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Tours and cruises

• Walking tour

Melbourne Town Hall Tours

Take a tour of one of Melbourne's most iconic buildings.

• Heritage listed

Melbourne Greeter Service

Discover what locals love about Melbourne with a free walking tour of the city.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Booking a visit to Cooks' Cottage

Come and explore Cooks' Cottage, where history comes alive.

Art and Heritage Collection Tour

Take a free guided tour of the art and heritage collection at Melbourne Town Hall.

Royal Exhibition Building Dome Promenade

The Royal Exhibition Building opens its doors to a unique view unseen for 100 years.

The ultimate guide to walking tours in Melbourne

Guided tours that weave through Melbourne's hidden gems, foodie spots and street art.

Free tours of iconic Melbourne places

See glorious city sights without spending a cent.

The ultimate neon tour of Melbourne

Explore the city’s most iconic light displays

Hidden Secrets Tours

Indulge and discover the city's hidden charm with Melbourne's original laneway walking tours.

Old Melbourne Ghost Tour

Take a spine-chilling journey back in time and explore the rich paranormal realm of Old Melbourne.

• Entertainment

Experience the Yarra River by boat - skipper yourself or choose a skippered cruise.

GoBoat Melbourne

Be your own captain by renting a picnic boat, with no boat licence required.

Autumn Sunset Cocktails at Walsh Street

Open the door to Robin Boyd’s iconic Walsh Street residence after-hours for autumn sunset cocktails.

Ghosts? What Ghosts! Night Tour

Brace yourself for bone-strumming tales of unexplained sights after dark.

Culture and ideas walk

Take a walk through the city's northern quarter, where history, innovation and culture connect.

Melbourne's most haunted spots

These ghost stories, eerie encounters and spooky spots will send shivers down your spine.

Up the Creek

Up the Creek run canoe tours along the Yarra River.

Art, History, Food and Wine Tour

The perfect introduction to Melbourne – street art, curious tales, wine tasting and tapas.

Chocoholic Tours

This chocolate walking tour visits some of the city's best chocolatiers with exclusive experiences.

Shrine Tours

Experience more at the Shrine with a guided tour.

Fitzroy Gardens walk

If you’re looking for an iconic Melbourne garden walk, this is an excellent place to start

Waterbikes Australia

Experience the latest in outdoor adventure: eco-friendly inclusive waterbikes.

Sports Precinct Walking Tour

Explore Melbourne's sports precinct on foot with a local guide, including a tour of the MCG.

The Female Ward Tour

Walk in the footsteps of past female prisoners incarcerated in Old Melbourne Gaol.

Melbourne Water Taxis

Limousine-style service with pick-up and drop-off points along the Yarra River.

Yarra Sunrise Running Tour

Explore Melbourne’s parks, gardens, fountains and sporting precincts.

Bakery Hill Whisky Distillery Tour and Tasting

Learn how Bakery Hill produces its malts on a tour and tasting led by a distiller.

Sightseeing Tours Australia

Discover the highlights of Melbourne with Sightseeing Tours Australia.

• Attractions

Street art walk

See Melbourne’s world-renowned street art on this walk through the city's laneways.

Kayak Melbourne

Guided paddling tours through Melbourne along the Yarra River and Victoria Harbour.

Melbourne music walk

Discover Melbourne’s music highlights, from music venues to busking hot spots and historic sites.

Port Phillip Ferries

Ferry to Geelong and Portarlington, or enjoy short Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay cruises.

Workers Museum at Trades Hall

Workers museum showcasing the history of workers' rights.

Melbourne's Earliest Buildings Walking Tour

Visit the only buildings in Melbourne that pre-date the Gold Rush on a guided historic walk.

A Melbourne Museum tour for young visitors aged 3–5 years.

• Family and kids

Polly Woodside Open Day

Climb aboard and roam the decks of the historic Polly Woodside.

Tour the Old Treasury Building Museum

Discover early Melbourne, through architecture, art and artefacts, in an iconic gold rush building.

Classic icons and architecture walk

Take a walk through Melbourne's classic icons and architecture.

Aboriginal Melbourne walk

Discover Melbourne's Aboriginal heritage and culture on this walking tour of significant sites.

Paranormal Investigation of Trades Hall

Unveil the fascinating history of one of Melbourne’s most historic and iconic buildings.

