PORT MELBOURNE
The Port Melbourne lifestyle is an inventory of the best bits of being a Melburnian.
Station Pier is a major transport hub which is used by the Spirit of Tasmania passenger and vehicle ferry, as well as a number of luxury cruise ships and naval vessels. The waterfront area at the entrance to Station Pier is a popular part of Port Melbourne. There are restaurants and cafes which overlook the water, walking and cycling paths along the coast, paved squares, lawns and a supermarket. The tram line which links Port Melbourne with Melbourne's CBD has its terminus here.
Princes Pier, located just to the west of Station Pier, was opened in 1915 and functioned as a major arrival dock for immigrants. These days, this wide pier preserves the heritage gatehouse and has been turned into an area of public open space with a central lawn. The end part of the pier has its decking removed, exposing the original supporting posts which have become a sculptural icon.
Port Melbourne has significant areas of parkland. Edwards Park is located on Liardet Street and dates back to the early 1900s. It has radial paths lined by large palm trees, extensive lawns, garden beds and a playground. Across the road is Lagoon Reserve which sits on the site of a former lagoon and has native gardens and a sports oval. Garden City Reserve is located in the Beacon Cove residential area and features pathways through lightly treed laws, a large playground, picnic areas and BBQs. A landmark within this reserve is the 26 metre high white lighthouse which was built in 1924 and stands directly in line with a smaller lighthouse located in the bay which marks the centre of the Port Melbourne Channel. Westgate Park is a large bush oasis with lakes and wetlands that is surrounded by industrial areas and bordered by the West Gate Freeway.
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