Book Yarra River Cruises and see Melbourne's top sights

From happy customers

Loved by 48 million+

Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

Lynn

Australia

Jan 2026

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+1 more

The whole experience was amazing, the staff is also beautiful. We enjoyed and learnt more about marine animals oh my God i never knew there could be so may fishes. Also loved the environment its so clean and my little one was having a ball. Thank you so much it waa such a beautiful day with a lovely experience. I was also happy with the staff at the virtual reality experience she is such a beautiful human being and made the whole experience amazing, she takes her time explaining and make sure you will be satisfied. Such a well looked after place, so peaceful and perfect for both adults and little kids. Thank you will definitely visit again with bub!

Paul

New Zealand

Jan 2026

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Was so relaxing just gliding down the river enjoying the views. Delicious food and friendly service made the whole experience a pleasure. Would do it again!

Arline

Canada

Jan 2026

‌

We enjoyed hearing about the history and growth of Melbourne and seeing the city from a different vantage point. The crew were friendly and informative.. A pleasant way to spend a couple of hours and save our energy for shopping excursions.

Abdelaal

United Kingdom

Aug 2025

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Excellent customer service Commentary was good and gave account of the history of Melbourne and Yara river Historical monuments and nice nature

Andrew

Australia

Jan 2026

‌

Absolutely incredible experience, the aquarium has ample space which is nice to see that all of the sea life are living in enclosures that are appropriately sized. The river cruise was also run on a beautiful day with helpful and informative staff that made the views of Melbourne from the Yarra even more captivating! Highly recommend doing both

Jody

Australia

Nov 2025

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What a fabulous way to see the city & all sites along the river. It was such a relaxed way to end our day, champagne in hand, cruising the Yarra as the sun set behind us. Totally recommend this tour.

James

Australia

Sep 2025

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#The captain was very entertaining , the staff were great/friendly , boat trip was smooth in know it was a windy day, beautiful sights and informative trip.

Deepti

India

Dec 2025

#Overall a good experience- weather was nice today, caption was funny and welcoming. Trip started late and had to wait. Pre recorded explanation could have been a little more than just turning right and left to understand what's been spoken. May be custom headsets with a visual View will be helpful. Someone who would Want to stand outside and take pics can't listen to recorded explanation as it's not audible outside the seating area. Tea/ coffee was good addition. Time of the ride was more than enough to soak in the beauty of yaara river and all that follow along the way.

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Why take a Yarra River cruise?

1/6

Unbeatable city views

Drift under glowing bridges and past art-filled promenades as Melbourne’s cityscape unfolds.

Flexible day and night options

From quick sightseeing jaunts to multi-course dinner voyages, fit every schedule.

Melbourne's finest culinary adventure

Indulge in premium dining experiences as the city unfolds around you.

Easy transfers to Williamstown

Sail from Melbourne’s CBD to the seaside suburb of Williamstown, rich with history and waterfront dining.

Perfect for every occasion

Couples, families, or groups; celebrate milestones or enjoy a relaxing day out.

Stress-free exploration

No traffic, no crowds. Just smooth sailing with commentary that brings Melbourne’s stories to life.

Things to know before booking your Yarra River cruise

40–60 minutes: You want quick, scenic, and easy to fit between other plans. Then go for a cruise-only experience. You’ll still tick off Melbourne’s big landmarks without committing your whole afternoon.

Book ~1-hour cruise on the Yarra

90 minutes–2 hours: You have time to relax, snap photos, and hear the stories behind the skyline. Then consider an extended sightseeing cruise or a sunset cruise for that golden-hour magic.

Book 1.5-Hour Small-Group Sunset Sightseeing Cruise

3+ hours: You’re looking for more than sightseeing, and you want a floating event. Then choose a cruise with food & drinks, like a dinner or brunch sailing.

Book a Spirit of Melbourne dining cruise

Yarra river cruise route option:

Sightseeing cruises

Price from: AU$41

,Best for: First-time visitors, families with kids, and anyone wanting a pure river sightseeing experience.

Why choose this:

You get maximum city highlights in the shortest time, with flexible durations, and great for a first-day-in-Melbourne overview.
Uninterrupted sightseeing: Glide past Melbourne’s icons, from Federation Square to the MCG, without navigating crowds.
Local insight: Live or recorded commentary shares the stories, history, and hidden details you might miss on land.
Comfort in all seasons: Indoor cabins and open decks mean great views year-round.

Recommended experiences:

Book Melbourne City Highlights Express Cruise

Book 2-Hour Yarra River Sightseeing Cruise

Lunch & dinner cruises

Price from: AU$128

Best for: Couples, foodies, special occasions, and those who love combining a meal with the city’s views.

Why choose this:

The cruise is an event in itself, a chance to dress up, raise a glass of champagne, and create memories that last long after the plates are cleared. Perfect for proposals, anniversaries, or simply indulging yourself.
Onboard dining: From chef-prepared brunches to 4-course dinners, menus spotlight fresh, seasonal produce.
Themed experiences: Brunch cruises, wine-pairing dinners, and festive menus for seasonal events.
Constant views: Every seat is a window seat, Melbourne’s skyline, parklands, and bridges are your backdrop.

