DFO South Wharf luggage storage

About DFO South Wharf

Melbourne’s Direct Factory Outlet (or DFO) is one of the many attractions in its South Wharf District. Situated on the Yarra River near the CBD, the South Wharf is where Melbourne’s convention center and entertainment district are situated. A huge part of that is the city’s largest mall, the DFO South Wharf. 

With almost 200 stores, the shopping possibilities are essentially endless. Whether it’s through designer outlets or department stores, essentially every luxury brand can be found at DFO South Wharf. Even better, you’ll find Australian labels not found anywhere else. 

The food court is one of its finest features, with a selection of unique restaurants that most travelers won’t be familiar with (but will certainly be craving back home). There are also upscale restaurants and bars that absolutely elevate the shopping experience. The complex also includes premium accommodations based around the convention center, such as the luxury Novotel Hotel, which has one of the nicest hotel restaurants in Melbourne. 

In order to navigate the expansive offerings, DFO’s website and onsite information make it easy to find what you’re looking for and pinpoint where the store is. Being such a massive place, there are plenty of other amenities as well. Bag storage, parking, access to hotels, and other features make the DFO shopping experience quite smooth. The South Wharf complex is fairly easy to get to via public transportation, as it’s situated just across the Yarra River from Southern Cross Station, the CBD, and Free Tram Zone and is serviced by trains, buses, and easy parking. 

DFO South Wharf bag policy 

The mall doesn’t have any bag policies in place that would prohibit bringing luggage inside. But dragging your roller bag would only hinder your shopping, so it’s preferable to find a place to keep the bags while you shop and dine around this massive shopping center. There are fortunately luggage storage options onsite (more on that below). Availability might be limited. DFO South Wharf is one of the largest Melbourne, Victoria, malls, and one of the most popular shopping centers in Australia, so it makes sense how amenities like their lockers will be used up. 

Are there luggage lockers at South Wharf DFO?

The facilities for luggage storage DFO South Wharf has are fairly reliable, with a number of lockers situated in the tourist lounge on the ground floor across from the JB HiFi. These, however, are on a first-come, first-served basis, and bag size is limited.  

Is DFO South Wharf a free tram zone?

Unfortunately, DFO South Wharf isn’t located within Melbourne’s Free Tram Zone. That doesn’t make it any less accessible via public transportation. Luckily, nearby destinations like the Crown Towers and convention center bring in enough traffic to justify expanded infrastructure. The whole South Wharf district enjoys easy access to the rest of Melbourne.

Is DFO South Wharf dog-friendly?

While service animals are allowed on the premises, pets are unfortunately not allowed inside DFO South Wharf. If you have a special need that needs to be met, check with customer service ahead of time before traveling to DFO South Wharf with your service animal or dog. 

How to get to DFO South Wharf

DFO South Wharf’s official address is 20 Convention Centre Pl South Wharf. It’s directly next to Melbourne Convention Centre, which makes it hard to miss. It’s highly accessible via a variety of transportation options. Here are a few: 

• Tram: There isn’t a train station onsite at South Wharf, but it’s connected to the rest of the city via the 70 (stopping at Flinders Street Train Station), 96, and 112 tram lines. Once dropped off, it’s simple to find where you’re going between the Convention Centre and the DFO. 
• Bus: There are plenty of bus lines that run through South Wharf, including the 234 to Garden City, the 235 and 237 that run through the CBD to Queen Victoria Market, and 232 to the northern suburbs. Buses can be convenient ways to go small distances, and a one-way ride only costs $4. 
• Taxi and rideshare: This one is very common, especially for business travelers heading to and from Melbourne Convention Centre. The average cab ride from the airport will take between 25 and 30 minutes and cost $40. From the CBD, it’s a quick ride at only a few minutes and around $15. Taxis will be lined up outside the Convention Centre, and rideshares are readily available in this part of the city. 
• Parking and prices: If you’re renting a car, the South Wharf District is easy to get to from around the city. Parking will cost about $14 an hour, with a 2-day maximum for how long you can keep your car there. The nearby hotels will have their own parking accommodations if you’re planning on staying long-term. There is a shopping discount that can be validated at any retailer. You can also plan ahead and pay for your parking online, with a steep discount of $18 per day. 

Things to do near DFO South Wharf

Royal Botanic Gardens 

Simply put, Aussies love their green spaces. Basically, every major Australian city's top attraction is either a world-class zoo or a massive botanical garden. Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens are chock-full of exotic plants imported from either the far reaches of the globe or indigenous selections from down under. The airy greenhouses and facilities are Victorian masterpieces, and the acres of trails explore different climates and themes. The whole place is free to tour, and you can use the spacious lawns for everything from frisbee to a picnic. 

Queen Victoria Market 

DFO South Wharf is an incredible shopping destination, but Melbourne’s most beloved retail space has to be the historic Queen Victoria Market in the CBD. Part farmer’s market, part shopping arcade, the Queen Victoria Market is lined with stalls selling all manner of artisanal products. The QVM is perhaps most popular as a night market when pop-up bars, food trucks, vintage shops, and live music all turn this place into the trendiest spot in Melbourne. 

South Melbourne Market 

This 19th-century market has been continuously operated since 1867. The fact that it remains a vital part of Melbourne's daily life is a testament to the vitality of South Melbourne Market. It’s a massive market with a maze of stalls where local producers sell their wares to both hungry commuters and even restaurateurs looking to source ingredients. Sure, the products on offer have changed a bit. While there are still stalls selling produce and seafood, many stalls are selling artisanal olives and cheeses. Some of the most popular offerings are vendors slinging everything from Vietnamese street food and Chinese dim sum to traditional fish and chips. If you’re looking for a fun place to grab a bite, but aren’t sure exactly what you have a hankering for, South Melbourne Market should be your first port of call. 

 Check out Melbourne’s best street art at Hosier Lane 

Melbourne’s youthful culture has made the capital of Victoria a premier destination for trendy travelers. One of the go-to spots for hip locals and visitors to hang out is Hosier Lane, which is situated across the river from South Wharf. Hosier Lane is essentially a carousel for the constantly changing street art murals from Australia’s top graffiti artists. The lane is also a relic of the former cobbled streets of Melbourne, making the scene even more striking with the juxtaposition of the contemporary art on the walls. 

Immigration Museum 

A massive source of pride for Australians is its many immigrant communities. With a diverse array of immigrants from Europe, Africa, Asia, and further afield, Australian history is defined by numerous population booms. One of the most common destinations for these immigrants is Melbourne, and many of the country's newest residents passed through the Customs House in what is now the CBD. This 18th-century Renaissance revival building is one of the most beautiful historic landmarks left in Melbourne, and admiring the facade alone is worth the short trek from South Wharf. Inside, you can tour the many exhibits detailing how immigrants were admitted and processed to become permanent citizens of Australia. 

Immigration Museum bag policy 

The Immigration Museum doesn’t have a bag policy, but it might not be convenient or comfortable to bring the bags inside. Luckily, the central location makes it easy to find a proper luggage storage facility. 

Luggage storage near DFO South Wharf

With so many stores to shop through, it’s no wonder why DFO South Wharf is one of Australia’s premier shopping experiences. Don’t let your bags get in the way of an epic shopping spree or sightseeing around Melbourne. Bounce is the best Melbourne luggage storage service, with the most convenient locations and useful features that will make your trip a breeze. It doesn’t stop in Melbourne, however. With locations throughout every major Australian city and travel destination, your trip down under just got a whole lot easier!