English
English
Language
Currency
- Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
- Melbourne To Great Ocean Road Tours
- Skydive Melbourne Tickets
- SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium Tickets
- Melbourne Museum Tickets
- SkyBus Melbourne
- Phillip Island Tours
- Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs Tickets
- Monopoly Dreams Tickets
- LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Tickets
- Melbourne To Yarra Valley Tours
- Healesville Sanctuary Tickets
- Moonlit Sanctuary Tickets
Cruise Through Melbourne - Discover, Dine & Relax
Combo: Melbourne Skydeck Tickets + 1 or 2-Hour Yarra River Cruise
from
AU$77
- Melbourne feels it looks its best when viewed from the Skydeck and the Yarra River. See if you agree while enjoying great savings on both.
- Ride the fastest elevator in the southern hemisphere before the Melbourne Skydeck lets you in on a 360° view of the entire city.
- Cruise the Yarra River for 1 hour, seeing the Federation Square, Royal Botanic Gardens, major sporting arenas, Herring Island, etc.
- Else, opt for the 2-hour cruise where you see all that, and then some: Crown Entertainment Complex, World Congress & Trade Centre, etc.
- Melbourne feels it looks its best when viewed from the Skydeck and the Yarra River. See if you agree while enjoying great savings on both.
- Ride the fastest elevator in the southern hemisphere before the Melbourne Skydeck lets you in on a 360° view of the entire city.
- Cruise the Yarra River for 1 hour, seeing the Federation Square, Royal Botanic Gardens, major sporting arenas, Herring Island, etc.
- Else, opt for the 2-hour cruise where you see all that, and then some: Crown Entertainment Complex, World Congress & Trade Centre, etc.
Inclusions
Melbourne Skydeck
- Access to Melbourne Skydeck
Yarra River
- 1 or 2-hour Yarra River Cruise (as per option selected)
Melbourne Skydeck
- Tip: Try visiting during evening hours to get amazing sunset clicks and views.
- The venue is wheelchair accessible.
- Parents must accompany children aged 12 and under.
Melbourne River Cruise
- Tip: Keep your camera ready, in landscape mode, as there'll be plenty of photo-ops along the way.
- The cruise is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
- Guests appearing inebriated will not be permitted onboard.
- Children will have to remain seated for the duration of the cruise.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
All photos
MelbourneYarra River Cruises
Yarra river cruise route option:
Parks and gardens cruise
Why go on this cruise?
Take in Melbourne’s natural beauty and enjoy a relaxing journey through lush greenery all while learning about the city’s sporting heritage.
What you’ll see:
- Federation Square
- Royal Botanic Gardens
- Melbourne & Olympic Parks (AAMI Park, Melbourne Arena, Margaret Court Arena (MCA), Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG))
- Herring Island
Recommended experience:
1 or 2 hour sightseeing cruise
Ports and Docklands Cruise
Why go on this cruise?
Discover Melbourne's maritime history with a cruise through its iconic ports and docklands, learning about the city’s evolution and importance as a bustling port.
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: Portland and Dockland cruise
Melbourne Highlights Cruise
Why go on this cruise?
Get a complete view of Melbourne by experiencing the lush natural landscapes and bustling city life, with live commentary offering insights into both worlds.
What you’ll see:
- Docklands and Docklands Stadium
- Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
- World Congress & Trade Centre
- Federation Square
- Royal Botanic Gardens
Recommended experiences: SEA LIFE and Yarra River Cruise
From happy customers
James
AustraliaJan., 2025
+ 2 more
Fantastic way to see the lower Yarra. Lovely crew, comfortable boat, great views with an informative commentary. Spend time on the stern deck if the weather is good but don't forget to duck for the bridges.
1-Hour Yarra River Ports & Docklands Cruise
Anne
United StatesMärz, 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
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
Lijun
Juli, 2024
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!
Ferry Transfers between Melbourne and Williamstown
Monique
AustraliaSept., 2024
We had a lovely afternoon. The crew were all fantastic at their jobs. The food was lovely and the drinks were great.
I would like to mention that one of your male crew did a fabulous job of dealing with a very arrogant, rude and pretentious women who felt she should have a window seat. Her behaviour and the way she spoke to him when she did not get what she wanted was disgracfull.