Recommended experiences:

Book Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise with Drinks

Book brunch/lunch/dinner Spirit of Melbourne cruise

Ferries & boat rentals

Price from: AU$35

Best for: Adventurers, repeat visitors, groups of friends, and those craving flexibility.

Why choose this:

This is your personal, off-itinerary experience, whether that’s controlling your own pace, catching a ferry as part of a bigger day trip, or turning the boat into your private floating picnic spot.
Tailored routes: From Melbourne–Williamstown ferry transfers to sunset photography sails, these itineraries break the mold.
DIY cruising: Hire a self-driving eco-boat (like GoBoat) for a BYO picnic with friends.
Different perspectives: Discover less-trafficked river stretches, hidden jetties, and alternative boarding points.

Recommended experiences:

Book Melbourne-Williamstown Ferry Transfers

Book a GoBoat for 1-3 hours up to 8 people

Yarra River cruise route details

City sightseeing

See Melbourne’s skyline as you cruise through its heart, all in under an hour.

Duration: 1 hour
Boarding point: Southgate Promenade (opposite Flinders Street Station)
Highlights: Southbank arts precinct, Federation Square, Crown Casino, Princes Bridge
Features: Engaging commentary, historic perspectives, and prime photo spots
Pro tip: Sit on the left deck at departure for the best Flinders Street + Princes Bridge shot

Williamstown ferry

Sail to the historic maritime village of Williamstown with flexible options. Enjoy coastal views, heritage piers, and seaside dining.

Duration: 1 hour each way
Boarding point: Southgate Promenade
Highlights: Docklands skyline, West Gate Bridge, Port Phillip Bay, heritage Williamstown pier
Features: Maritime tales, access to Williamstown with convenient one-way or round-trip options
On arrival: Explore Gem Pier cafés, indie shops, and Timeball Tower views

Book Melbourne-Williamstown ferries

Spirit of Melbourne cruises

Indulge in a premium dining experience on the water with fine local wines and Melbourne’s skyline.

Duration: 2-3 hours
Boarding point: Southgate Promenade
Highlights: Southbank, Arts Centre spire, Crown Casino, Eureka Tower by night
Features: Attentive crew, fine dining atmosphere, panoramic night views
Pro tip: Window table on the Southbank side gives the best reflections in dessert photos

Book Spirit of Melbourne dining cruises

Sunset cruise

Watch Melbourne shift from day to night. The golden glow of sunset gives way to sparkling city lights on this 2-hour cruise.

Duration: 2 hours
Boarding Point: Southgate Promenade
Highlights: Bridges glowing in golden light, Botanic Gardens shoreline, riverside nightlife
Features: Smooth, no-frills southseeing with access to the bar onboard
Pro tip: Arrive early to grab a forward seat on the upper deck for skyline photos at golden hour

Yarra River cruise boarding points

Main hub for sightseeing, dining, and ferry cruises

📍 Location: Southbank Promenade, opposite Flinders Street Station (Berth 1 near Langham Hotel, Berth 2 near Evan Walker Bridge).

⏱ From Melbourne CBD: ~5 min taxi, ~$10-12 AUD.

🚗 By car: Paid parking at Eureka Tower & Southgate Car Park.

🚋 By tram: Routes 1, 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67, 72 (stop at Federation Square/Southbank).

🚌 By bus: City loop buses connect Flinders St Station to Southbank.

🚶 By foot: 3–5 min walk from Flinders Street Station.

🎟 Cruises:

Sightseeing cruises and dining cruises

Used for private charters & group events

📍 Location: Princes Walk, below Federation Square.

⏱ From Melbourne CBD: ~2 min taxi, ~$8 AUD.

🚗 By car: Parking at Federation Square Car Park.

🚋 By tram: All Swanston St/Flinders St trams stop here.

🚌 By bus: City Circle bus stops directly outside Federation Square.

🚶 By foot: 1–2 min walk from Flinders Street Station.

🎟 Cruises:

Private charters, parties, and special events

Departure point for GoBoat self-drive cruises

📍 Location: 365 Flinders Street, beneath Banana Alley Vaults.

⏱ From Melbourne CBD: ~5 min taxi, ~$10 AUD.

🚗 By car: Limited street parking; best to use Flinders Lane or Crown Car Park.

🚋 By tram: Routes 48, 70, 75 (stop: Flinders Street West).

🚌 By bus: Local buses stop at Southern Cross Station, ~10 min walk.

🚶 By foot: 5–7 min walk from Flinders Street Station.

🎟 Cruises:

GoBoat electric picnic boat hire (1–3 hr self-drive).

What you’ll see on your Yarra River cruise

Flinders Street Station

Melbourne’s golden-era icon right on the river’s edge.

Lady M boat on Yarra River near Crown Casino at dusk, Melbourne.

Federation Square with Melbourne skyline in the background, Australia.

Boat cruising under Princes Bridge on Yarra River, Melbourne cityscape in background.

Aerial view of Melbourne cityscape from Skydeck, featuring Yarra River and Arts Centre.

