

Sophisticated Designer Condo W River & City Views Overview
I remember pulling up to 1 Freshwater Place in Southbank – you know, that sleek tower right on the edge of the Yarra River – and thinking, wow, this is Melbourne living at its polished best. It’s not your average hotel; it’s more like a high-end condo rental, all designer vibes and personal space, which honestly makes a huge difference when you’re traveling. I stayed there last spring, during that sweet spot before the Grand Prix crowds hit, and the check-in was a breeze – no fuss at the lobby, just a quick code for the elevator and you’re up to your floor. Southbank’s got that perfect mix of buzz and chill; you’re steps from the promenade where joggers zip by at dawn, and if you wander down Queensbridge Street, you’re basically at Crown Casino or those riverside bars in no time. Parking’s a bit of a squeeze though – underground spots are available but book ahead, especially on weekends when the area’s hopping with theatergoers from the Arts Centre. Oh, and fair warning, the trams rumbling along Clarendon Street can be a faint hum at night, but it’s more white noise than annoyance, sort of lulling if you’re jet-lagged.
What really hooked me was stepping into the condo itself – it’s all clean lines, plush fabrics, and those floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the river and city skyline like a living postcard. I mean, waking up to the Yarra sparkling below, with the Eureka Tower poking up in the distance, beats any generic hotel view hands down. The place feels sophisticated without trying too hard; think marble countertops in the kitchen (fully stocked, by the way, so you can whip up brekkie from goodies at the nearby South Melbourne Market), and a balcony where I spent evenings sipping wine, watching the ferries chug by and the city lights flicker on. It’s rated a solid 8.8 for good reason – four-star comfort with little touches like high-thread-count sheets that actually feel luxurious, not stiff, and a bathroom with rain showers that make you linger. Well, it’s not flawless; the AC can be a tad noisy if you’re a light sleeper, and during peak summer, the building’s pool deck gets crowded with locals escaping the heat. But honestly, curling up on the couch after a day exploring Federation Square – just a short walk across the pedestrian bridge – with that view pulling you in, it’s the kind of reset Melbourne does so well.
If you’re the type who wants more than a cookie-cutter stay, this spot’s a gem, especially for couples or small groups craving that home-away-from-home feel in the heart of the action. You could easily base yourself here for a week, hopping on the free City Circle tram to hit up the laneways or NGV gallery without ever feeling isolated. I left wishing I’d booked longer – it’s pricey, sure, but for those river sunsets and the way the city’s energy seeps in without overwhelming you, it’s worth every cent. Just time it right; avoid the Formula 1 rush if you hate crowds, and you’ll get Southbank at its most inviting.
Sophisticated Designer Condo W River & City Views Accommodations
Accommodation | Details |
---|---|
One-Bedroom Apartment | large double bed, 1 large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults |


Reviews of Sophisticated Designer Condo W River & City Views
Federico from United States (9/10)
View, kitchen, clean, location
Laura from Australia (9/10)
The property was in a great location, and was well furnished and comfortable.
Andrew from Australia (8/10)
Great location, the apartment itself was spacious and suited the two of us, the bed was comfortable and aircon great.
James from Australia (9/10)
Good location, close to the city with a great view
Judy from Australia (9/10)
Central
John from Canada (8/10)
Just as advertised. Clean, modern, excellent location.
David from Australia (9/10)
Wieu from Australia (9/10)
Comfortable stay, no issues, location as described
Daniel from Australia (9/10)
Loved the views.
Kitchen had everything you needed – including sharp knives!
Comfortable apartment.Debbie from New Zealand (9/10)
Lovely apartment well equipped for self catering. Excellent central location
Surroundings
What’s nearby:
- Boyd Park: 650 m
- Eureka Tower: 150 m
- Rialto Towers: 950 m
- Immigration Museum: 500 m
- Southbank Promenade: 350 m
- The Genie Sculpture: 900 m
- Living Legacy Forest: 800 m
- Kurth Kiln Regional Park: 1.1 km
- SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium: 750 m
- ACMI – Australian Centre for the Moving Image: 950 m
Restaurants & cafes:
- Restaurant Criniti’s: 100 m
- Restaurant McDonald’s: 50 m
- Cafe/bar Blossom Espresso: 30 m
Top attractions:
- Melbourne Zoo: 5 km
- Cooks’ Cottage: 2.1 km
- Melbourne Museum: 3 km
- Old Melbourne Gaol: 2.2 km
- Old Treasury Building: 1.8 km
- Shrine of Remembrance: 1.7 km
- Australian Sports Museum: 2.3 km
- Manchester Unity Building: 1.1 km
- Victoria University City Tower: 1.4 km
- Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne: 2 km
Natural beauty:
- Lake Ornamental Lake: 2.1 km
Beaches in the neighbourhood:
- Elwood Beach: 7 km
- St Kilda Beach: 6 km
- Sandridge Beach: 4.2 km
- Middle Park Beach: 4.3 km
Public transport:
- Metro Flagstaff: 1.5 km
- Train Southern Cross Station: 1.6 km
- Train Flinders Street Station: 750 m
- Metro Melbourne Central Station: 1.7 km
- Bus Essendon Keilor CollegeLock St: 16 km
- Bus El Reno Cres/Roberts Rd (Airport West): 16 km
Closest airports:
- Melbourne Airport: 21 km
- Moorabbin Airport: 21 km
- Essendon Fields Airport: 11 km
Facilities
Bedroom:
- Linen
- Wardrobe or closet
Kitchen:
- Dining table
- Coffee machine
- Cleaning products
- Toaster
- Stovetop
- Oven
- Kitchenware
- Electric kettle
- Kitchen
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
Bathroom:
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bath or shower
- Slippers
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Bathrobe
- Hairdryer
- Shower
Living Area:
- Dining area
- Sofa
- Seating Area
- Desk
Food & Drink:
- Tea/Coffee maker
Accessibility:
- Entire unit wheelchair accessible
- Upper floors accessible by elevator
Miscellaneous:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Air conditioning
- Non-smoking throughout
- Heating
- Lift
- Facilities for disabled guests
Outdoor & View:
- River view
- City view
- View
Room Amenities:
- Socket near the bed
- Sofa bed
- Tile/marble floor
- Carpeted
- Ironing facilities
- Iron
Languages spoken:
- English
Safety & security:
- CCTV outside property
- CCTV in common areas
- Smoke alarms
- 24-hour security
Media & Technology:
- Streaming service (like Netflix)
- Flat-screen TV
- TV
Reception services:
- Invoice provided
- 24-hour front desk
Great for your stay:
- Private bathroom
- Free WiFi
- View
- Air conditioning
- Kitchen
- Flat-screen TV
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Shower
- Lift
- Coffee machine
Building characteristics:
- Private apartment in building


House Rules at Sophisticated Designer Condo W River & City Views
Pets:
- Pets are not allowed.
Parties:
- Parties/events are not allowed
Smoking:
- Smoking is not allowed.
Check-in:
- From 15:00 to 20:00
- Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in
Check-out:
- Until 10:30
Cancellation/prepayment:
- Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.
Guest reviews
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