Starting at $130 • 75mins • One Way or Return • Ages 18+
Skip the crowded trains and experience Oaks Day at Melbourne’s Flemington Racecourse on a 75-minute water taxi along the Yarra and Maribyrnong Rivers. Relax and enjoy cityscape views that turn your trip into part of the celebration.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
75 minutes
Fitness Level
No special fitness needed; suitable for all adults.
Wildlife
History
The Yarra River served as a vital waterway and settlement site for the Wurundjeri people long before Melbourne’s founding in 1835.
Conservation
Operators follow strict environmental guidelines to minimize disturbance to the river’s ecosystem and wildlife.
Melbourne River Cruises
Starting at $130 • 75mins • One Way or Return • Ages 18+
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 Early for Oaks Day
This popular water taxi fills quickly on Oaks Day, so secure your spot well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Arrive at Berth 2 Southbank Early
Plan to arrive 15 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth boarding process and find good seating.
Dress for Variable Weather
Melbourne’s weather can change rapidly; bring a light jacket or layers to stay comfortable on the open deck.
Keep Your Camera Ready
The river offers fantastic photo opportunities of the city skyline and wildlife—don’t miss the shot!
Windbreaker Jacket
Protects against cool river breezes typical of Melbourne’s spring.
spring
Sunscreen
Necessary for sun protection during the exposed boat ride.
summer
Sunglasses
Reduce glare reflecting off the water for more comfortable viewing.
summer
Camera or Smartphone
Captures scenic river and event moments along the trip.