Station Pier
Station Pier
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Neighborhood: Port Melbourne
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
96 reviews
Excellent
26
Very good
47
Average
15
Poor
6
Terrible
2
Robert V
Doncaster, UK94 contributions
Feb 2020
The Terminal is nothing short of a disgrace. It is chaos getting into the Terminal when a Cruise ship is boarding and you could easily wait 15 minutes or more in the queue (we did!).
The Terminal has virtually no facilities although there are plenty of good restaurants just outside of the gate. And that's the problem in a nutshell. After your arrival by sea, there is no option but to carry your own luggage for the 500 metres from the Terminal to the gate. There is no help available for this. There is no trolley that you can use. No other alternative.
Our driver could take us to the Terminal to board the ship as we could show our boarding cards but had to wait outside the gate to pick us up on our return. Ridiculous and unacceptable. Needless to say, we will never board a ship from Station Pier again.
The Terminal has virtually no facilities although there are plenty of good restaurants just outside of the gate. And that's the problem in a nutshell. After your arrival by sea, there is no option but to carry your own luggage for the 500 metres from the Terminal to the gate. There is no help available for this. There is no trolley that you can use. No other alternative.
Our driver could take us to the Terminal to board the ship as we could show our boarding cards but had to wait outside the gate to pick us up on our return. Ridiculous and unacceptable. Needless to say, we will never board a ship from Station Pier again.
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jeffryb
Keysborough, Australia371 contributions
Oct 2020
Station Pier is in Port Philip Bay. It welcomes cruise ships to Melbourne from around the world. In the old days, the ships mainly carried immigrants from Europe, these days it's mainly international cruise ships. Station Pier can appear to be a bit rough, but everything works out. By the way, the ferry to Tasmania, "the Apple Isle" also leaves from here. The Pier dates from 1854, it is Heritage listed. By the way, you can take the 109 Tram from the CBD, the terminus in Port Melbourne is only a short walk from the pier.
Written October 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,811 contributions
Jan 2022
After World War II, hundreds of thousands of refugees from war-torn Europe landed in Australia. They took their first steps in a new land at Station Pier. It's Australia's equivilent of Ellis Island, in New York City. Station Pier is a little worse for wear, but it is still in use today. By the way, amongst the refugees were many people of Jewish origin. More Jewish people landed in Australia after WWII than anywhere else except Israel.
Written January 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,811 contributions
Aug 2023
For thousands of post-war immigrants, Station Pier was the last step in their journey from Europe to a new world. These days, Station Pier is a port of call for international cruise ships. Station Pier is long, but it's not far from the Melbourne CBD. The light rail terminates near the pier. The Spirit of Tasmania no longer sails from here, it can only be boarded in Geelong. Getting to Station Pier is easy, it's a good place for a walk.
Written August 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SAB5859
Banff, UK4,389 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Our cruise ship berthed at this pier. The pier is used for cruise ships and the ferry going to Tasmania. The facilities at the terminal are decent and just outside the main gates there’s a tram station with trams going into Melbourne. There is a good beach next to the pier.
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie P
Frankston, Australia225 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
Went down with my elderly mum to check out a cruise ship we are vacationing on in a couple of months. Shocked when the pier was closed to the public. Remember going as a child to see people off when they were travelling abroad, also used to go fishing on peri with my brother. I think security is over the top, even had dogs. Two older women who want to look at a ship! Paranoia is over the top.
Written May 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bevlea R
Melbourne, Australia236 contributions
Apr 2014 • Friends
Fabulous location to get pics of the cruise ships arriving, photographing sunsets or sunrises and practicing your slow motion photography on the old pier pylons. While photographs of the pylons abound - they are a very photographic subject and depending on the time of day always look different.
We went at sunrise.. planning a return sunset trip
We went at sunrise.. planning a return sunset trip
Written April 23, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victorianlad
Melbourne, Australia17,111 contributions
Although my recent visit to this lengthy pier was pleasant - I watched a container ship move along Melbourne's Port Phillip Bay - be aware that when a cruise ship is in town, Station Pier is sadly closed.
Prior to the Victorian State election in 2006, the State governnent reopened the pier at all times but in a cynical move, much criticised by readers to Melbourne's largest selling newspaper 'The Herald Sun', the pier has since been blocked off at these times.
Yet in Sydney, visitors can farewell cruise ships.
Station Pier is accessible from the CBD by the number 109 ('light rail') tram which operates along the former Port Melbourne railway line.
There is a famous fish and chip shop near Station Pier run by a Melbourne-based Australian Rules football commentator, but there are also a number of restaurants nearby, including some that look out onto the water or across to the damaged Princes Pier.
Prior to the Victorian State election in 2006, the State governnent reopened the pier at all times but in a cynical move, much criticised by readers to Melbourne's largest selling newspaper 'The Herald Sun', the pier has since been blocked off at these times.
Yet in Sydney, visitors can farewell cruise ships.
