Melbourne river cruises

Melbourne’s must-see river cruise in just 45 minutes.

• Everything you get: Board at Federation Wharf and enjoy a 45–50 minute round-trip cruise with live commentary, taking you past iconic riverside landmarks with both covered and open-air seating.
• Sights seen: Southbank, Flinders Street Station, Docklands, Polly Woodside, the MCG, Royal Botanic Gardens, and the city skyline.
• Why choose this: See Melbourne’s top riverfront sights in under an hour, perfect for tight schedules or a quick orientation.
• Upgrades: Select a gardens cruise, a ports cruise, or a round trip for Melbourne’s best views.

Inclusions

• 45 to 60-minute on the Yarra River (based on option selected)
  
  
• Small group of up to 15 people
• Live commentary from the captain
• Access to onboard bar

Exclusions

• Food and beverages (available to purchase onboard)

What to bring

• A confirmation ticket (digital or printed) is required for check-in.
• A photo ID may be requested at the check-in kiosk.
• Light snacks or non-alcoholic drinks are permitted if you prefer to bring your own.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended—there’s an open-air seating area available.
• Weather-appropriate clothing is advised; the cruise operates rain or shine and has both covered and uncovered areas.
• A camera or phone for capturing skyline views and landmark moments.
• Arrive 15 minutes early to check in and secure preferred seating.

What's not allowed

• Outside alcohol is not permitted onboard.
• Large luggage or bulky items are discouraged due to limited storage space.
• Wheelchairs and mobility scooters cannot be accommodated due to boarding restrictions.
• No refunds are provided for no-shows or changes made within 24 hours of departure.

Accessibility

• Vessels are not wheelchair accessible and require passengers to climb steps for boarding.
• Restrooms onboard are not accessible for those with mobility devices.
• Staff cannot assist with lifting or carrying guests during boarding or disembarking.
• Guests must either board independently or with assistance from their carer.

Additional information

• The cruise is roughly 45–50 minutes, covering both upstream and downstream highlights.
• Live commentary is provided by the captain throughout the cruise.
• The onboard bar offers beverages and snacks for purchase.
• Open seating is first-come, first-served; early arrival is strongly recommended.
• Cruise times and directions may vary due to tides, weather, or major city events.
• The vessel is partially covered, offering sun and rain protection while maintaining open views from the rear deck.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

• Hop aboard the Spirit of Melbourne Cruising Restaurant and choose your perfect sailing experience– brunch, lunch or dinner.
• Enjoy carefully curated dishes made from freshly sourced produce like steak, whole baby pumpkin, and more as you gently sail on the Yarra rivers.
• With soothing music playing in the background, sip on some port as you watch the glass and metal roof of Melbourne Cricket Ground pass by
• From a romantic dinner cruise to a bottomless brunch with drinks, choose a cruise that helps you unwind while experiencing luxury like no other.

Inclusions

• 2 to 3-hour dining cruise on the Yarra River (based on option selected)
• Reserved dining table onboard
• Chef-prepared seasonal menu
• Selection of wines, beers, soft drinks, and juice
• Specialty coffee and tea service

Lunch cruise (if option selected)

• 3-course gourmet lunch (menu here)

Dinner cruise (if option selected)

• 4-course gourmet dinner cruise (menu here)

Brunch cruise (if option selected)

• Premium sweet and savoury brunch (menu here)
• Free-flowing Mimosas & Proseccos

Exclusions

• Other food and drinks (available to purchase on-site)

• Hop aboard the Spirit of Melbourne Cruising Restaurant and choose your perfect sailing experience – brunch, lunch, or dinner.
• Enjoy carefully curated dishes made from freshly sourced produce like steak, whole baby pumpkin, and more as you gently sail on the Yarra rivers.
• With soothing music playing in the background, sip on some port as you watch the glass and metal roof of Melbourne Cricket Ground pass by.
• Tip: Bring a light jacket or shawl with you as it can tend to get a little chilly, especially in the evening.
• This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
• The cruise offers vegan, pescatarian, halal, dairy-free, and gluten-free substitutes. Guests must inform of any dietary requirements in advance to ensure the cruise can accommodate them.
• The Spirit of Melbourne can accommodate up to 90 passengers.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Cruise Melbourne’s Yarra River at your pace with self-drive picnic boats, no license needed.

• Everything you get: Rent a Danish-designed electric boat for up to 8 people, complete with a picnic table, shaded seating, and an eco-friendly electric motor. Choose a 1-, 2-, or 3-hour rental to sail past riverside landmarks.
• Sights seen: Flinders Street Station, Southbank, Royal Botanic Gardens, Government House, Docklands, the sports precinct, and Melbourne’s skyline.
• Why choose this: Total freedom to choose your route and enjoy a relaxed, small-group gathering in a unique way.

Inclusions

• 1‑, 2‑, or 3‑hour GoBoat electric hire (based on option selected)
• Self‑drive GoBoat picnic boat rental
• Seats up to 8 people
• Departure from Banana Alley Wharf, Melbourne CBD
• No boat licence or prior experience needed
• Central picnic table with cup holders
• Safety equipment and instructions
• Route map and safety briefing
• Onboard sunshade canopy
• Lifejackets for all ages
• Pet‑friendly boating experience

Exclusions

• Food and drinks (bring your own or pre-order, if available)
• Professional skipper service
• Onboard dog life jackets (bring your own if needed)

What to bring

• Booking confirmation and ID for check-in at the dock.
• Designated skipper must be 18+ and remain alcohol-free (0.00% BAC) throughout the rental.
• BYO picnic or drinks: Pack food, snacks, and up to 2 alcoholic drinks per person.
• Cooler/esky and utensils if bringing your own food.
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)—boats are shaded but open on the sides.
• Warm layers or weather-appropriate clothing, depending on the season.
• Dog leash and supplies if bringing your pet (GoBoat is dog-friendly).
• Child life jackets are available on request; inform staff during check-in.

