Melbourne Docklands: Your Ultimate Waterfront Escape

One of the overlooked perks of visiting the Docklands is the incredible variety of dining, shopping, and world-class entertainment, all set against stunning waterfront views — and all just a short distance from the hustle and bustle of the CBD.

Despite being only a 5-10 minute free tram ride from the city, Docklands feels like a world away. This Western suburb of Melbourne connects the city to the waterfront and is home to vibrant experiences at The District Docklands, where dining, shopping, and entertainment come together for a blockbuster day out. From immersive art at Artvo to augmented reality fun at Dreamscape, there’s so much to explore — and that’s just the beginning.

Marvel Stadium, with its sporting and concert events, is just around the corner, and you can even catch a ferry to Portarlington or Geelong with the Port Phillip Ferries service at Victoria Dock. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, there’s always something new to discover in the Docklands. Here’s our guide to this underrated hub.

Eat

---

HEARTLING

This is one of the most unique dining experiences in Docklands, a quiet revelation in mindful indulgence. With just 10 seats, HEARTLING transforms dumplings into edible art—delicate, multi-coloured, heart-shaped parcels brimming with seafood or plant-based perfection. The magic doesn’t stop there. Desserts arrive sculpted into intricate flowers and the like, each a masterpiece of flavour and form. Everything is crafted in small batches with the finest local ingredients, from zero-sugar, plant-based sweets to perfectly balanced cocktails. Sip on fragrant Kongfu tea, surrender to the serene atmosphere, and savour the experience. Book ahead—this one’s a rare gem.

32 Tom Thumb Lane, Docklands

ILZA Japanese Cafe

Suddenly hungry after exploring all the best things to do in the Docklands? Ilza Japanese Cafe brings Tokyo’s cosy kissaten culture to Melbourne’s brunch scene. This intimate spot plates up next-level sandos, steaming bowls of udon, and donburi that warms the soul. The cheese beef menchi curry? An umami bomb. Meanwhile, the drinks—strawberry matcha lattes, peanut butter lattes and orange lattes—are as gorgeous as they are delicious. With its minimalist charm and home-style Japanese flavours, Ilza is the kind of place that turns a quick lunch into a quiet moment of joy.

103/673 La Trobe Street, Docklands 

Miss Pings

You can’t go past Miss Pings for authentic Thai cuisine. A colourful, modern venue serving exciting dishes not found on traditional Thai menus, such as bao buns, crispy oyster omelettes, and sweet potato fries with coconut sriracha aioli. Traditional favourites like curries and fish cakes are also on point, alongside plant-based options like a green chicken curry and red duck curry.

Shop, CWG02/35 Star Crescent, Docklands 

Milkbar

This charming cafe, located in the lobby of the HOME residential precinct, situated right beside Marvel Stadium, offers wholesome, healthy meal options with a flair. Don’t miss their poached eggs on toast with sautéed greens, truffled white bean dip, and pistachio powder — part of their all-day brunch menu. Milkbar’s coffee, brewed by Mornington Peninsula’s Prodigal Coffee, pairs perfectly with the relaxed vibe. Plus, the in-house pantry is stocked with essentials, so you can grab something on the go.

150-170 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands 

Krabby’s Crab Boil

One of only two locations in Melbourne, take advantage of this enjoyable and unique dining experience at the Docklands, where you are invited to get messy while devouring crab dishes with a bib on and sleeves rolled up! Seafood lovers should race here to try Krabby’s perfectly seasoned seafood, and they have midweek specials too.

District Docklands CCF01, LEVEL 1/3-6 Star Circus, Docklands

Saluministi

Saluministi brings a slice of Italy to Docklands, and it’s pure, unfiltered panini perfection. This is not your average sandwich shop—think slow-roasted porchetta, house-made meatballs, and crispy cotoletta, all tucked into freshly baked ciabatta with just the right amount of crunch. Pair it with a strong Italian espresso or a refreshing chinotto, and suddenly, you’re transported to a sun-drenched piazza in Rome. Simple, authentic, and outrageously delicious.