Plan your Yarra River cruise

Melbourne River Cruise guests enjoying Yarra River views with city skyline in the background.

Cruises typically run from late morning (11am) through sunset, with dining cruises departing around 7:30pm.
Spring (Sep–Nov) and autumn (Mar–May) are the most pleasant seasons, with mild weather and riverside color.
Morning cruises = calmer waters + softer light for photography.
Sunset cruises = golden reflections and sparkling city views.
Dining cruises (lunch, brunch, dinner) operate year-round, popular on weekends and holidays.

Cruise boat on Yarra River with Melbourne skyline in the background, Australia.

Main departure points: Southbank Promenade, Federation Wharf, Docklands, Banana Wharf.
Walk times: 1–5 min from Flinders Street Station (Southbank, Federation Wharf)
Docklands: Free City Circle tram or 10-minute walk from Southern Cross Station
Banana Wharf: Via Crown Promenade, near Southbank
Public transport: Trams (16, 19, 3, 48), trains, buses
Parking: Paid street and garage at Southbank & Docklands

Arrive 15–20 minutes early for boarding and best seat choices
Accessibility: Most boats are wheelchair accessible; check in advance.
Restrictions: Smoking and pets are not permitted. Outside food is restricted on dining cruises.
Photography tips: Left deck = best skyline shots downstream. Window seats are ideal on dinner cruises.
Booking: Weekends & peak times sell out; book ahead. All operators accept card payments.

Clothing: Light jacket, hat, sunglasses, umbrella—Melbourne’s weather can shift quickly.
Essentials: Camera/smartphone, power bank, sunscreen, reusable water bottle.
Dress code: Smart casual for dining and sunset cruises.
Families: Small toys/snacks welcome; most cruises have onboard refreshments.
Extras: BYO food/drinks allowed on GoBoat hire but not on dining cruises.

Guests enjoying the Melbourne River Cruise with city skyline views.

Onboard amenities: Climate-controlled seating, clean restrooms, covered decks on most vessels
Food & drinks: Sightseeing = complimentary tea/coffee; dining = brunch, lunch, dinner + drinks; bars available on select cruises
Accessibility: Most boats are wheelchair accessible (ramps/restrooms); always confirm specific requirements
Family-friendly: Child seating, family meal options, group discounts
Flexibility: GoBoat lets you self-drive, set your own course, BYO picnic

Penguins marching on Phillip Island Nature Parks during Penguin Parade tour at dusk

Phillip Island tours: Experience the famous Penguin Parade and explore wildlife at Phillip Island, a perfect day trip from Melbourne.
IceBar Melbourne: Chill out at IceBar Melbourne, where you can enjoy cocktails in sub-zero temperatures surrounded by ice sculptures.
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG): Visit the iconic MCG, Australia's largest stadium, and take a tour to learn about its rich sporting history.
Ballarat Wildlife Park: Discover Australian wildlife at Ballarat Wildlife Park, home to koalas, kangaroos, and crocodiles.
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium: Explore an underwater world at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, featuring interactive exhibits and diverse marine life. Meet penguins, dugongs, sea jellies, sharks, dolphins and more!

Choose the perfect Yarra River cruise for you!

Experience name	Type of cruise	Duration	Inclusions	Additional upgrades	Booking link
1 or 2-Hour Sightseeing Cruise on Yarra River	Portland and Docklands Cruise, Parks and Gardens Cruise, Melbourne Highlights Cruise (based on option selected)	1-2 hours	Commentary (Highlights cruise) Complimentary tea/coffee	Beverages on purchase	From AU$61.98
Bottomless Brunch Cruise	Brunch cruise	2 hours	All-you-can-eat brunch Commentary and complimentary tea/coffee	Gluten-free and vegan options upon request	From AU$127.06
Ferry transfer between Melbourne to Williamstown	Ferry trip with optional return transfer	1-2 hours	Complimentary tea/coffee	-	From AU$34.99
Spirit of Melbourne Cruising Restaurant	Brunch, lunch, or dinner cruise	3-4 hours	Bottomless brunch with drinks (see menu here)	Dessert platter (as per option selected)	From AU$127.96
Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise	Dinner cruise	3 hours	4-course dinner, wines, spirits, tea, coffee & chocolate Commentary	-	From AU$194.94
Sea Life Melbourne+Yarra River cruise	Portland and Docklands Cruise, Parks and Gardens Cruise, Melbourne Highlights Cruise (based on option selected)	1-2 hours	Commentary (Highlights cruise) Complimentary tea/coffee	Skip the lines Entry to SEA LIFE Melbourne	From AU$87.47
Small group sunset cruise	Sunset sightseeing cruise	1 hour 30 minutes	Small group of up to 25 guest Onboard commentary	Expert skipper Food and beverages on purchase	From AU$59.98
Icebar Melbourne + Yarra River cruise	Icebar Melbourne cruise	45 minutes-2 hours	Entry into IceBar Melbourne, Snow gear, Cocktail/Mocktail	Ice shot and ice souvenir (optional)	From AU$61.98