Melbourne Cruise Port Guide
Photos: Melbpal (CC BY-SA 4.0) · via Wikimedia Commons; Sandra Giebeler, Thilan Hansaka, María Du, Top Boy · via Google Maps
- Country:
- Australia
- Region:
- Australia & New Zealand
- Coordinates:
- 37.8142° S, 144.9631° E
About Melbourne
Cruises to Melbourne operate during the Australian summer months from November through March, when the city enjoys warm weather and long daylight hours. As the capital of Victoria and Australia's second-most populous city, Melbourne serves as a major cruise destination with attractions concentrated close to the port.
The city centre offers exceptional cultural experiences within easy reach. The National Gallery of Victoria lies just 1.1 km away, whilst the Melbourne Museum in Carlton is 1.4 km from the port. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria – Melbourne Gardens (2.3 km) provides 38 hectares of landscaped grounds, and the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium sits only 0.8 km away. The Melbourne Skydeck observation deck and Fed Square plaza are both within 0.8 km, making them convenient stops before or after your cruise.
Nearby Ports
Melbourne's position in the Australia & New Zealand region connects well with other cruise destinations. Nearby ports include Auckland, Brisbane, Dunedin and Hobart, offering opportunities to explore multiple cities on a single cruise itinerary.
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city of the Australian state of Victoria and the second-most populous city in Australia. The city's name generally refers to a 9,993-square-kilometre (3,858 sq mi) area, comprising an urban agglomeration of 30 local government areas. The name is also used specifically to refer to the local government area, also named the City of Melbourne, whose administrative area is centred on the Melbourne central business district and some immediate surrounds.
Read more on Wikipedia (text CC BY-SA)
Things to do in Melbourne on a port day
Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.
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Photo: Jason L · via Google Maps Art Gallery
National Gallery of Victoria
4.7 (26,281) 1.1 km from port
Public gallery with vast, varied collection of noted Australian and international art and artefacts.
Near: Queen Victoria Gardens (175 m) · Melbourne Recital Centre (184 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- 5 · “A visit to NGV is informative, fun & a delight for your senses. They have curated some awesome artist exhibitions…” — Simple_Pleasures
- 5 · “The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is one of Melbourne’s cultural highlights and a place that art lovers, families, and…” — Jannat Kaur Waraich
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Photo: Subramanian Iyer · via Google Maps History Museum
Melbourne Museum
4.6 (19,954) 1.4 km from port
Modern building of an institution founded in 1854 containing dinosaur and regional history exhibits.
Near: Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre (Museums Victoria) (95 m) · IMAX Melbourne (Museums Victoria) (102 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- 5 · “Very well designed museum and exhibits. All staff were helpful and its a good place to get lost in for…” — Samuel Eyitayo
- 5 · “Great museum to explore with our kids 6, 10 and 13. Boys loved the dinosaur exhibits, especially the triceratops, well…” — realmundus
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Photo: Jane S · via Google Maps Botanical garden
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens
4.8 (19,862) 2.3 km from port
36-hectare botanic garden founded in 1846, planted with Australian species and non-native gardens.
Near: Central Lake (34 m) · Princes Lawn (73 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 7:30 am – 7:30 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am – 7:30 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am – 7:30 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am – 7:30 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am – 7:30 pm
- Saturday: 7:30 am – 7:30 pm
- Sunday: 7:30 am – 7:30 pm
- 5 · “Really nice and relaxing place, especially if you’re visiting with family or friends. You can enjoy a nice walk, take…” — Volkan Oğuzorhan
- 5 · “The Rose Garden is absolutely stunning, with a beautiful collection of roses in full bloom. The gardens are very clean…” — Tina Huynh
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Photo: Day deSIANG · via Google Maps Aquarium
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
4.2 (19,683) 0.8 km from port
Interactive multilevel aquarium housing 10,000+ animals, including sharks & saltwater crocodiles.
Near: Melbourne Aquarium/Flinders St (49 m) · Batman Park (199 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
- 5 · “We had such a great experience at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium! There was so much to see, and we especially…” — Mohammad Hossein Sarkhosh
- 5 · “SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is a fantastic place for families! We visited with our daughter and had an amazing time…” — Rini Chakraborty
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Observation Deck
Melbourne Skydeck
4.5 (17,595) 0.8 km from port
Gold-plated observation deck on the 88th floor with panoramic city views & a protruding glass cube.
Near: Belgian Beer Cafe (35 m) · The Bond Store (83 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 12:00 – 9:00 pm
- Tuesday: 12:00 – 9:00 pm
- Wednesday: 12:00 – 9:00 pm
- Thursday: 12:00 – 9:00 pm
- Friday: 12:00 – 9:00 pm
- Saturday: 12:00 – 9:00 pm
- Sunday: 12:00 – 9:00 pm
- 5 · “The Skydec has the best views of Melbourne you can ever get , you can also have your lunch up…” — Sue Westwood
- 5 · “We enjoyed the amazing view at night. The weather was clear so we had a perfect view of Melbourne city…” — Amin Taleyee
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Zoo
Melbourne Zoo
4.3 (7,436) 3.5 km from port
Modelled on London Zoo, this family-friendly establishment has animals from all around the world.
Near: Butterfly House (216 m) · Melbourne Zoo/Royal Park (278 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- 5 · “Incredible zoo. Loads of educational material and emphasis on recycling. The animals homes are suitable and immaculate. Everyone very friendly…” — Indigo Amy Packman
- 5 · “Great place to go, easy to spend the whole day here. Lots to see and learn. Animals are well looked…” — Benita Joy
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Plaza
Fed Square
4.5 (3,159) 0.7 km from port
Abstract buildings flank this block-size plaza, filled with restaurants, museums and arts venues.
Near: ACMI (53 m) · The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia (119 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Federation Square is one of those places that really captures the atmosphere of Melbourne. Every time I've visited, there's always…” — Vihaan Vinoth
- 5 · “We gathered at Fed square to celebrate MND and the big freeze before walking to the MCG for the Collingwood…” — Sam Southey
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Park and Garden
Parliament Gardens
4.5 (769) 1.1 km from port
Relaxing urban oasis featuring landscaped gardens and a signature water fountain.
Near: Bates Smart (44 m) · Albert St/Nicholson St (54 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Lovely public park and historic precinct featuring lush lawns, the cascading Coles Fountain, and bronze statues honoring Indigenous leaders Pastor…” — Devorah Veiner
- 5 · “The Jacarandas in bloom in January are absolutely stunning!” — Henrique
Map of Melbourne and nearby attractions
Best time to visit Melbourne
Cruises to Australia & New Zealand mostly sail november to March.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Cruises calling at Melbourne
Deals update daily — see all Australia & New Zealand cruises.
