melbourne city free cruise

SEE MELBOURNE FROM A DIFFERENT VIEW

WITH CITY RIVER CRUISES

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Most popular cruises, one hour sightseeing cruise.

Sightseeing cruise along the city diving Yarra River. With tea/coffee, live commentary and even toilets on board, settle in for a view of Melbourne you don’t see everyday.

Melbourne to Williamstown Return Shuttle Cruise

Spend a lazy few hours exploring the historic town of Williamstown, Gem Pier, or visit one of the great cafes for coffee, cake or lunch.

Melbourne City Card

10% off - limited time offer!

Melbourne Zoo - A world of wildlife!

With melbourne city card you not only get free entry to unlimited attractions - you also get exclusive deals on adventure sports, day tours, restaurants & nightlife, melbourne city attractions.

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Fox Collection Classic Car Museum FREE with card - Usually $16.50

Melbourne Zoo FREE with card - Usually $46

Melbourne Skydeck FREE with card - Usually $28

Melbourne River Cruise FREE with card - Usually $32

Melbourne Cricket Ground Tour FREE with card - Usually $33

IceBar Melbourne entry and drinks package FREE with card - Usually $45

Werribee Open Range Zoo FREE with card - Usually $46

Cooks' Cottage FREE with card - Usually $7.20

Melbourne city card benefits...

Experience Melbourne’s best attractions with The Original Melbourne City Card. Thrill yourself with the best Jet Boat experience or shine in the morning for an unforgettable Whale Watching Cruise.

FREE admission to top experiences

Express entry at various attractions

Exclusive Discounts on Adventure Sports & Day Tours

Paperless Entry. Just Use Your Phone!

HOW DOES IT WORK?

• 1 Buy your Melbourne City Card
• 2 Download the app “Citycards Global” from download page
• 3 Sign into the app by entering the Unique code from the back of your card or from the email sent to you
• 4 Generate ticket during admission and start having fun!

What our customers have to say

We were travelling with our kids and we didn’t have to queue up to purchase tickets. We just followed the guide on the app which was very helpful.

Restaurant discounts was add-on. Got to visit pretty much everything in Melbourne. So easy to use.

I recommend buying Melbourne City Card if you are visiting for leisure. I just had to download the app & generate tickets on my mobile.

Discount on Adventure Sports & the suggested itinerary helped us save both time and money. Absolutely worth the money

I bought the 2 days card. Convenient and easy to use. Would recommend if its first time in Melbourne.

So easy to use!! Visited several places and got some deals at the bar too. Would recommend to travellers for sure.

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YARRA RIVER

Experience the true charm of Melbourne with Yarra River Cruises. Beautiful Melbourne, voted the Worlds’ Most Liveable City 2014, is best seen from the vantage point of its jewel in the crown The Yarra River.

BOTTOMLESS COCKTAIL CRUISE

Are you ready for an experience on the river like no other? Come join us on a 2 hour cruise down the Yarra River. Perfect for big groups, birthday parties , hens parties , girls and guys night outs,  and   special occasions.

Melbourne to Williamstown Return Shuttle Cruise

Spend a lazy few hours exploring the historic town of Williamstown, Gem Pier, or visit one of the great cafes for coffee, cake or lunch.

SIGHTSEEING CRUISES

Experience the true charm of Melbourne with Yarra River Cruises.

PRIVATE FUNCTIONS

Yarra River Cruises offer private boat charters in Melbourne for your family occasion and special celebration.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land and rivers on which we operate and pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging

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Local Melbourne Free Tours

Uncovering the hidden lanes, arcades, history and culture of Melbourne.

Wander with us through Melbourne to uncover our stories, culture and history!

Melbourne Sights Free Walking Tour

• Quick Info & Directions

Culture Capital Free Walking Tour

Leave the beaten path behind. We’ll uncover the secrets behind Melbourne’s famous culture as we take you through some of Melbourne’s best hidden laneways, arcades & architecture.

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I’m Free Tours is your local connection to Melbourne, Sydney & Auckland’s sights, stories & history!

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Melbourne Sights Free Tour

Culture capital free tour.

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For more info on this tour visit the tour page.

• Meeting Location: State Library Victoria
• Duration: 2½-3 hours
• Time: 10:30am Daily

Meet at the statue of Sir Redmond Barry in front of the State Library Victoria.

You’ll find your guide wearing a bright green T-shirt.

Yes, so that we can manage numbers.