Station Pier is accessible from the CBD by the number 109 ('light rail') tram which operates along the former Port Melbourne railway line.
There is a famous fish and chip shop near Station Pier run by a Melbourne-based Australian Rules football commentator, but there are also a number of restaurants nearby, including some that look out onto the water or across to the damaged Princes Pier.
Written October 26, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Merilyn_S_12
London, UK1,003 contributions
Apr 2014 • Solo
Make sure you bring a jacket! This place is historical, and lovely to walk up and down. But it's windy! There are eateries around, some cheap, some not so cheap. Nice place to go though. You can tram it down from the CBD. If you're down near the beach, this is a nice local place ot head to.
Written February 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
3182Local
St Kilda, Australia72 contributions
Oct 2014 • Family
In late October this year I caught the Dawn Princess Cruise ship from Station Pier, Port Melbourne. On the afternoon of departure the queue of taxis, cars and passengers was horrendous! It took approx 40 minutes to enter the pier and drop off bags. This must improve if Station Pier is going to host cruise ships in the future. A second pier would help.
Written November 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David P
Melbourne, Australia108 contributions
Hi Guys, Does anyone know whether there is a Duty Free Shop at Station Pier in Melbourne? We are going on a cruise and wish to buy some items, thanks in advance.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,811 contributions
I have been to Station Pier frequently and I have never seen a duty free shop. I suggest you try the City.
mickdoma
Mornington, Australia14 contributions
Is there a duty free outlet at Station Pier?
SeaShells32
Auckland Central, New Zealand6 contributions
What is the benefit of the Myki Explorer over just buying a Myki? Is Myki Explorer a temporary card or can it be used as a normal Myki after the first day?
We are in port for the day, but plan to return to Melbourne in the next few years.
cherylsg1113
Singapore, Singapore46 contributions
Arriving at Station Pier on Spirit of Tasmania in the morning - is it easy to catch a taxi to Budget Car Rental @ Southbank (10 min drive)? We've a group of 3 adults and 2 young children. Do I need to prebook a taxi? Or just join the queue and split ourselves into 2 taxis?
Is September a busy time?
roy v
Traralgon, Australia4,794 contributions
Hello Cheryl.I would think that you will be able to get a taxi easy enough, one of the bigger cabs would be able to take you all together but to be on the safe side it may be best to book one of them . Nice time September , early spring , can be busy , the football finals will be on so if you are here grand final weekend it will be busy but also exciting .
Gran M
Doveton, Australia
Is there a place to have coffee or tea while you are waiting to board ship please
Connan59
Melbourne, Australia40 contributions
Yes there is. A nice little cafe as you enter Station Pier from the car park (just a little walk) while you can view the Spirit of Tasmania being loaded or unloaded.
Not very dear. Really good coffee and service is a plus.
Hope this help you.
Carol S
Sydney, Australia38 contributions
What is the best way to get from Station Pier to Melbourne airport please?
Connan59
Melbourne, Australia40 contributions
Hello Carol. Best way to get too the Melbourne airport is from Station Pier is turning right at BEACH ST(STATION PIER) head towards BAY STREET (Route 30)then turn left.Proceed towards MONTAGUE ST(Route 55) turn left.Travel towards WESTGATEFREEWAY ( M1 ). Turn left on too the FREEWAY and follow AIRPORT SIGNS (Route 80) no tolls on this road. Good luck and safe journey.
tony160744
Melbourne, Australia2 contributions
Being dropped off for a cruise on the Golden Princess on Feb 24 is not too much of a problem for me but when we need to be picked up, where is the best place for my daughter to wait us until we disembark ?
Is there any parking spots for bus/motorhomes here?
Aus Roadtrippers
Greater Melbourne, Australia232 contributions
There is street parking, but it is inner city so how many cars are there on the day will depend on whether you can park a bus or motorhome. However, it is not a long walk from the Spirit of Tasmania terminal, and there is a car park there. Hope this helps.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Station Pier
- Hotels near Station Pier:
- (1.94 mi) Docklands Executive Apartments
- (0.41 mi) The Hamptons Apartments - Port Melbourne
- (2.12 mi) Accent Accommodation at Docklands
- (2.53 mi) Treasury On Collins
- (0.50 mi) StayCentral Seaviews corporate short & long stay; pool gym beach shopping trams
- Restaurants near Station Pier:
- (0.23 mi) D'lish Fish
- (0.19 mi) Waterfront On the Pier
- (0.21 mi) Pier Warehouse
- (0.18 mi) Generations Bar and Grill
- (0.22 mi) Mr Hobson
- Attractions near Station Pier:
- (0.16 mi) Princes Pier
- (0.22 mi) ElliptiGO Experiences
- (0.21 mi) Go Flyboard
- (0.69 mi) Gourmet Pawprints
- (0.26 mi) The eBike Butler
Station Pier Information
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Station Pier Photos | 120 |