From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+

Anne

United States

Mar 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.

Christine

Canada

Jan 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

Helen

Australia

Jun 2025

Being able to sit outside, and see the sights on the banks properly. The commentary was good. The good weather helped also!

James

Australia

Jan 2025

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.

Jennifer

Australia

Jan 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.

Lijun

Jul 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!

Monique

Australia

Sep 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.

Carrie

New Zealand

Jan 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 . 🙂

Top things to do in Melbourne

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

Melbourne To Great Ocean Road Tours

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium Tickets

Melbourne Museum Tickets

SkyBus Melbourne

Phillip Island Tours

Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs Tickets

Monopoly Dreams Tickets

Puffing Billy Tours

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Tickets

Melbourne To Yarra Valley Tours

Healesville Sanctuary Tickets

Moonlit Sanctuary Tickets

Maru Koala and Animal Park

Melbourne Airport transfers

Avalon Airport transfers

Yarra river cruise route option:

Melbourne River Cruise guests enjoying city skyline views from the boat.

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

Melbourne River Cruise guests enjoying city skyline views from the Yarra River.

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

Booking guide for you to pick the best cruise:

Choose from three sightseeing cruises with an average duration of 2 hours. The Parks and Gardens Cruise (1 hour) showcases Melbourne’s natural beauty and sporting landmarks. The Ports & Docklands Cruise (1 hour) offers views of the city’s ports and modern docklands. For the best of both, upgrade to the Melbourne Highlights Cruise (2 hours), covering both the parks and docklands with live commentary.
The travelers can choose a one-hour cruise, get down after the duration, while others continue on the ride to explore more of Melbourne. Bottomless brunch cruises are ideal for groups of friends or family. They offer a leisurely two-hour experience with unlimited drinks and a delicious brunch spread. Enjoy stunning views of the river while indulging in great food and company.
For a premium experience, the Spirit of Melbourne offers a four-course dinner cruise, including live commentary, entertainment, and beverages. This luxurious experience combines fine dining with breathtaking views of the city, making it perfect for a special night out.
The price ranges from AUD$35 for short-duration to AUD$195 for dinner and drinks.

Boarding Points

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

Melbourne River Cruise guests enjoying Yarra River views with city skyline in the background.

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.

Yarra River sunset cruise with city skyline view, Melbourne.

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.

Penguins marching on Phillip Island Nature Parks during Penguin Parade tour at dusk

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 in Melbourne with modern architecture and people gathering.

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.

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.