Nope. We walk rain, hail or shine!

Our tours are offered on a “pay what you think it’s worth” model so people on any budget are able to enjoy the tour and discover our great city with us.

• Duration: 1½ hours
• Time: Check calendar for current schedule

Meet at the statue of Sir Redmond Barry in front of the State Library Victoria. You’ll find your guide wearing a bright green T-shirt.

NEW TOURS : We are now offering tours in Auckland. If you're heading to New Zealand on your travels head to the Auckland page to see more details and book your place!

Melbourne Cruise Port | 10 Best Things To Do In Melbourne Port

Welcome to Melbourne cruise port, Australia!

The capital and most populous city of the Australian state of Victoria and the second-largest city in Australia, Melbourne ranks among the top 3 most visited cruise ports in Australia together with Sydney and Brisbane. In this Melbourne cruise travel guide, read about:

• Melbourne cruise port (Melbourne cruise terminal, getting around, useful info & tips)
• Top 10 things to do in Melbourne , the best Melbourne shore excursions

Visit also our cruise port guides to Sydney , Brisbane ,   Adelaide , Esperance , Darwin , Cairns and New Zealand cruise ports

Melbourne Cruise Port

The port of Melbourne is located at the northern end of Port Phillip Bay , a large metropolitan area where the majority of the city’s population is concentrated.

The cruise ships dock at Station Pier , Melbourne’s main cruise ship terminal that can accommodate two large cruise ships (berth lengths 730 ft/223 m; 1310 ft/400 m) and one small cruise vessel (berth length 310 ft/95 m) at a time. Station Pier cruise terminal also has another pier that serves The Spirit of Tasmania ferries which take passengers between Melbourne and Devonport, Tasmania. Check out the Melbourne cruise ship schedule

Station Pier is located approximately 5 km/3 miles from Melbourne city center (also known as Central Business District) or a 15-20 minute drive.

Station Pier cruise terminal building features a wide range of services including a tourist information center (offers free maps, brochures, cruise ship arrival guides), a small cafe, lounge area, lifts, accessible toilets, a gift shop, security screening, Route 109 tram service counter (level 2), a taxi rank, etc.

The port of Melbourne was formerly named “Railway Pier” and dates back to 1854. Throughout history, it was the center of many significant events for Victoria state and nowadays port Melbourne is listed in the “Victorian Heritage Register” of protected cultural heritage places. While there, make sure you visit the Gate House and pier, both heritage-listed.

Port Melbourne is also Australia’s largest containership cargo port and features dry dock facilities for marine vessel refurbishments and repairs.

Getting Around Melbourne Port

• The currency in Australia is the Australian Dollar (AUD). 1 AUD equals around 0.70 USD. See the currency converter
• Free wi-fi is available at the end of the pier. The city center also has free wi-fi spots including Melbourne Central Station, the public libraries, Federation Square, Flinders Street, and others.
• The distance from the main gate (security checkpoint) to the cruise ship terminal building is around 500 m/1650 ft, so be prepared for a short walk to exit the terminal area. During the cruise ship season, there is a wheelchair-accessible shuttle bus service to Beacon Cove terminus (end of the terminal).
• The best option to go to Melbourne city center is via public transport. To use trams, trains and public buses, you need to buy Myki public transport pass that you can purchase at the “Public Transport Victoria” ticket booth available at the terminal building’s upper level. You can also buy this smart card in station ticket offices, Myki machines at selected stations and stops, shops, “Public Transport Victoria” hubs, online, and hundreds of other places in the Melbourne metropolitan area.
• 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 and combines a ready-to-use Myki card, visitor information and special offers all in one.
• You can buy and read more about how the Myki smartcard works at https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/  
• For cruise passengers, the Route 109 tram is the most convenient option. The nearest tram station is called “Beacon Cove/Light Rail (Port Melbourne)” and is located within a 10-minute walk from the Station Pier cruise terminal. At the tram station’s ticket office, you can purchase the Myki card as well. The tram ride is very scenic and takes 25 minutes ride to get to the Melbourne city center (the “Town Hall/Collins St” tram stop at Federation Square). To go back to the cruise terminal, board any of the Route 109 trams whose stations you’ll find along Collins St.
• On ship call days, Route 109 “City Express” bus (PTV shuttle service) operates from the terminal to Melbourne downtown (Central Business District, also known as CBD). This shuttle service is available only in the morning and requires the use of Myki cards, too. The shuttle drop-off/pick-up point is at the “Arts Centre” bus stop on St Kilda Rd, located opposite Arts Centre Melbourne.
• Taxis are available outside the cruise terminal area, within a 10-minute walk from the terminal building. You should pre-order them online or from dedicated phones in the cruise terminal building.
• No public parking is available at the Station Pier cruise ship terminal. Limited short‐term parking is available at Waterfront Place, within a 5-10 minute walk from the terminal building. Melbourne Airport also offers long-term parking facilities.
• Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is located 26 km/16 miles north of Station Pier (a 25-minute drive). To get to the Station Pier terminal from the airport, you can take the Melbourne City Express bus to Melbourne CBD (Southern Cross Station) and then switch to the Route 109 tram on Collins St. You can read more on https://www.skybus.com.au/
• Explore Melbourne tours and activities
• Book a private transfer to/from Melbourne cruise port
• Search for the best hotels in Melbourne

