Southern Cross — Local services in Melbourne

Southern Cross Station – Where Time Wears a Uniform

There is no place in Melbourne quite like Southern Cross Station.

It hums — not the gentle purr of purpose, but the low, mechanical growl of something ancient pretending to be modern. Trains arrive. Trains depart. People run, always run, clutching bags and phones and vague directions. The overhead lights flicker in resignation, like gods trying to remember why they created this place in the first place.

I was there not to travel but to witness. I had no ticket. Just time to kill — and this station is where time goes to be killed.

Every screen buzzed with half-truths. Platform changes flickered faster than a gambler’s fortunes. My intended train was on platform 7. Then, platform 11. Then, platform 7 again. No one looked surprised. It is not a station for joy or reunions. It is a station for moving on, in all meanings of the phrase.

I stood near the edge of one platform and watched the silver machines scream past. In one, a man sat perfectly still, his eyes forward, unblinking, as though preserved in formaldehyde. In another, a woman wept silently into her sleeve. In the next — empty seats, save for a coat left behind like the shell of something once warm.

And then he was beside me.

Graven M. Ravenhurst, Esq., coat immaculate, gloves untouched by soot or grime. He did not board any train. He did not glance at the boards. He simply looked down the dark, gaping tunnel with something like familiarity. Nostalgia, perhaps. Or mourning.

He remained still for a moment longer, eyes fixed down the tunnel — as if watching a memory, not a train.

"I once boarded a locomotive in Prague, or perhaps it was Prague-shaped. It promised Budapest and delivered a battlefield. There was a goat on board, I think, and a conductor with too many eyes. I disembarked with slightly fewer regrets and one additional finger."

He turned to me, eyes gleaming like ancient lanterns, and spoke softly:

“Every track leads somewhere, but not every passenger arrives.”

And then — gone.

Not vanished, this time. Simply… not there anymore. As though he had stepped between frames of a film I wasn’t meant to see.

Only his calling card remained, wedged neatly between two rusting bolts on the railing.

Graven M. Ravenhurst, Esq. Wayfarer of Shadows & Observer of Terminal Moments. Written in elegant handwriting: “Delay not the inevitable. It knows your platform.”

TL;DR: Southern Cross Station is a central transport hub with impressive scale, but it struggles with cleanliness, maintenance, and comfort. While architecturally significant, issues like overcrowding, poor air circulation, and frequent service changes often detract from the commuter experience. Expect to triple-check your platform, and don't expect the 1558 train to Werribee to depart from the same platform daily. It WILL change. Be, above all...

There are lots of critics but I love Southern Cross Station. It's modern with lots of open spaces. It's a major Melbourne Transport hub with metropolitan, regional and interstate (Sydney, Adelaide) trains, and regional and interstate buses (V/Line, Firefly and Greyhound) as well as Skybus transfers to/from Tullamarine and Avalon airports.

There are heaps of food and drink outlets like Boost Juice, Degani, Gloria Jeans, Hungry Jacks, Red Rooster and Subway, and even supermarkets (7-Eleven and Woolworths), convenience, pharmacy, books, stationery and giftware stores, as well as car rental (Avis, Budget, Eurocar, Thrifty).

Getting to/from Southern Cross Station is also fairly easy as the station is very close to a number of different tram stops on the Melbourne Tram Network and there's also a taxi rank right out the front.

It's a modern station but I think that the information about train departures isn't really that clear, in fact, it's mostly confusing. For example, if you want to know which platform to get to say Montmorency, you first have to know which line that station is on, in this case Hurstbridge. To work out which platform to catch a train to Moorabbin you have to know that Moorabbin is on the Frankston line. Sheeesh, give me a break. They should have touch screen facilities strategically located throughout the station, or provide a smartphone app, so that you can enter a destination station and the app tells you hich platform and train to get, simples!!!

Tips: This is a large transport hub and perhaps some of these tips might help you.

(1) Parking: Well Wilson Parking is available at 163-235 Spencer Street with entry via Cnr Lonsdale and Spencer Streets. It's expensive for example $9 up to 1/2hr but $45 for 4+hrs but cheaper, only $18, if you're an early bird on Mon-Fri in 6-9:30am and out 10:30am-6:30pm

(2) If you need to store your luggage then there are Luggage lockers located in areas throughout the station and prices range from $6 for 3hrs or $12 per day so 7 days will cost you $84. Lockers overdue by more than 24 hours are cleared and you'll have to pay $50 to recover these items from the Luggage Hall but Items not claimed for more than 7 days will be considered as lost property.

(3) For Lost Property you should immediately contact the Luggage Hall open daily between 6am - 10pm, call on 03 9619 2588 . They only keep lost items for a max of 60 days.

(4) If you need Aid or Support services such as rest areas, assistance to elderly and disable people in getting around the station safely and help for travellers in crisis,...

Melbourne Southern Cross Station is a remarkable transportation hub that offers a seamless and convenient experience for travelers. Located in the heart of Melbourne, this station serves as a gateway to various destinations, both within the city and beyond.

One of the standout features of Melbourne Southern Cross Station is its modern and well-designed infrastructure. The station boasts spacious and clean platforms, making it easy for passengers to navigate and find their way. The signage is clear and informative, ensuring that travelers can easily locate their desired trains or buses.

The station is also equipped with a wide range of amenities to enhance the overall travel experience. From a variety of dining options to convenient shopping outlets, there is something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a place to relax before your journey, Melbourne Southern Cross Station has you covered.

Another notable aspect of this station is its excellent connectivity. It serves as a major transportation hub, providing seamless connections between trains, trams, and buses. This makes it incredibly convenient for travelers to reach their desired destinations within Melbourne or even venture out to other parts of Australia.

Furthermore, the staff at Melbourne Southern Cross Station are friendly, professional, and always ready to assist. They are knowledgeable about the station's facilities and services, ensuring that passengers have a smooth and hassle-free experience. Their dedication to customer service is truly commendable.

Overall, Melbourne Southern Cross Station is a top-notch transportation hub that offers a range of amenities, excellent connectivity, and exceptional customer service. Whether you're a local commuter or a visitor exploring Melbourne, this station provides a seamless and enjoyable...