Choose your own Docklands adventure and experience the beauty of Melbourne by the water, just five minutes from the CBD. Sample cutting-edge Australian and international cuisine, take in stunning city views, or bring the family for a fun-filled day around the harbour.
Waterfront City
Catch a flight on the Melbourne Star observation wheel and take in spellbinding 360-degree views of Melbourne city, Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges.
Shop up a storm in Waterfront City's designer stores and discount outlets or round up the kids for a lively afternoon by the marina.
Try your sk**s on the rink at Medibank Icehouse, bump around in dodgem cars or explore the Walk of Stars – Melbourne's own walk of fame. For designer threads, j**ellery and children's fashion, take a stroll to the Harbour Town Shopping Centre. Wander leisurely through this open-air shopping precinct, combining discounted brands along with the latest fashion, designer and specialty stores.
NewQuay
Leave behind the everyday and spend a while amid the inspiring public artworks, renowned dining spots, bars, luxury apartments and galleries of NewQuay.
Find exceptional middle-eastern cuisine at the cutting-edge Moroccan eating house Mecca Bah or pick up fresh Mediterranean seafood at Livebait. Indulge in Indian, Cambodian or Japanese, or cool off with a gelato and saunter along the jetty as the sun sets.
Meet friends after work and slow down over a bottle of wine while the boats bob about on the water or get in the mood for a big game at Etihad Stadium with a few beers at stylish Berth. Prefer to keep moving? Down a few co*ktails then explore the public art walking tour that takes you all around the Docklands.
How to get there
Tram: The free City Circle tram runs along Harbourside Esplanade seven days a week.
Train: Alight at Spencer Street Station and follow the signs across the Bourke Street footbridge.
Car: There are 1,100 parking spaces with ticket validation for restaurant patrons.
By foot: Access from the city is along the Collins Street, Bourke Street and LaTrobe Street bridges.
Ferry: Bay and River Cruises (Ph 03 9682 9555) operate a ferry service from Southgate, via Crown Casino and the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.
Bus: Melbourne City tourist bus stops at Waterfront City's Tourism Lounge. Buses run every 25 minutes, seven days a week between 10.15am to 4.30pm.