Inner-city apartment living in Melbourne has serious appeal, particularly as new Southbank residences deliver homes that feel like personal urban sanctuaries high above the city streets.
Melbourne buyers today aren't just chasing a central postcode.
They're looking for an apartment that ticks the location box while doubling as their own private retreat – a space where the city's buzz fades the second they walk through the door.
That ideal is now a reality with the latest apartment release at Southbank's Melbourne Square.
AURA is drawing interest from a diverse mix of buyers – owner-occupiers, first-home buyers and investors – all seeking residences that balance vibrant city living with the peace of a beautiful home.
An artist's impression of AURA, a new apartment release in the heart of Southbank.
Japanese-inspired design meets Australian natural beauty
Soaring above the banks of the Yarra River, AURA takes a thoughtfully curated approach to apartment design.
Michael Koschar, Sales and Marketing Director at OSK Property, says that it's the first building in the precinct to introduce Japanese-inspired elements, creating a calming and restorative feel.
"From the outset AURA has been designed as an elevated form of Japanese-wellness inspired living, while maintaining a uniquely Australian character through its interior design and colour palettes," he explains.
Homes specifically tailored for residents' varying styles and needs
According to Mr Koschar, "one of our main draw cards for prospective purchasers is our superb product mix with design direction from leading interior design firm, DKO, as well as developer input from OSK based on previous learnings and market feedback."
It's a priority that residences maximise space and storage across every apartment size.
A key offering is the oversized studios, which Mr Koschar says is ideal for owners seeking a city base for weekends or those chasing strong rental returns.
With a slightly larger footprint, one-bedroom apartments come in several layouts most including multi-purpose rooms and generous proportions that give first-time and subsequent buyers more options.
Mr Koschar says this configuration "has been our best received product category to date based on early sales trends."
Those wanting more space can explore the two-bedroom and three-bedroom residences, spanning from 115sqm to around 118sqm, with most featuring large private balconies.
Each AURA residence offers world-class design that maximise space, storage, and stunning views.
Everyday wellness in a modern vertical neighbourhood
Amenity is without a doubt the pinnacle feature at AURA, with a unique approach of a three-tiered wellness ecosystem to let buyers choose the lifestyle additions that fit their personal desires and needs.
Every resident gets access to the Level 7 AURA Club, showcasing a 25m pool, gym, yoga and Reformer Pilates zones, hot and cold plunge spas, sauna, lounges, dining rooms, a golf simulator, co-working spaces, and a Japanese tea house set within landscaped gardens.
The Meridian Club on levels 49 and 50 is more of a social space and accessible to specific residences only. Here, residents will discover exclusive lounges and private dining rooms with sweeping eastward views over the Royal Botanic Gardens and beyond.
At the top, the Cumulus Club on levels 66 and 67 delivers the ultimate sanctuary with sunrise and sunset lounges, private treatment rooms, quiet relaxation zones, and a striking Wollemi pine tree feature, offering a more intimate and tranquil environment.
All residents also enjoy convenient access to Woolworths, Nido childcare, cafés and restaurants throughout the broader Melbourne Square precinct, so daily essentials are close at hand.
Plus, there's the expansive 3745sqm Kennedy Park that anchors the precinct, boasting established gardens, a waterfall and leafy grounds.
AURA residents have access to a range of wellness and lifestyle options, like the Level 7 AURA Club.
Why CBD-fringe buyers are rethinking Southbank living
While securing a postcode in Melbourne's CBD might once have been the go-to, Mr Koschar says Southbank is increasingly taking the lead as the address to have.
"The old adage of 'location, location, location' in property rings true for Southbank," he says.
"It was rezoned in the mid-90s to residential and has been establishing its own city fringe suburb, separated from the Melbourne CBD by the Yarra River.
"After nearly three decades of investment, that's ongoing still, the suburb has grown to become Australia's leading arts and entertainment precinct nestled between the old affluent suburbs of South Melbourne and South Yarra, with the Royal Botanic Gardens close by and the Melbourne CBD just across the river."
He adds that it's a "super location" for a walking lifestyle, as being on the river allows residents to reach many landmarks on foot by crossing or meandering along it.
It's close to the Crown Casino precinct and within walking distance of all major universities, theatres, city buildings and major Melbourne attractions like the MCG and Marvel Stadium.
"It has a walk score of 91, residents can do most of their daily activities within close proximity to their homes – combining this with our fabulous on-site amenity it's no surprise we have had such strong sales interest."
With construction set to kick off this year, he adds that AURA's timing is perfect for buyers planning their next move now.
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