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- Phillip Island Nature Parks Tickets
- SkyBus Melbourne
- Yarra River Cruises
- The Art of the Brick
- Monopoly Dreams Tickets
- IceBar Melbourne Tickets
- Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
- Skydive Melbourne Tickets
- Melbourne To Great Ocean Road Tours
- LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Tickets
- SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium Tickets
- Ballarat Wildlife Park Tickets
- Melbourne To Yarra Valley Tours
- Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs Tickets
- Healesville Sanctuary Tickets
- Moonlit Sanctuary Tickets
- Phillip Island Tours
Melbourne river cruises
Select Your Experience
- Choose between 3 equally enticing cruise options, to sail the Yarra River and experience the best of Melbourne's views in 1 or 2 hours.
- If beautiful landscapes meeting iconic government landmarks sounds like a great way to spend an hour, opt for the Parks & Gardens cruise.
- For Melbourne's cultural heartbeat (think the World Congress & Trade Centre and shipping docks), Ports & Docklands cruise is your way to go.
- Better yet, see everything. Spend 2 hours on the Melbourne Highlights Cruise to cover every iconic landmark in one picturesque sail.
- Enjoy informative commentary throughout the Highlights cruise, and opt to purchase a drink, so it's not just your eyes doing all the feasting.
Inclusions
- 1 or 2-hour sightseeing cruise
- Ports and Docklands Cruise, Parks and Gardens Cruise, Melbourne Highlights Cruise (based on option selected)
- Commentary (Highlights cruise)
- Complimentary tea/coffee
Exclusions
- Beverages (can be purchased on the cruise)
- Ports and Docklands Cruise Route
- Southgate Arts & Leisure Precinct
- Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
- 19th Century sailing ship “Polly Woodside”
- Crown Entertainment Complex
- World Congress & Trade Centre
- Bolte Bridge & Westgate Bridge
- Shipping Channels and dock area
- Docklands and Docklands Stadium
- Melbourne CBD views
- Parks and Gardens Cruise Route
- Federation Square
- Royal Botanic Gardens
- Government House
- Melbourne & Olympic Parks including AAMI Park, Melbourne Arena, Holden Centre, Margaret Court Arena | MCA, Melbourne Cricket Ground | MCG, and Rod Laver Arena
- Herring Island
- Melbourne Highlights Cruise Route
- All landmarks covered in both of the cruises above.
- The cruise is both wheelchair and stroller accessible.
- Guests appearing intoxicated may not be permitted on the cruise.
- Children will have to remain seated throughout the cruise.
- Australian citizens enjoy reduced prices with concession tickets. Please bring your valid IDs.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
More details
- 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.
More details
- 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.
More details
- 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 about the parks and gardens or the docks, whichever you're headed for.
- Watch the sunset in peace while the skipper handles everything. Perfect for couples, friends, and families to spend some quality time together.
- Head to the bar, buy yourself a drink and enjoy the sights. There’s plenty to see, from 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.
More details
- 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.
More details
Combo (Save 15%): SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium Skip-the-line Tickets + Yarra River Cruise
from AU$77.60
AU$66.20
15% off
- Knock off 2 Melbourne must-dos: SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium and a sightseeing cruise up and down the Yarra River. Save on both.
- Enjoy skip-the-line access to SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, where 10,000 + water dwellers live, including stingrays, crocodiles, sharks, penguins, etc.
- Check out 12 super fun and interactive zones including Penguin Playground, Wonder Room, etc. Say hello to 65-year-old Pinjarra who weighs 750kgs.
- Pick your Yarra River cruise: 1 hour upstream to the parks and gardens, a downstream cruise to the ports and docklands, or a 2-hour all-inclusive cruise.
- See it all (or choose your favorites): Rod Laver Arena, Dockland Stadium, Polly Woodside, Federation Square, and more.
Inclusions
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
- Entry to SEA LIFE Melbourne
Yarra River Cruise
- 1 or 2-hour sightseeing cruise
- Ports and Docklands Cruise, Parks and Gardens Cruise, Melbourne Highlights Cruise (based on option selected)
- Commentary (Highlights cruise)
- Complimentary tea/coffee
- Ports and Docklands Cruise Route
- Southgate Arts & Leisure Precinct
- Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
- 19th Century sailing ship “Polly Woodside”
- Crown Entertainment Complex
- World Congress & Trade Centre
- Bolte Bridge & Westgate Bridge
- Shipping Channels and dock area
- Docklands and Docklands Stadium
- Melbourne CBD views
- Parks and Gardens Cruise Route
- Federation Square
- Royal Botanic Gardens
- Government House
- Melbourne & Olympic Parks including AAMI Park, Melbourne Arena, Holden Centre, Margaret Court Arena | MCA, Melbourne Cricket Ground | MCG, and Rod Laver Arena
- Herring Island
- Melbourne Highlights Cruise Route
- All landmarks covered in both of the cruises above.
