Station Pier
Melbourne's historic cruise terminal, offering bay views and a chance to see majestic ships.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Witness impressive ships up close
Station Pier
Best Time
Witness impressive ships up close
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Melbourne's historic cruise terminal, offering bay views and a chance to see majestic ships.
"Convenient to the city, but the terminal facilities are dated and not fit for purpose. "
Check Cruise Schedules
Plan your visit around cruise ship arrivals/departures for the best experience.
Tram is Your Friend
Take the tram from the city for easy access to Station Pier.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cruise Ship Spectacle
Station Pier
Witness majestic cruise liners docking and departing, a thrilling sight for all ages.
+1
Historic Landmark Views
Station Pier Boardwalk
Enjoy panoramic bay views and a glimpse into Melbourne's maritime history.
Fishing Opportunities
Station Pier
Try your luck fishing off the pier, a popular local pastime.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cruise Ship Arrivals & Departures
Getting to Station Pier
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Cruise Schedules
Plan your visit around cruise ship arrivals/departures for the best experience.
Tram is Your Friend
Take the tram from the city for easy access to Station Pier.
Pack for the Elements
Melbourne weather can be unpredictable; bring layers. :cloud:
Fishing Gear Ready
If fishing, bring your own bait and tackle.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Cruise Schedules
Plan your visit around cruise ship arrivals/departures for the best experience.
Tram is Your Friend
Take the tram from the city for easy access to Station Pier.
Pack for the Elements
Melbourne weather can be unpredictable; bring layers. :cloud:
Fishing Gear Ready
If fishing, bring your own bait and tackle.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Station Pier is praised for its convenient location and easy tram access to the city, making it a great spot to watch impressive cruise ships. However, many reviewers note that the terminal facilities are outdated and in need of modernization, which can be an embarrassing first impression for visitors.
"This is so convenient to the city. There is a tram that leaves just 500 metres away. An easy walk. This gets you into the city and from there you can transfer to trains and busses. Most cruise ships have shuttle services which will take you to your destination. We were going to the tennis and took the tram as it was less crowded. Very easy to get back in board with the usual security checks."
G Mac
"Most major cities in Australia can boast cruise terminals that do exactly what they are designed to do - process cruise ship passengers in a streamlined manner. Unfortunately, Melbourne's Station Pier cannot make the same claim.
In 2025, Melbourne remains the poor cousin to other states. The terminal struggles with inadequate facilities at the heritage listed Station Pier! The cruise terminal is old, extremely dated and the facilities are not fit for purpose.
Don't even get me started on the Victorian Ports Corporation! They have managed to make sure that most cruise lines don't base themselves in Melbourne for much of 2025 and 2026.
Even Fremantle's cruise terminal in Western Australia is bigger and better than Melbourne!
Melbourne... do yourself, your local, interstate and international visitors a favour and build a new terminal! It is not rocket science!!!
I've posted a few photos of the cruise terminal and our interaction with it as passengers on recent cruises.
While the location is relatively convenient to the city, the terminal itself is on life support! :-("
Leanne White
"Well setup cruise terminal right off the boardwalk and tram to downtown. I enjoyed our stopover very much with a walk to Kikda and a Lime scooter ride back thru quite neighborhood streets. Beautiful. Perfect destination for cruises."
BMW Bloch
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way to reach Station Pier from Melbourne CBD is by tram. Tram routes 109 and 12 stop nearby, offering a direct and scenic journey. Many visitors find this method easier than navigating city traffic.
Yes, most major cruise lines operating from Station Pier offer shuttle services for passengers. These shuttles typically connect to key city locations, making onward travel straightforward.
Limited parking may be available, but it's generally not recommended due to cost and availability. Relying on public transport like trams is a more practical option for most visitors.
While it's a bit of a walk, it is possible to reach Station Pier from the city center, approximately 500 meters from the nearest tram stop. It offers a pleasant stroll along the waterfront.
Trams are the primary public transport option for Station Pier. Routes 109 and 12 are frequently mentioned as being very convenient for accessing the pier from the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, general access to Station Pier for sightseeing and enjoying the views does not require tickets. However, if you are boarding a cruise ship, you will need your passenger tickets.
Station Pier is generally accessible to the public during daylight hours for walking and enjoying the bay. Specific terminal building hours may vary depending on cruise ship schedules.
There is no entry fee to walk along Station Pier or enjoy the public areas. Access is free for all visitors.
The cruise terminal building is primarily for passengers during cruise ship operations. Public access to the terminal itself may be restricted outside of these times.
You can find information on visiting cruise ships by searching online for 'Station Pier cruise schedule' or checking the websites of major cruise lines that dock in Melbourne.
📸 📸 Photography
The boardwalk along Station Pier offers excellent vantage points for photographing the bay, city skyline, and arriving/departing cruise ships. Drone photography is also popular here.
Absolutely! Station Pier is a prime location for capturing stunning photos of large cruise liners. Be sure to check the schedule to time your visit.
Generally, photography is permitted for personal use. However, always be mindful of security personnel and any specific signage regarding restricted areas, especially around active cruise operations.
Sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful lighting for photography at Station Pier, casting a warm glow over the bay and city. Midday offers clear views of the ships.
Drone photography at Station Pier allows for unique aerial perspectives of the cruise ships, the pier itself, and the surrounding Port Phillip Bay.
🎫 🎣 Fishing
Anglers at Station Pier often report catching species like whiting, flathead, and bream. Success can depend on the season and bait used.
Commonly recommended baits for fishing at Station Pier include squid and pilchards. Using long shank red hooks is also a popular choice among local anglers.
A paternoster rig is often used by anglers at Station Pier, especially when fishing from the pier itself.
It's always advisable to check current Victorian fishing regulations and licensing requirements before you cast a line. Bag limits and size restrictions may apply.
Station Pier can be a decent spot for beginner anglers due to its accessibility and the variety of fish that can be caught. However, success can vary.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Consider timing your visit with a cruise ship's arrival or departure for maximum excitement. The nearby boardwalks also provide safe areas for a stroll, and the easy tram access from the city makes it a manageable outing. Pack snacks and drinks, as amenities directly on the pier can be limited.
🎣 Anglers
Remember to check Victorian fishing regulations and ensure you have the necessary licenses. While the pier is accessible, bringing your own fishing gear and bait is essential, as facilities for purchasing these on-site may be limited.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Melbourne's Cruise Gateway: Station Pier
Recent reviews highlight that while the location is convenient, with easy tram access to the CBD, the terminal facilities are considered dated and inadequate by some. This has led to discussions about the need for modernization to better serve the growing cruise industry and international visitors. Despite these concerns, the pier remains a popular spot for watching large cruise ships dock and depart, offering a unique spectacle for those interested in maritime activities.
For those interested in the maritime aspect, checking the cruise ship schedule is key to experiencing the full vibrancy of Station Pier. It's a place where history meets modern travel, offering a glimpse into Melbourne's connection with the sea.
Navigating to and from Station Pier
For cruise passengers, shuttle services are often provided by the cruise lines themselves. These shuttles are designed to ferry passengers between the pier and key city locations, streamlining the transition from ship to shore. This is particularly useful for those heading to major attractions or connecting to other forms of transport.
While walking from the city is an option, it's a considerable distance. For most, the tram offers a balance of convenience, cost-effectiveness, and a pleasant journey along the waterfront, making it the go-to method for reaching this historic Melbourne landmark.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit