Making the most of Melbourne
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The cruise terminal at Station Pier is only 15 (2.5 miles) minutes from Melbourne's city center. Public transport to and from the city center is by tram 109 (10 minutes walk from the ship) from the end of the pier to Collins Street or by special express shuttle buses for cruise passengers from the dock to the Melbourne Arts center. For cruise passengers and tourists, Myki Explorer/Visitor Pack is the most affordable option; it includes one day's unlimited travel on public transport in Melbourne, costs A$15 and combines a ready-to-use Myki card, visitor information and special offers all in one.Myki can be purchased in the cruise terminal or…
Taxis from the dock to the city can be ordered from dedicated phones in the cruise terminal and will cost about $A24 each way covering 4 passengers. This will be cheaper than Myki for small groups who can also use the free city center trams () without a Myki.
Melbourne International Airport (Tullamarine) is 20 minutes from the city by Skybus from Southern Cross Station. Tram 109 stops opposite Southern Cross Station.
A Visitor Information center operates in the cruise terminal and provides maps, brochures and information on all aspects of visiting Melbourne and Victoria. The free “cruise ship arrivals guide” covers all essential information. Passengers can obtain the guide, local maps and general information and then go on to the Myki desk or get a taxi.
The port of Melbourne is perfectly safe to walk around and an enjoyable place to spend a day. The commercial area is located within a 15-minute walking distance from the Station Pier and is centered around Beach Street and Bay Street, where you can find numerous cafes, shops and eateries.
Printable map to take along.
Melbourne is Australia's second largest city (pop 4.0 million), and the capital of the south-eastern state of Victoria, located at the head of Port Phillip Bay.
The Melbourne city center is a beautiful and interesting mix of the old and the new. You can't miss the Eureka Tower but look closely and you will notice some intricate buildings from a bygone era.
Melbourne has an amazing range of attractions and activities to keep you entertained all year ‘round. Enjoy a cruise along the Yarra River, re-live some great sporting memories on a tour of the MCG or see some spectacular 360-degree views from the Melbourne Observation Deck at Eureka Tower. There are several stands selling tickets for river cruises Explore the animal kingdom at the Melbourne Zoo or dive with the sharks at the Melbourne Aquarium. Enjoy the international art on offer at NGV International and Australian art at The Ian Potter center: NGV Australia.
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria First established in 1846 on the land of the Kulin Nation, Melbourne Gardens is today a green oasis in the heart of Melbourne. Throughout the 38 hectare site, you will discover over 31 collections of plants presented as a living work of art and making Melbourne Gardens one of the world's most beautiful botanic gardens.
Getting around
The ride from Port Melbourne to the city center takes 20 minutes, and once there, lots of the best sites are within walking distance. The central district also has a free City Circle tram that operates daily in both directions every 12 minutes, making a large loop along the perimeter bounded by Flinders, Spring and Latrobe streets and the harbor Esplanade at Docklands. A complete circuit takes about an hour. These trams provide a commentary, are maroon in color, marked "City Center" and provide a good overview.
For cruise passengers and tourists, Myki Explorer/Visitor Pack is the most affordable option; it includes one day's unlimited travel on public transport in Melbourne, costs A$15 and combines a ready-to-use Myki card, visitor information and special offers all in one.
There is a new ‘free tram zone’ which includes the city center and the Docklands and Queen Victoria Market precincts. All trams within the zone can be used without a Myki pass.
Food and shopping
Melbourne's main pedestrian street is Bourke St Mall with different shopping centers.
Many of Melbourne's precincts have a culinary character their own, from the Greek atmosphere of Lonsdale Street or Carlton's ‘Little Italy', to the wide choice of Chinatown around Little Bourke Street. Or take a stroll over the Yarra River to the Southgate complex or a quick tram ride to Docklands, where you can enjoy striking views of the city and spectacular waterfront while you dine.
Melbourne’s shops are mostly open from 9am to 5pm 7 days a week. Queen Victoria Market with more than 600 shops, operates from 9am to about 3pm but is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays
Money
Australian Dollar
Staying connected
Free Wifi is available at the store at the end of the pier and at many locations in the city center. Some are shown on the cruise arrivals guide map and include Federation Square, Flinders Street and Melbourne Central Stations, the Libraries and many coffee shops and restaurants.