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Williamstown Ferry tickets
- 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.
- 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.
Reviews
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Snapshots from our guests
4.5
306 ratings
217
58
7
4
20
What our guests say
Kylie
May 2025Verified booking
Good information, on time, amazing experience.
Katherine
Mar 2025Verified booking
The ferry crew were excellent and the commentary along the river very informative.
Fatme
May 2025Verified booking
hongxuan
Apr 2025Verified booking
Aakriti
Mar 2025Verified booking
Kristopher
Feb 2025Verified booking
The crew's assistance with me and my partner boarding on. Ashamed that the front row's window traped shut by the front door. Otherwise the service was exemplary.
Jennifer
Jan 2025Verified booking
Booking tickets was easy & the pier for departure was easy to find. The cruise was well organised & left on time. We enjoyed the experience immensely, although we had to move seats to avoid two neighbouring couples who were oblivious to us & speaking to each other at the tops of their voices. It was during the Aust Open season & being a warm day, the boat had quite a few tourists on board . The downside to this was that the commentary was almost inaudible. However this cruise along the Yarra to Williamstown is an awesome way to see the many beautiful office & apartment buildings & linear parklands lining the river at Southbank, Docklands, Fishermens' Bend & Williamstown. Just a fantastic way to view our beautiful city, river & environs. We intend to do it again oneday.
Vineetha
Feb 2025Verified booking
Smooth ferry ride, cruising the sights of Malbourne. Very relaxing
Harvinder
Jan 2025Verified booking
Easy to book and Good commentary by the staff.
Paul
Feb 2025Verified booking
Jost
Jan 2025Verified booking
Andrea
Jan 2025Verified booking
Jessica
Jan 2025Verified booking
Seetu
Dec 2024Verified booking
German
Dec 2024Verified booking
The ferry was cancelled due to the high tide. I am asking for the full refund of my 4 tickets,
Karen
Oct 2024Verified booking
It was half hour late leaving and there was erratic info, no seats or shade for waiting.
Natalie
Nov 2024Verified booking
Lijun
Jul 2024Verified booking
It was our first time taking this ferry. I was thrilled by the very nice and helpful onsite team, as well as the ferry team. It was very memorable time for me and my boy. I will definitely recommend to friends!
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
Foster
Aug 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
- This 2-hour Yarra River cruise unveils Melbourne’s charm from its most tranquil vantage point. Perfect for urban explorers and dreamers.
- Sail past Federation Square, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and Melbourne’s iconic sporting arenas—an unforgettable route of wonders.
- Discover Docklands’ urban allure and Polly Woodside’s maritime legacy, and glide under Melbourne’s bold Bolte and Westgate Bridges.
- Enjoy informative commentary throughout the cruise, complemented by a cup of tea, or opt to purchase a drink, so it's not just your eyes doing all the feasting.
- This 2-hour Yarra River cruise unveils Melbourne’s charm from its most tranquil vantage point. Perfect for urban explorers and dreamers.
- Sail past Federation Square, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and Melbourne’s iconic sporting arenas—an unforgettable route of wonders.
- Discover Docklands’ urban allure and Polly Woodside’s maritime legacy, and glide under Melbourne’s bold Bolte and Westgate Bridges.
- Enjoy informative commentary throughout the cruise, complemented by a cup of tea, or opt to purchase a drink, so it's not just your eyes doing all the feasting.
Inclusions
- 2-hour Yarra River sightseeing cruise
- Live commentary
- Complimentary tea/coffee
Exclusions
- Beverages (can be purchased on the cruise)
- 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
- 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
- The 2-hr Melbourne Highlights Cruise may include a pause between the two-hour ride and require switching between boats.
- 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.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.5
935 ratings
644
200
22
15
54
Guests from New Zealand, United States, United Kingdom and over 12 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Carolyn
Mar 2025Verified booking
We loved learning about the history of different parts of the Yarra,it was very informative.Loved our female skipper,she was amazing to watch how she manoeuvred the boat into various places and we loved her commentary,she was witty !!!
