THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Take the helm of your own electric boat on Melbourne's Yarra River with ON A BOAT’s luxury picnic cruise. Perfect for groups up to nine, this stylish self-driven adventure offers unforgettable city views and a relaxed vibe on the water.
Take the helm of your own electric boat on Melbourne's Yarra River with ON A BOAT’s luxury picnic cruise. Perfect for groups up to nine, this stylish self-driven adventure offers unforgettable city views and a relaxed vibe on the water.
Book with ON A BOAT
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by ON A BOAT · Docklands, Victoria
Situated at WTC WHARF, 18/38 Siddeley St in Docklands, Victoria, ON A BOAT offers an inviting way to experience Melbourne’s vibrant riverfront with the "SKIPPER YOURSELF - LUXURY PICNIC". This unique electric boat rental blends personal freedom with luxury, letting you captain your own stylish vessel on the Yarra River without the need for a boating license. Ideal for intimate family gatherings, romantic dates, or casual hangouts with friends, this self-driven electric boat comes equipped with soft cushions, throws, fresh flowers, an ice bucket with ice, acrylic drinkware, and a Bluetooth speaker to set the mood.
The Yarra River itself offers a captivating backdrop of Melbourne’s skyline, framed by its modern architecture and lush riverbanks. From Docklands, you’ll glide past iconic landmarks like Princes Bridge, the Melbourne Cricket Ground peeking through the cityscape, and the verdant Birrarung Marr parklands. The river’s calm waters invite a relaxed pace, allowing you to take in the changing light from morning brightness through to golden sunsets.
ON A BOAT stands out in Melbourne’s outdoor scene by marrying easy access to city waterways with a seamless picnic experience that’s both elevated and effortless. Unlike traditional tours, you control the itinerary and pace, making it a flexible choice that adapts to your group’s vibe. Plus, the electric boats are quiet and low-impact, keeping the experience eco-friendly.
Whether you’re toasting a special occasion or simply unwinding amid the city’s river pulses, this luxury pop-up picnic on the Yarra offers something distinctly Melbourne—urban sophistication with a splash of nature. With bookings available daily from 9:30 a.m. to sunset, it’s a refreshing alternative to typical land-based relaxation, right in the heart of Docklands.
easy.
1–2 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels as the electric boats require no physical exertion aside from light boarding and movement on the boat.
No boating licence is required. Before departure, you’ll receive a full safety briefing and instruction on how to operate the electric boat.
Each boat accommodates up to 9 passengers, including children. For larger groups, booking multiple boats or a skippered cruise is recommended.
Yes, the boats are pet friendly. Just ensure pets are comfortable around water and other guests.
Bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy on board, plus weather-appropriate clothing and any personal comforts.
Alcohol is permitted, but the designated skipper must maintain a zero blood alcohol concentration at all times.
In case of poor weather, contact ON A BOAT at least three hours prior to departure to check conditions and rescheduling options.
The Yarra River has been a central waterway for Melbourne since the city’s founding in 1835, historically serving as a trade route and cultural site for the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation.
ON A BOAT’s use of quiet electric boats helps minimize disturbance to local wildlife and reduces water pollution, supporting sustainable river-based tourism.
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.
Book with ON A BOAT