Within a Walking Distance of the Port

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 walk from the Station Pier and is centered around Beach Street and Bay Street, where you can find numerous cafes, shops and eateries.

Port Phillip’s Bay is known for its excellent beaches including Port Melbourne Beach , one of the most popular and visited ones, situated within a 20-minute walk from the terminal. This wide clean sandy beach is great for swimming and offers various facilities and activities including a workout area, beach volleyball, cycling path, beach tennis, kayaking, windsurfing, paddle-board and others.

Port Melbourne Beach is family-friendly and known as a popular picnic area boasting gorgeous sunset views. The waterfront area is lined with palms and green areas, and you’ll find numerous shops and eateries nearby. The picturesque Lagoon Pier and Kerferd Road Pier are two very popular scenic spots nestled along the beach.

10 Best Things to Do in Melbourne Cruise Port

Melbourne is a must-see destination and if you are staying in Australia for a few weeks , it should definitely be on your bucket list!

However, if you’re coming on a cruise ship and staying only for a day, these are the top 10:

1. Melbourne Skydeck 

Situated on the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower, Melbourne Skydeck is the Southern Hemisphere’s highest observation deck that offers spectacular views of the city and an opportunity to observe Melbourne from a whole different perspective.

Eureka Tower is 297 m (974 ft) high, with 91 floors above ground plus one basement level. The imposing skyscraper ranks among the tallest residential buildings in the world and dominates the skyline with its impressive facade made of 52000 m² of glass and 40 000 m² of aluminum panels.

The Skydeck features Bar 88 where visitors can admire the 360° panoramic views of the city while enjoying delicious snacks and drinks. Another feature of the Skydeck is The Edge , a glass cube that projects out from the Skydeck, leaving visitors suspended nearly 300 m above the streets of the city.

If you are looking for a more sophisticated option, head over to Eureka 89 restaurant for the ultimate fine dining experience where you can indulge in the specialties created by top-class, award-winning Executive Chef Renee Martillano. Eureka 89 is located on the top floor and is a popular event space available for rent.

Virtual reality Plank Experience (VR Plank) and the Voyager Theater are two other Skydeck attractions featuring state-of-the-art virtual reality technology and offering unforgettable moments on Melbourne’s architectural masterpiece.

Eureka Tower is located a 20-minute drive from the Station Pier cruise terminal.

Check out Eureka Skydeck tours and tickets

2. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

The stunning Melbourne botanic gardens date back to 1848 and extend over 89 acres (36 hectares) displaying over 8.500 different species of plants from around the world, including rare and threatened species.

The immaculately kept gardens are admission free so visitors can freely explore this picturesque oasis located in the heart of the city. You can explore its wonderful flowers, trees, pavilions, tranquil lakes, fountains and lawns on your own, or learn about the garden’s natural treasures on a guided heritage tour. In the gardens, there are also a visitor center, a gift shop, and a couple of cafes.

The driving time to the Royal Botanic Garden from the dock is approximately 20 minutes.

Explore Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria tours and activities

3. Queen Victoria Market  

Queen Victoria Market is one of the major landmarks in the Central Business District of Melbourne, dating back to 1878. Covering more than 5 hectares, the iconic market takes up two city blocks and is the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere.

This authentic historic market is home to more than 600 shops and stalls and a great place to find everything you need, from fresh seafood, meat, fruits and veggies, to ground coffee, specialty produce, handmade products, souvenirs, clothing, and so much more! It is located a 20-minute drive from the port of Melbourne.

