What to Expect
Ships dock at Station Pier, Port Melbourne, 4 km from the CBD. Tram 109 from Stop 127 (adjacent to the pier) runs directly to the city centre (Collins Street/CBD); the tram is free within the CBD free tram zone, which covers all the main attractions. The journey takes 25 minutes. Melbourne is consistently ranked among the world's most liveable cities; it earns the reputation. The city's character is in its laneways — Hosier Lane, Centre Place, Degraves Street — rather than its grand boulevards, and the food scene (particularly coffee and brunch) is legitimately world-class.
Getting Around
Tram 109 from Station Pier: free within the CBD free tram zone, covers all inner-city stops. For destinations outside the free zone: buy a Myki card (A$6 + credit loaded) at 7-Eleven or the terminal. A 2-hour fare: A$4.60. Taxis from Station Pier to the CBD: A$15–25. Uber is widely used and typically cheaper than taxis. The Yarra River precinct, Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, and the Queen Victoria Market are all walkable from the tram terminus.
Culture and Sights
Federation Square is Melbourne's civic centre — the Ian Potter Centre (Australian art, free) and ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) are both on the square. The NGV (National Gallery of Victoria) on St Kilda Road is the most-visited art museum in Australia; international collection admission A$30, Australian collection free. The Queen Victoria Market (QVM) has operated since 1878 — fruit, meat, deli, clothing, and the best cheap breakfast in the city. The Royal Botanic Gardens are free and have excellent views of the CBD skyline. The MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground), visible from the gardens, tours are available A$22.
Tipping and Currency
Australian Dollars (AUD). Tipping is not expected in Australia; the minimum wage is high and service charges are not added to bills. Rounding up or leaving 10% for exceptional service is increasingly common in Melbourne's café culture but remains voluntary. Cards accepted everywhere. ATMs at the pier and throughout the city.