Is Melbourne Square Park free to visit?

Yes, Melbourne Square Park is 100% free and open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Visitors can stroll through the terraced gardens, relax on the lawns, or enjoy the cascading water features at any time.

What shopping and dining options are at Melbourne Square Park?

Melbourne Square features a bustling retail plaza directly adjacent to the park, headlined by Victoria's first double-storey Woolworths supermarket and BWS, artisan cafes, outdoor dining terraces, and specialty food shops.

Can tourists stay overnight at Melbourne Square overlooking the park?

Yes! Havenly Escape offers a luxury 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom Sky Apartment on Level 51 of Melbourne Square (18 Hoff Bvd). Guests enjoy panoramic views of the park, Melbourne skyline, and Port Phillip Bay, along with exclusive access to the Level 54 Sky Pool, gym, sauna, and direct elevator access to Woolworths and the park below.

How do I get to Melbourne Square Park using public transport?

Take any tram along St Kilda Road or Swanston Street (Routes 1, 3/3a, 5, 6, 16, 64, 72) and disembark at Stop 14 (Arts Precinct / NGV). From there, it is a short 5-minute walk down Kavanagh Street. Alternatively, Tram Route 58 stops on Queensbridge Street near Crown Casino, just 400 metres away.

What Melbourne tourist attractions are within walking distance of Melbourne Square Park?

Melbourne Square Park is within a 5 to 15-minute walk of the Melbourne Arts Precinct (Arts Centre Melbourne and NGV International), Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower, Crown Melbourne riverside promenade, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the Yarra River pedestrian bridges connecting to Flinders Street Station.

Melbourne Square Park Southbank Guide: An Urban Oasis for Tourists

Q: Where is Melbourne Square Park located in Southbank?

Melbourne Square Park is located at 18 Hoff Bvd (corner of Kavanagh Street and Power Street) in Southbank, VIC 3006. It sits directly at the base of the Melbourne Square twin elliptical towers, just a 10-minute walk across the Yarra River from Flinders Street Station and Melbourne CBD.

[!IMPORTANT] Quick Visitor Guide: Melbourne Square Park at a Glance

Address: 18 Hoff Bvd, Southbank VIC 3006 (corner of Kavanagh & Power Streets).

Park Footprint: 3,745 m² of European-inspired public parkland and botanical terraces.

Lead Landscape Architects: Taylor Cullity Lethlean (TCL) — creators of Birrarung Marr & Sidney Myer Music Bowl.

Admission: Free and open to the public 24/7.

On-Site Convenience: Victoria’s first double-storey Woolworths supermarket, artisan coffee shops, and alfresco terraces.

Where to Stay: Havenly Escape at Melbourne Square offers an ultra-luxury Level 51 2-bedroom Sky Apartment with Level 54 infinity pool access directly above the park.

Melbourne Square Park and Twin Towers Southbank

When you think of Melbourne, your mind probably jumps straight to its historic, hidden graffiti laneways, world-class specialty coffee shops, and the bustling cultural hub of the Melbourne Central Business District (CBD). But if you cross over the Yarra River into the towering skyline of Southbank, you will discover a completely different side of the city's personality: an architectural masterpiece that is rewriting the rules of inner-city relaxation.

Welcome to Melbourne Square Park, a stunning 3,745-square-metre public sanctuary nestled right at the base of Southbank's newest design precinct at 18 Hoff Bvd, Southbank VIC 3006. For tourists looking to step away from the concrete pavements and experience how Melbourne seamlessly blends high-density urban living with lush, green tranquil spaces, this park is an absolute must-visit.

Here is why this hidden green heart needs to be on your Melbourne holiday itinerary.

🌿 A Slice of Nature in Melbourne’s Skyscraper District

For years, Southbank was primarily known for its glitzy waterfront promenade, massive entertainment complexes, and towering residential glass skyscrapers. Melbourne Square Park has fundamentally transformed the area by carving out an expansive, European-inspired public parkland right in the middle of one of the city's densest pockets.

Designed by the award-winning landscape architects Taylor Cullity Lethlean (TCL) — the visionary minds behind iconic Australian spaces like Birrarung Marr and the Sidney Myer Music Bowl — this park feels less like a traditional city square and more like a botanical garden retreat.

Lush Terraced Parkland and Podium Green Spaces at Melbourne Square

What to Look Out For

The Terraced Amphitheatre Design: The park is creatively built over a gently rising slope, giving it a natural, sunken amphitheatre aesthetic. It is incredibly well-sheltered from the city winds, making it an ideal spot to sit back with a book or people-watch for an afternoon.
Cascading Water Features: Elegant water features cascade alongside the walking pathways. The soothing sound of flowing water beautifully masks the distant hum of city traffic, creating a genuine sense of tranquility.
Global Flora Displays: Depending on the season of your visit, the street-level entrances welcome you with vibrant, multi-coloured floral arrangements inspired by botanical designs from all around the world.

🚶 The Perfect Pit-Stop for a Day of Sightseeing

One of the best reasons to visit Melbourne Square Park as a tourist is its prime geographical location in Southbank. It sits perfectly positioned as a central link between some of Melbourne's most famous landmarks.