Richard
Apr 2025Verified booking
It was enjoyable. We opted for the upstream and downstream tours. There was a half hour break between the two and the boat returns to the pickup point between them for the half hour and we needed to disembark for the duration of the break. There is a toilet on board and the seats are relatively comfy. Unfortunately the rain came down during the downstream tour so we couldn't get any good photos as the windows were covered in droplets but, that's Melbournes weather. All in all it was an enjoyable ride and we got to see Melbourne from a different perspective.
Carolyn
May 2025Verified booking
Nice weather great crew commentary
Jason
Mar 2025Verified booking
very informative,nice cruise up and down the yarra
Sugumaran
Jun 2025Verified booking
Peter
Jun 2025Verified booking
Scott
Jun 2025Verified booking
Angela
May 2025Verified booking
Damien
May 2025Verified booking
Mark
Apr 2025Verified booking
Elisabeth
Apr 2025Verified booking
Damien
Apr 2025Verified booking
Faraz
Apr 2025Verified booking
Brendan
Apr 2025Verified booking
Paul
Apr 2025Verified booking
CHIANG
Mar 2025Verified booking
Vaibhav
Mar 2025Verified booking
Meena
Mar 2025Verified booking
Enjoyed the cruise. However due to high tide only could one way for 1 hour. Manager said has out request through for partial refund to headout. Expecting this back
Anne
Mar 2025Verified booking
We loved seeing the beautiful buildings and sites from the water view. The boat stopped halfway to pick up and drop off passengers. The entire ride on the boat was less than 2 hours.
Bruce
Jan 2025Verified booking
The first hour down the South Yarra was calm and clearly informative. During the second hour, there were a number of passengers who were totally disinterested in the commemtary and proceeded to converse loudly amongst themselves! It might be an idea to make a comment before departure to be considerate of those who want to enjoy the whole experience!
Christine
Jan 2025Verified booking
The tour was informative. The boat was clean. Staff on the boat were friendly and helpful. The ticket booth employee was a grumpy man. But overall the tour was 10/10
Stevie
Jan 2025Verified booking
Dave and crew were lovely and friendly. The views of Melbourne were awesome and commentary to support it taught us a lot about the city.
Nicola
Jan 2025Verified booking
The Tour required you to disembark from the boad, wait 15 minutes and then return to the boat to complete. This was not communicated and if was, we would have not taken the tour. The issue is, that their is very little shade and only a small proportion of seating, so if you are with ederly (which we were) it made the experience uncomfortable. Not sure why this detail was not clearly indicated on either the ticket or the webpage. Otherwise everything else was good.
Bernard
Jan 2025Verified booking
The cruise itself was fantastic. Great captain and commentator. The only criticism would be the organisation before embarking was bad. I had a QR code on my phone. I asked the guide about instructions and she ushered us to berth 2. At no stage did she say I needed to print off a ticket, it also doesn't say that on the email. Nearly missed the cruise because of this , it was a crazy few minutes. Really needs to be improved
Barbara
Mar 2025Verified booking
Ticketing experience was very straightforward. The whole trip was enjoyable and very informative.
Boarding points for the Williamstown Ferry
Southbank Promenade Pier - Melbourne
- Address: Berth 2, Southbank Promenade, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
- Nearest station: Arts Centre
- Pick-up/drop-off: One way and return ferries to Williamstown
Getting to Southbank Promenade from Parliament House
- via metro: Get on the Cranbourne Line from Parliament House station and get down at the Flinders Street station which is the last stop on this route. The Southbank Promenade is a 7-minute walk away.
- via tram: Walk 550m to reach the Spring St/Flinders St station, and board the Clockwise (35) tram to Flinders Street tram stop, which is the third stop. From here, walk 350m to reach Southbank Promenade.
Gem Pier - Williamstown
- Address: 1 Syme St, Williamstown VIC 3016, Australia
- Nearest station: Cole St/Nelson Pl
- Pick-up/drop-off: One way and return ferries to Melbourne city
Getting to Gem Pier from Newport Railway Museum
- via metro: Walk 280m to the North Williamstown station and board the Williamstown Line. Get down at the Williamstown station and walk 700m to reach the Gem Pier.