Government House Tour

Discover Melbourne’s rich heritage in the grand State Rooms of Government House.

Melbourne Sights Walking Tour

Uncover the stories behind Melbourne's landmarks, gardens and events on this walking tour.

Melbourne Hidden Bars Walking Tour

Discover Melbourne's hidden bars – down alleys, in basements and behind closed doors.

Lady Cutler Melbourne Showboat

Cruise Melbourne on the Lady Cutler Melbourne Showboat, offering a range of cruising events.

Sporting Capital Tours

Explore the most amazing sports precinct in the world, plus a guided tour inside the mighty MCG.

Free things to do in Melbourne every day

Have a grand day out on a budget at Melbourne's best free experiences, attractions and exhibits.

History and Donuts Walking Tour

Discover the sweeter side of Melbourne on this walking tour.

Yarra River discovery walk

Take a walk along Melbourne's vibrant waterfront to discover history, art and culture.

THE 10 BEST Melbourne Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in melbourne.

• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Speed Boats Tours
• River Rafting & Tubing
• Water Sports
• Parasailing & Paragliding
• Waterskiing & Jetskiing
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Yarra River
• Melbourne River Cruises
• Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
• Arts Centre Melbourne
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Highlights of Melbourne Cruise

2. River Gardens Melbourne Sightseeing Cruise

3. Breathtaking Sightseeing Cruises In the Heart of Melbourne

4. Port of Melbourne and Docklands Sightseeing Cruise

5. Around the Bay Food and Wine Taste Trail

6. Hop On Hop Off Bellarine - includes Docklands Ferry Departure

7. Aquadonut BBQ Boat Hire

8. Yarra River Waterbike Tour

9. Luxury Sunset Cruise on Yarra River in Melbourne

10. Yarra River Twilight Waterbike Tour

11. 1-hour Yarra River Historical Cruise Tour

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

3-Hour Dolphin and Seal Sightseeing Cruise, operated with swim tour passengers

Cape Woolamai Sightseeing Cruise from San Remo

90minute Dolphin, Seal and Scenic Wildlife cruise

Phillip Island Seal-Watching Cruise

Dolphin and Seal Sightseeing Cruise on the Mornington Peninsula

Seal and Dolphin Watching Eco Boat Cruise Mornington Peninsula

Phillip Island Twilight Cruise

Phillip Island Whale Watching Tour

Private 2 Hour Dolphin and Seal Swim Mornington Peninsula

What travellers are saying.

• Highlights of Melbourne Cruise
• River Gardens Melbourne Sightseeing Cruise
• Port of Melbourne and Docklands Sightseeing Cruise
• Breathtaking Sightseeing Cruises In the Heart of Melbourne
• Melbourne Sunset Kayaking Experience with Dinner
• Melbourne Paragliding Tandem
• Great Ocean Road Private Luxury Tours
• Waterbikes Australia
• Chillax Tours Australia
• Djordje Novakovic
• Punting On The Lake
• Melbourne Boat Hire
• Sightseeing Tours Australia
• Classic Steamboat Cruises
• TripFit Adventures
• Kayak Melbourne
• Venice on the Yarra
• The Adventure Merchants
• ENTERPRIZE - Melbourne's Tall Ship

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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Yarra River Cruises

Best way to see Melbourne

Enjoy the convenience of managing your bookings seamlessly online! Cancel or reschedule with ease, and best of all, there are no additional costs involved

Ports & Docklands - 1 Hour Cruise

Step aboard the Ports and Docklands Cruise by Melbourne River Cruises for an enriching one hour journey downstream, delving into the fascinating history and vibrant present of Melbourne’s renowned ports and docklands. Immerse yourself in the captivating sights, sounds, and stories as you navigate the scenic waterways.

The Ports and Docklands Cruise by is a journey that offers a unique perspective on Melbourne’s maritime past and present. From the historic landmarks that narrate tales of a bygone era to the thriving modern ports and the stunning waterfront developments, this cruise showcases the dynamic transformation of Melbourne.

