Docklands - Melbourne's Magical Waterfront

By the waters of the Yarra River and Victoria Harbour, Docklands is a unique part of Melbourne's landscape.

Wander into Docklands and discover a different side of city life, where yachts cruise on the historic harbour, dining al fresco is almost mandatory and shopping, sports, art and entertainment are all easily within your grasp.

Some of Australia's biggest corporations have relocated to Docklands in recent years, making it an essential stop on many city itineraries, as well as a showcase of exemplary architecture and sustainable building design.

Getting to Docklands

Only five minutes from the city centre, Docklands is also only a short distance from the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Hilton Hotel and South Wharf shopping complex.

Car: City Link, Westgate and Monash freeways will take you to Docklands. You can also enter Docklands via Flinders, Collins, La Trobe and Dudley streets. Docklands has more than 3,000 public car parking spaces. Bus parking is also available.

Tram: Six tram routes service Docklands, including the free City Circle tram.

Train: Catch the train to Southern Cross Station. The station is walking distance from all major Docklands destinations.

Bus: The free Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle travels into Docklands, stopping at Harbour Town, Waterfront City, Etihad Stadium, Victoria Harbour and Batman's Hill.

Boat: Travel by ferry, water taxi, charter or private boat. Docklands has four public marinas and Victoria's only superyacht marina.

By foot or bike: A shared bike and walking path travels through Docklands, or walk from the city centre in 20 minutes.

Things to Do At Docklands

1. Dine in style: Waterfront dining, bars and cafés - choose from a superb range of restaurants at Waterfront City, NewQuay, Central Pier, Yarra's Edge and Victoria Harbour. Dine-A-Round programs for groups can be organised.
2. Enjoy quality accommodation: Docklands boasts a five-star hotel, plus a superb selection of serviced apartments.
3. Modern marinas: Offering short and long term berthing, plus excellent facilities for boaters. Take a dinner or sightseeing cruise along Melbourne's river and harbour or explore the history of Docklands' heritage listed wharves.
4. Function venues: Choose from a huge array of venues, catering to all needs and sizes. The Waterfront City Piazza can accommodate up to 10,000 people and boasts a stage and big screen.
5. Events: Docklands hosts a variety of events each year, including international fashion and food and wine festivals, concerts, arts performances and spectacular boating events.
6. Sports: Be drawn into the thrill of an Australian rules football match at Etihad Stadium. The Icehouse provides ice-based events including ice hockey, curling and more.
7. Shopping: Harbour Town shopping centre offers a range of designer and discounted popular brands and is home to Australia's only Costco.
8. Waterfront lifestyle: Where else in the city can you take a seaside stroll past some striking public art, historic buildings and stunning architecture before enjoying a fine meal with waterfront views?

For more information on Docklands, visit www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/whatson