Southgate is easily approached via the Elizabeth Street subway at the western end of Flinders Street railway station, which opens out onto the mini 'Sydney harbour style' pedestrian footbridge across the Yarra River.

You may also approach from Princes Bridge at Flinders Street station's eastern end, or by walking across Queens Bridge or Crown Casino.

The main reason visitors come here is to eat and drink, with a reasonable number of restaurants and cafes such as the longstanding Blue Train on the first floor with its views across the Yarra to Melbourne's CBD. A good selection of Victorian, other Australian and international wines is available at a wine bar.

There is an Irish-themed pub and some shops, as well as riverboats in which one can travel upstream towards South Yarra or downstream to St Kilda or Williamstown. An eight kmh speed limit applies on the 'lower Yarra' (River) so no water-based trips are fast, but they are reasonably enjoyable. The scenery fails to match the iconic Sydney harbour, though.