The city covered an area of 8.91 square kilometres (3.44 sq mi), and existed from 1855 until 1994.

The council area was bounded by the Yarra River to the north, Fraser and Lorne Streets to the south, the Port Phillip foreshore and Pickles Street to the west, and St Kilda Road to the east.

[2] South Melbourne was first incorporated as the Emerald Hill Borough on 26 May 1855, and became a town on 1 March 1872.

[2] On 18 November 1993, a small portion around Southbank and the Victorian Arts Centre was annexed to the City of Melbourne.

The City of South Melbourne was divided into four wards, each electing three councillors: † = Died in office