Explore Queen Victoria Market tours and activities

4. National Gallery of Victoria 

Situated on St Kilda Rd, in the heart of Melbourne’s central business district, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is the oldest and most visited art museum in Victoria dating from 1861.

The gallery boasts outstanding collections of Australian, Asian and international art including works of Arthur Boyd, John Brack, Russell Drysdale, Nicolas Poussin, Rembrandt, Jan van Eyck, Thomas Gainsborough and other notable world-famous artists.

Explore The National Gallery of Victoria tours and activities

5. Melbourne Cricket Ground

Locally known as “The G”, Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is the legendary Australian sports stadium located in Yarra Park, within a short walking distance from Melbourne’s central business district and the city’s highlights.

This iconic stadium is the home of Australian football, The National Sports Museum and is the largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere that has hosted the Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games, the annual Boxing Day Test Match, and the Australian Football League (AFL) Grand Final. The stadium features tours, shops, bars, cafes and serves as a venue for music festivals and events.

Check out Melbourne Cricket Ground tours and activities

6. Werribee Open Range Zoo

Nestled along the banks of Werribee River, 32 km/20 miles (a 30-minute drive) southwest of Melbourne, Werribee Zoo is an African-themed zoo offering a unique African Savannah-like experience. This amazing zoo offers one-of-a-kind encounters with African native wildlife including Western lowland gorillas, African lions, African wild dogs, hippos, servals, cheetahs, vervet monkeys, leopard tortoises, meerkats, and other rare and endangered species.

Here you can also spot Australian native animals including emu, kangaroos, brolgas, koalas, and more! One of the Werribee Zoo attractions is a safari tour through the 225 hectares of wide-open savannah allowing visitors to see the camels, American bison, ostrich, Indian antelope, nyala, addax, rhinos, zebras, giraffes and other animals of Asia, North America and Africa. The zoo also features facilities including picnic areas, a BBQ hire, cafe-restaurants, and more!

Explore Werribee Zoo tours and activities

7. Serendip Sanctuary

Serendip Sanctuary is a 227-ha protected wildlife oasis located around 60 km/37 miles southwest of Melbourne, home to hundreds of native animals including kangaroos, wallabies, emus and rare bird species. Some of the wildlife you can encounter here are eastern grey kangaroos, pademelons, tawny frogmouths, bush stone-curlews, Australian bustards, freckled ducks, inland bearded dragons, wild koalas and many other species.

Serendip Sanctuary displays the open grassy woodlands and wetlands of the volcanic Western Plains and is the perfect place for native wildlife spotting. Facilities are available and they include a visitor center and a public picnic area with a fully accessible toilet. The entrance is free of charge. It is located at 100 Windermere Road, Lara, a 45-minute drive from the port of Melbourne.

8. Dandenong Ranges

Dotted with rolling hills, waterfalls, tall mountain ash trees and numerous hiking and biking trails, The Dandenong Ranges National Park consists of low mountain ranges rising to 633 m/2076 ft.

The area is popular for a multitude of beautiful picnic spots including the Fern Tree Gully Picnic Ground, One Tree Hill, or Sherbrooke Forest, home to an array of colorful birds and the world’s tallest flowering plant, the mountain ash. Most cruise lines offer shore excursions to Sherbrooke Forest, where you can spend an enjoyable day with your loved ones, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Numerous tracks and trails are available if you want to walk, hike or cycle, and if you want to explore the region head out for a scenic drive through the ranges with lookouts offering wonderful views of the ocean and surrounding mountains.

If you are a wine lover, you will get the chance to taste the prestigious and delicious wines of Yarra Valley , a famous wine region nestled at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges, home to more than 150 wineries, award-winning vineyards and cellar doors whose winemaking tradition dates back to the first half of the 19th century. Another popular wine region is Mornington Peninsula , located southwest of Port Phillip and southeast of Dandenong Ranges National Park.

Dandenong Ranges are located approximately 50 km/31 miles (a 1-hour drive) east of Melbourne cruise port. Mornington Peninsula is located around 75 km/46 miles (around a 1 hour 15 minutes drive) from the port.

Check out Dandenong Ranges tours and attractions

9. Healesville Town

Healesville is a town in Victoria located around 70 km/43 miles (a 1-hour 20-minute drive) northeast of Melbourne, in the scenic Yarra Valley grape-growing region known for its picturesque landscapes and renowned wines.

Surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, fruit and berry farms and mountains, Healesville is a popular tourist destination and a popular getaway to Melbourne’s countryside. This charming town is centered around the shady tree-lined boulevard of Nicholson Street , where you can enjoy a great variety of specialty shops, cafes, restaurants and a modern shopping complex built around a supermarket.

Two other major attractions are Healesville Sanctuary where you can interact with Australian wildlife and the historic Yarra Valley Railway , offering an incredible heritage journey through the valley.

10. Healesville Sanctuary

Healesville Sanctuary is located 4 km/2.5 miles south of Healesville town and is one of the major attractions of this part of Victoria state. This historic wildlife refuge dates back to 1934 and boasts an impressive collection of Australian native birds, mammals and reptiles.

The sanctuary features numerous tracks and boardwalks where you can get close to kangaroos, koalas, platypus, dingo and other native animals in their natural habitat. Within the complex, you can also find facilities including three cafe-restaurants, picnic areas, playgrounds, and more. Healesville Sanctuary is located a 1h 20-minute drive from the Station Pier cruise terminal.

Explore Healesville Sanctuary tours and activities

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Melbourne City Highlights River Cruise

About this activity.

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• This option has FREE cancellation: book it without any risk!

Experience Highlights

Learn about Melbourne with this 2-hour guided cruise along the Yarra River . You'll see the highlights of the city, including its towering skyscrapers and urban gardens . Along with these panoramic views you will discover the history of the origins of the city , as well as its evolution until today.

• Take this cruise along the Yarra River to see the highlights of Melbourne.
• Be accompanied by a commentary from an expert guide as you learn about the scenery around you during the activity
• Enjoy tea or coffee inside the cruise ship as part of the experience.

What’s included

• Melbourne Highlights Cruise
• Comments from an expert guide
• Drinks (tea and coffee)

Select participants and date

Step by step.

Get a different perspective of Melbourne with this cruise that focuses on the highlights of the city . Over the course of about 2 hours , you'll listen to live commentary from a guide as you learn about the city and its sights.

The cruise has a sundeck to protect you from the sun's rays, but also from the rain and wind. On this experience you will therefore be able to photograph the panoramic view of Melbourne without any problems and with a privileged view.

The experience includes drinks on board the cruise, namely tea and coffee to accompany you on your journey. By the end of the tour you will have learned about the Aboriginal origins of Melbourne , as well as its most important events and characters.

In terms of specific monuments, you will be able to see many of the most important ones from the water. These include the World Congress Centre and Trade Centre , the Melbourne Convention Centre , the West Gate Bridge and many more.

• W Wrench 5 (0 Reviews) The guide was very informative. We got to know the most emblematic places of the city, I'm glad I took it on my first days as we had a very good view of Melbourne!
• S Sead 4 (0 Reviews) It was a unique and peaceful way to get to know the city.
• H Hyun 5 (0 Reviews) Excellent to see the highlights of Melbourne. We had a great time and I thought it was great that drinks were included.
• A Anelis 5 (0 Reviews) It was a relaxing and beautiful walk along the Melbourne harbor. Seeing the city from the Yarra River was a very special experience.

Departure and Return

Other things you should know.

• Assistance animals are allowed
• In case of cancellation due to adverse weather conditions, or failure to reach a minimum number of participants, a change of date or a full refund of the amount paid is offered.
• Not wheelchair accessible

Cancellation Policy

Other activities in melbourne.

Great Ocean Road Day Trip from Melbourne

Melbourne Healesville Sanctuary and Phillip Island Tour

Yarra Valley Tour from Melbourne

Melbourne Food Tour

Lake Mountain Snow Trip from Melbourne

Melbourne Guided Tour

Melbourne Balloon Flight at Sunrise

Melbourne Hidden Bar Tour

Wilsons Promontory Day Trip from Melbourne

Grampians National Park Day Trip from Melbourne

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Enjoy a Scenic Williamstown Ferry to City One Way Ride

If you’re looking for a unique and scenic way to reach the city of Melbourne from Williamstown, look no further than Melbourne River Cruises. Operating for over 30 years, our Williamstown ferry to city service offers a convenient and picturesque way to travel between the charming coastal suburb of Williamstown and the bustling inner-city centre of Melbourne. With stunning views of Port Phillip Bay, the journey is an enjoyable experience in itself. Every cruise offers interesting and informative commentary, with complimentary tea and coffee provided as passengers enjoy a relaxing journey.

