Embarkation in Melbourne: Cruise Terminal Parking, Address and Amenities

Melbourne Cruise Terminal Address

Station Pier

6 Waterfront Place

Port Melbourne, Victoria 3207

03 8347 8300

From overseas: +61 3 8347 8300

Melbourne's main cruise terminal, Station Pier Cruise Ship Terminal, is located in Port Melbourne, which boasts spectacular coastal views of picturesque Port Phillip Bay and beyond.

It is about a 40-minute taxi ride from Melbourne Airport and a 20-minute drive from the CBD, depending on traffic. Cruise season usually runs through spring, summer and autumn (September to April).

Cruise lines that frequent Station Pier include P&O Cruises, Holland America Line, Cunard, Viking, Seabourn, Silversea, Carnival, Celebrity and Azamara.

There are three berths for cruise ships and a fourth for the Spirit of Tasmania, TT-Line's ferry service for cars, passengers and freight that sails between Melbourne and Devonport, Tasmania. Australian and international navy ships and tall ships are also accommodated.

The iconic Heritage-listed Station Pier, originally called Railway Pier, was opened in 1854 and rebuilt between 1922 and 1930 and has been an important  of migrant arrivals and troop departures over the years.

Directions to Melbourne Cruise Terminal

It is possible to travel to Station Pier Cruise Ship Terminal by private car, Uber, taxi, tram and bus. Some cruise lines run connecting buses from the airport to Station Pier to coincide with embarkation times.

From the City  

The cruise terminal is about a 20-minute drive from the CBD. From Spencer Street head south to City Road, turn right, continue to Bay St and Beach Street then turn right to Waterfront Place.

Getting There From the Airport

From Tullamarine Airport

The port is about a 40-minute drive from Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport. Head onto the Tullamarine Freeway (M2), continue on the M2 to Port Melbourne. Take Exit 1W from the M2. Continue on Prohasky Street. Take Howe Parade and Beach Street to Waterfront Place.

Private Car

Melbourne has a host of private car companies that can shuttle cruise passengers pre- and pos-cruise. A few include City Hire Cars (1300 248 944), Melbourne Premium Chauffeur (0405 266 216) and Emperor Chauffeur Services (0424 311 795). Rideshare companies Uber and Ola are also available in Melbourne.

Getting There by Public Transit

Bus

Bus lines 219 and 234 travel from city centre stops to Port Melbourne. For more information phone 1800 800 007. There is also a 109 City Express Bus that operates between the Melbourne CBD and Station Pier. The SkyBus (1300 759 287) airport shuttle operates from Melbourne Airport to Southern Cross Station in Melbourne's CBD where passengers can catch a taxi or jump on a Route 109 Tram operated by Yarra Trams (1800 800 007) to Station Pier.

Taxi

Arriving by taxi is the easiest hassle-free way to travel from Melbourne Airport (Departure Drive, Melbourne), which is colloquially known as Tullamarine Airport. Depending on traffic, it's about a 40-minute taxi ride from the airport to the Station Pier Cruise Ship Terminal which will cost about $60.

Tram

Passengers can catch the Route 109 tram that operates from the city centre to Station Pier. A

myki

card is your ticket to travel on trains, tram and buses in Melbourne and can be purchased and topped up at stations and retail outlets. Trams on Route 109 stop near the corner of Collins and Spencer streets close to Southern Cross station.

Parking

There is no public parking at Station Pier and only very limited short-term public parking available in Waterfront Place next to Station Pier. Note: charges apply and times are strictly enforced. Ace Parking (43-54 Bay Street; 03 9886 0549) has parking options conveniently located within short walking distance of the cruise ship terminal for both short-term and long-term cruise ship parking.

What Time to Arrive/Embarkation

Check your cruise documents for information about embarkation time and arrive as close to that time as possible. Passengers are advised against arriving too early as disembarkation procedures may be underway from the previous cruise and it's always a busy time.

Checking In

Cruise days are always busy so it's best to arrive at your allocated boarding time or you may find yourself waiting around and swamped by crowds. There are usually tight turnarounds with disembarkation and embarkation only a few hours apart.

Wheelchair Service

Station Pier does not offer a wheelchair service. Bring your own or seek assistance from one of the following rental companies including The Mobility Store (1300301788) and Care Plus Living Solutions (03 9886 0549).

Where to Grab a Bite or Last-Minute Essentials in Melbourne

Port Melbourne is a thriving seaside suburb with a cosmopolitan feel and lots of interesting eateries ranging from fine dining, trendy cafes and quaint pubs.   As one of Victoria's oldest suburbs, it is an attractive bayside area with a palm-tree lined foreshore pathway, stunning seaside properties and restored cottages. There are lots of cafes, restaurants and hotels, too.

Options for passengers looking for a great bite to eat include Waterfront (1 Station Pier), which serves Japanese-inspired cuisine and seafood specialities, while Bella Cosi (71 Beach St) is known for its authentic Italian food and great coffee.

Drop into Harry and Frankie (317 Bay Street), a rustic chic bar with great share platters, premium wines, craft beer and classic cocktails. Noisette (84 Bay Street), is a fabulous French bakery offering mouth-watering treats and the historic Pier Port Melbourne (1 Bay Street) is a top spot for a farewell drink.

Coles Supermarket (203 Bay St) is conveniently located for last-minute essentials and Station Pier Cruise Ship Terminal has a small cafe and a gift shop. There are speciality shops in Bay Street and department stores are located in the city, a short taxi or tram ride away.

Last-minute shopping items such as sunscreen, books and treats can also be picked up at speciality shops in nearby Beach Street.

Porters

Porters are available at the terminal to assist with luggage on embarkation days. There are also volunteers, known as Waterfront Welcomers, in blue shirts assisting with information about Port Melbourne.

Where to Sit

Comfortable seating is provided in the terminal hall but once the check in process starts there is no seating until you are onboard. There are both escalators and lifts available.

Bathrooms

Restrooms are situated on the upper level in the cruise terminal before security with access via escalator and lifts. They are also available on the pier.

Wi-Fi

There is no dedicated Wi-Fi in the cruise terminal but there are plans to offer it in the future.

Luggage Storage

There are no lockers at the Station Pier, but passengers can check their luggage in pre boarding and do last minute shopping before starting the check in procedure.

Watch Out For

There's very limited parking in the immediate area and hefty fines if you overstay -- so book a taxi in advance.

There are no rental car companies at Station Pier, but you can rent a car pre- or post-cruise in the city without having to return to Melbourne Airport. City rentals that are a short taxi ride away include Europcar (1300 131 390), Thrifty (1300 367 227) and Avis Australia (136 333).