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Explore Melbourne with a Melbourne Cup Cruise

Posted on 14 Aug 2022, updated 1 Nov 2024
Horses parade at the Melbourne Cup. Source: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/visitmelbourne/" target="_blank">Tourism Victoria on Flickr</a>
Horses parade at the Melbourne Cup. Source: Tourism Victoria on Flickr
It is the race that stops a nation - and it is also a great excuse to hop on a cruise ship and head south for a few days in Melbourne! Whether your motive be to attend the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, shop-til-you-drop or enjoy Melbourne's cafe culture, there is so much to do.

Getting Around

109 Tram leaves from Station Pier
109 Tram leaves from Station Pier

The easiest way to get around Melbourne from the port, is using Melbourne's extensive tram network. Melbourne is home to the largest urban tram network in the world, with over 250km of tram track.

Public Transport in Melbourne is ticketed using a MyKi. However, is travelling only in the main CBD precinct, tram travel is free. You will need a MyKi to travel from Station Pier to the CBD on the 109 tram. MyKi's can be purchased in the cruise terminal - or if you prefer, you can create a Myki on your digital wallet. For more details see Public Transport Victoria.

Shopping

Melbourne is a shopping mecca, with a wide variety of big name brands and stores calling Melbourne home. Shop luxury brands at Crown Melbourne including Louis Vuitton, Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo, and more.

Looking for big brands at outlet prices, try DFO South Wharf, within easy tram access from the ship.

Explore department stores including Myer, David Jones, H&M, and Zara in the Bourke Street Mall, continuing on to the adjacent shopping districts of The Emporium and Melbourne Central.

Things to see
Casino and entertainment complex featuring an array of restaurants, high-end shopping, a nightclub, bars, casino and cinema.
Things to see
Fashion shopping outlet including a number of high-end brands such as La Coste, Coach, Calvin Klein, and more.
Things to see
Pedestrian friendly mall in the centre of the Melbourne CBD. The mall has a tourist information centre, and a number of large retailers including Myer, David Jones, H&M, and Zara.
Things to see
Shopping centre in the Melbourne CBD. The centre features the historic Coop's Shot Tower, now with a glass cone over the top of it. There are a number of fashion stores, cinema, restaurants in the centre. The centre has its own subway/city loop station.

Art and Culture

Have some time to explore the city, and take in some culture and art? The National Gallery of Victoria is free and hosts an extensive collection of fine art from all over the world. Feeling a little more grungy, check out Hosier Lane - famous for its ever evolving street art. Marvel in the domed reading room of the State Library of Victoria, and visit it's exhibitions, including the famous armour of bush ranger Ned Kelly.

Have time to catch a show? Check out Mamma Mia playing at the Princess Theatre, or check out what performances are happening at the Melbourne Arts Centre.

Melbourne Arts Centre
Melbourne Arts Centre
Things to see
Gallery with a range of exhibitions.
Things to see
Iconic Melbourne lane way featuring street art and cobblestones. Highly photographed lane way in Melbourne, close to Flinders Street Station and Fed Square.
Things to see
Grand library, with iconic domed reading room.
Things to see

Grand theatre built in 1854, currently playing host to the production of Mamma Mia

Things to see
Arts precinct featuring iconic spire, located next to the Yarra River. The centre features theatres and concert halls and plays host to a number of productions. The centre is home to Hamer Hall and the State Theatre.

Cafe's and Dining

Melbourne is famous for it's coffee culture. Melbournians have no time for bad coffee! Luckily there is no shortage of cafes and dining options in Melbourne. Brunetti's is a well known Melbourne staple offering Italian style coffee, cakes, and light meals.

Looking for something more substantial or fine dining - explore the restaurants along the Yarra river at Southbank Promenade or South Wharf - all within easy tram access to the dock.

Experience Melbourne's famous laneway culture, and stop lunch and a glass of wine in Degraves Street.

Places to Eat

Brunetti Oro is a perfect example of Melbourne's fine Cafe culture. Whether you visit for a lunch including perfect Italian style pizza, or simply enjoy a perfect coffee and one of their fine cakes, there is something for everyone.

Places to Eat

Degraves street is an icon Melbourne laneway filled with cafes, restaurants and outdoor dining. There is mixed cuisine from burgers, cafe style and Italian. It is located close the Flinders Street railways station. Dining in Degraves street provides an authentic Melbourne laneway expereince.

Things to see
Pedestrian promenade along the Yarra River, connecting the Crown Melbourne precinct and Arts Centre precinct. The promenade features a number of dining options, bars, and shopping. The area is often busy with pedestrian traffic and colorful street performers.

Close to the ship

Wanting somewhere close to the ship to have a morning coffee or cafe breakfast? There a number of cafe's within easy walking distance of Station Pier where your ship will be docked including Mr Hobson's and Bella Cosi. Feeling a little more energetic, the Bay Street shopping precinct is around 10 minutes walk from the ship and has more dining and shopping options.

Places to Eat
If you are craving a perfect cup of coffee as soon as you dock in Melbourne, don't worry because you don't need to travel far. Bella Cosi is located about a 5 minute walk from Station Pier and is the perfect place to start your day in Melbourne with coffee and good hearty food in this family run Cafe. Note that it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Things to see
Casino and entertainment complex featuring an array of restaurants, high-end shopping, a nightclub, bars, casino and cinema.
Places to Eat

Casual restaurant, featuring modern and Italian inspired dishes for lunch and dinner. Also serves coffee and cake. Located next to the cruise ship dock at Station Pier. It is the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee before boarding the ship.

Nightlife

Ready to celebrate after a good day at the races? With easy tram access direct from the ship , explore the restaurants, bars, indoor minigolf and more at Crown Melbourne.

Southbank precinct is full of life at night
Southbank precinct is full of life at night
Places to Eat

Sophisticated bar, offering sweeping views across the Melbourne CBD from 40 stories high. The bar features incredible cocktails, spirits and bar snacks. There is also a New York styled alfresco area. The bar is easily accessible from the 109 tram connecting to Station Pier, simply take the tram 3 stops up to Montague Street, and its a short 2 minute walk from the tram stop.


This list offers only a taste of what there is to experience in Melbourne. Find more options exploring Melbourne below.

Australia

Melbourne is Australia's cultural and sporting capital.

Cruises to Melbourne dock at Station Pier, with easy 20 minute direct tram access to the Melbourne Central Business District.

Explorer Melbourne iconic laneways, filled with street art, cafes, eateries and boutique shopping.

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