Southbank Hideaway on the Yarra with Huge Terrace

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon the Southbank Hideaway on the Yarra with Huge Terrace during a quick getaway to Melbourne last spring, and honestly, it felt like I’d scored a secret spot right in the heart of the action without all the chaos. Tucked away in Southbank, just off the promenade near the Polly Woodside ship – that old tall ship museum thing that’s a bit of a hidden gem for history buffs – it’s super easy to get to from Flinders Street Station if you’re hopping off a train. I mean, I walked it in under 10 minutes, dodging the usual crowd of joggers and tourists snapping pics of the river. The building itself isn’t flashy; it’s one of those modern apartment-style hotels that blends right into the skyline, but stepping inside, the lobby had this cozy vibe with fresh coffee brewing – none of that stale hotel smell, thank goodness. Check-in was a breeze, even though I arrived right at peak hour around 3 PM when everyone’s flooding in from the airport; the staff were chatty locals who tipped me off about avoiding the trams during rush hour if I didn’t want to get squished.

What really sold me, though, was that massive terrace – we’re talking enough space to host a small barbecue if you felt like it, overlooking the Yarra River with views stretching toward the Arts Centre spire and those funky pedestrian bridges. I spent my first evening out there with a glass of local pinot (picked up from the Queen Vic Market, which is just a short tram ride away on the 35 or 96 line), watching the water taxis zip by and the city lights flicker on as dusk hit. It’s sort of a hideaway in the best way; you’re close enough to hear the faint hum of the Southbank eateries – places like Waterfront or that Italian joint on South Wharf where the pasta’s always al dente – but the terrace feels private, like your own balcony escape from the bustle. The rooms are solid for a 4-star spot: clean, with a full kitchenette that came in handy for whipping up brekkie (eggs from the nearby Coles on Clarendon Street), and the bed was comfy enough that I actually slept through the occasional tram rattle outside. Well, almost – Southbank can get noisy during events like the Australian Open or the Food and Wine Festival in March, when the crowds spill over from the riverfront, but the double-glazed windows muffled most of it. Parking’s a bit of a hassle if you’re driving; spots are limited and pricey, so I’d say ditch the car and use the free City Circle tram instead.

All in all, if you’re after a place that feels lived-in rather than sterile, this one’s a winner – especially for couples or solo travelers who want that terrace life without breaking the bank. It’s rated an 8.2 for good reason; not perfect (the Wi-Fi dipped a couple times during my stay, probably from all the nearby high-rises), but it captures that Melbourne magic of being riverside yet steps from the CBD. I’d go back in a heartbeat, maybe in winter when the fog rolls off the Yarra and everything feels a tad more atmospheric. Just pack layers – the terrace breeze can sneak up on you!

Rooms

• Two-Bedroom Apartment with 4 × 1 large double bed for 4 adults

Reviews

• Samuel from Australia (9/10)

  awesome communcation and a great facility. makes for an awsome getaway

• Cathie from Australia (7/10)

  Location was perfect for our trip to the tennis. Easy to find. Close to restaurants, Southbank, city etc. We walked everywhere.
  Verandah was great. Views of the city at night were beautiful.
  Beds comfy and air conditioning.

• Leanne from Australia (8/10)

  Great location and view,
  Large size of lounge and balcony. Spacious
  Security to building is very good

• Payne from Australia (9/10)

  Close to public transport and plenty of places to eat. Short walk to casino and Melbourne exhibition centre which is why we were in Melbourne.
  The view on the terrace was great.

• Anna from Australia (7/10)

  Great location and wonderful views

• Pete from New Zealand (8/10)

  Great location

• Emma from Australia (8/10)

  Everything was excellent.

• Messin from France (8/10)

  Excellente réactivité et disponibilité de l hôte dans les échanges que nous avons pu apprécier car notre vol a été annulé et nous sommes arrivés à minuit au lieu de midi et la personne avec les clés nous attendait à la sortie du taxi Idem pour le ménage, le four était sale et ils ont envoyé rapidement quelqu'un pour le nettoyer Emplacement très agréable, proche des restaurants animés au bord de la Yarra River et du CBD , très grande terrasse très agréable, salle de sport et piscine disponible , appartement agréable .

• Adam from Australia (8/10)

• Josh from Australia (9/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities