THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Ditch the traffic and arrive at Flemington Racecourse like a VIP. ON A BOAT’s premium water transfers from Docklands offer a lively, smooth journey to the Spring Racing Carnival and a stress-free return.
Ditch the traffic and arrive at Flemington Racecourse like a VIP. ON A BOAT’s premium water transfers from Docklands offer a lively, smooth journey to the Spring Racing Carnival and a stress-free return.
Book with ON A BOAT
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by ON A BOAT · Docklands, Victoria
Situated at WTC WHARF, 18/38 Siddeley Street in Melbourne's bustling Docklands precinct, ON A BOAT offers a distinctly refined passage to one of Australia’s premier sporting events—the Spring Racing Carnival at Flemington Racecourse. This service redefines arrival and departure, delivering a spirited yet sophisticated water transfer experience that elevates race day beyond the ordinary.
Docklands, a waterfront hub famed for its modern marina, lively cafés, and sleek architecture, serves as the launch point for this exclusive journey. Here, guests board stylish vessels that cut through the tranquil waters of the Yarra River and Victoria Harbour, weaving a scenic route that builds anticipation and energy ahead of the races. Unlike conventional road travel plagued by event traffic, the hour-long cruise offers seamless entry into the heart of the carnival, complete with light refreshments and a convivial atmosphere to kindle your day.
ON A BOAT’s Spring Racing Transfers provide more than mere transport—they offer an extension of the event’s glamour, where guests mingle with fellow race enthusiasts in a convivial setting, creating a social prelude to Flemington’s world-class racing.
On return, the water transfer spares you the notorious post-event congestion, ensuring a relaxing glide back to Docklands. This practical yet indulgent service has quickly become a favorite for locals and visitors alike who seek to combine efficiency with an elevated race day experience.
With multiple departures timed to major race days—Derby Day, Melbourne Cup, Oaks Day, and Stakes Day—this VIP water transfer promises reliability and style. Perfectly suited to anyone looking for a hassle-free, memorable race day, ON A BOAT anchors itself as a unique and indispensable part of Melbourne’s vibrant event and outdoor recreation scene.
easy.
Approximately 1 hour each way.
Suitable for all fitness levels as it involves sitting comfortably aboard a vessel.
All transfers depart from and return to WTC WHARF, 18/38 Siddeley Street, Docklands VIC 3000.
Each leg of the journey takes approximately one hour.
Yes, light refreshments including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are provided.
Wheelchair access is available on select vessels, please inquire when booking.
Rescheduling and cancellations are not permitted, and no refunds are given for non-attendance.
Transfers run on Derby Day (Nov 1), Melbourne Cup (Nov 4), Oaks Day (Nov 6), and Stakes Day (Nov 8).
Docklands transitioned from an industrial port to a modern waterfront precinct, blending maritime heritage with urban renewal.
ON A BOAT emphasizes sustainable tourism by minimizing fuel consumption and supporting local waterways health initiatives.
ON A BOAT operates private and skippered boat experiences on Melbourne’s Yarra River from Southbank. The business offers a mix of skippered cruises and skipper-yourself electric boat hires, making river access simple and flexible for families, groups and special events. Trips include private skippered cruises with capacities listed for groups up to 8, 16 and 20 people, a luxury picnic option aboard a fully styled electric boat, and a skipper-yourself option that does not require a boat licence. Seasonal and event-focused services include NYE 2025 cruises with early family and midnight options (with an experienced skipper, bottled water and bubbly provided), Spring Racing water transfers, and race-day transfers to Flemington Racecourse. ON A BOAT also runs scheduled water transfers from Southbank to Melbourne Park Landing and other event landings, offering a direct river route to venues such as the MCG and AAMI Park. Additional themed cruises include a Desi Cruise & Lounge with Punjabi and Bollywood music, private sunset cruises, and Leonda wedding transfers. The business emphasizes scenic Melbourne views, a quality sound system on certain trips, and the ability for guests to bring their own drinks and snacks on many experiences. Captains and skippers operate skippered services, and safety procedures are provided on board. All offerings are based in Southbank, Victoria, on the Yarra River.
Book with ON A BOAT