Drift along Melbourne’s Yarra River with Melbourne River Cruises’ Parks & Gardens trip, featuring sweeping city and garden views. Relax on deck and uncover the rich history behind the landmarks you pass.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; no strenuous activity required beyond boarding stairs.
Wildlife
History
The Yarra has been central to Melbourne’s development since Aboriginal times and was crucial to early settlement and sporting culture.
Conservation
Efforts to maintain water quality and preserve riparian habitats support both urban life and local wildlife along the Yarra.
Melbourne River Cruises
Drift along Melbourne’s Yarra River with Melbourne River Cruises’ Parks & Gardens trip, featuring sweeping city and garden views. Relax on deck and uncover the rich history behind the landmarks you pass.
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 boarding
Check in at least 15 minutes before departure at Berth 2 on Southbank Promenade to ensure a smooth boarding process.
Dress for changing weather
Bring layers or a windbreaker since conditions on the river can shift quickly, especially on the open deck.
Mobility considerations
Passengers must be able to manage stairs independently or with personal assistance, as staff cannot carry guests onboard.
Bring binoculars for details
A compact pair of binoculars enhances views of distant landmarks and wildlife along the riverbanks.
Layered clothing
Dress in layers to adapt to river breezes and changing temperatures during the cruise.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin from sun exposure, especially when seated on the open deck.
summer
Binoculars
Enhance views of distant landmarks and riverside wildlife.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated, particularly during the warmer months when the sun is strong.
summer