant dinner Cruise. Excellent staff. Great food. The lights of Melbourne we dazzling.
Thought we could have had more information about what we were passing, historical facts etc
Well worth the experience.
Thought we could have had more information about what we were passing, historical facts etc
Well worth the experience.
Written 13 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia14,153 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
The Yarra River is a feature of Victoria that appeals to travelers. The Yarra rises in the Yarra Ranges and flows 242 km (150 miles) through central Victoria, including the scenic Yarra Valley, well known for its vineyards. In 1835, the first settlers landed at a place on the Yarra River near the City of Melbourne. The Yarra empties into Hobson's Bay, near the Port of Melbourne. The Yarra has many twists and turns, it's certainly interesting.
Written 6 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JnVSydney
Greater Sydney, Australia18,466 contributions
Jun 2023
Within the CBD, it is a lovely place to visit with restaurants, cafes, and seating areas, we love how walkable it is, with the walkways running up and down the banks.
Written 14 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
466surenderm
New Delhi, India141 contributions
May 2023 • Family
Yaara River has a pictorial view. There are very high rise buildings on the side of the river and eating outlets. Walking tracks are good. The Prince Bridge on the River was constructed in 1888. It is a very good place to enjoy the river and cruises.
Written 7 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian C
Melbourne, Australia13 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
The river is so easy to walk too, and peaceful to see and unwind, relaxing part of the city. All the trees along the river and easy walking along it too, great walk and day.
Written 5 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen H
Hertfordshire, UK3 contributions
Apr 2023
After passing 3 well known buidings close to the river the rest of trip was pretty mundane &I considered the one hour trip was overpriced
Written 27 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mayccm2018
Hong Kong, China513 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
It is relaxing to walk on the Promenade at Southbank side. Good atmosphere and beautiful scenery. Lots of restaurants including ferry cruise there. Enjoyable.
Written 26 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wombatdavid
Hobart, Australia2,570 contributions
Mar 2023
There are loads of lovely walk along the banks of the river. We had a great walk up from South Yarra into the city. Get out and explore!
Written 19 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fleur2012
Melbourne, Australia69 contributions
How many rooms do you have in total
marie x
California103 contributions
I reviewed the Yarra River in Melbourne as a scenic attraction with many activities available. I stayed at a large hotel, The Langham, which offers a river view. Can you be more specific about the information you are seeking and which hotel you are referring to?
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Claim your listingYARRA RIVER: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Yarra River
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Yarra River:
- River Gardens Melbourne Sightseeing Cruise (From £20.19)
- Melbourne City and Williamstown Ferry Cruise (From £18.59)
- Highlights of Melbourne Cruise (From £32.94)
- Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise (From £98.28)
- Port of Melbourne and Docklands Sightseeing Cruise (From £20.19)
- Hotels near Yarra River:
- (0.02 mi) Vibrant Inner-City Living Southbank
- (0.05 mi) The Langham, Melbourne
- (0.12 mi) Quay West Suites Melbourne
- (0.10 mi) Mercure Melbourne Southbank
- (0.17 mi) Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Southbank
- Restaurants near Yarra River:
- (0.00 mi) Grill'd
- (0.01 mi) Yarra Botanica
- (0.02 mi) Ponyfish Island
- (0.02 mi) Pure South Dining
- (0.02 mi) Pure South Kitchen
- Attractions near Yarra River:
- (0.01 mi) Melbourne Water Taxis
- (0.01 mi) Williamstown Bay and River Cruises
- (0.04 mi) Southbank
- (0.10 mi) GoBoat Melbourne
- (0.08 mi) Great Ocean Road Tours