During my recent visit to Melbourne, members of our group lived this local phrase: "I'll meet you…read moreunder the clocks". We also walked under the station when walking to and from our Southbank Hotel to parts of the Central Business District.

(Visited 12/16/24 MO @ 11:00am): This railway station was a find along the street we were walking…read moredown! A friend and I were on Day 3 of our 12-Day Southern Australia Explorer cruise with Princess Cruises, we took the local train into town for some casual exploration, and after a stop at Federation Square, we proceeded to Flinders Street Railway Station. The station was named after renowned Capt. Matthew Flinders, a Royal Navy officer, navigator, and cartographer, who led the first inshore circumnavigation of mainland Australia then called New Holland, was also credited as the first person to to utilize the name "Australia" to describe the entirety of the continent. This was Australia's oldest train station, and with its prominent green copper dome, distinctive yellow facade, arched entrance, and clocks, it was one of Melbourne's most recognizable landmarks. The station was completed in 1910, and the upper floors were purpose-built to house a library, gym, and lecture hall, later used as a ballroom. Its 708-meter main platform was the fourth longest railway platform in the world. A noted heritage site, it was one of the busiest suburban railway stations in the Southern Hemisphere with over 1,500 trains and 110,000 commuters passing through each day. With all of these historical facts, were we impressed by this famously-named railway station!? PURCHASE We didn't spend any money here, but of course the main financial transactions were for ride fares. Because we didn't go inside, I couldn't say whether or not there were other opportunities to separate you from your money! SERVICE Again, we didn't venture inside, so I imagined there were staffers around, and hopefully, the trains ran on time (which I suspected they did) - 'nuff said. PARKING (Varied; N/A this instance) I wouldn't suspect any onsite parking simply because of the nature of this transit center. Most passengers and people would either be already on a train, had taken public transportation to this station, or simply walked. Otherwise, if you needed to park for whatever reason, there was a large onsite lot at nearby Federation Square at various rates ($8.00AUD - $64.00AUD) based on day, event, reason, and time. Additionally, there appeared to be a decent amount of parking on all surrounding streets (please note any posted signs) - 'nuff said. ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE A large street corner ornate building https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=xBsRBjr9EhC3_GK3S0WzHg that was visible from blocks in either direction, based on pictures I've seen the interior was somewhat modern with all of the standard amenities afforded a train terminal. Tickets windows, train schedules, clocks, and paths that branched out in many directions to their respective platforms, this was a sight to see. Minimal natural lighting entered through the stained-glass windows and entrances, while numerous electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. I couldn't say whether or not there were any TVs or any background music except for the sounds of the trains and outside street traffic. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=mJaGBCG31dXRhgFWJjeBJA ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL There was such a charming historic feel about the Flinders Street Railway Station that I only appreciated from the outside having not looked in. I wished I hopped onto a train that took me through the station, but on this day it was crowded with people which was very unappealing to me. There were also interesting lore and stories (ghosts!?) to research for some good tales. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $0.00AUD / $0.00USD BEFORE any discounts/tip). And, although they accepted credit cards, not mine of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS

A tucked away station right under a beautiful shopping centre in the middle of Melbourne city. All…read morethe favourite shops are in Melbourne Central, many coffee shops. Look up when walking through the building... Beautiful, the skyline is incredible and the huge clock is impressive. This is all before the station. The station is further underground and easily labelled. For someone who doesn't know Melbourne I am getting around ok.

Well, I've written about Flinders Street Station and Southern Cross Station, so I probably should…read moresay a few works about Melbourne Central Station. If I were to sum it up in one word and that would be convenient. Okay, it is convenient for me since I work in the building that sits on top of this railway station, so getting to work in the morning is an absolute breeze. While it isn't Melbourne's only subway station, it is certainly one of the best, especially since it opens out into a shopping centre, and the trains, at least on weekdays, are pretty frequent. It is also really close to RMIT, Cinemas, the State Library, and countless of other places. I probably should warn you that the ticket inspectors do position themselves just outside the barrier gates in the morning (and just inside during the evening) so make sure you either carry a concession card, or at least have a working ticket (which can be a bit of a gamble at times especially since Melbourne's ticketing system can be pretty error prone). The biggest gripe I have about this station though is that the trains don't run through to Southern Cross Station - which is really annoying when I am heading their straight from work (I usually end up walking).

Big spacious train terminal that caters to regional trains, etc…read more East to navigate thru and have information maps. They also have a good sound system. Clean restrooms, and several food kiosks and shops. It is also next to an outlet mall.

In A Nutshell:…read more -Southern Cross Station is New York Grand Central Station is Taipei Main Station is Tokyo Station is Roma Termini Station. -Can be the potential Google Transit Village in San Jose. -Catch my drift? Overall, this is the main hub of transportaion in a very busy part of town that connects all forms of transport in/out of Melbourne.

This is a major interchange station in Melbourne, which means that trains are regularly coming…read morethrough here. So, of course, it is a boon for those who live in the area, especially since they can catch some express trains. The station itself is quite nice as well, capturing the old days of train travel. Yeah, I really do like this station, even if the local area isn't all that great.