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
- Tip: If you visit with kids, don't miss the 4D cinema experience – they (and you) will love it.
- The venue is accessible by wheelchair and stroller.
- Carers and companions with valid carer IDs can accompany disabled guests for free.
- Guide dogs are welcome.
Melbourne Highlights Cruise
- Tip: Wear comfy shoes, the riverside stroll along Yarra is an experience on its own.
- The cruise is wheelchair accessible.
- Children will have to remain seated at all times.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
More details
Combo (Save 22%): IceBar Melbourne Tickets + 2-Hour Yarra River Cruise
from AU$104
AU$81.13
22% off
- Escape into the frost at IceBar Melbourne and cruise the Yarra River for 2 hours, while saving on both experiences with this combo ticket.
- There's icy, and then there's IceBar Melbourne where everything is made of ice: the furniture, sculptures, and even the bar.
- Grab a comfy snow cape and gloves before you get a drink at the IceBar, play ice hockey, mega Jenga, and more.
- Sail the Yarra River for 2 hours, up and down, spotting landmarks like the Rod Laver Arena, Victoria Docks, Dockland Stadium, Federation Square, etc.
Inclusions
IceBar Melbourne
- Entry into IceBar Melbourne
- Snow gear
- Cocktail/Mocktail
- Ice shot (optional)
- JPEG photo (optional)
- Souvenir glass (optional)
Melbourne River Cruise
- 2-hour sightseeing cruise
IceBar Melbourne
- Tip: Capture your frosty moments! Opt for the JPEG photo package to document your icy adventures.
- Please bear in mind that arctic temperatures are not recommended for toddlers and babies.
- Children aged 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Melbourne River Cruise
- Tip: Look out for the striking artificial island of Herring, which is a lone island situated on the Yarra River.
- The cruise is accessible by wheelchair.
- Children will have to remain seated throughout the cruise.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
More details
Your Melbourne river cruise options explained
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Yarra River cruises
Sail along the lower stretches of the famous Yarra River that helped establish the cultural hub of Victoria, Melbourne city. Choose between two routes; one that explores the bustling Melbourne Docklands or the other that passes by tranquil gardens and Herring Island; or pick the Melbourne Highlights route that covers both. You can also choose to cruise the river while enjoying a delicious meal on a lunch cruise.
Recommended experiences:
1 or 2-Hour Sightseeing Cruise on Yarra River
Download Melbourne highlights route map
Spirit of Melbourne
Climb aboard a truly unique experience with the Spirit of Melbourne dinner cruise that takes place in a one-of-a-kind cruising restaurant. Sail past the city’s biggest icons, indulging in delicious gourmet flavors meticulously prepared by accomplished chefs. Specially curated for those who enjoy the finer things in life, this lavish experience includes a 4-course meal paired with a premium beverage selection.
Recommended experiences:
Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise with Drinks on Yarra River
Williamstown ferry transfers
Get easy transfers between Melbourne and Williamstown, a suburban area located just a few miles south of the CBD. Choose between one-way and round-trip transfers either from Melbourne to Williamstown or vice versa, depending on your itinerary. You can also enjoy complimentary tea and coffee served on board during your journey.
Recommended experiences:
Ferry Transfers between Melbourne and Williamstown
Combo tickets
Save a few dollars by combining your Melbourne river cruise with a visit to a popular attraction with combo tickets. Get tickets to either IceBar Melbourne or skip-the-line tickets to SEA LIFE Melbourne. You can also pick individual dates for each experience.
Recommended experiences:
Combo (Save 15%): SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium Skip-the-line Tickets + Yarra River Cruise
Plan your Melbourne river cruise
Timings
Best time to visit
Boarding points
Rules & regulations
Tips
Nearby
Yarra River sightseeing cruises
Availability: Every day
Timings: slots from 11am to 5pm; duration - from 1 to 2 hours
Yarra River Bottomless Brunch
Availability: Saturdays & Sundays
Timings: departs at 1pm; duration - 2 hours
Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise
Availability: Thursdays to Sundays
Timings: departs at 7:30pm; duration - 3 hours
Williamstown ferry
Availability: Fridays to Sundays
Timings: slots from 10:30am to 4pm; duration - from 1 to 2 hours
Peak season vs low season
Peak travel season in Melbourne is from December to March during the summer. The weather is warm and dry which is perfect for cruises. Temperatures usually stay between 12° to 26°C, except for a few hot days. But this is also the time for school holidays, so expect large crowds wherever you go.
Autumn (Mar to May) remains cool and breezy, making it a good time to go on a Melbourne cruise. There are fewer crowds at this time as well. Spring (Sep to Nov) has lower temperatures than summer, but you can expect a few showers.
