Port Melbourne
The port city of Melbourne, Australia, is a significant cruise ship destination. Being the second-largest city and the cultural hub of Australia, Melbourne offers a unique blend of the old and new, with its Victorian architecture and modern skyscrapers. The Station Pier in Port Melbourne caters to both international and domestic cruise ships, providing tourists with easy access to the city's main attractions.
The cruise ship industry contributes greatly to Melbourne’s economy. On average, a cruise ship visit contributes A$1 million to the local economy. Each year, over 100 cruise ships dock at Melbourne's Station Pier, bringing in thousands of tourists who contribute significantly to the city's tourism industry through their spending on local goods, services, and attractions. The city's hospitality, retail, and entertainment sectors also benefit from the inflow of cruise ship passengers.
History
The Port of Melbourne is the largest port for containerised and general cargo in Australia. It was established in 1835 by settlers from Van Diemen's Land (modern-day Tasmania). Its creation was a result of the Victorian gold rush in the 1850s, which significantly increased the number of ships visiting the port.
Over the years, the port has seen significant changes. The Channel Deepening Project between 2008 and 2009, for instance, was a notable development. It aimed at deepening the shipping channels in the Port Phillip Bay to allow larger ships to enter the port. In 2016, the Victorian Government leased the port to the private sector for a period of 50 years, a move that has led to further modernisation and expansion.