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).

Centrally-located station for trains, metro, and busses. The Sky Bus from MEL came here. We also…read moretook a metro day trip from this station. There were many convenient food options.

Large transportation area. Easy to get lost. Bus transport is in the garage to the right. Not…read moreeasily accessible bathrooms located in that area so go before getting all the way down there. Trolley stops in front but need to cross the busy intersection. Trolley goes easily into downtown and plenty of cabs in the area. Large shopping complex next door for browsing

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

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

Excellent customer service on 1 May morning about 9.15am. Frank volunteered to help me with a large…read moresuitcase to find a ramp to Steward Str, to exit and to load my suitcase to my friends car. Thank you very much Frank a visitor to Melbourne from North Queenslad

This is an incredibly busy railway station, especially a peak time, namely because pretty much…read moreevery train coming in from, or going to, the Eastern Suburbs stops here. It is actually rather convenient in a way since it allows you to change trains where necessary, especially to avoid the crush at the stations in the city. Mind you, as a railway station, he really is in need for a complete makeover because it does happen to be incredibly grotty.

And another random railway station that I'm reviewing. Well, random is probably not the best word…read moreto describe this as that would involve me getting off the train just to review a railway station, and that isn't something that I am really all that keen to do. However, this station wasn't too bad. It's been renovated and also quite clean, and near some pretty decent shops as well.

Ahhh. Balaclava. I used to love getting on and off the train at Balaclava station. OKay, not the…read morewalk down or up those long ramps, that could be a bit painful. But getting off at Balaclava always felt a bit like being in a rock video. First a couple of orthodox jews would get off, all dressed in black and wearing those awesome hats they wear. Then a tough old lesbian couple. Then maybe a backpacker or two, and then finally me. And I'd maybe stop for a coffee, listening to the relaxing thunder of the trains passing overhead, and I'd be happy.

The good things about this station is that it is pretty accessible, and in a way that you don't…read moreneed to add anything to it. It is also one of the older stations in Melbourne, which I have to admit is pretty cool. However, the one issue that I do have with it is the complete lack of facilities. It is pretty close to some decent places, but it would be nice if it actually had a restroom.

Honestly, I should be giving this place a lower rating than I have, basically due to governments…read moretrying to do things on the cheap. This is basically a major interchange station. Well, sort of since the lines only branch off in two directions. However, they will be bypassing this station for the new metro, which really annoys me, considering that this is a pretty major station. However, there isn't all that much around here anyway so I guess I can forgive them for that.

A great older style station, good ramps to platforms a hub for southern stations in particular…read morebeach stations and you can buy regional rail tickets here! #8 tram at its entrance is a bonus close to Chapel Street shops! Overall a premium station so that bit safer as well!

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.