- via bus: From the Railway Museum, walk four minutes to reach the North Williamstown bus station. Get on the Williamstown (415) bus and get down at the Ferguson Street Pier station. The Gem Pier is a 650m walk away.
Views from the Williamstown Ferry
See all photos
From happy customers
Anne
United StatesMar, 2025
We loved seeing the beautiful buildings and sites from the water view. The boat stopped halfway to pick up and drop off passengers. The entire ride on the boat was less than 2 hours.
2-Hour Yarra River Sightseeing Cruise
Christine
CanadaJan, 2025
The tour was informative. The boat was clean. Staff on the boat were friendly and helpful.
The ticket booth employee was a grumpy man. But overall the tour was 10/10
2-Hour Yarra River Sightseeing Cruise
Stevie
New ZealandJan, 2025
Dave and crew were lovely and friendly. The views of Melbourne were awesome and commentary to support it taught us a lot about the city.
2-Hour Yarra River Sightseeing Cruise
Bernard
AustraliaJan, 2025
The cruise itself was fantastic.
Great captain and commentator.
The only criticism would be the organisation before embarking was bad.
I had a QR code on my phone.
I asked the guide about instructions and she ushered us to berth 2.
At no stage did she say I needed to print off a ticket, it also doesn't say that on the email.
Nearly missed the cruise because of this , it was a crazy few minutes.
Really needs to be improved
2-Hour Yarra River Sightseeing Cruise
Carola
GermanyOct, 2024
Everything went well with the tickets. At the counter for the boat tour, we were registered in the computer and received our boarding pass. The trip was nice. The explanations of the sights were interesting.
2-Hour Yarra River Sightseeing Cruise
Stephen
Jun, 2024
The late afternoon cruise was very pleasant and informative. Good value for money. The only glitch was that it was not claer that that the electronic ticket and barcode had to be swapped for a paper ticket which I had to quickly do.
2-Hour Yarra River Sightseeing Cruise
Amanda
AustraliaMar, 2024
Weather was amazing and the commentary was top notch. Very informative and interesting. A nice relaxing afternoon with refreshments provided. The crew were particularly helpful to people with extra needs getting on and off board.
2-Hour Yarra River Sightseeing Cruise
Jennifer
AustraliaJan, 2025
Booking tickets was easy & the pier for departure was easy to find. The cruise was well organised & left on time. We enjoyed the experience immensely, although we had to move seats to avoid two neighbouring couples who were oblivious to us & speaking to each other at the tops of their voices. It was during the Aust Open season & being a warm day, the boat had quite a few tourists on board . The downside to this was that the commentary was almost inaudible.
However this cruise along the Yarra to Williamstown is an awesome way to see the many beautiful office & apartment buildings & linear parklands lining the river at Southbank, Docklands, Fishermens' Bend & Williamstown.
Just a fantastic way to view our beautiful city, river & environs. We intend to do it again oneday.
Ferry Transfers between Melbourne and Williamstown
Things to know before you board the Williamstown Ferry
Timings
Best time to go on the ferry
Rules
Tips
Nearby
Williamstown Ferry schedule
The Williamstown Ferry operates from Friday to Sunday, every week. While they are generally closed during weekdays, there may be the occasional weekday bookings available.
The one way and return ferries from Melbourne to Williamstown depart at 10:30am, 12:30pm, and 3pm.
The one way and return ferries from Williamstown to Melbourne depart at 11:30am, 1:30pm, and 4pm.
Given that the ferry does not operate on weekdays, plan your ferry ride based on seasonality.
December to February is summer in Australia, making it a great time to step out and do some sightseeing. If you visit Melbourne during this time, be prepared for sunny days and cooler, pleasant evenings. The city will have plenty of tourists during this time, so expect larger crowds in tourist spots.