It is just a short 10 to 12-minute walk from the central CBD across the river, and a mere stone's throw from:

The Melbourne Arts Precinct: Home to Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall, and the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International).
The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria: Melbourne's sprawling, world-famous historic botanic gardens and the Shrine of Remembrance. Explore our Lightscape & Botanic Gardens Guide.
Melbourne Skydeck: The Southern Hemisphere's highest viewing platform atop Eureka Tower, boasting 360-degree vistas across Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges. Learn more at Melbourne Skydeck.
Crown Melbourne Riverfront: World-class riverside fine dining, entertainment, and waterfront promenades along the Yarra River.
Major Sports & Stadium Access: Direct connections across the river to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Rod Laver Arena, and Marvel Stadium.

Walking Times from Melbourne Square Park

Destination	Distance	Walking Time	Highlights
Arts Centre Melbourne & NGV	~500 m	6–8 minutes	World-class exhibitions, ballet, opera, and Australian art
Crown Casino & Riverfront	~500 m	6–8 minutes	Riverside restaurants, luxury shopping, and flame towers
Melbourne Skydeck (Eureka)	~600 m	7–9 minutes	88th-floor observation deck with The Edge glass cube
Royal Botanic Gardens	~1.1 km	12–14 minutes	38 hectares of heritage gardens, ornamental lakes, and picnics
Flinders Street Station / CBD	~1.2 km	12–15 minutes	Melbourne central grid, historic clocks, and Federation Square

After spending hours walking through a massive art exhibition or standing on top of an 88th-floor glass viewing cube, this park serves as the ultimate free, casual spot to sit down, kick off your shoes, and feel the grass beneath your feet. For tips on navigating between Melbourne neighbourhoods, read our Southbank & Docklands Short Stay Guide.

☕ Experience Local "Urban Village" Culture

Melbourne is regularly ranked among the most liveable cities on earth, and visiting Melbourne Square Park gives you a front-row seat to how locals live, play, and interact. The space was intentionally designed to foster community wellness, complete with outdoor cafe terraces overlooking the green lawns.

On any given day, you will find local residents walking their dogs, office workers enjoying an alfresco lunch, and families gathering near the cascading water steps. The precinct also frequently activates the space with pop-up community installations — such as publicly accessible basketball half-courts — and seasonal community markets and cultural activities. Discover what else is happening across the city in our What's On Melbourne Events Calendar.

Victoria's First Double-Storey Woolworths Supermarket at Melbourne Square Southbank

If you get hungry or need supplies, you can simply stroll into the adjacent retail hub, which famously houses Victoria’s very first double-storey Woolworths supermarket, alongside a BWS, artisan coffee roasters, and specialty retail shops. Whether you want to grab artisan picnic treats to eat on the lawn or stock up your self-contained apartment pantry, everything is right at your fingertips.

🏨 Stay Above the Park: Havenly Escape at Melbourne Square

Did you know you can stay directly above this green oasis on your holiday?

Havenly Escape has recently added a prestigious 51st-floor luxury 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom sky residence at Melbourne Square (18 Hoff Bvd, Southbank VIC 3006).

Panoramic Skyline Views from Havenly Escape Level 51 Living Room at Melbourne Square

Instead of squeezing into a cramped hotel room, guests staying at Havenly Escape @ Melbourne Square experience:

Level 51 Panoramic Vistas: Floor-to-ceiling wrap-around windows offering breathtaking views across Melbourne Square Park, the glittering Melbourne skyline, and the waters of Port Phillip Bay.
Level 54 Sky Pool & Resort Amenities: Exclusive keycard access to the highest residential resort facilities in Southbank, including a heated infinity lap pool, state-of-the-art gymnasium, sauna, and steam rooms.
Full Chef's Kitchen & Private Laundry: Premium Miele European appliances, marble stone benchtops, and complete in-apartment washer and dryer — perfect for families and extended stays. Read why self-contained stays beat hotels in our Melbourne CBD Apartments with Kitchen & Laundry Guide.
Unbeatable Convenience: Take the high-speed lift straight down to Melbourne Square Park for your morning stroll, and pick up fresh groceries from the double-storey Woolworths downstairs without ever leaving the building complex.
Secure Undercover Parking: Dedicated, secure private parking space on-site.
Looking for CBD Stays Opposite Southern Cross?: We also offer luxury 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom residences at West Side Place, ideal for airport SkyBus transfers. Check our Accommodation Near Southern Cross Station Guide.

👉 Explore our Melbourne Square Southbank 2-Bedroom Apartment (Sleeps 4) or Book Your Melbourne Stay Direct with Havenly Escape for guaranteed best rates with zero booking fees.