Parks & Gardens - 1 Hour Cruise

Step aboard the Parks and Gardens Cruise by Melbourne River Cruises and embark on a serene and enchanting journey through the lush river gardens that adorn the picturesque waterways of Melbourne. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature as you explore the tranquil landscapes and discover the hidden gems along the riverbanks. The Parks and Gardens Cruise by Melbourne River Cruises offers a unique and immersive experience, allowing you to connect with nature’s wonders and discover the hidden gems along Melbourne’s riverbanks. Lose yourself in the serenity of the gardens, enjoy the sights and scents of the botanical delights, and embrace the tranquility of the river. It’s an unforgettable journey that showcases the natural beauty that thrives in the heart of the city.

Melbourne Highlights

Embark on an unforgettable exploration of Melbourne’s waterfront with the combined Ports and Docklands and Parks and Gardens Cruise by Melbourne River Cruises. This relaxing two-way river cruise offers a comprehensive experience that highlights the city’s iconic landmarks, vibrant ports, serene river gardens, and captivating natural beauty.

Golden Hour Cruises

Experience the magic of the “golden hour” aboard our extraordinary Golden Hour Cruise with Melbourne River Cruises. Step aboard our elegant river cruise vessel and embark on a breathtaking journey that showcases Melbourne’s stunning scenery at its most radiant and captivating time of day.

The Golden Hour Cruise offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re seeking a romantic outing, a moment of tranquillity, or an opportunity to capture stunning photographs, this cruise promises to create lasting memories and leave you in awe of Melbourne’s radiant beauty.

City Lights Cruises

Embark on an enchanting journey along the mesmerizing waters of Melbourne’s river as you indulge in the captivating City Lights Cruise. Prepare to be dazzled by the stunning sights and vibrant atmosphere while enjoying the convenience of a fully equipped on-board bar, creating an unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re seeking a romantic outing, a celebration with friends, or a unique way to experience Melbourne’s scenic beauty, the City Lights Cruise with Melbourne River Cruise offers an enchanting journey. Sit back, relax, and let the city lights guide you on a memorable adventure along the river, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Why Choose Melbourne River Cruises?

There are many reasons why Melbourne River Cruises is the best choice for experiencing the Yarra River. Our vessels are designed to provide maximum comfort and safety, ensuring that you have a comfortable and relaxing experience. Our boats are also equipped with state-of-the-art sound systems, allowing you to enjoy music and commentary throughout your trip.

Our staff are highly trained, experienced, and dedicated to providing you with the best possible experience. They’re passionate about Melbourne and its history, and they’re always happy to answer any questions you have. We also pride ourselves on our commitment to sustainability. We strive to minimise our impact on the environment by reducing waste, using environmentally friendly products, and supporting local businesses.

Book Your Yarra River Cruise Today

If you’re looking for a unique and memorable experience in Melbourne, book a Yarra River cruise with Melbourne River Cruises today. Our Yarra River cruises in Melbourne offer something for everyone, whether you’re a tourist or a local. We guarantee that you’ll have a wonderful time cruising along the Yarra River and taking in the stunning views of Melbourne.

• Romantic Cruises
• Proposal Cruises
• Progressive Dinner Cruises
• Skippered Cruises
• Private Charter
• Corporate Function Hire
• Wedding Transfers
• Hens Parties
• Self-drive Hire
• New Year’s Eve Private Cruises
• Boutique Wedding Venue
• Private River Tours
• Spring Racing Transfers
• EOFY Celebrations
• Yarra River Dinner Boat Cruise
• Itineraries

Cruises on the Yarra River

We're Melbourne's premier providers of bespoke Yarra River Cruises . Boat trips range from 2 hours to half day tours which travel throughout the Docklands, Southbank and shipping precincts.

Flexible touring itineraries allow us to schedule tours to your preferences- whether for sunset, sunrise, photography or a special dinner or luncheon.

Catering is available for our boat trips- offering a selection of culinary delights which complement the occasion. Arrange a meal or drinks or both! A river boat trip provides opportunities for dining and sightseeing unlike any other experience.

Explore Melbourne's Yarra River. See Docklands, Southbank, Crown Casino and travel beyond the city, out into the quieter suburban waters. Board from anywhere along the water's edge. There are jetties near the restaurants and waterside hotels of Southbank, and you can disembark near the Victorian Arts Centre and visit an exhibition.

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BOOK YOUR PERFECT MELBOURNE YARRA RIVER CRUISE

We provide personalised Yarra River cruises in Melbourne. Staying near the river? Enjoy a sunset cruise when you have dinner or see a show. Board or disembark in Docklands or Southbank.

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Cruise to Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in melbourne.