Between June and August is peak winter in Australia. If you don't want to encounter large crowds while exploring, and are okay with lower temperatures, then this is the perfect time to visit. Make sure to layer up while you're out and about!
- Safety protocols: Pay attention to the safety instructions provided while boarding, so you are aware of what to do, in case of an emergency.
- Children on board: Children of all ages are free to take the Williamstown Ferry. Just make sure to keep a close eye on them while you are on board.
- Wheelchair accessibility: The ferry is not wheelchair accessible, and staff are not permitted to help people on and off the boat, so plan accordingly while booking your tickets.
- Smoking: There is strictly no smoking on board, including e-cigarettes.
- Food & beverages: outside food and drinks are not allowed on board.
- Arrive early: Boarding starts 15 minutes before departure, so make sure to arrive at the boarding point early to avoid delays or worse, missing your cruise.
- Medication: While the journey is generally non-turbulent, carry nausea medication with you if you tend to get sea-sick easily.
- Grab your cameras: It's practically impossible to forget this one, but get your cameras out for shots of iconic attractions like the Crown Casino, Flinders Street Station, and more!
- Unexpected weather: In case of extreme weather, the ferry might get canceled. But don't worry, you can reach out to the venue for a full refund.
- Yarra River Cruises: Go on sightseeing cruise along the Yarra river. You have the option to upgrade to a boozy brunch, if you're up for it!
- SEA LIFE Melbourne: Encounter 10,000+ sea creatures from around the world, at this renowned aquarium in Melbourne.
- Melbourne Cricket Ground: Visit the second largest cricket ground in the world and learn about some historic moments in cricket while you're there.
- IceBar Melbourne: Grab an ice cold drink, or indulge in snow play at this ice paradise.
Frequently asked questions about the Williamstown Ferry
What is the price of the Williamstown Ferry ticket?
Your Williamstown Ferry ticket price can vary depending on whether you choose a one way or return trip. The one way ferry ticket (city and Williamstown variants) will cost you AU$35, while the return trip ferry ticket (city and Williamstown variants) will set you back AU$48.
Are there any discounts on Williamstown Ferry tickets?
Yes. Children between the ages of 3 and 12, can get a discounted ticket, which costs AU$20. Children below 3 can ride the ferry for free.
What is the cancelation policy on Williamstown Ferry tickets?
You can cancel your Williamstown Ferry ticket for free, up to 24 hours before the start of your experience. Beyond this, you will not be able to cancel and/or get a refund.
What is the validity of my Williamstown Ferry ticket?
Your ticket is valid for 1-2 hours (depending on the type of ticket chosen), on the date of travel.
Is there an audio guide on the Williamstown Ferry?
Yes, you will be treated to a comprehensive audio guide on board, which will cover all the attractions you pass by, on your journey. Feel free to ask the staff members on board for additional information, in case you get curious.
What do I need to carry with me on the Williamstown Ferry?
Carry some sea sickness medication, if you tend to get nauseous on the water. You will receive complimentary tea and snacks on board, so skip getting outside food and beverages.
How do I find the directions to the boarding point?
The Melbourne city boarding point is at Southbank Promenade | Find on maps. And the Williamstown boarding point is at Gem Pier | Find on maps. The Melbourne public transport system is extensive and well connected, making it super convenient for you to reach the boarding points via bus, tram, metro, and of course, car.
What are the benefits of taking the Williamstown Ferry?
The ferry is a much cleaner way to get around the city, not to mention you get to sightsee, without having to worry about things like traffic on the road. In terms of cost effectiveness, the Williamstown Ferry is a good budget option for commute. You save up to 50% of your one-way cab ride to Williamstown, which can cost you an average of AU$70.
Is the Williamstown Ferry wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, the ferry is not wheelchair accessible. The boat is made in a way such that ramps cannot be built in, so unless you can move independently up and down stairs, this might not be the best experience for you.
Is the Williamstown Ferry kid-friendly?
Yes, the ferry is open for kids of all ages. Just make sure to keep your kids under supervision at all times, especially near hand rails overlooking the open water.