Step aboard Melbourne River Cruises for the Williamstown to City Return ferry, a scenic 2-hour journey across Port Phillip Bay with stunning views of Melbourne’s harbor and skyline. Perfect for travelers seeking a unique, relaxed connection between the city and its historic waterfront.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours round trip
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels—no physical exertion required.
Wildlife
History
Williamstown is one of Melbourne's oldest suburbs, with a maritime history dating back to the early 19th century.
Conservation
Melbourne River Cruises supports sustainable tourism by minimizing waste on-board and educating passengers on preserving Port Phillip Bay's marine ecosystem.
Melbourne River Cruises
Step aboard Melbourne River Cruises for the Williamstown to City Return ferry, a scenic 2-hour journey across Port Phillip Bay with stunning views of Melbourne’s harbor and skyline. Perfect for travelers seeking a unique, relaxed connection between the city and its historic waterfront.
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
Gem Pier can get busy around departure times—arriving 15 minutes early ensures a smooth boarding process.
Check the Weather Forecast
Wind and rain can impact sailing schedules; confirm trip status or delays in advance, especially during winter months.
Bring a Light Jacket
Bayside breezes can be brisk even on sunny days, so dress in layers for comfort during the open-air sections of the cruise.
Reserve Your Return Time
Choose your return trip carefully when booking, as not all return times operate daily and may be affected by tides or traffic.
Light windbreaker
Protects against breezes and changing weather on open decks.
all
Sunscreen
Prevents sunburn during exposed periods on the water.
summer|spring|fall
Camera or smartphone
Captures sweeping views of Melbourne skyline and historic port.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated on warm days without relying on disposables.
summer