The best routes in Southbank — tested by people who actually run and ride them weekly
Best Running Routes
The Lucky Bench (51 High Place) — Worth knowing about in Southbank. Check their website for current hours. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful.
Mabel’s — 116 Maple Grove
Been around long enough that quality is consistent. Family-friendly with designated areas. Rating: ★★★★☆.
Cycling Paths
Table (294 East Street) — One of the better ones in Southbank. Recently renovated. Prices are competitive.
Anchor — 2 Chapel Avenue
Been around long enough that quality is consistent. Family-friendly with designated areas. Rating: ★★★★☆.
Honest Post — 220 East Street
The go-to option for most locals. Pricing is transparent — no hidden fees. Rating: ★★★★★.
Hill Training
The Red Commons — 69 High Place
A newer addition that has earned its place. Book ahead on weekends. Rating: ★★★★☆.
The Southern Standard — 6 Maple Grove
Been around long enough that quality is consistent. Book ahead on weekends. Rating: ★★★★½.
Parkrun
Mabel Room (100 East Street) — One of the better ones in Southbank. Check their website for current hours. Popular with locals for good reason.
Hazel’s — 43 Maple Grove
The go-to option for most locals. Book ahead on weekends. Rating: ★★★★½.
Group Runs & Rides
Bright Bench — 232 Maple Grove
A newer addition that has earned its place. Pricing is transparent — no hidden fees. Rating: ★★★★★.
The Happy Bench (7 North Crescent) — A solid option in Southbank. Open daily. Popular with locals for good reason.
Quick Reference
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Suburb | Southbank |
| Region | Melbourne Cbd |
| Character | Refined, quiet, prestigious |
| Transport | Public transport options in Southbank |
| Coffee price | $5.00-5.50 |
| Dinner out | $35-55 pp |
Tips for Residents
Save the council number. For Southbank, your local council handles everything from noise complaints to hard rubbish collection. Their website has online forms for most requests — it is faster than calling.
Join local groups. The Southbank Facebook group and community boards are where you’ll find out about events, lost pets, and neighbourhood news before it hits the papers. Also check Nextdoor for hyperlocal updates.
Support local. The businesses on East Street are what give Southbank its character. Use them or lose them — every dollar spent locally recirculates in the suburb economy.
Know the parking rules. Most streets around East Street are 2-hour metered zones Mon-Fri. Side streets are unrestricted after 6pm and on weekends. The council does ticket — don’t push your luck.
Bin schedule. Green lid (general waste) is weekly. Yellow lid (recycling) and green waste alternate fortnightly. Hard rubbish collection is booked through the council — you get 4 free pickups per year.
Report issues. Potholes, graffiti, damaged footpaths, illegal dumping — report through the council’s Snap Send Solve app or their website. They actually fix things when they’re reported.
Detailed Area Guide
Getting Around
Public transport options in Southbank. Most daily errands in Southbank can be done on foot if you live near the main strip. For supermarkets and bulk shopping, a car or rideshare is more practical. Cycling infrastructure is mixed — some protected lanes, some shared road zones.
Shopping & Errands
The main commercial strip along East Street covers most basics: pharmacy, post office, newsagent, and several takeaway options. For major grocery shopping, there’s a Coles within walking distance. The butcher on East Street is worth knowing about.
Weather & Seasons
Melbourne weather applies: dress in layers, keep an umbrella in the car, and never trust a sunny morning. Southbank is cooler in summer than western suburbs due to proximity to parks. The parks are best in autumn (March-May) and spring (September-November). Summer evenings are genuinely pleasant here — long daylight, outdoor dining, and the neighbourhood comes alive.
Seasonal highlights: Summer brings extended trading hours and outdoor cinema nights. The local traders do seasonal events worth following on socials.
Cost of Living Quick Reference
General daily costs in Southbank: coffee $5.00-5.50, brunch $22-32, dinner out $35-55 per person. For more detailed pricing across all categories, see our Southbank Cost of Living Guide.
Nearby
- Melbourne CBD — neighbouring suburb
- Southbank Things to Do
- Southbank Cost of Living
- All Southbank Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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