Getting to Docklands is easy, whether you’re coming by public transport, driving or riding your bike. The free City Circle tram and free Melbourne Visitor Shuttle bus will drop you at the door for shopping and great waterfront dining at Harbour Town, Waterfront City and NewQuay. And parking is just $6 per day at Harbour Town car park, or $2 if you are just dropping in for an hour.
If you want to take the scenic route, book a water taxi, charter a boat or cruise up the river in your own vessel and berth at one of four public marinas within Docklands. And of course, if you need to take the car, there is plenty of convenient parking in all precincts. Docklands is also part of Melbourne’s Capital City Trail for both walking and cycling.
Getting there by public transport
Free Melbourne Visitor Shuttle
Hop on and hop off the free shuttle bus at any of the stops at key city destinations, and taking you to Harbour Town shopping centre at Waterfront City. Runs daily from 9.30am to 4.30pm. More on Melbourne Visitor Shuttle
Free shuttle bus service
Jump aboard the free shuttle bus service from Southern Cross Station to Harbour Town at Waterfront City, operating daily between 10am and 6pm.
The bus leaves from outside Southern Cross Station, on Collins Street, on the hour and half hour. It stops at Harbour Town’s Tourist Lounge and departs at a quarter past and a quarter to the hour, making a stop along Harbour Esplanade (opposite the NAB building) before returning to Southern Cross Station.
By tram
Catch the free City Circle Tram to Docklands or take one of the following city trams:
- NewQuay and Waterfront City – catch the free City Circle tram or tram 30 via La Trobe Street, 70 via Flinders Street or 86 via Bourke Street.
- Victoria Harbour – catch tram 48 via Collins Street.
For timetable details, check the Public Transport Victoria website or call 1800 800 007.
By train
Southern Cross Station (formerly Spencer Street Station) is Melbourne’s main rail interchange for suburban, regional and interstate trains.
Southern Cross Station is located right on Docklands’ doorstep. Exit the station at the northern end to walk across the Bourke Street Pedestrian Bridge via the Etihad Stadium concourse, to Docklands’ Harbour Esplanade.
You may also choose to exit the station on the corner of Spencer and Collins streets, and walk across the Collins Street Bridge to Docklands Park.
For timetable details, check the Public Transport Victoria website or call 1800 800 007.
Getting there by water
Imagine yourself relaxing on a private boat or taking a corporate, sightseeing or dinner cruise. Getting on the water is a great way to enjoy Docklands. Plus, it’s also a great way to get around. Take a water taxi to the Crown Entertainment Centre or charter a boat.
Marina berthing
Victoria Harbour, the Yarra River and Moonee Ponds Creek meet at Docklands, creating 40 hectares of deep sheltered waters. Boat owners from around Victoria, Australia and the world cruise into Melbourne via the fabulous marina facilities at Docklands.
Bring your boat to berth at Docklands any time of the year to dine at fabulous restaurants, cafes and bars, stop by the latest show or just for a quick lunch. Marina access is easy from Port Phillip Bay. There are four Docklands marinas offering public berthings for day trippers, overnighters or for extended stays. Docklands also offers a dedicated superyacht marina.
The Boating Guide to Docklands includes all the information you need on marina facilities and prices. Call the Melbourne Docklands Marine Office: (03) 9658 8738 for your copy or email.
Water taxis and charter boats
You don’t have to own a boat to experience Docklands waterways. Charter a sunset cruise for a special occasion or take a water taxi to a night out at Docklands.
Getting there by car
It’s easy to drive to Docklands via the many roads leading into the area. Pay car parking facilities are available at:
Free, two-hour and pay street parking is located on Bourke Street, North Wharf Road and other locations throughout Docklands.