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A detailed guide to Melbourne cruise boarding points

Get directions to Melbourne cruise boarding points

With numerous cruises that showcase its stunning coastline, the scenic Yarra River and the city’s rich history, choose between sightseeing cruises, dinner cruises and ferry transfers. Get details on where your boarding points are located and how to get there through various transportation options in this detailed guide.

Melbourne cruise boarding points

Southbank

Address: Southbank Promenade, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia. Find on Maps

Timings: Berth 1 - 9:30am to 3pm; Berth 2- 10am to 3:30pm

South Wharf

Address: 45 S Wharf Promenade, South Wharf VIC 3006, Australia. Find on Maps

Nearest landmark: Seafarers Bridge

Williamstown ferry boarding points

Melbourne River Cruises

Address: Berth 2, Southbank Promenade, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia. Find on Maps

Nearest landmark: Evan Walker Bridge

Gem Pier

Address: 1 Syme St, Williamstown VIC 3016, Australia. Find on Maps

Nearest landmark: Williamstown Police Station

Getting to Southbank

By train

By bus

By tram

By car

Best suited for: Fast travel
Average travel time from Melbourne CBD: 7 minutes
Nearest stop: Flinders Street Station
Availability: There is one train every 5 minutes, with the ticket costing A$3.

Best suited for: Budget and leisure travel
Average travel time from Melbourne CBD: 10 minutes
Nearest stop: Flinders Street and Queens Bridge
Availability: The buses 220, 234, 216, 235, 959 and 605 pass through these stops.

Best suited for: Most convenient public transport
Average travel time from Melbourne CBD: 5 minutes
Nearest stop: Stop 4 – Flinders Street Station.
Availability: Tram lines 70, 75, and 35 operate on this route, with the ticket costing A$3.

Best suited for: Flexible travel
Average travel time from Melbourne CBD: 15 minutes

Nearby parkings:

Wilson Parking - Southgate: A paid car park located a minute away from the boarding point, with a flat rate of AU$16 per day.
Wilson Parking Eureka: A paid car park located 550m from the boarding point, with a flat rate of AU$16 per day.

Getting to South Wharf

By train

By bus

By tram

By car

Best suited for: Fast travel
Average travel time from Melbourne CBD: 21 minutes
Nearest stop: Southern Cross
Availability: Take the Lilydale, Pakenham or Glen Waverley trains that are available every 3-4 minutes from Melbourne Central.

Best suited for: Budget and leisure travel
Average travel time from Melbourne CBD: 25 to 30 minutes
Nearest stop: Clarendon Street City Road and Collins Square
Availability: Buses 232, 234, 235, 207, 236, 237, 302, 251 and 605 pass by these stops. The boarding point is a 10 min walk from Collins Square and a 15 min walk from Clarendon Street.

Best suited for: Most convenient public transport
Average travel time from Melbourne CBD: 22 to 25 minutes
Nearest stop: Clarendon Street (Southbank) and Docklands Park
Availability: Trams 70, 12, 75, 96, 86 and 109 pass through these stops. Each stop is about a 7-min walk away from the boarding point.

Best suited for: Flexible travel
Average travel time from Melbourne CBD: 15 minutes

Nearby parking:

Wilson Parking - South Wharf: This paid car park is just 3 minutes away from the boarding point and has prices starting from AU$13 per hour.
Wilson Parking - Exhibition Centre: This paid car park is about 900m away from the boring point and prices start from AU$13 an hour.

Getting to Gem Pier

By train: The nearest train station is Williamstown. Werribee and Williamstown trains function out of this stop.

By bus: The nearest bus stops are at Ann Street/Nelson Place and Cole Street/Nelson Place, each just about 5 minutes away by walk. Buses 415, 471 and 472 function out of these stops.

By car: The nearest car parking facilities include:

Frequently asked questions about Melbourne cruise boarding points

Are the boarding points equipped with wheelchair access?

Some Melbourne cruises are equipped with wheelchair access, but it’s better to verify this while booking your tickets.

How do I reach the Gem Pier?

The Gem Pier is within walking distance from anywhere in Williamstown. It’s also a quick 5-minute drive from anywhere at Williamstown to the pier. Unfortunately, there are no public transportation options within Williamstown to help you travel such short distances.

What is the best way to arrive at the boarding points?

All boarding points for the Melbourne River Cruises are easily accessible by trains or trams, which offer budget-friendly options and no parking hassles.

Are the departure and arrival points the same?

Both Southgate and South Wharf are within walking distance from each other, but it’s quite likely that you’ll be dropped off at the same point as your departure.

What time should I arrive for my departure?

We recommend that you arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the departure time to ensure smooth onboarding, as the cruise does not wait for late arrivals.

What wharf do I board my cruise at?

While boarding points are usually at Southgate or South Wharf, the wharf number for your specific cruise will be mentioned on your voucher.

What documents should I bring with me?

Bring your booking confirmation or ticket (printed or digital) for verification, along with a valid ID. This might be required if you have opted for a cruise with alcohol.