Guests enjoying the Melbourne River Cruise with city skyline views.
Cruise captain checking tickets of guests on Yarra River sightseeing cruise.
Melbourne skyline with Ferris wheel viewed from the river during a 2-hour cruise.
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Highlights

  • Cruise the Yarra River for 2 hours, passing iconic landmarks like Federation Square, Docklands, and the Crown Entertainment Complex.
  • See Melbourne’s natural and urban beauty, from the Royal Botanic Gardens to Melbourne CBD views and the striking Bolte Bridge.
  • Discover history with views of the 19th-century “Polly Woodside” sailing ship and Melbourne’s bustling shipping channels.
  • Enjoy live commentary, revealing fascinating stories about Melbourne’s landmarks, from sports arenas to world-class cultural hubs.
  • Fun fact: Many animals call Yarra River home, including 18 different species of frogs and 170 bird species!

Your Experience

Guests enjoying the Melbourne River Cruise with city skyline views.
Cruise captain checking tickets of guests on Yarra River sightseeing cruise.
Melbourne River Cruise boat docked with city skyline in the background.

Melbourne, how the river sees it

Step aboard for a journey that reveals Melbourne’s charm from its most serene vantage point: the Yarra River. As the city buzzes around you, drift along the calm waters and take in unmatched views of Melbourne’s iconic landmarks. Starting at the vibrant Southgate Arts & Leisure Precinct, the cruise glides past Federation Square’s striking architecture before revealing the lush beauty of the Royal Botanic Gardens and the intriguing Herring Island. Along the way, discover the heart of Melbourne’s sporting spirit with glimpses of world-class venues like the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Rod Laver Arena, and AAMI Park.

Sail into the story of Melbourne’s past and present as you pass the 19th-century sailing ship Polly Woodside, a symbol of the city’s maritime heritage. The route continues through the bustling Docklands, offering views of modern marvels like Docklands Stadium and the World Congress & Trade Centre. Glance up at the impressive Bolte and Westgate Bridges, two engineering feats that span the city’s shipping channels, as you learn about Melbourne’s industrial prowess through expert onboard commentary.

The cruise loops back, presenting the city skyline in all its glory. Capture the unique blend of historic and contemporary as Melbourne’s CBD reflects on the river’s surface. Whether you’re soaking in the view of Crown Entertainment Complex or the Government House, you'll learn about the significance of the landmarks that shaped Melbourne over the years.

Route

  • Southgate Arts & Leisure Precinct

  • Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

  • 19th Century sailing ship “Polly Woodside”

  • Crown Entertainment Complex

  • World Congress & Trade Centre

  • Bolte Bridge & Westgate Bridge

  • Shipping Channels and dock area

  • Docklands and Docklands Stadium

  • Melbourne CBD views

  • Federation Square

  • Royal Botanic Gardens

  • Government House

  • Melbourne & Olympic Parks including AAMI Park, Melbourne Arena, Holden Centre, Margaret Court Arena | MCA, Melbourne Cricket Ground | MCG, and Rod Laver Arena

  • Herring Island

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • 2-hour Yarra River sightseeing cruise
  • Live commentary
  • Complimentary tea/coffee
  • Beverages (can be purchased on the cruise)

This product offers multiple ticket options. Some items above (like transfers or fast-track access) may only apply to specific options — confirm what's included when you select yours.

Ticket Delivery

  • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

  • Please arrive at the boarding point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

  • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the boarding point.

Boarding point

  • Board your cruise at Melbourne River Cruises.

  • Address: Berth 2, Southbank Promenade, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia.

Get directions to the boarding point

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Frequently asked questions

Clear answers to the most common questions travelers ask before booking this experience.

Booking FAQs

During your cruise, you'll pass iconic landmarks such as Federation Square, Docklands, and the Crown Entertainment Complex.

The cruise lasts for 2 hours, offering a comprehensive view of Melbourne's highlights.

Live commentary will accompany your journey, sharing fascinating stories about Melbourne’s landmarks and cultural hubs.

Yes, you'll receive complimentary tea or coffee as part of the experience.

Beverages are not included but can be purchased on board if desired.

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters cannot be accommodated due to boarding restrictions, as the venue is not wheelchair accessible.

Children must remain seated at all times during the cruise for safety reasons.

The 2-hour Melbourne Highlights Cruise may include a brief pause between rides as you switch between boats.

You'll see both the Royal Botanic Gardens and various bird species that inhabit Yarra River, including 18 different types of frogs!

Guests appearing intoxicated may not be permitted onboard to ensure everyone's safety.

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