Metro operates the suburban train network in Melbourne, and since they have taken over from Connex…read moreabout a year and a half ago; Melburnians have seen an improvement in their train service and running times; although in saying this there is still a fair amount of work that needs to be done on their end. They are getting there. From my experiences of using the Metro to get to various inner city locations in Melbourne, and even as far as Glen Waverley I could not fault the service; even though I have predominantly only used this service on weekends. Their ticket machines occasionally have problems with the Myki card; so a Metcard would be a better card to use on this service, although the latter card does not give you as much value for money as a Myki does. Furthermore the train stations are clean, and so are the trains. It is great that there is minimal (if any graffiti) on the Metro services unlike Sydney trains, although they have improved slightly. On weekends I have found that the trains in Melbourne arrive and depart on time sometimes, although from lunchtime onwards they get a bit too crowded and you would be lucky to have a seat. It would be good if seats can be turned over in the direction you are travelling in if you don't want to ride backwards.

To have your rail staff congregate at The iconic Flinders Street station and sit on milk crates is…read morea disgrace at our national landmark! Tourists, commuters, children are subjected to passive smoke as they enter or exit the station! Shame when advised that they have a break area but management won't take action! Area is littered with cigarette butts and all

This is basically a university station, namely because it happens to be located right next to a…read moreuniversity. Okay, the trains don't always stop here, and there isn't all that much in the way of facilities, expect for the shopping mall that happen to be located beneath it, and it is a pretty cool shopping mall as well. Oh, and the station buildings are also quite nice.

Like most train stations in Melbourne Glenferrie Station is packed in peak times. CBD workers and…read moreschool children clog the station and the train carriages in the morning and afternoon. The station suffers from enormous numbers of school kids and students from Swinburne, but it isn't really a problem until you get onto the trains. The Lilydale, Belgrave and Alamein lines all come through here so to get to another destination you'll have to head further in and then transfer to another train line. During the late nights watch out for crowds around Cheers and Room the local hot spots. I'm not aware of any problems but it's always good to note that there are people drinking in venues close by.

The station that reminds me most of the London underground…read morebut a bit more sleek and modern, the longest of treks, and the station that has the weirdest exit and entry points in all of Australia. Not to mention the 75 degree gradient (I think) escalators. But yes its both bland and utilitarian as Dominic C mentions. It could also serve as a set to a science fiction movie. It's a strange place here.

It does the job by having trains (most of the time) and platforms..... Limited amenities, a long…read moreway underground and really a rather bland utilitarian bit of infrastructure

Such a Fascinating cinema I almost felt I was time-traveling back to the 50's - 60's. The front…read morearea is huge, well-carpeted resting area where we could sit there at any time as wished. Total in 6 movie theaters, upstairs is even more impressive, like a memorabilia hall of fame, full of movie posts back in the golden age time. Concessions including a bar & restaurant, upstairs balcony open air service bar, it is welcomes even you simply just wanna have a drink! Highly recommend cinema No. 1, it has most sophisticated Atom Full Surround effects, most of the blockbuster premieres are showing inside first. Such a pleasant experience, cheers!

After its long awaited refurbishment in early 2000, The Rivoli Cinemas opened its doors to the…read morepublic boasting an 8 screen multiplex (originally 2). The complex really is a realignment of the old and the new, with the art deco architecture style being defined through out its interior extending to its rooftop bar area and remaining the focus of the building in its entirety. Aside from being able to view the screens latest hits, The Rivoli screens many other films with less exposure and usually of an Art House genre. By far its real selling point and often a great place to entertain includes the Rivoli Rooftop Bar: Open Friday, Saturdays & Sundays - subject to change depending to weather. Rivoli roof garden and heritage foyer are also available for functions.

Worst public transport ever!…read more Trains never on time or cancelled with no notice as well as the cherry on top when they terminate the train at random stops and basically give commuters no idea on what how to get home Total rip off for the service we should only pay 50c a trip

I will keep this short…read more I get that stuff happens, trains delayed, cancelled, stopped off at DJ's for the mega home wares sale. Normal stuff. But please Metro can you learn the art of COMMUNICATION !!!

I often travel by tram on the No. 67 route and have done so for many years. There is a female…read moredriver who works from the Glenhuntly Road deposit and her name is Bronnie. Her driving skills are exemplary and being a passenger on her shift is a pleasure. She is obviously a very experienced driver and this shows at all times. She never takes unnecessary risks and each time, the ride is smooth and calm. She interacts with the passengers and is always helpful. We need more drivers like her on Yarra trams Thank you very much Bronnie. Yvonne

Trams are one of the many things that distinguish our beautiful city. For tourists, they are a…read morefantastic way to get around and explore both the Central Business District and some of the inner city suburbs, that boast some true delights that Melbourne has to offer - like Lygon st, St Kilda, and Chapel st. For locals, they are a great way to navigate a grid style city, with access to train stations and frequent services. They also run quite frequently and on many streets have their own tram line seperate from car lanes. I think public transport in Melbourne is overall a little overpriced, though your pass will give you passage on the tram, bus and train lines. But the trams are super convenient, easy to jump on and off with frequent stops, and are usually fairly clean. Id definitely recommend avoiding using them at peak hour, if you can.Those things wil get mighty crowded.