892 Bourke Street, Docklands 

BangPop

Technically South Wharf, but too delicious to leave off our Docklands hit list, BangPop is a riot of colour, spice, and pure Thai soul. Think fiery larb, silky curries, and hawker-style bites crafted from top-tier Aussie produce, all served riverside with a killer cocktail in hand. Communal tables buzz, fragrant smoke wafts from the kitchen, and the energy is electric. Whether it’s a casual feast or a lively night out, BangPop brings Bangkok heat straight to Melbourne’s waterfront.

35 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf

Drink

---

Urban Alley Brewery

As the birthplace of Urban Alley Brewery, the Docklands venue continues to serve some of Melbourne’s freshest beers. With award-winning brews like the Urban Ale, it’s a must-visit for beer enthusiasts. Plus, with a lively pub atmosphere, you’ll find it hard to leave.

12 Star Circus, Docklands 

Doglands

Moon Dog’s fifth Melbourne location, Doglands, is set to be a pre-and-post-concert hotspot, located right on the Marvel Stadium concourse. Enjoy their fruity seltzers, craft beers, and a sophisticated food menu, including grazing boards and signature drinks in The Jungle Room terrace restaurant. Whether you’re here for the drinks or the vibrant atmosphere, it’s a spot you won’t forget.

685 La Trobe Street, Docklands

Cargo

Cargo is an all-day waterfront bar and beer garden in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. You will get a good view of the Yarra and city skyscrapers anywhere you sit. Their cocktails, including frozen versions and a Spicy Coconut Margarita, are perfect for sipping as you take in the view. Spanish Paella is a favourite dish, making this an all-day destination for great food and drinks.

55A Newquay Promenade, Docklands

Berth

With Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and an incredible waterside view, Berth offers a blissful setting to unwind. Enjoy cocktails while gazing over Victoria Harbour, and don’t miss their generously portioned meals, including the recommended sticky date pudding and steak. We’re eyeing off the tender lamb backstrap with labneh, kipfler potatoes, pickled shallot, herb salad, sumac, and jus.

Sitchu Tip: The $25 Express Lunch menu is a great deal if you’re in the area.

45 Newquay Promenade, Docklands

Play

---

Cow Up a Tree & The Docklands Public Art Walk

A cow. In a tree. It’s a sight that demands explanation. John Kelly’s “Cow Up a Tree” sculpture is a nod to Australia’s flood history—whimsical, absurd, and weirdly poetic. And it’s just the start of Docklands’ eclectic public art scene. Take a wander, and you’ll stumble upon towering sculptures, striking murals, and abstract pieces that challenge and amuse. It’s Melbourne’s knack for blending creativity with the unexpected—an open-air gallery where the city meets the avant-garde.

Marvel Stadium

A temple of sport and entertainment, Marvel Stadium is where AFL fanatics, concert-goers, and international sports lovers unite. With a retractable roof, you’re always guaranteed a game-day atmosphere—rain, hail, or shine. Whether you’re here for the footy, a blockbuster music gig, or a UFC showdown, the stadium’s electric energy is undeniable. Plus, Docklands’ restaurants and bars make for the perfect pre- or post-event pit stop. Grab a beer, soak up the buzz, and let the spectacle begin.

740 Bourke Street, Docklands

ArtVo Immersive Gallery

Art you can touch, pose with, and quite literally step into. ArtVo isn’t your typical gallery—it’s an interactive wonderland of optical illusions and mind-bending murals. One minute you’re surfing a monster wave, the next, you’re scaling a skyscraper or getting swallowed by a dragon. The 3D trick-art designs make for some seriously cool (and hilarious) photos, perfect for anyone who loves a bit of whimsy with their culture. Bring your best angles, get creative, and dive into the illusion.

