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- Phillip Island Nature Parks Tickets
- SkyBus Melbourne
- 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
Yarra River cruises
- 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
- 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.
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- 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
- 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.
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- 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
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
MelbourneYarra River Cruises
Top things to do in Melbourne
Your Yarra River cruise experience looks something like this
See all photos
Your Yarra River cruise options explained
Parks and gardens cruise
Why go on this cruise?
If you want to discover Melbourne's natural beauty and gardens and learn about its sporting heritage.
What you’ll see:
- Federation Square
- Royal Botanic Garden
- Melbourne & Olympic Parks (AAMI Park, Melbourne Arena, Margaret Court Arena (MCA), Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
- Herring Island
Recommended experiences:
1 or 2-Hour Sightseeing Cruise on Yarra River
Ports and docklands cruise
Why go on this cruise?
Learn all about Melbourne’s ports, their history and present of Melbourne’s renowned ports and docklands.
What you’ll see:
- Southgate Arts & Leisure Precinct
- Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
- World Congress & Trade Centre
- Bolte Bridge & Westgate Bridge,
- Docklands and Docklands Stadium
Recommended experiences:
Melbourne highlights cruise
Why go on this cruise?
For an experience of all things Melbourne, if you want to see all the top highlights encompassed in one cruise.
What you’ll see:
- Docklands and Docklands Stadium
- Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
- World Congress & Trade Centre
- Federation Square
- Royal Botanic Garden
Recommended experiences:
Spirit of Melbourne cruise
Why go on this cruise?
For an eclectic experience of Melbourne’s top sights, with a luxurious meal, live commentary and great service.
What you’ll get:
- A 4-course meal prepared by expert chefs
- Options for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians
- Premium wines, beers, and spirits, soft drinks and juices
- Views of Melbourne's CBD
Recommended experience:
Parks and Gardens cruise vs Ports and Docklands cruise vs the Spirit of Melbourne cruise - What cruise should you go for?
Choose the perfect Yarra River cruise for you!
Experience name
Meals
Commentary
Duration
Booking link
1 or 2-Hour Sightseeing Cruise on Yarra River
Tea and coffee available
Available
1 - 2 hours
Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise with Drinks on Yarra River
Dinner and drinks served
Available
3 hours
Combo: SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium Skip-the-line Tickets + Yarra River Cruise
Tea and coffee available
Available
1-2 hours
Combo: IceBar Melbourne Tickets + 2-Hour Yarra River Cruise
Purchase required
Available
2 hours
Know before you go on a Yarra River cruise
Timings
Getting there
Rules
Tips
Nearby
- Yarra River cruises are available daily, from 11am to 5pm.
- Arrive at the departure location at least 15 minutes before your scheduled cruise time.
Best time to go on a cruise:
- Peak season: The peak season for Yarra River cruises coincides with Melbourne's summer, particularly from December to February. However, this season brings a lively atmosphere with special events and festivals, such as the New Year's Eve celebrations and the Australian Open.
- Low season: The low season runs from April to October; the weather can be cooler, bringing a quieter and more relaxed experience. This period might be best if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful tour of the river.
- Weekdays vs Weekends: We'd recommend going on a weekday cruise, as they are generally quieter, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without large crowds. However, go for the weekends if you want a vibrant atmosphere with more scheduled events and activities, the perfect time for family outings or social gatherings.
Southbank Promenade
- Train: Flinders Street Station is the nearest train station. It's a short walk across Princes Bridge to Southbank Promenade.
- Bus: Take bus #234, #236, or #605 to the Casino/Southbank/Queens Bridge St stop, which is a 5-minute walk to the promenade.
- Car: Parking is available at Southbank Avenue or nearby parking facilities such as Eureka Car Park.
- Walking: From the city center, walk across Princes Bridge or along the riverfront paths to reach Southbank Promenade.
Federation Wharf
- Train: Flinders Street Station is directly adjacent to Federation Wharf. Exit the station and walk towards the river.
- Bus: Buses 234 Garden City, 236 Garden City, 605 Gardenvale, 216 Sunshine Station - City (Queen St), 220 Sunshine Station, and 959 Broadmeadows have stops at Flinders Street Station.
- Car: Parking is available at the Federation Square car park, accessible via Russell Street or Batman Avenue.
- Walking: Located right next to Federation Square, it is easily accessible on foot from central Melbourne landmarks like Flinders Street Station and St Paul's Cathedral.
- Safety: Safety instructions will be provided by the crew before departure. It's important to follow these instructions and be aware of safety equipment locations. Children must be supervised at all times.
- Outside food and beverages: Generally not allowed inside – you are allowed to carry a bottle of water, but snacks and food aren't allowed.
- Smoking: Smoking is typically prohibited on board the vessels.
- Weather: Cruises operate in most weather conditions, but extreme weather may result in cancellations. In such cases, you will be notified, and a refund or rescheduling option will be provided.
- Environmental responsibility: Help maintain the river's cleanliness by disposing of trash properly and following any rules provided by the staff on board.
- Sun protection: For daytime cruises, use sunscreen with at least SPF30 to protect your skin from sun damage.
- Medication: If you're prone to seasickness, bring necessary medication to stay comfortable during the cruise.
- Dietary options: Vegan and gluten-free meal options are available on most cruises. Mention any dietary requirements when booking your tickets.
- Keep your children safe: Ensure children remain seated and close by for their safety throughout the cruise.
- Wheelchair access: Most cruises are wheelchair accessible, though it’s best to check with the cruises again, before you board.
- Service animals: While service dogs that are well trained are allowed on board, pets are not allowed.
- 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: Immerse in the underwater world at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, featuring interactive exhibits and diverse marine life. Meet penguins, dugongs, sea jellies, sharks, dolphins and more!
Frequently asked questions about going on a Yarra River cruise
Is it worth going on a Yarra River cruise?
Absolutely! Whether you're a first-time visitor or a local looking to rediscover the city, Yarra River cruises are a fantastic way to see Melbourne. You'll glide past some of the city's most iconic landmarks, such as the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Federation Square, and the Royal Botanic Gardens.
What are my ticket options for Yarra river cruises?
You can choose from a 1.5 hour sightseeing cruise, a small group sightseeing cruise, a spirit of melbourne cruise with drinks, a bottomless brunch cruise, or combo tickets.
What will I see on the cruise?
On a Yarra River cruise, you’ll see a range of Melbourne’s top attractions. Depending on the cruise route, you can expect to view the historic Flinders Street Station, the modern skyscrapers of the CBD, the lush Royal Botanic Gardens, and the vibrant Southbank precinct.
Are there any discounts on my tickets?
Children under 13 years old get discounts on all cruise options, but no discounts are available for senior citizens. In case you have a concession card, you’ll get an additional discount on your Yarra River cruise tickets.
Are there toilets on board?
Yes! Most cruise vessels come with toilets, but it’s best to check with the crew if you’re unsure.
Is it safe for children to be on board?
Definitely! Yarra River cruises are safe for children. The boats are designed with safety in mind, and life jackets are usually available for younger passengers. We’d also recommend keeping a close eye on your kids and ensuring they stay seated during the cruise for their safety.
What is the dress code?
While there isn’t a standard to follow while going on a Yarra river cruise, we’d recommend you wear smart casual clothes.
Is the vessel accessible for guests with disabilities?
Most vessels are fully accessible for guests going on a cruise, but it’d be best to check with the crew when you get to the boarding point. Ramps are readily available for wheelchair users.