THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Skip the crowds and traffic with ON A BOAT’s water transfers from Southbank to Melbourne Park Landing. Enjoy a fast, frequent ride across the Yarra River and arrive at major Melbourne events refreshed and stress-free.
Skip the crowds and traffic with ON A BOAT’s water transfers from Southbank to Melbourne Park Landing. Enjoy a fast, frequent ride across the Yarra River and arrive at major Melbourne events refreshed and stress-free.
Book with ON A BOAT
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by ON A BOAT · Southbank, Victoria
In the vibrant heart of Melbourne, Australia's cultural and sporting nexus unfolds around the Yarra River’s bustling banks. ON A BOAT transforms how you arrive at city’s premier sports arenas and event hotspots by providing regular water transfers from Southbank to Melbourne Park Landing. Forget the hassle of traffic jams and long queues—this service offers a smooth, scenic ferry ride every 10 minutes, putting you just minutes away from iconic venues like the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and AAMI Park.
Southbank itself is a lively waterfront district featuring modern dining, art installations, and uninterrupted river views. The water transfer experience here taps into Melbourne’s historic relationship with the Yarra River, which once formed a vital commercial artery. Today, ON A BOAT revives that connection with a contemporary urban spin, delivering passengers swiftly across calm river waters framed by the city skyline’s glass towers and the green expanses of the Royal Botanic Gardens nearby.
What sets this service apart is its efficiency and ease, especially on event days when thousands descend on Melbourne Park and the MCG. Boats depart from the Southbank Promenade’s Berth 4 starting two hours before events, with round trips timed to avoid congestion. This VIP shuttle bypasses crowded public transport and road congestion, allowing you to focus on the game, concert, or festival. Plus, the onboard ride offers a unique vantage, a fresh perspective of Melbourne’s urban aquatic habitat, where waterbirds often glide alongside the boats.
ON A BOAT’s water transfers not only provide practical connectivity but also celebrate Melbourne’s riverfront lifestyle. Ideal for locals and travelers alike, this is more than just a commute; it’s a brief urban expedition on the water. Whether arriving in style for a major event or seeking a relaxed river crossing, this service brings a distinct local flavor to your Melbourne experience.
easy.
10 minutes.
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required
Transfers depart from Southbank Promenade Berth 4, located near the Southgate shopping and dining precinct.
Boats leave approximately every 10 minutes starting two hours before event times.
Yes, return tickets are available but subject to availability, especially after events.
Private transfers from other points along the Yarra River can be arranged by contacting ON A BOAT directly.
The boats require boarding via gangways which may be challenging for some; contact the operator for assistance and accessibility information.
Reservations may be rescheduled or cancelled for credit up to 24 hours before departure without cost.
The Yarra River was central to Melbourne’s founding in 1835, serving as a key trade and settlement line for early colonists and indigenous Wurundjeri people.
ON A BOAT operates with attention to minimizing water pollution and encourages passengers to respect river habitats, supporting local conservation efforts.
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