What's not allowed

• Swimming is strictly prohibited, both for safety and per local council regulations.
• Leaving the boat unattended at any time is not allowed.
• More than 8 passengers onboard (including children) is not permitted.
• Skipper cannot consume alcohol; guests may drink moderately, but intoxication or disruptive behavior can lead to remote boat shutdown with no refund.
• Additional guest pick-ups during the rental are not allowed.
• No drones, barbecues, or smoking onboard (as per general operator policy, not listed explicitly but commonly enforced).

Accessibility

• Boarding involves stepping into a low vessel, generally suitable for most guests, but not explicitly accessible for wheelchair users.
• No lifts or ramps are available at most pick-up points.
• Assistance not guaranteed for mobility-limited travelers—guests should contact the operator in advance for support options.

Additional information

• Rentals typically range from 1 to 3 hours.
• Safety gear, life jackets, and a briefing are included in the hire price.
• Speed limited to ~4 knots, with simple tiller steering—no experience required.
• Eco-friendly electric motor ensures a quiet, low-impact cruise.
• Dogs welcome aboard (dog life jackets not provided).
• Rain or shine operation: bring wet-weather gear in case of showers.
• Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially on weekends or holidays.
• A route map is provided during check-in to guide your journey and help you spot the best picnic or photo spots.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

• Here's your perfect recipe for an afternoon delight: a bottomless brunch while cruising the Yarra River with Melbourne's best views as a backdrop.
• Brunch right by munching on numerous veggie and non-vegetarian delights – sweet and savory. Eat as much as you like.
• Wash all that food down with a luxurious selection of wines, beer, mimosas, prosecco, tea and coffee.
• The outdoor deck and glass viewing areas offer splendid views of Melbourne's iconic spots including famous sporting arenas, gardens, and more.

Inclusions

• Bottomless brunch with drinks (menu)
• 2-hour Yarra River cruise
• Commentary
• Complimentary tea/coffee

• Tip: If it's a sunny day, hang out on the right side of the ship to bag the best views.
• Here's the menu for the brunch.
• The cruise is accessible by prams and strollers but not by wheelchairs. Guide dogs are welcome.
• Gluten-free and vegan options are available on request.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

• Sightseeing on a boutique boat? This Yarra River cruise aboard Lady M is just 1.5 hours long and with only 25 seats, it’s super exclusive and intimate.
• The onboard commentary will fill you in on all the must-knows. Watch the sunset in peace with your close ones while the skipper handles everything.
• Head to the bar, buy yourself a drink, and enjoy sights like the Botanic Gardens' green expanse to the modern buildings at Federation Square.
• The cruise ends on a high note, timed perfectly to catch the fireballs lighting up the Yarra River promenade by Crown Casino.

Inclusions

• 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise on Yarra River
• Small group of up to 25 guests
• Onboard commentary
• Expert skipper

Exclusions

• Food & beverage (available for purchase onboard)

• Tip: Keep an eye out for the many sculptures and art installations dotted along the Yarra River, including the giant, brightly colored mosaic sculpture Angel by Deborah Halpern.
• This experience is wheelchair accessible, provided they are foldable.
• Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.

• These tickets can't be cancelled. However, they can be rescheduled up to 48 hours before the experience begins.

• The ferry transfer between Melbourne and Williamstown is as convenient as it is pretty. Board at either point or enjoy a round trip.
• Say yay to not opting for crowded trains or stuffy cars as you cruise along the Yarra River and enjoy views of Melbourne's iconic Crown Casino, Westgate Bridge, and more.
• From its historic landmarks, beaches, and adorable cafes to being Melbourne's first port, Williamstown has plenty to offer.
• Just here for the sail? No problem. Sail right back to where it all started: Southbank or Port Philip Bay and enjoy the views all over again.

Inclusions

• One-way ferry transfer between Melbourne City and Williamstown
• Round-trip (optional)
• Complimentary tea/coffee

• Tip: Have your camera ready at all times, there's a photo-op at every bend!
• The ferry is not accessible by wheelchair or mobility scooters.
• Children will have to remain seated at all times.
• Cruises may be delayed or rescheduled due to weather, tidal conditions, or shipping traffic.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

• Wanna treat yourself to some well-deserved luxury time? Sail on the Spirit of Melbourne and enjoy a decadent meal on a 3-hour water cruise along the Yarra River.
• Tuck into a delicious 4-course dinner, catering to vegetarians and non-vegetarians, prepped by expert chefs using local ingredients like lamb, seasoned veggies, barramundi, and more.
• Premium reds, whites, sparkling wines, beers, and spirits add sparkle to your evening out. Soft drinks and good old orange juice also say hi.
• Can't spell fa-cheese-ncy without cheese, so there'll be a whole platter waiting for you. Sink your sweet tooth in mini desserts, and sip on some Port and Liqueur.
• See how stunning the Rod Laver Arena, Riverside Park, and Royal Botanic Gardens are through Spirit of Melbourne's clear glass windows.

Inclusions

• 3-hour Spirit of Melbourne cruise
• 4-course dinner
• Beer, wines, spirits, soft drinks & juice
• Tea, coffee & chocolate
• Commentary

• Tip: Look out for the striking Herring, a lone island on the Yarra River.
• The cruise is not wheelchair accessible.
• Click here to see the menu.
• Special dietary needs including vegan, pescatarian, halal, dairy-free, and gluten-free are available upon request.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.