Bottomless Brunch Cruise on Yarra River
Carrie
New ZealandJan., 2025
Great experience with friendly staff and great views of Melbourne. Great food and always topping up our drinks. Will be back next time I'm in Melbourne . 🙂
Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise with Drinks on Yarra River
Malcolm
AustraliaSept., 2024
From the time we boarded until we left the staff were exceptional. Extremely friendly and always right there to top up drinks before your glass was even empty. But it didnt feel like they were hovering. The food was plentiful and very tasty. The seating was not cramped so there was no problem moving around. Very relaxing from the top deck watching the night lights of Melbourne. Had a great experience celebrating my husbands 71st birthday.
Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise with Drinks on Yarra River
Boarding Points
Melbourne river cruises (South Wharf)
Federation Wharf
How to get here?
- Best suited for: Flexible travel
- Average travel time from Melbourne CBD: 21 minutes
- Nearest stop: Southern Cross
- Nearby public transport options
- By Bus: Nearest stations are Clarendon Street City Road and Collins Square. The boarding point is a 10 min walk from Collins Square and a 15 min walk from Clarendon Street. Buses 232, 234, 235, 207, 236, 237, 302, 251 and 605 pass by these stops.
- By train: Nearest stop is Southern Cross. You can take the Lilydale, Pakenham or Glen Waverley trains that are available every 3-4 minutes from Melbourne Central.
- By Car: Average travel time from Melbourne CBD is 15 minutes. The closest parking spot is Wilson Parking in South Wharf.
How to get here?
- Best suited for: Fast travel
- Average travel time from Melbourne CBD: 11 minutes
- Nearest stop: Flinders Street Station
- Nearby public transport options
- 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 by walking for 300 meters from Flinders Street Station and 450 meters from St Paul's Cathedral.
Know before you go
Timings
Best time to go
Rules
Tips
Nearby
Top sights
- Yarra River cruises are available daily, from 10:30am to 7:30pm.
- Arrive at the departure location at least 15 minutes before your scheduled cruise time.
- Peak season: The peak season for Yarra River cruises is from December to February, which coincides with Melbourne's summer. However, this season also brings 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, when the weather can be cooler, for a quieter and more relaxed experience. This period is best if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful tour.
- 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.
- Attend a short safety demonstration at the start of the cruise. Safety equipment, including life jackets and emergency exits, will be highlighted.
- Remain seated while the vessel is in motion.
- Dispose of waste in onboard recycling and trash bins to support the cruise’s eco-friendly policies.
- Throwing anything into the water is strictly prohibited to protect the river’s ecosystem.
- Outside food and beverages are not allowed, except for water bottles. Special dietary accommodations can be requested during booking.
- Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not permitted on the vessel.
- Sharp objects, glass containers, and large baggage are not allowed onboard for safety.
- For unpredictable weather, pack a compact rain poncho or windbreaker instead of umbrellas, which can be unwieldy on a moving vessel.
- Arrive early to get the best seats for panoramic views. Front-facing seats on the upper deck often provide the best photo opportunities.
- Choose a sunset cruise to enjoy golden-hour lighting for photography and a magical transition from day to night.
- 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!
- Federation Square: A cultural and architectural icon in Melbourne, this lively hub is a favorite spot for events, art exhibits, and people-watching.
- Melbourne Arts Centre: Known for its striking spire, this center is a beacon of Melbourne's performing arts scene.
- Eureka Tower: One of the city’s tallest skyscrapers, its shimmering gold-plated windows offer a visual treat from the river.
- Southbank Promenade: A bustling riverside walkway with cafes, restaurants, and street performers capturing Melbourne’s vibrant urban energy.
- Princes Bridge: A historic 19th-century bridge connecting the north and south of Melbourne, an architectural landmark.
- Melbourne Star Observation Wheel: An engineering marvel offering panoramic views of Melbourne’s skyline and surrounding areas.
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
Bottomless Brunch Cruise
Brunch cruise
2 hours
All-you-can-eat brunch
Commentary and complimentary tea/coffee
Gluten-free and vegan options upon request
Ferry transfer between Melbourne to Williamstown
Ferry trip with optional return transfer
1-2 hours
Complimentary tea/coffee
-
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)
Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise
Dinner cruise
3 hours
4-course dinner, wines, spirits, tea, coffee & chocolate
Commentary
-
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
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
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)
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.