Cruising the Coast of Victoria
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FACTSHEET CRUISING THE COAST OF VICTORIA Victoria can claim one of the USEFUL FACTS smallest, yet most beautiful and diverse, slices of Australian coastline. > Victoria’s coastline on the south eastern > Port Melbourne is four kilometres from corner of Australia is 2512km including the city centre. islands. Cruises to Victoria berth at two different > The number 109 tram to Port ports and tender out at interesting regional > Coastal temperatures in Victoria average Melbourne takes 20 minutes from locations, offering cruise passengers easy 25°C in summer and 14°C in winter. Collins Street. Alternatively, take the access to wildlife, city life, wineries, Melbourne has a reputation for having City Express Bus. breathtaking coastlines, lakes and mountains ‘four seasons in one day’, so guests > Melbourne Terminal is a 30 minute on a day trip. should bring a waterproof coat. drive or 26.2km from Tullamarine, Visitors can explore the cosmopolitan city of > Peak cruising season is from October to the city’s domestic and international Melbourne and it’s labyrinthine laneways; May. airport, with multiple daily services to hundreds of destinations. and further afield near Portland is the Great > Cruise ships berth at Station Pier at Port Ocean Road and the iconic 12 Apostles. The Melbourne, on Port Phillip Bay, entering > Time in Victoria is GMT + 10. small ports of Mornington Peninsula and from Bass Straight. Phillip Island offer excursions to unforgettable wildlife experiences. Vineyards with open cellar doors and boutique restaurants tempt with delicious local produce. ASK THE EXPERT – WHY CRUISE Victoria “You can catch the 109 tram from the port of Melbourne straight into the city in five minutes, where you can explore hidden lane ways for some of the best shopping in Australia. And also taste the best coffee outside of Italy!” Rohan Ford - Manager & Luxury Cruise Consultant at Cruiseabout FACTSHEET MUST SEE DESTINATIONS Melbourne Yarra Valley & the Dandenong Ranges Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles With a population of 4.25 million people, – Shore excursion and Portland – Shore Excursion Melbourne is a sprawling city on the This region of towering forests, secret Bustling Portland is the birthplace of the Yarra River. Station Pier on Port Phillip fern glades and eclectic villages is a state of Victoria and home to its oldest Bay welcomes cruise passengers with perfect day tour. Passengers can enjoy European settlement. Cruise ships berth beachside dining and high-end fashion. premium food and wine, native wildlife at Portland Bay, a popular winter spot for In the heart of town are café-lined at Healesville Sanctuary, artisan outlets migrating whales. Memorable half and full- laneways, unique restaurants, hidden bars, and galleries, and scenic drives through day shore excursions visit Australia’s iconic boutiques, and world-class art galleries. vineyards and rolling farmland. Twelve Apostles at the Great Ocean Road, The city is wonderful to walk around, the acclaimed Coonawarra wine region with lovely green spaces and architecture. Daylesford & Macedon Ranges – to the west, and the rugged Grampians Overnighters may join the locals at a Shore excursion National Park to the north, featuring large sporting event, live music venue or Aboriginal rock art and Australian wildlife. theatre performance in the vibrant CBD. Visitors flock to drink or bathe in the mineral spring water that flows through this mountainous region. Scattered Ballarat and Goldfields – Pre or Post Mornington Peninsula – Shore cruise destination excursion (tender location) towns boast luxury spas and holistic therapies, decadent food and wine At Sovereign Hill, where the dreams of An hour from Melbourne, quaint and a resident artists community. Day the gold rush area are echoed in the coastal villages on rugged coastline, tours take passengers to wander pretty landscape, travellers may pan for gold. and hinterland hamlets offer excellent regional gardens, spot wildlife on bush Alternatively explore some of Australia’s day trip activities. Passengers may visit hikes, and linger at Mount Macedon best regional art galleries in the country acclaimed wineries and restaurants, ride and the mysterious Hanging Rock. towns of Ballarat and Bendigo. horses, and swim with dolphins or seals. Relaxing activities include navigating the Geelong and the Bellarine – Port maze garden, picking strawberries, and visiting luxurious spas and golf courses. Discover food and wine, historic seaside villages and breathtaking natural beauty Phillip Island – Shore excursion just around the corner from Melbourne. Geelong has a stunning waterfront (tender location) and the region is home to everything This wildlife island provides close from craft breweries, wineries and encounters with seals, koalas, penguins contemporary galleries and cultural and a variety of birdlife. Visit the historic festivals. Excursions take passengers farm on Churchill Island before you watch for wildlife encounters with koalas and the most famous Penguin Parade. kangaroos to the You Yang National Park. FACTSHEET USEFUL LINKS > Visit Victoria > Victoria’s Cruise Passengers > Victoria’s Cruise ships and Ferries > Current Melbourne Cruise Guide MUST DO EXPERIENCES WHO CRUISES? > Ride Melbourne’s city circle tram with the Melbourne is the gateway to cruising the waters of the South Pacific, New Zealand and the locals. east coast of Australia as well as Tasmania. Melbourne Station Pier welcomes a steady stream of ships over the summer months. A great range of short and long cruises depart > Sample Melbourne’s home roasted coffee in the maze of 19th century arcades. Melbourne, from short, 3 day cruises to Sydney, Tasmania or Adelaide, to multi-continent encompassing world cruises. > Taste local produce and shop for a bargain at Queen Victoria Market. Ships passing... > Take a helicopter tour and see the 12 Azamara: Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest Phoenix Reisen: Artania Apostles rock formations rising from the Southern Ocean. Carnival: Carnival Spirit, Carnival Legend, Prestige Cruises: Seven Seas Navigator, Ocean Dream Aurora Seven Seas Voyager > Travel the most famous road trip in the Costa: Costal Luminosa Princess Cruises: Dawn Princess, Sun Princess, world, the Great Ocean Road. Crystal Cruises: Crystal Symphony Sea Princess, Golden Princess, Emerald Princess, Diamond Princess > Watch seals play and see the sunset Cunard: Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria penguin parade on Phillip Island. Residences at Sea: The World Hapag Lloyd: Europa, Europa 2 > Pan for gold in Ballarat at Sovereign Hill. Royal Caribbean: Celebrity Solstice, Radiance Holland America: Maasdam, Noordam, of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, Explorer of > Wildlife encounter at Healesville Amsterdam, Oosterdam, Volendam the Seas, MS Insignia Sanctuary in the Yarra Valley. Insignia: Insignia Seabourn: Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Encore Norwegian: Norwegian Star, Norwegian Jewel > Go shopping in the quaint seaside villages Silver Seas: Silver Whisper, Silver Muse, and swim with the dolphins and sea- Oceania: MS Sirena Silver Shadow dragons on the Mornington Peninsula. P&O: Pacific Aria, Pacific Jewel, Star Cruises: Superstar Virgo Pacific Pearl, Pacific Eden, Pacific > Taste some of the best Shiraz and Pinot Explorer, Pacific Venus, Aurora Noirs in the Yarra Valley..