Opened in 1992, Southgate is a reflection of Australia’s arts, food and wine with a distinct Melbourne flavour, as can be traced through the history of the Southbank location itself.

Southgate was always a meeting point on the Yarra River. A waterfall at Princes Bridge protected the fresh water coming downstream while trading ships could navigate upstream from the saltwater of Port Phillip Bay. This conveniently dictated the site of Melbourne.

The south side of the river supported the young city with breweries and food processing, while shipping and trading utilised the docks and warehouses.