Trade the city’s hectic pace for a calm ferry ride across Port Phillip Bay to Williamstown. Melbourne River Cruises delivers stunning skyline views and access to a historic coastal village—all in comfort.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour (one way)
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; mostly seated trip with minimal walking required at destinations.
Wildlife
History
Williamstown is one of Victoria's earliest European settlements, established in the early 19th century as a key port and shipbuilding center.
Conservation
Port Phillip Bay faces challenges from urban runoff and shipping traffic; Melbourne River Cruises supports eco-friendly practices to minimize impacts on the bay's marine environment.
Melbourne River Cruises
Trade the city’s hectic pace for a calm ferry ride across Port Phillip Bay to Williamstown. Melbourne River Cruises delivers stunning skyline views and access to a historic coastal village—all in comfort.
Melbourne River Cruises operates from Southbank, Victoria, offering a range of river and bay cruises on the Yarra River, Maribyrnong River and Port Phillip Bay. The company provides sightseeing cruises such as Melbourne Highlights, Parks & Gardens Cruise and Ports & Docklands that pass Federation Square, the Royal Botanic Gardens and Docklands Stadium.
Transfer services include Oaks Day TRANSFER PACKAGE and Derby Day TRANSFER PACKAGE, which feature a 90-minute cruise along the Maribyrnong River with morning tea, a premium bar and live race viewing to Flemington Race Course. Water taxi and transfer options include Oaks Day Water Taxi and Derby Day Water Taxi.
Commuter and day-trip services connect the city and suburbs with routes like City to Williamstown, Williamstown to City and City to Williamstown Return, offering scenic ferry travel across Port Phillip Bay to Williamstown’s waterfront attractions. Special event cruises include New Year’s Eve options such as NYE Party Cruise, NYE Party Cruise – Over 40’s, NYE Midnight Fireworks Cruise and NYE Twilight Cruise (Early Fireworks).
Dining experiences are available aboard the Spirit of Melbourne Cruising Restaurant with a four-course meal, illuminated Yarra River views and unlimited beverages, offered as dinner and lunch cruises. Brunch options are listed as Bottomless Brunch Afloat. A variety of other scheduled departures such as City Highlights Express - Fed Wharf are also offered. All trip names, durations and onboard inclusions are listed in publicly available schedules and product summaries. Schedules and booking information are published on Melbourne River Cruises' official website and partners.
Location
Southbank, VIC
Central boarding on the Yarra
Tours Offered
19 listed trips
Sightseeing, transfers, dining and events
Race Transfers
90-minute packages
Oaks and Derby day journeys
Dining Cruises
Spirit of Melbourne
Four-course meals and unlimited beverages
View schedules, check inclusions and reserve seats for sightseeing cruises, transfers, NYE events and dining experiences.
Book Return Trips in Advance
Return ferries operate on limited schedules; confirm your preferred time when booking to avoid waiting.
Arrive Early for Boarding
Check in at least 15 minutes before departure at Southbank’s Berth 2 to ensure smooth boarding.
Be Weather Prepared
Weather and tidal conditions can delay or reschedule cruises; check for updates before arriving.
Manage Stairs Independently
Passengers must be able to manage stairs onboard; assistance is limited to personal carers.
Windbreaker or Light Jacket
Protects against bay breezes and changing weather during the cruise.
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Sunscreen
Necessary for sun exposure on open water and while exploring Williamstown.
spring|summer|fall
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Suitable for pavement and garden paths around Williamstown’s harbor and streets.
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Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during your day trip without relying on disposable plastics.
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