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.
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.
Crown Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia
8 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC 3006
Casino and entertainment complex featuring an array of restaurants, high-end shopping, a nightclub, bars, casino and cinema.
Melbourne, Australia
8 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC 3006
Casino and entertainment complex featuring an array of restaurants, high-end shopping, a nightclub, bars, casino and cinema.
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
National Gallery of Victoria
Melbourne, Australia
180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3006
Gallery with a range of exhibitions.
Melbourne, Australia
180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3006
Melbourne, Australia
Hosier Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000
Iconic Melbourne lane way featuring street art and cobblestones. Highly photographed lane way in Melbourne, close to Flinders Street Station and Fed...
Melbourne, Australia
Hosier Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000
Iconic Melbourne lane way featuring street art and cobblestones. Highly photographed lane way in Melbourne, close to Flinders Street Station and Fed...
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.
Brunetti Oro Flinders Lane
Melbourne, Australia
250 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
Brunetti Oro is a perfect example of Melbourne's fine Cafe culture. Whether you visit for a lunch including perfect Italian style pizza,...
Melbourne, Australia
250 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
Brunetti Oro is a perfect example of Melbourne's fine Cafe culture. Whether you visit for a lunch including perfect Italian style pizza,...
Melbourne, Australia
Southbank Promenade, Melbourne
Pedestrian promenade along the Yarra River, connecting the Crown Melbourne precinct and Arts Centre precinct. The promenade features a number of dining...
Melbourne, Australia
Southbank Promenade, Melbourne
Pedestrian promenade along the Yarra River, connecting the Crown Melbourne precinct and Arts Centre precinct. The promenade features a number of dining...
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.
Bella Cosi
Melbourne, Australia
71 Beach St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
If you are craving a perfect cup of coffee as soon as you dock in Melbourne, don't worry because you don't need...
Melbourne, Australia
71 Beach St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
If you are craving a perfect cup of coffee as soon as you dock in Melbourne, don't worry because you don't need...
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
Sky Bar
Melbourne, Australia
40/202 Normanby Rd, Southbank VIC 3006
Sophisticated bar, offering sweeping views across the Melbourne CBD from 40 stories high. The bar features incredible cocktails, spirits and bar snacks. There...
Melbourne, Australia
40/202 Normanby Rd, Southbank VIC 3006
Sophisticated bar, offering sweeping views across the Melbourne CBD from 40 stories high. The bar features incredible cocktails, spirits and bar snacks. There...
Port Planner is designed to not only help you organize your own time ashore, but is built to help you plan collaboratively if you are cruising with a group of friends or family.
With the opening of the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal in 2021, Brisbane is becoming a big player in the Australian cruise industry, offering year-round cruising. With its s tropical climate, picturesque parks, and collection of historically rich architecture, there is something for everyone in Brisbane - whether your visit is just for a day - or longer pre or post cruise.
Sometimes planning your dream cruise can start more than a year ahead of the cruise itself.
While there are many things you can start planning, booking and ticking off your list from the beginning, there are some tasks you will need to leave until just before you cruise.
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