Ferries and cruise ships

Getting to Melbourne by ferry

Melbourne and Victoria are easily accessible by ferry from Tasmania. Since October 2022, Geelong has become the new permanent home to the Spirit of Tasmania I and II car and passenger ferry, replacing Port Melbourne.

The terminal at Spirit of Tasmania Quay in North Geelong is approximately 70km southwest of Melbourne. Both day and overnight crossings are available most days of the year between Geelong and Devonport (Tasmania). Free public parking is provided for visitors and passengers with their vehicles waiting to board the ferry.

By train, North Shore Railway station and North Geelong railway station are not far from the Spirit of Tasmania Quay. From Melbourne’s city centre, access these stations via the V-Line train from Southern Cross Station and arrange transport from the station to the terminal.

MyBus Geelong provides a shuttle service between Spirit of Tasmania Quay and Geelong Railway Station. Bookings are required. See MyBus Geelong website for more details.

You can also reach Spirit of Tasmania Quay by taxi. For further information, scheduling, fares and bookings, visit spiritoftasmania.com.au.

Melbourne ferries

Take a ferry ride down the Yarra River or across Port Phillip Bay. Melbourne Water Taxis land at points on the Yarra River, between Abbotsford and Williamstown, and on the Maribyrnong River and Canning Street, Essendon. Visit melbournewatertaxis.com.au for more information.

Popular stops include South Wharf, Southgate and Federation Wharf. Special services run for major events such as AFL matches at the MCG, the Australian Open Tennis, concerts and the Spring Racing Carnival. Hens nights and party charters are also available.

Catch the ferry from Southbank for a scenic ride along the Yarra River and around the bay to Williamstown. Stop off at Scienceworks or ride twenty minutes further to Williamstown, to spend a day at the beach. Visit the Melbourne River Cruises website for timetables and prices.

Sorrento to Queenscliff

Take the spectacular 40-minute trip across Port Phillip Bay on the Queenscliff Sorrento Ferry Service. Travel between the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas and watch for dolphins and whales. The redeveloped Queenscliff Ferry Terminal is a stylish launch pad or arrival destination for your ferry trip. Board as a passenger or bring your car. Visit the Searoad Ferries website for details on route times and pricing.

Docklands to Portarlington and Geelong

Board a ferry from Docklands to Portarlington on the Bellarine Peninsula, or Geelong. The 80-minute Portarlington cruise on Port Phillip Ferries will whisk you from the centre of Melbourne to a land of wine, cider, mussels and fresh produce. Find out more about timetables for the twice-daily crossing and travel, dining and tour packages for the Bellarine Peninsula at portphillipferries.com.au website. The trip between Geelong and Docklands takes 70 minutes (direct).

Arriving in Melbourne by cruise ship

Melbourne is a popular port for the world's most prestigious cruise liners. Just four kilometres from the city centre in Port Melbourne, Melbourne's Station Pier services large cruise ships. Taxis operate pick-ups from the wharf and tram 109 services run directly to the city from the pier. Tram 109 also connects with Southern Cross Station and the airport SkyBus.

Check the Port of Melbourne's cruise ship schedule for a list of cruise ship companies porting at Melbourne. Other cruise ship ports in Victoria include Geelong, Portland, Phillip Island and Mornington.