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Yarra River Cruises: Terminals and Boarding Points in Melbourne

Boarding your Yarra River Cruise should be smooth and stress-free. But if you’ve ever worried about finding the right dock in Melbourne's bustling port terminals, bringing the right ticket, or handling delays during peak times, you’re not alone. This guide answers those questions upfront, giving you clear directions, rules, facilities info, and practical tips so you can step aboard with confidence.

Yarra River cruises: Which Melbourne terminal should you board from?

Southbank

Address: Southbank Promenade, Southgate, Melbourne VIC 3006

How to find it: Opposite Flinders Street Station across the Yarra. Cross Princes Bridge, turn left onto Southbank Promenade, and follow the respective signs.

Best for: Sightseeing cruises, ferries to Williamstown, and dining cruises.

Accessibility: Step-free access along the promenade; nearby lifts available.

Banana Alley

Address: 1 Banana Alley, Melbourne VIC 3004

How to find It: Beneath the railway arches next to Flinders Street Station; look for the “Banana Alley Vaults” signage.

Best for: Self-drive GoBoat experiences, ideal for small groups who want to captain their own picnic boat.

Accessibility: Flat walkway to the dock; however, boarding may involve stepping down into the vessel.

Williamstown (Gem Pier)

Address: Gem Pier, Syme Street, Williamstown VIC 3016

How to find it: Central on the waterfront, beside Seaworks Maritime Precinct and the HMAS Castlemaine museum ship.

Best for: Ferry transfers between Williamstown and Melbourne, plus scenic bay cruises.

Accessibility: Level promenade access; ramps available, but check in advance for vessel boarding support.

Getting to your Yarra River Cruises terminal

Cruise boat on Yarra River with Melbourne skyline in the background, Australia.
  • By tram: Routes 1, 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67, 72 stop at Arts Precinct/St Kilda Road. Cross Princes Bridge and walk left along the promenade (~6 min).
  • By train: Flinders Street Station is directly opposite. Cross Princes Bridge and turn left. (~5 min).
  • By bus: Routes 216, 220, 234, 605 stop at Queensbridge Street (~5–7 min walk).
    By car: Closest parking: Wilson Parking Southgate or Eureka Car Park (~A$16/day).
  • On foot: From Federation Square, cross Princes Bridge and follow Southbank Promenade to Berth 1.
Melbourne skyline with Yarra River and Flinders Street Station in view.
  • By tram: Routes 70, 75, and 35 (City Circle) stop at Elizabeth/Flinders Street. Banana Alley is a 3-minute riverside walk.
  • By train: Directly across from Flinders Street Station. Exit to Flinders Street, cross at Swanston Street lights, and walk down to the wharf.
  • By bus: Route 605 stops on Flinders Street near Banana Alley Vaults.
  • By car: Federation Square Car Park (A$12/hour) or Wilson Southgate nearby.
  • On foot: Banana Alley Vaults are hard to miss—look for the historic red brick arches under the rail line.
Historic ship docked at Gem Pier, Williamstown, with seagulls along the pier at sunset.
  • By ferry: Direct ferries depart from Southbank (Berth 2) to Gem Pier (~1 hour ride).
  • By train: From CBD, take the Werribee Line to Williamstown Station (~35 min). Then a 10 min walk down Thompson Street to the pier.
  • By bus: Routes 471 and 415 stop close to Nelson Place.
  • By car: Free and metered parking available along Nelson Place and nearby side streets.
  • On foot: Williamstown’s shops and cafés line the waterfront, making for a scenic 5–10 min walk from the station.

Frequently asked questions about boarding terminals for Yarra cruises in Melbourne

Which boarding point should I use for my Yarra River Cruise?

It depends on your booking. Berth 1 (Southbank) is mainly for dinner and evening cruises, Berth 2 (Southbank) is for sightseeing and Williamstown ferries, Federation Wharf (Berth 3) is for sightseeing departures, Banana Alley is for GoBoat hires, and Gem Pier is for Williamstown return trips. Your ticket confirmation will specify your dock.

How early should I arrive at the boarding point?

Plan to arrive 15–20 minutes before departure. This gives you time to find the dock, check in, and board without stress.

Are the boarding points wheelchair accessible?

Southbank, Federation Wharf, and Gem Pier all have step-free access with ramps. Banana Alley has a flat approach, but boarding may require stepping down into boats. Staff can assist where needed.

What if I go to the wrong boarding point?

Cruises generally depart from fixed berths, and last-minute changes aren’t possible. If you’re unsure, check your confirmation email carefully or ask staff on-site before your departure time.

Can I bring food or drinks to the boarding point?

For standard sightseeing and dinner cruises, outside food and drinks aren’t allowed. At Banana Alley’s GoBoat hire, BYO food and drinks are encouraged.

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