Southgate

Southgate was the first shopping and dining complex built along the south bank of the Yarra, replacing billowing chimney­stacks and saw-toothed factories. The complex joined its illustrious Southbank neighbours (the Arts Centre, Australian Ballet and Opera Australia) in the early ’90s. Southgate is well connected to the city via an arched footbridge, and riverside promenades run all the way west to the casino complex. You’ll find restaurants and cafés among the three levels of dining rooms that all enjoy a stellar outlook over the river and city. (Quality ranges from some of the city’s best to those simply after the tourist dollar.) Night transforms the skyline, with spotlights, coloured neons and grids of illuminated office-block windows beyond the inky Yarra; it’s a view for hopeless romantics and cityphiles alike. There’s an international food hall on the ground floor, as well as boutiques and a collection of specially commissioned sculptures and other artworks. Nearby, check out the the Travellers along the Sandridge Bridge, a series of sculptures depicting the story of arrival that belongs to the many Melburnians of immigrant background. A number of boat operators are stationed outside Southgate should you want to hail a water taxi to take you to the sporting precinct or cruise over to Williams­town.