Shop NCF 07, Level 1/26 Star Crescent, Docklands

GoBoat Melbourne & Yarra River Cruises

Why settle for watching the Yarra when you can float right on it? GoBoat lets you and your crew captain your own electric picnic boat—no license, no worries—just good company, a few drinks, and Melbourne’s skyline shimmering around you. If you’d rather let someone else do the driving, opt for a scenic river cruise instead, drifting past the city’s landmarks with a drink in hand. Either way, it’s the ultimate way to see Melbourne—slow, smooth, and effortlessly cool.

The District Docklands

Forget the soulless shopping malls—The District Docklands is an open-air precinct where retail therapy meets urban adventure. You’ll find everything from outlet stores and local boutiques to immersive experiences like Zero Latency VR and a Hoyts cinema with reclining seats. When hunger strikes, there’s a solid lineup of eats, from cheap and cheerful dumplings to a rooftop bar at the Marriott Docklands slinging cocktails with city views. It’s a little bit of everything—shopping, entertainment, and dining—wrapped up in Melbourne’s ever-evolving Docklands charm.

440 Docklands Drive, Docklands

Chocolate Painting at Yesign

Unleash your artistic side at Yesign, the world’s only gallery offering chocolate painting workshops. Express yourself through edible art and create your own masterpiece using chocolate. Enjoy a chocolate sampling, hot chocolate, and a 20% discount on chocolate products while admiring Young’s stunning chocolate artworks. It’s a unique experience that’s both fun and relaxing.

The District Docklands, 3 Wharf Street, Docklands

Saboteurs

Step into the world of immersive gaming at Saboteurs, where you and your friends can play real-life versions of popular online games like Among Us. Strategically complete tasks in a maze while avoiding imposters, using interactive elements like a moving floor and smoke effects. It’s an exhilarating experience for kids and adults alike, with sessions ranging from 40 to 70 minutes.

101 Waterfront Way, Docklands

O’Brien Icehouse

Docklands is home to O’Brien’s Ice Skating Rink, Australia’s largest ice arena, which hosts national and international figure skating events. It’s the place to be when the temperatures are blazing, as it is always 16 degrees inside. For nervous beginners, a staff member is around in the rink to give you tips and answer any questions you may have about ice skating. You can hire aids to help build confidence. With the venue open until late, past 9pm on most nights, it’s a great post-dinner activity to burn off some of the energy after eating at the nearby restaurants in the Docklands District precinct.

Ground/105 Pearl River Road, Docklands 

Endota Wellness College and Student Spa Clinic

Relax and rejuvenate at the Endota College student clinic, where you can enjoy a professional massage at a fraction of the price. It’s a win-win: you get a top-notch treatment while supporting students in their training. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day exploring Docklands.

The District, Docklands Shopping Centre Level 1, Shop F01 Wharf Street, Docklands 

Library at the Dock

Ever wandered into a library and thought, This place is actually pretty cool? Welcome to Library at The Dock—where books, creativity, and waterfront views collide. This isn’t just a library; it’s a sleek, sun-drenched space with panoramic vistas of Victoria Harbour, an epic recording studio, and a gallery showcasing local talent. Read, create, or just soak in the vibe—whatever you do, do it with a coffee in hand, staring out at the boats. It’s proof that Docklands isn’t just glass towers—it’s got soul.

107 Victoria Harbour Promenade, Docklands 

Webb Bridge

A bridge that’s more than just a way to get from A to B, Webb Bridge is where architecture, art, and urban storytelling collide. Designed by Denton Corker Marshall and artist Robert Owen, this striking pedestrian bridge weaves across the Yarra like an ancient fishing net—a nod to the area’s Indigenous heritage. Walk or cycle through its futuristic curves at sunset, when the city skyline glows and Docklands feels almost poetic.

From world-class eats to striking public art and breezy waterfront adventures, Docklands is a place that keeps you coming back for more. Take a stroll, grab a drink, soak up the skyline, and let this ever-evolving neighbourhood surprise you. For more fun adventures around Melbourne, be sure to keep up-to-date with our weekend guide, as well as these bayside restaurants worth their weight in fresh seafood gold.