Melbourne is the capital and most-populous city of the Australian state of Victoria, and the second-most populous city in Australia. Noted for its cultural heritage, the city is the home of Australian rules football, Australian impressionism and Australian cinema, and has recently been recognized as a UNESCO City of Literature. Melbourne is a vibrant city famous for street art, live music and theater.
Where Your Ship Docks
Cruise ships tie up at the Station Pier and Terminal. There are facilities at the pier and a number of transportation options are near by. The pier is right at the center of Melbourne’s famous beaches.
Getting Around Melbourne
Often cruise ships offer shuttle bus service into the center of Melbourne and a taxi fare should be under A$15 each way (3 miles).
The best way to see the area is to buy a myki Explorer pack from SkyBus ticket booths (Adult A$15). Available at Melbourne Airport and Southern Cross Station, the PTV Hub at Southern Cross Station, and a number of hotels. Packs include a pre-loaded Myki card with enough value for one day of travel in Zone 1 and 2, instructions on how to use myki, maps for trains, trams and the city centre, and discounted entry to attractions in Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Trams – Passengers can board trams at signposted stops displaying maps, route numbers and a timetable. Route numbers are also displayed on the front of the tram. Travel within the central area of Melbourne by tram is free, though you will need a myki card if you plan to start or finish your journey outside this central area. For information on the area covered by the Free Tram Zone and a downloadable map, go to the Public Transport Victoria website.
Buses – Melbourne buses run frequently to major hubs, including shopping centres, schools, hospitals, leisure and sports venues, and some of Melbourne’s biggest attractions.
Currency
Australia has its own Dollar (A$) and US Dollars are generally not accepted.Most major credit cards are welcome and there are ATM machines readily available. Recent exchange rate is about A$ 0.81 = US$1.00.
Attractions
About three miles east on the beach from the cruise pier is St. Kilda Pier, offers great views of the Melbourne skyline and Port Phillip Bay. This pier is a city destination for strolling, cycling, rollerblading and fishing as well as sunning on the beach. See if you can spot the penguins in the water from the St Kilda breakwater.
Melbourne Gardens is the central part of Melbourne’s cultural life and a key part of the heritage of the city. Stunning landscapes, beautiful lakes and a huge plant collection, the Gardens are a place to hike, relax and discover treasures. Take the Aboriginal Heritage Walk, in the garden, a Free Guided Walk.
Polly Woodside is a tall ship and museum, managed by the National Trust of Australia, it’s located in South Wharf on the Yarra River.
Art – In the Southbank precinct are the Arts Centre and the National Gallery of Victoria. At Federation Square, art and architecture offer a backdrop for a number of art choices, from audio visual shows at ACMI, and the Aboriginal art collection at the Ian Potter Centre NGV.
Spend some time browsing the Queen Vic Market with aisles of fresh produce as well as organic wines, freshly brewed coffee and great baked goods.
Centre Place is the heart of Melbourne’s famous alleys or laneways with its bluestone cobbles representing the stereotypical character of the city’s famous laneways. Changing stencil art and graffiti provide a backdrop for a day of cafe hopping and boutique shopping. Stop and have a beer at Hell’s Kitchen as you sit and watch the crowds in the laneway below.
AC/DC Lane named after the famous Australian musical group, ACDC Lane is the embodiment of Melbourne’s love of native rock ‘n’ roll.
Cherry Bar, 68 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000. The soul of the Melbourne rock scene was founded by the drummer of the Cosmic Psychos in 2000, this rock ‘n’ roll bar features live music and is a launch-pad for local aspiring musicians.
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