Lined with parks, gardens, eateries, bars and arts spaces, Melbourne’s Yarra River is undisputedly the city’s main artery.

The striking design of Federation Square looms over the Yarra River. More than just a public space, it’s the city’s creative hub, boasting Australian art par excellence at the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, and homages to film and TV at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI). Bars and restaurants pepper the square, where street performers entertain crowds on weekends. The Melbourne Visitor Centre is based at Federation Square.

More art can be found on the other side of the river from Federation Square, at NGV International and the Arts Centre and deeper into the city’s Arts Precinct.

The Southgate strip and Crown Entertainment Complex dominate the river’s south bank, just across from Flinders Street Station. Join the throngs dining al fresco under city lights, enjoying river views from the tantalising array of cafes and restaurants. Crown is home to high-end restaurant by famed chefs, international boutiques, luxury accommodation, hip bars and great views.

Back on the north bank of the Yarra River are the Aboriginal rock carvings in Birrarung Marr, where there is also a playground and children’s art space.

At any time of day or night the Yarra River and its banks are bustling with runners, rowers and cyclists, as well as picnickers and photographers capturing quintessentially Melbourne vistas.