Given the orientation of Melbourne around the Yarra River, it’s no surprise that there are a variety of cruises on offer. Although most locals have explored the river from its banks, it’s less common to venture out on the water to experience it from an entirely new perspective.
Melbourne River Cruises have so many options to explore, but we recommend the sightseeing cruises as a different way to explore Melbourne that you might not have considered. Departing from Southbank, you can choose from a Ports and Docklands cruise, where you’ll learn about Melbourne’s maritime history, a Parks and Gardens cruise, more focused on the natural landscape surrounding the river, and the Melbourne Highlights cruise, where the iconic waterfront is highlighted among landmarks, ports and gardens. For a more atmospheric cruise you can always opt for the City Lights cruise, but the Golden Hour cruise would be our pick. On this cruise, you’ll watch the sunset on the water and return at Southbank for dinner at one of the many awesome restaurants. If you’re keen to eat onboard, Melbourne River Cruise’s Spirit of Melbourne vessel offers dinner cruises, and even a bottomless brunch on the Yarra.
Those up for a more energetic cruise can book with Melbourne Showboat’s The Lady Cutler. They have Burlesque Showboat cruises, claiming the title for Melbourne’s longest-running Burlesque show. They depart from Central Pier, but there’s no need to load up on food and drink first—canapes and cocktails are available on board, as well as a VIP lounge and dance floor. Themed dance cruises are popular also, with Halloween and Christmas being massive draws.
Unique vessels on the Yarra aren’t hard to come by either. You can take a cruise on a traditional steamboat, gondola or hire an electric boat to skipper your own cruise, no license required. If you’ve seen the Yarra, Ornamental Lake in the Royal Botanic Gardens can be explored in a punt—a flat-bottomed boat propelled with a pole by your own personal guide.