Southbank Entertainment & Dining (Self Guided), Melbourne

This waterfront district on the southern shore of the Yarra River is a delightful epicenter of culture and entertainment with its arts and performance venues, shops, restaurants and cafés. Tap into the area’s vibrancy with a stroll down the Southbank Promenade, its buzzing and beating heart. The popular walkway is lined with bars, restaurants, upmarket hotels, offices and shops. As you walk, you may well come across public arts displays and street performers.

For somewhere unique to have a meal or drink, walk down the steps of the Pedestrian Bridge to the restaurant on Ponyfish Island, a small island on the river. From here, you can also enjoy dazzling city views, especially at night.

But the most amazing vistas are from the Eureka Skydeck on the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower, a gold plated skyscraper. You will be looking over the city from the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere. If you are feeling particularly courageous, walk onto the Edge, a glass cube suspended almost 300 meters (984 feet) above street level.

If the arts are your thing, catch a jazz, pop, world or classical musical concert at the Melbourne Recital Center. Browse the work of up and coming and established national and international artists at the Australian Center for Contemporary Art (ACCA). For even more culture, go to the Arts Center Melbourne which has several venues under its roof, including the Sydney Myer Music Bowl and the Theaters Building. The complex is the largest performing arts venue in Australia.