Experience Melbourne’s skyline from the water with ON A BOAT’s Desi Lounge Cruise. Enjoy lively Punjabi and Bollywood music, a fully stocked bar, and a relaxed river vibe on the iconic Yarra River.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
No physical exertion required; suitable for all fitness levels.
Wildlife
History
The Yarra River has long been a vital waterway for Melbourne, shaping the city’s development as a cultural and economic hub.
Conservation
ON A BOAT emphasizes sustainable operations including waste management and reduced emissions on their modern fleet to protect the Yarra’s ecosystem.
ON A BOAT
Experience Melbourne’s skyline from the water with ON A BOAT’s Desi Lounge Cruise. Enjoy lively Punjabi and Bollywood music, a fully stocked bar, and a relaxed river vibe on the iconic Yarra River.
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.
Location
Southbank, Victoria
Departures from the Yarra River
Group Sizes
Up to 20
Private cruises for groups
Tours Offered
11 experiences
Private, themed and event trips
Event Transfers
Water transfers
Direct shuttles to event landings
Reserve a private cruise, skipper-yourself boat, or event transfer with ON A BOAT for stunning Melbourne views and seamless river travel.
Arrive Early for Boarding
Arrive at Southgate Berth at least 15 minutes before departure to ensure smooth boarding.
Weather-Ready Attire
The boat is fully covered, but dress in layers to stay comfortable regardless of changing weather conditions.
No Outside Drinks
All beverages are provided onboard; BYO is not permitted to maintain quality and safety standards.
Space to Dance
Bring your best moves — there’s space available if you want to dance to Punjabi and Bollywood beats on the water.
Light Jacket or Layer
Needed for cooler temperatures and breezes on the river, especially in fall and spring.
fall
Comfortable Shoes
Non-slip shoes help keep footing stable on the boat’s deck.
Camera or Smartphone
Great for capturing Melbourne’s skyline and lively onboard moments.
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes during daytime departures and enjoy sunlit river views.
summer