Weekdays vs weekends
Sightseeing cruises are available every day, so if you have the time, pick a weekday cruise. The weekends may get crowded, especially in the summer. However, meal cruises are usually only available over the weekends, so book your cruise a couple of weeks in advance to guarantee seating.
The two most common boarding points for Melbourne cruises are Southbank Promenade and South Wharf Promenade.
- Note: The berth or wharf number for your specific cruise will be mentioned on your ticket.
Addresses
Melbourne river cruises: Berth 2, Southbank Promenade, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia.
- Nearest landmark: Melbourne Skydeck
- Nearest bus stop: Southbank Boulevard
South Wharf: 45 S Wharf Promenade, South Wharf VIC 3006, Australia.
- Nearest landmark: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
- Nearest tram stop: Docklands Park
- Arrive 15 mins early: Reach the boarding point of your cruise at least 15-20 minutes before departure time. This will give you enough time to settle in the boat before it sets sail. Remember that the timings mentioned on your tickets are for departure, not arrival.
- Smart casual dress code: We suggest smart casual clothes for your cruise. Wearing casual clothes may attract a few stares, especially on the Spirit of Melbourne cruise. You can opt for a smart shirt and trousers instead of shorts and flip-flops.
- Check your alcohol levels: Alcohol may be served with your food, but make sure to remain within your capacities to avoid being too inebriated. This is to ensure that you remain safe in a moving vehicle. If you appear too intoxicated before the cruise, you may also be denied entry.
- Smoking: While some cruises allow smoking onboard, some do not. You can confirm this while booking your tickets. Indoor smoking is strictly prohibited.
- Check for wheelchair accessibility: Some cruises are wheelchair accessible and allow service dogs on board. You can confirm this information while booking.
- Keep your kids seated: Once the cruise has started, keep your children close and seated at all times for their safety.
- Dietary inclusions: Your meal cruises offer vegan and gluten-free options. We suggest that you mention any special requests when booking your tickets.
- Keep sickness medication: If you’re prone to getting seasick, please carry the necessary medication to stay comfortable.
- Get sun protection: If you're going on a daytime cruise, keep sunscreen of at least SPF30 to stay protected from sun damage.
Melbourne Cricket Ground: Visit the second-largest cricket stadium in the world at MCG. Explore the Australian Sports Museum and uncover the history of the popular worldwide sports, Cricket.
Skydive Melbourne: An adventurous way to explore the Melbourne coastline, Skydive Melbourne offers 4 different dropzones to choose from. Also choose the height of your fall between 8000 to 15000 ft.
Phillip Island tours: Less than 2 hours away from Melbourne, Phillip Island is a traveler’s paradise for nature and wildlife lovers. Come across koalas, fur seals, whales and the island’s star animal, the Little Penguin.
Ballarat Wildlife Park: With freely roaming kangaroos and koalas, Ballarat is also home to the majestic Sumatran Tigers. Interact with the friendly animals and listen to ranger talks to learn about the native Australian wildlife.
Melbourne river cruise top sights and highlights
See all photos
Frequently asked questions about Melbourne river cruises
What Melbourne cruises are available on weekdays?
You can usually find Yarra River sightseeing cruises available on both weekdays and weekends. Meal cruises, however, are usually held over the weekends.
What are some cheap Melbourne cruise options?
The 1-2 hour Sightseeing Cruise on the Yarra River is the most affordable option, starting from AU$26.60.
What meal cruises are suitable for children?
Although both the Bottomless Brunch and the Spirit of Melbourne cruises serve alcoholic beverages, they also have mocktails, fruit juices and cold drinks for children. You can take your kids along on either of the meal cruises.
How should I plan my Williamstown ferry transfer?
The Williamstown return ferry transfers have a 2-hour duration, sufficient time to take a quick tour of the suburb and return to Melbourne. However, if you wish to spend more time or stay the night, take a one-way transfer and a return ticket whenever you wish to head back.
Will the cruise wait for me if I’m a few minutes late?
Melbourne river cruises usually depart on time and will not be able to wait for you if you are running late. To avoid missing your cruise, we suggest that you plan early and arrive at least 15-20 minutes before its departure.
What is the cancelation policy for Melbourne cruises?
The cancelation policy for Melbourne river cruises vary from experience to experience. While some may allow cancelation up to 24 hours before departure, some cruises have cancelation up to 48 or 72 hours. Some cruises may also not allow cancelation but permit rescheduling. Read the cancelation policy of your ticket carefully before making the booking.
What is the validity of the combo tickets?
Melbourne river cruise combo tickets allow you to select the dates for each experience individually, so they’re valid until the day of your experience. You can check their availability and book whichever dates that are best suitable for you. However, keep in mind that you will be unable to modify your booking later.