Our Williamstown to Melbourne Ferry One Way Journey

Our ferry from Williamstown to city departs from Gem Pier in Williamstown and cruises across Port Phillip Bay towards the Melbourne City skyline, passing by Scienceworks and under the Westgate Bridge. As we enter the shipping channels, you’ll get an amazing view of the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel. We’ll then cruise under the Bolte Bridge and pass by the 19th century sailing ship “Polly Woodside”. As we approach our destination, you’ll be treated to a unique view of the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre, Melbourne Sealife Aquarium and Crown Casino. You’ll also get to see Flinders Street Station as we arrive at the Southgate Arts and Leisure Precinct, where you’ll depart and get to explore the city at your own pace.

Cruise D: Williamstown To City – 1 Hour | One Way

Depart from this historic Williamstown and journey across the bay into the Yarra River. A wonderful opportunity to view the magnificent Melbourne skyline before entering into the hustle & bustle of city life.

The Williamstown to City Ferry Service offers a convenient and picturesque way to travel between the charming coastal suburb of Williamstown and the bustling city center of Melbourne.

Duration: 1 Hours approx From: $33.00

A Comfortable & Enjoyable Journey on the Yarra River

Our Williamstown to Melbourne ferry one way service offers a comfortable and convenient way to see the stunning surroundings of Melbourne’s bay. Our ferries operate regularly throughout the day, making it a reliable mode of transport that can get you to the city centre in next to no time. With large windows and an outside deck area, our fully enclosed vessels allow you to view the Yarra River and its scenery in all its glory. We also have on-board amenities and friendly staff who can assist you to make your journey an enjoyable experience.

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, you’ll have an opportunity to encounter some of Melbourne’s most notable attractions and landmarks from a decidedly unique vantage point on our Williamstown ferry to city cruise. With breathtaking views of the harbour and city skyline along the way, we’re confident you’ll walk away with long-lasting memories. Once you disembark, there’s plenty to see, do and experience in the city, ranging from cafés, restaurants and bars through to museums, art galleries, theatres, sports venues and more,

Contact Us Today to Learn More & Make a Booking

Want to take a trip to the city without driving or catching a busy train? At Melbourne River Cruises, our Williamstown to city ferry offers a hassle-free option that lets you sit back and enjoy the ride. Give us a call on (03) 8610 2600 or enquire online to book today.

WHATSINPORT.COM: YOUR CRUISE GUIDE TO 1200 PORTS OF CALL

Interactive world cruise map, home | cruise ships | port expenses | hints and tips, melbourne australia cruise port guide.

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 at the store at the tram stop across from the end of the pier. Free wi-fi is available at the end of the pier.

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 (see below) 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.

Hotels near the Cruise Terminal

Printable map to take along.

Cruise calendar for this port.

Check here for festivals and events in Melbourne when you are in port.

Watch a destination video .

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers

Port Location on Google Maps

Monthly Climate Averages for Melbourne Australia

Sightseeing:

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.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

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.

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here .

Nearby Places:

Shopping and food.

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

Australian Dollar

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Communication:

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.

Opening Hours and Holidays:

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This Alaska cruise line “guarantees” a Northern Lights viewing

The immersive experience is on all its Alaska cruises in 2024

Celebrating 55 years of cruising to Alaska, Princess Cruises is rolling out an immersive experience that “guarantees” your Northern Lights viewing—even if it’s just inside the shipboard planetarium. Hopefully, you’ll also see the Aurora Borealis in the real sky, too!

The Voyage to the Stars experience debuts with 2024’s cruise tour season and is part of the North to Alaska with Princess program, which showcases local storytellers, cultural experiences, and Alaskan culture. For the first time ever, guests will enter a planetarium in the ship’s theater for an engaging show with live imagery to get everyone ramped up about the beautiful phenomenon nature offers. Alaska is one of the places where you’re most likely to see the Northern Lights —but the planetarium show is a great precaution in case it’s not the right season or weather to see them. And hey, if your kid is young enough, they may actually think they saw the real thing.

Astrotourists love sky-based phenomena like meteor showers and last month’s total solar eclipse , and the Aurora Borealis is one of the most spectacular things you can ever crane your head back to see. #BucketList, ammirite?

Besides Northern Lights viewing, Princess's Alaska cruises offer five glacier viewing experiences on seven ships and 91 different cruises to Glacier Bay National Park .

• Erika Mailman USA contributor

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