Getting around Docklands

Docklands was not designed to be a car friendly. Anyone complaining about driving in Docklands is obviously not aware of this or in denial.

Harbour Esplanade is the main arterial route through Docklands and it is a single lane. It starts from Montague St, Charles Grimes Bridge and goes through to Dudley St. However, it is not possible to traverse in the opposite direction back to Wurundjeri Way.  

Once you are in Docklands, the only way out  is via Dudley St, LaTrobe St or Collins St. You can also try Bourke St, where it terminates on busy Wurundjeri Way.

So until the driverless car becomes available in Docklands, consider travel by public transport.

With the introduction of the free tram zone in the CBD at the beginning of this year, it has never been easier to get to or around Docklands. There are frequent trams to NewQuay and Waterfront City with the City Circle tram, route 30 via LaTrobe St, route 70 via Flinders St and route 86 via Bourke St/LaTrobe St. Access into Victoria Harbour/Collins St is as easy as route 48 and 11. You just need know what part of Docklands you are wanting and get on the right tram!

There are no long waits for a tram during normal hours. My experience has been that on approaching a tram stop – there is usually one coming. However, seeing a tram does not mean you will catch it, I have discovered!  Due to safety reasons it almost impossible to position yourself for the best access to the tram stop. I usually find myself approaching from behind the tram and having to run the full length of the platform in order to catch the tram.

If you are lucky enough to approach a tram from the front of the platform you have a much better chance of success. It is curious to reflect that because of the tram frequency, I find I have to run to catch a tram more often than I have to wait for one. It is better to have missed a tram than not catch one at all!

Trams still not frequent enough for you? Have you considered the bike share scheme? What an underutilised resource this is. For $58 a year you can purchase an access key that enables you to use the bikes for up to 40 minutes at a time without further charge.

Most trips around the CBD can be completed in that time. You only need know where the bike stations are located and plan your trips accordingly.

In Docklands there are a number of stations. There is one in Docklands Drive close to Harbour Town. One on the corner of NewQuay Promenade, another over in Victoria Harbour next to NAB and one next to ANZ in Collins St. There is one behind the Mission to Seafarers building next to Seafarers Bridge and another over at Yarra’s Edge. I reckon that covers Docklands perfectly. Maybe one more near the Icehouse and Costco. No need for trams when you have a bike share key! Why not get one today!

Still wedded to the car? It is only a matter of time before we see the emergence of the driverless car –  even an electric driverless car! What a game-changer that is going to be, and how well suited to Docklands’ conditions. Imagine a queue of empty driverless cars in a continuous circuit. Simply jump in the next available empty one, key in your destination, sit back and relax!