🗺️ Tourist Practical Tips

Address: 18 Hoff Bvd, Southbank, VIC 3006 (accessible via Kavanagh Street, Power Street, and Hoff Boulevard).
Getting There by Tram: Take any city-bound tram running along St Kilda Road or Flinders Street (Routes 1, 3/3a, 5, 6, 16, 64, 72) and hop off at Stop 14 (Arts Precinct / NGV). From there, it is a pleasant 5-minute stroll down Kavanagh Street. If you are near Crown Casino, take Route 58 along Queensbridge Street. Read our Melbourne Free Tram Zone Guide and check live transit advisories in our Melbourne CBD Tram Disruptions Travel Guide.
Getting There by Train: Alight at Flinders Street Station, walk across the pedestrian bridge over the Yarra River past the Arts Centre, and you'll arrive in approximately 12 minutes.
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon into twilight is magical. Watch the golden hour sunlight reflect off the twin elliptical glass towers above while the park’s architectural lighting begins to illuminate the water features and leafy walkways.
Cost: Completely free and open to the public 24/7.
Facilities: Public seating, shaded tree canopies, drinking fountains, pram/wheelchair accessible ramps, and immediate access to supermarkets, public restrooms, and cafes.

Are you looking to capture a unique travel photo that contrasts massive, sleek skyscrapers with lush green trees? Skip the standard crowded tourist spots and head over to Melbourne Square Park for the perfect modern Melbourne snapshot. For more bucket-list city experiences, browse our Iconic Melbourne Experiences Guide.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is Melbourne Square Park located in Southbank?

Melbourne Square Park is located at 18 Hoff Bvd, Southbank VIC 3006, nestled at the intersection of Kavanagh Street, Power Street, and Hoff Boulevard. It is just a 10-minute walk south of Flinders Street Station and Melbourne CBD across the Yarra River.

Is Melbourne Square Park open to the public and free to visit?

Yes! Melbourne Square Park is a publicly accessible open space that is 100% free to enter 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Everyone is welcome to relax on the amphitheatre lawns, picnic, or enjoy the tranquil water features.

What shops and facilities are located at Melbourne Square?

The Melbourne Square precinct includes Victoria’s first double-storey Woolworths supermarket, BWS bottle shop, artisan espresso cafes, outdoor dining terraces, children's play areas, and specialty convenience stores.

Can tourists book an apartment inside Melbourne Square?

Yes! You can book the Havenly Escape 2-Bedroom Sky Apartment on Level 51 at 18 Hoff Bvd. It sleeps up to 4 guests with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, designer kitchen, free secure parking, and full access to the Level 54 Sky Pool, gym, sauna, and steam rooms.

How far is Melbourne Square from the Arts Centre and NGV?

Melbourne Square Park is approximately 500 metres (a flat 6 to 8-minute walk) from the Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall, and the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International) on St Kilda Road.

Are dogs allowed in Melbourne Square Park?

Yes, well-behaved dogs on leashes are very welcome throughout the park pathways and lawn areas, making it a popular social hub for local pet owners.

🏨 Book Your Melbourne Stay Direct: Havenly Escape Quick Links

Planning a trip to Melbourne? Whether you want a luxury sky home overlooking Melbourne Square Park in Southbank or a resort-style stay directly opposite Southern Cross Station in the CBD, Havenly Escape provides the ultimate self-contained apartment experience.

Southbank Sky Apartment: Melbourne Square 2-Bedroom Sky Apartment (Sleeps 4) — Level 51 views, Level 54 Sky Pool, and Woolworths downstairs.
CBD 2-Bedroom Suites: West Side Place 2-Bedroom Apartment (Sleeps 6) — Central CBD living with 25m heated lap pool and gym.
CBD 3-Bedroom Sky Residences: West Side Place 3-Bedroom Sky Residence (Sleeps 8) — High-floor luxury for large families and groups.
Family Travel Hub: Melbourne CBD Family Accommodation — Safe, spacious apartments with full kitchens, laundry, and cots.
Group Accommodation: Melbourne CBD Group Accommodation — Multi-bedroom stays for weddings, footy trips, and reunions.
Corporate Travel: Melbourne CBD Business Accommodation — Fast Wi-Fi, dedicated work desks, and direct airport SkyBus access.
Residences Photo Gallery: Havenly Escape Image Gallery — Real photos of our residences and 5-star building amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions: Havenly FAQ Guide — Check-in times, parking, baggage storage, and house rules.
Direct Booking Portal: Book Direct with Havenly Escape — Guaranteed lowest rates with zero third-party service fees.

📚 Related Melbourne Travel & Accommodation Guides

🔗 Official Visitor References & Useful Resources

Landscape Architecture: Taylor Cullity Lethlean (TCL) Projects — Design concept, Birrarung Marr & park masterplan.
Arts & Culture: National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International) & Arts Centre Melbourne — Current exhibitions, theatre, and shows.
Observation Deck: Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower — Tickets, opening hours, and The Edge experience.
Gardens & Nature: Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria — Guided walks, ornamental lake, and visitor center.
Public Transit: Public Transport Victoria (PTV) Journey Planner — Live tram & train schedules.
City Tourism: City of Melbourne What's On & Visit Victoria Southbank Guide — Official events calendar.
Shopping & Groceries: Woolworths Melbourne Square — Store hours & online click & collect.

An Urban Oasis: Why Tourists Must Visit Melbourne Square Park