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- The Art of Banksy
- Yarra River Cruises
- Phillip Island Tours
- Melbourne To Great Ocean Road Tours
- SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium Tickets
- Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
- Melbourne Museum Tickets
- IceBar Melbourne Tickets
- Monopoly Dreams Tickets
- LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Tickets
- Ballarat Wildlife Park Tickets
- Melbourne To Yarra Valley Tours
- Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs Tickets
- Healesville Sanctuary Tickets
- Moonlit Sanctuary Tickets
Contents
Melbourne boat tours - Information at a glance
What are the various Melbourne river cruise options?
Melbourne offers three types of boat tours: Yarra River cruises, Spirit of Melbourne cruise and Williamstown ferry transfers.
What are the general timings for Melbourne cruises?
Melbourne sightseeing cruises and ferry transfers have slots from 11am to 4pm. The Spirit of Melbourne dinner cruise is available at 7:30pm.
What are the main boarding points for a Melbourne cruise?
Southbank and South Wharf
How long does a Melbourne cruise last?
Sightseeing cruises and ferry transfers are about 1-2 hours. The brunch cruise lasts 2 hours and the Spirit of Melbourne dinner cruise is 3 hours long.
Book your Yarra River cruise
Combo: Melbourne Skydeck Tickets + 1 or 2-Hour Yarra River Cruise
Free cancellation
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AU$74
Best time to go on a Melbourne boat tour
Peak season vs. off-season
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.
Weekdays vs. weekends
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.
Melbourne cruise boarding points
Southbank
Address: Berth 2, Southbank Promenade, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia. Find on maps
Nearest landmark: Evan Walker Bridge
South Wharf
Address: 45 S Wharf Promenade, South Wharf VIC 3006, Australia. Find on maps
Nearest landmark: Seafarers Bridge
Williamstown Ferry - Gem Pier
Address: 1 Syme St, Williamstown VIC 3016, Australia. Find on Maps
Nearest landmark: Royal Yacht Club of Victoria
How to reach Melbourne cruise boarding points
Southbank Promenade
By bus: The nearest bus stops are at Queens Bridge and Flinders Street. Take buses 216, 220, 234, 236, 605 or 959 to reach here.
By tram: Take the trams 48 and 67 to reach Southbank Promenade. The nearest tram stops are at Flinders Street Station and Federation Square.
By train: The nearest train station is the Flinders Street Station (5-minute walk). Take the trains Belgrave, Frankston, Mernda, Sandringham or Werribee to get here.
By car: Here are some parking facilities near Southbank.
South Wharf
By bus: Take the buses 207, 232, 234, 235, 236, 237, 251, 302 and 605 to reach here. The nearest bus stops are at Eighteen Pence and Docklands Park.
By tram: The nearest tram stations are Clarendon Street and Flinders Street. Take the trams 12, 70, 75, 86, 96 and 109 to reach here.
By train: The nearest train station is at Southern Cross (16-min walk). You can take the trains Craigieburn, Frankston, Pakenham and Werribee.
By car: The nearest car parking facilities are:
Gem Pier
By bus: Take the buses 415, 471 or 472 to reach here. The nearest bus stops are at Cole Street and Ann Street at Nelson Place.
By train: The nearest train stop is at Williamstown (10-min walk). Take the trains Williamstown or Werribee to reach here.
By car: The nearest car parking facilities are:
Know before you go on a Melbourne boat tour
Facilities
Accessibility
Dress code
Rules
Stay
Tips
- À la carte menus: Enjoy a variety of dining options from extensive gourmet à la carte menus.
- Bars: Onboard bars offer a selection of beverages including cocktails, wines, and soft drinks.
- Seating: Comfortable indoor and outdoor seating areas to enjoy the views.
- Climate control: Air-conditioned interiors and heated spaces for a pleasant experience in any weather.
- Restrooms: Clean and accessible restrooms.
- Live music and DJs: Some cruises feature live bands or DJs for entertainment.
- Guided commentary: Informative commentary about the sights and history of Melbourne.
- Sun decks: Open decks for sunbathing and unobstructed views.
- Wi-Fi: Some cruises offer Wi-Fi connectivity.
