See Melbourne from a fresh perspective on the Yarra River with Melbourne River Cruises. This leisurely two-hour trip highlights iconic city landmarks, lush gardens, and storied ports along a scenic water route.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the cruise is seated and leisurely.
Wildlife
History
The Yarra River has long been central to Melbourne's development, serving as a trade artery since the city's 19th-century founding and hosting diverse indigenous and colonial histories.
Conservation
Melbourne River Cruises operates with environmental mindfulness, promoting clean waterways and protecting riparian habitats through responsible tourism practices.
Melbourne River Cruises
See Melbourne from a fresh perspective on the Yarra River with Melbourne River Cruises. This leisurely two-hour trip highlights iconic city landmarks, lush gardens, and storied ports along a scenic water route.
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.
Arrive Early for Smooth Boarding
Check in at least 15 minutes before departure at Berth 2 on Southbank Promenade to ensure a stress-free boarding process.
Bring a Camera with Zoom Capability
Capture distant landmarks and wildlife along the river—having a zoom lens or optical zoom on phones enhances photo opportunities.
Dress for Changing Weather
Melbourne’s weather can shift quickly; layering lightweight waterproof gear keeps you comfortable on the open deck.
Mind the Stairs When Boarding
Passengers must be able to manage stairs independently or with carer assistance, as the vessel is not wheelchair accessible.
Lightweight Waterproof Jacket
Protects against spring rain showers and river breezes while on the open deck.
spring
Sunscreen
Necessary to prevent sunburn during exposed daytime cruising in summer.
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Binoculars
Enhances views of distant landmarks and river wildlife along the cruise route.
Portable Camera
Captures sharp images of Melbourne’s diverse cityscape and natural surroundings.