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Princes Bridge and Melbourne’s skyline reflected in the Yarra at twilight
Melbourne · Walking guides

Princes Bridge and Southbank: a flexible Yarra walk

Cross the river for Melbourne’s skyline, then follow the south bank with bridges as your route markers. Keep the walk adjustable: a short return loop is enough to see the changing relationship between the city and water.

01

Start beside Federation Square

Begin near Federation Square, then use the pedestrian pavement on Princes Bridge. Look back towards the station dome and cathedral spires, and pause without obstructing the path. Use the signed crossings; trams and traffic make this a place for attention as well as photographs.

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02

Follow Southbank towards Evan Walker Bridge

On the south side, follow signs towards Southbank Promenade. Walk west with the river on your right, looking back towards Princes Bridge as the skyline changes. Continue to Evan Walker Bridge; it makes a clear decision point for a shorter return rather than an obligation to keep walking all the way to Docklands.

03

Choose a riverside meal break

For a longer pause, consider Ludlow Bar & Dining Room, for a pub meal with a river-facing terrace and indoor dining. Its shared plates and pub classics fit a flexible lunch; the venue fits this stretch without taking you away from the river. Check the current menu, service and booking arrangements before making it your meal stop.

04

Return across the river or add another bridge

Cross Evan Walker Bridge for the north-bank return towards the station, following the signed public path. If you want a longer outing, continue west before choosing a return crossing; do not bolt the whole Docklands route onto a day already full of indoor visits. Respect construction diversions, shared paths and cyclists.

05

Keep NGV as a separate indoor option

From the Princes Bridge end, NGV International is an alternative when weather turns. Check which building you want: NGV International on St Kilda Road differs from NGV Australia at Federation Square. Exhibitions can have separate tickets and opening arrangements. Carry a layer for river wind and shorten the exposed walk in heavy rain.

Check before you go

Opening arrangements and visitor rules can change. Check the official information before your trip.

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