This guide explains Melbourne cruise port terminal and introduces you to the best of Melbourne, Australia. It also tells how to ride the famous Melbourne trams.

Melbourne has become one of the hottest cruise ports of 2017 with no fewer than 9 cruise lines making regular visits. Luxury lines including Cunard, Seabourn and Silversea have all moored at Melbourne cruise port terminal this year.

Melbourne is bisected by the Yarra River, with the central business district on the north side.

Melbourne is filled with wide tree-lined boulevards and exciting laneways bursting with cafes and restaurants. It is bisected by the Yarra River and rated among the worlds most liveable cities. North of the river lies the central business district, while to the south is the arts precinct.

Melbourne cruise port terminal

Melbourne cruise port terminal is located at Station Pier, Waterfront Place. It is 4.7km / 2.9m from the city centre and 28 km / 17m from Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport.

Taxis and hire cars can drive through to the luggage drop-off area at Melbourne cruise port.

Melbourne cruise port terminal is part of a historic pier with vehicle access at ground level, so taxis and hire cars can drive through to the luggage drop-off point. On the upper level is checkin which is accessed via the elevator located near the luggage drop-off area.

Getting to Melbourne Cruise Port terminal from the city

Tram

The 109 tram goes to Station Pier and departs from Collins Street outside the Town Hall every 5 minutes. The journey to Melbourne cruise ship port takes approximately 30 minutes.

Taxi

Allow at least 15 minutes for the taxi ride from the central business district to the Melbourne cruise port. However during peak time the traffic in Melbourne can be heavy and the trip can take longer.

Airport to Melbourne cruise port terminal

Taxi

The shortest route to Melbourne cruise port terminal is via the M2 tollway. This journey usually takes about 35 minutes and costs approximately AUD70.

Our Melbourne top five

1. Explore Melbourne’s laneways filled with restaurants and cafes.
2. Visit the National Gallery of Victoria.
3. See historic Flinders Street Station.
4. Take a Yarra River boat trip.
5. Experience Melbourne’s world-class theatre.

Melbourne highlights

On the north bank of the Yarra River lies the iconic Flinders Street Station. This Melbourne landmark dates from 1909 and still serves as the city’s main transport hub. The steps in front of the station are a favourite meeting point for Melbournians too.

A labarthinth of laneways filled with restaurants, boutiques and cafes runs north from Flinders Street Station. These are a local favourite, especially among office workers at lunch time. Melbournians also love their coffee and some of the best roasted beans in Australia can be found in the aromatic laneways.

The narrow laneways aren’t just a coffee-lovers delight, they are also public art spaces. Murals by local artists are painted on the walls and as a matter of fact there is even a small contribution by Bansky!

The popular arts precinct is on the south bank of the Yarra River.

On the south side of the Yarra in the Arts Precinct is the National Gallery of Victoria. This is arguably Australia’s finest art gallery with a great local collection as well as touring exhibitions form the worlds most famous artists including Andy Warhol and Van Gough.

The National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne.

For a unique and different perspective on the city we recommend a boat trip on the Yarra. You’ll travel upstream and see a surprising amount of wildlife. River boats depart regularly from Southbank.

Sydney may have its Opera House but Melbourne is the cultural heart of the nation. Indeed, Melbourne offers a feast of culture and entertainment, from blockbuster musicals like Aladdin to intimate cabaret reviews. No visit to Melbourne is complete without experiencing the city’s theatrical side.

Getting around Melbourne

Melbourne has an excellent public transport system, including the city’s famous trams which are a favourite with locals as well as visitors.

Trams are the easiest way to get around Melbourne.

Trams can be used to reach almost any point in the city. They are also frequent and rides within the central business district are free. The Free Tram Zone limits are clearly marked. However, riding the tram outside the Free Tram Zone will require a Myki public transport card.

Myki is the reusable travel card for trains, trams and buses in Melbourne. It operates in the same way as London’s famous Oyster Card. Top up before your journey then touch on and touch off at a Myki reader as you travel.

Outlets displaying the Myki symbol sell the travel cards. Myki cards costs AUD6 and must be topped up with funds before travel. On the other hand, visitors to Melbourne can buy a Myki Explorer which comes with a ready-to-use card, handy maps and discounts to some of our favourite places. Myki Explorer costs AUD15 and includes AUD9 Myki Money for travel.