community
Port Melbourne's Guided Boat Tours and Dock Experiences Await Visitors
Port Melbourne offers guided boat tours of the docks and hands-on activities at sites such as Princes Pier and Bay Street.
How we reported this
Port Open Day Boat Tours depart from Docklands at Harbour Lights Point to view Victoria, Appleton and Webb Docks, with commentary supplied by Port of Melbourne staff. The tours run as part of the limited public schedule that occurs three times each year through the Port Open Day and Open House Melbourne programs.
These outings draw on the suburb's role as a working port area where residents combine waterfront access with nearby creative and recreational options. The three annual dates give locals and visitors a scheduled way to see the docks without relying on private arrangements.
Maritime walks and pier visits
Historic tours focus on Princes Pier, once an immigrant gateway, and Station Pier, Melbourne’s main passenger terminal since the nineteenth century. Walkers can follow the 22-kilometre Port Heritage Trail for ship spotting and maritime history stops along the route. The same trail connects to the Bay Trail for cycling and jogging that extends past Port Melbourne Beach and its boardwalk.
Edwards Park adds weekend mini horse rides for families, while AUS KART Indoor Go Karting supplies racing sessions for groups. These activities sit within reach of Bay Street, the central strip lined with restaurants, boutiques and health studios.
Creative sessions and markets
Interactive options include MetArtWorld exhibitions, Blockhaus Bouldering sessions, Glow-in-the-Dark Paint and Sip events, and cooking classes run by Luv-a-Duck and Sourdough. The third Saturday of every month brings the farmers market to the area, and Feast & Flow at Half Acre serves a bottomless brunch buffet on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 5:30 pm.
Starward Distillery remains open for visits in the back streets as an industrial heritage site. Public boat tours stay restricted to the three yearly dates, while industry tours continue separately for professional groups. Residents can check the Port of Melbourne site and visitportmelbourne.com for the next available dates and booking details.