Plan your Melbourne boat tour - Timings, boarding points, tips & more

The best season for a Melbourne boat cruise is during the Australian summer from December to February when the weather is warm and pleasant. An evening cruise is a great way to cool at this time. However, this is also the peak holiday season, so you can expect to encounter crowds wherever you go.

To avoid the crowds while still enjoying the pleasant weather, book your cruise early in the morning or mid-week. Alternatively, the low season from March to May (Autumn) and August to September (Spring) offer quieter experiences with fewer tourists. This time remains relatively cool with a few chances of rain, so carry an umbrella.

May to June is the winter season and you’ll come across the least amount of crowds at this time. If you don’t mind the cold, you can easily get cruise bookings at this time. But do keep an extra warm layer handy for those stray cool breezes.

Melbourne cruises are generally more crowded on weekends, as both locals and tourists take advantage of their free time, especially in peak travel seasons. For a less crowded experience, consider booking a cruise on a weekday, particularly during the early morning or late afternoon. These times not only offer fewer crowds but also some of the best views, especially during sunset when the city's skyline is beautifully illuminated.

While sightseeing cruises are usually available on all days, meal cruises are typically conducted over the weekends. In such a scenario, where you’re unable to book a weekday slot, plan your cruise a couple of weeks in advance. As most Melbourne cruises allow cancellations up to 72 hours before the experience, you can always cancel or reschedule your cruise if your plans change.