Spot Street Art

Street art in Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is famous for its colorful and thought-provoking street art. See creative graffiti in city alleys like Hosier Lane, Centre Place, Union Lane, Caledonian Lane, Duckboard Place, Rutledge Lane and AC/DC Lane. In Fitzroy, check out Johnston and Rose Streets.

Get Cultured

The Royal Exhibit Building in Melbourne, Australia

Some of the city's top art and culture attractions include the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, the Heide Museum of Modern Art, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image and the National Gallery of Victoria. Learn more about local history at Melbourne Museum and Aboriginal arts and culture at Koorie Heritage Trust.

Oceanside Retreat

Efficient public transport makes it easy to visit Melbourne's suburbs. St. Kilda is a seaside town known for its cake shops, pier and Luna Park amusement park. Or head to Brighton Beach, where you can check out the famously colorful Bathing Boxes and stroll the calm shorefront.

Local Cuisine

Melbourne is a multicultural city, and dining here reflects that. For cheap eats, head to Queen Victoria Market and grab a Turkish borek , a savory pastry of flaky phyllo dough filled with meat and cheese. Cruise to Melbourne and visit Chinatown for delicious dumplings. Head to the south or north banks of the Yarra River for upscale dining, with seafood-focused fare like seared king prawns with or tortellini or updated Australian classics like beef and Guinness pie with classic "mushy peas."

There are several shopping districts in the Melbourne Ciy Center (CBD for short), including Bourke Street Mall, Emporium and Melbourne Central. For a locally designed souvenir, visit Melbournalia during your cruise. Their range includes Melbourne art prints and Australian-inspired accessories, like kangaroo tea towels. Stroll through the stalls at the Queen Victoria Market or the boutiques at the Block Arcade, where you can find tailors, tea purveyors, jewelers and more.

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Melbourne, Australia Shore Excursions

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City Life & Native Wildlife on Melbourne Shore Excursions

The diversity of available Melbourne shore excursions speaks volumes about Australia’s second largest city. From koalas and kangaroos to city skyscrapers and superb botanical gardens, Melbourne and its environs are certain to be a most enjoyable port of call on your Australia cruise itinerary.

Meet two of Australia’s famous animal ambassadors, koalas and kangaroos, on Melbourne shore excursions to some of the region’s best wildlife sanctuaries. Healesville Sanctuary is a bushland haven where you can get up close and personal with Australia’s native wildlife like cute baby kangaroos (joeys), cuddly koalas, and not-so-cuddly reptiles. Enjoy the sight of free-roaming birds, from emus to long-billed Corellas (small cockatoos), and see the Tasmanian devil and the platypus. At Serendip Sanctuary’s open woodlands and wetlands, see and learn about the many species of birds. Choose different walking paths to see the sanctuary’s wildlife, wetlands, or wading inhabitants.

City-centric shore excursions in Melbourne, Australia take you to a unique vantage point almost 1,000 feet above the city as you step out onto the Eureka Skydeck for breathtaking, panoramic views. Back on street level, ride through the bay suburbs to arrive at the equally breathtaking grounds of the Fitzroy Gardens and the Royal Botanic Gardens. At Fitzroy Gardens, see Cook’s Cottage, a memorial to Captain James Cook, who discovered the east coast of Australia. Delight in the Fairies Tree and the many statues, sculptures, and fountains you’ll discover as you wander the grounds. At the Royal Botanic Gardens, you’ll be treated to a kaleidoscope of colors and textures, flora, and fauna during your tour.

Before you board one of our cruises from Melbourne , tour the city’s significant sights including the Arts Centre, Princess Theater, and the Cricket Grounds. Speaking of grounds, coffee is beyond an obsession in Melbourne (think flat white, for starters), so you can be sure your tour guide will scout out the best local coffee spots and clue you in on the Aussie coffee scene.

For a special, only-in-Australia experience, book Melbourne shore excursions to the Yarra Valley, one of the country’s most prolific wine regions. During a private small group tour , you’ll explore the area’s hidden gems and most famous names. Start with a bit of bubbly at world-famous Domaine Chandon, travel to Yering Estate, where you’ll sample craft wines, then on to the multi-award-winning Rochford Wines to taste full-bodied traditional wines. Round out the day with a dessert tasting at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery.

Learn More About Shore Excursions

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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/
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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!

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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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