Container gateway · Australia
Port of Melbourne
Melbourne is a container gateway on the Port Phillip Bay (Bass Strait) in Australia (Oceania). Below: key facts, how it connects with Vietnam and what to prepare when shipping through it.
Key facts
- Country / territory
- Australia
- UN/LOCODE
- AUMEL
- Port type
- Container gateway
- Region
- Oceania
- Waters
- Port Phillip Bay (Bass Strait)
- Coordinates
- 37.83°S, 144.92°E
- Container throughput
- No verified figure published here
- Sea distance from Vietnam
- approx. 4,470 nm
About the port of Melbourne
Melbourne is Australia’s largest container port, serving Victoria and much of south-eastern Australia.
Melbourne is a container gateway: most boxes handled are imports and exports for its own hinterland, carried on mainline and regional services.
Role in trade with Vietnam
Australia and New Zealand are served from Vietnam on Asia–Oceania services, directly or via Singapore; strict biosecurity rules apply on arrival.
Sea routes and transit times from Vietnam
Estimated port-to-port distances and transit times on typical routings. Actual schedules depend on the service and its port rotation.
| Route | Distance | Transit (direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Cai Mep – Thi Vai → Melbourne | 4,470 | 11–15 days |
Shipping lines
Most global carriers and regional lines serve this region. We check current services and space for your shipment when quoting. All shipping lines →
Customs and documentation tips
- Make sure the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and customs declaration show consistent descriptions, HS codes, quantities and weights.
- Agree the Incoterms® rule and who arranges freight, insurance and destination charges before booking.
- Choose the bill of lading type (original, telex release or sea waybill) according to the payment terms with your buyer or supplier.
- Declare the verified gross mass (VGM) of each container before the carrier’s cut-off, as required by SOLAS.
- Check destination import requirements early: licences, product standards, labelling, fumigation or phytosanitary certificates where applicable.
- For Australia, biosecurity requirements apply to packaging and timber; wooden packaging must be ISPM 15 treated and marked.
Vietnam has free trade agreements with Australia that may reduce import duties with a valid proof of origin: RCEP, CPTPP, AANZFTA. Vietnam’s free trade agreements →
Frequently asked questions about Melbourne
Where is the port of Melbourne?
Melbourne is in Australia, on the Port Phillip Bay (Bass Strait), in the Oceania shipping region.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Melbourne?
The UN/LOCODE commonly used for Melbourne is AUMEL. Check the exact terminal or location code required by the carrier when booking.
How long does sea freight take from Vietnam to Melbourne?
On a typical routing from Cai Mep – Thi Vai, the sea distance is about 4,470 nautical miles and a direct service takes roughly 11–15 days port to port. Services with transshipment take longer.
What documents are needed to ship via Melbourne?
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, plus any certificates required by the destination (origin, phytosanitary, fumigation, licences). Advance cargo filings may apply before loading.
Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from Melbourne?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Melbourne through our carrier contracts and agent network. Send us your cargo details for a quote.
Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking. Data as of October 2026.