There are a few accessible Melbourne river cruises that those with mobility issues can enjoy as well. However, confirm the wheelchair accessibility for your cruise while booking tickets. We also suggest that you include a short note about needing staff assistance with accessibility and mention any other special requests while booking your tickets.
- Boarding ramps: Accessible ramps for easy boarding and disembarking.
- Accessible restrooms: Restrooms equipped for wheelchair users and those with mobility impairments.
- Reserved spaces: Designated seating areas for passengers with disabilities.
- Trained staff: Crew members trained to assist passengers with special needs.
- Dinner cruises: Opt for smart casual or semi-formal attire to match the elegant dining setting.
- Sun protection: Wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for daytime cruises.
- Rain gear: Bring a light rain jacket or umbrella when there are chances of rain, especially in the spring and winter.
- Evening chills: Layer up with a sweater or jacket to stay warm during sudden temperature drops at night.
- Comfortable shoes: Non-slip, comfortable shoes are recommended for moving around the deck safely.
- Stay seated: Remain seated when the boat is moving, unless otherwise advised.
- Keep kids close: Always keep an eye on children and keep them seated next to you for their safety.
- Follow crew instructions: Listen to and follow any instructions shared by the crew.
- Use dustbins: Dispose of trash properly in designated areas.
- Alcohol consumption: Drink responsibly and be aware of the cruise's policies on alcohol.
Budget stays:
Mid-range stays:
Luxury stays:
- Arrive early: Arrive at the departure point early to ensure a smooth boarding process and to secure preferred seating or dining arrangements.
- Bring essentials: Carry essentials such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat if you plan to be on deck during the cruise. Also, bring a camera or smartphone for capturing memorable moments.
- Consider motion sickness: If you're prone to motion sickness, consider taking medication beforehand or choosing a larger vessel that tends to provide a more stable ride.
- Respect the environment: Be mindful of littering and follow any environmental guidelines provided by the cruise operator to help maintain the cleanliness of the waterways.
- Tip appropriately: If gratuities are not included, consider tipping the crew based on the service received.
- Photography: If you plan to take photos, be mindful of other passengers and ask before photographing them. Respect privacy and local guidelines regarding photography.
Top sights on a Melbourne Cruise
Eureka Tower
A striking skyscraper that stands as one of the tallest buildings in Melbourne, offering an observation deck with panoramic views of the city. Its height and distinct design make it visible from various points along the Yarra River.
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
One of the world's largest and oldest sports stadiums, known for hosting cricket, Australian rules football, and various other events. This attraction is visible from river cruises, particularly those that pass through the city's eastern parts near the sports precinct.
Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex
A large casino and entertainment complex featuring gaming, hotels, restaurants, and theaters. Located on the Yarra River, it’s prominently visible during cruises, especially at night when it’s illuminated.
Frequently asked questions about planning a Melbourne boat tour
What is the best cruise if I’m short on time?
For a quick experience, the Yarra River sightseeing cruise (11907), which lasts about 1-2 hours, is perfect for seeing the highlights of Melbourne without taking up your whole day.
What should I keep in mind before booking a Melbourne river cruise?
Check the Melbourne cruise ship schedule, consider weather conditions, and ensure you understand the boarding location and any specific requirements or dress codes for the cruise.
What is the best budget cruise?
Yarra River sightseeing cruises (11907) often offer the most affordable options, providing a great overview of Melbourne's landmarks at a lower cost.
Where to find boarding point directions for my cruise?
Use our guide to Melbourne cruise boarding points to get more details on how to reach the boarding points for your Melbourne river cruise.
Can I bring my own food and drinks on board?
While you may keep some snacks on hand, we suggest that you check for any particular food restrictions for sightseeing cruises before booking your tickets. Specially prepared food for infants or those with dietary restrictions are allowed.
Are cruises wheelchair accessible?
Most Melbourne cruises offer wheelchair access, but it’s best to confirm the accessibility for your cruise while booking your tickets. Mention any special requirements beforehand as well.
What happens in case of bad weather?
Melbourne cruises may operate in light rain, but in severe weather conditions, they may be canceled or rescheduled.