melbourne river cruises 2022

• Romantic Cruises
• Proposal Cruises
• Progressive Dinner Cruises
• Skippered Cruises
• Private Charter
• Corporate Function Hire
• Wedding Transfers
• Hens Parties
• Self-drive Hire
• New Year’s Eve Private Cruises
• Boutique Wedding Venue
• Private River Tours
• Spring Racing Transfers
• EOFY Celebrations
• Yarra River Dinner Boat Cruise
• Itineraries

Cruises on the Yarra River

We're Melbourne's premier providers of bespoke Yarra River Cruises . Boat trips range from 2 hours to half day tours which travel throughout the Docklands, Southbank and shipping precincts.

Flexible touring itineraries allow us to schedule tours to your preferences- whether for sunset, sunrise, photography or a special dinner or luncheon.

Catering is available for our boat trips- offering a selection of culinary delights which complement the occasion. Arrange a meal or drinks or both! A river boat trip provides opportunities for dining and sightseeing unlike any other experience.

Explore Melbourne's Yarra River. See Docklands, Southbank, Crown Casino and travel beyond the city, out into the quieter suburban waters. Board from anywhere along the water's edge. There are jetties near the restaurants and waterside hotels of Southbank, and you can disembark near the Victorian Arts Centre and visit an exhibition.

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BOOK YOUR PERFECT MELBOURNE YARRA RIVER CRUISE

We provide personalised Yarra River cruises in Melbourne. Staying near the river? Enjoy a sunset cruise when you have dinner or see a show. Board or disembark in Docklands or Southbank.

• Welcome Aboard
• Full Cruise One Hour (Public)
• Upstream Half Hour Cruise (Public)
• Down Stream Half Hour Cruise (Public)
• Wedding Boat Hire
• Private Charters
• Testimonials
• Water Taxis Melbourne
• Boat Cruise Melbourne
• The History
• Arrive in Style

Sightseeing Tours

Scenic River Cruises

Book online today!

"escape the busy city streets and let the unique perspective of our scenic river cruises captivate and inspire".

Classic Steamboat Cruises are available 7 days a week for private charters, including but not limited to riverfront event spaces, Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, birthday parties and  wedding  events.

Exciting Melbourne River Cruises

Would you like to explore the Yarra River views of Melbourne aboard a Classic Riverboat? 

At Classic Steamboat Cruises, our goal is to craft an unforgettable experience using vessels made by hand using traditional skills and materials. Today’s world is moving at a tremendous pace and occasionally it’s important to experience the simple things in life! We all enjoy a trip out on the water and this proven past time over hundreds of years is today with Classic Steamboat Cruises. Your experience starts as soon as you step aboard soaking up the boat’s visual surroundings and smells. Oiled timber and polished brass feature throughout. A fascinating journey awaits you.

Our  Yarra cruises  are a great way to travel and explore new places. Not only do you get to do a lot of fun activities but you also get to meet new people and gain new experiences you would cherish for a lifetime. 

Book your tickets  online today! 

Yarra River Cruise in Melbourne

Our mission is to make every cruise experience the best we can, be it a 1hour public cruise with commentary or a longer Private Charter. Our boats have a maximum of 35 passengers, so a more personal outing is easily catered for. We have different cruise packages to choose from, giving you the flexibility to explore the City’s waterways on your own terms. You can select from any of the following cruises based on your preference.

• Full Cruise One Hour upstream and downstream
• Upstream Half Hour Cruise
• Down Stream Half Hour Cruise
• Wedding/Event Boat Hire
• River Taxi/Transfer 

Get the best  riverboats  in  Yarra  and get multiple travel options from us. Our staff is happy to help you at every stage of your journey. Come and travel with us today! 

A Unique Experience Awaits You Aboard Our Cruise

Classic Steamboat Cruises has been operating from South Gate since 2002 and is family owned and operated. Hamish loves his boats and will answer the phone and your questions, he may even be your Captain! Classic Cruises has a relaxed style that people appreciate and enjoy so whether you are a local or from abroad, there are various reasons to choose our River Cruise Experience. 

• Easy Option
• Style and Type of vessel
• Emphasis on the Safety and Comfort of our guests
• Various cruise options to choose from
• Departure from different locations
• Meandering cruises to give you the best look at Melbourne
• BYO welcome
• Our rates are hard to beat

Choose Classic Steamboat Cruises’  Yarra Riverboat cruise   and enjoy a variety of onboard activities. We organise everything for you and make sure you and your loved ones have a great time. 

Why Choose Our Service?

Classic Steamboat Cruises has been operating from South Gate since 2002 and is family owned and operated. Hamish loves his boats and will answer the phone and your questions, he may even be your Captain! Classic Cruises has a relaxed style that people appreciate and enjoy so whether you are a local or from  abroad , there are various reasons to choose our  River Cruise Experience .

• Emphasis on Safety and Comfort of our guests

Book a Cruise With Us Today!

Keeping it simple is sometimes best and that’s what we are all about at Classic Steamboat Cruises! We are here to make every experience special because we understand word of mouth and would like you to tell friends and return in the future. Whilst out on the river you can make the most of your time onboard and consider the boat yours! 

We are aware that there are many operators on the river system to choose from, but our style of boat and operation is a little different and we would be delighted to help you choose the best package or public cruise. With our  Yarra cruises , we will make sure you get to experience the best of nature and world-class amenities. 

Get in touch with us today to discover and book one of our cruise options. Hope to see you on the river!

Call on  0425 779 473  or use the form on the Come Alongside page within this website.   

FAQ ( Frequently Asked Questions)

Are kids allowed onboard.

Yes kids are allowed onboard, our boats are very safe and ideal for kids. When booking arrange for a drive of the boat to receive a certificate as Helmsman.

Do you have children's life jackets?

Yes children’s life jackets are available upon request, just ask for these when boarding. Adult life jackets are always stowed onboard.

Can reservations be rescheduled or cancelled?

Reservations can be rescheduled free of charge up until 48 hours before trip, though cannot be cancelled without loosing your deposit. You can often extend your booking whilst underway and we will accomodate your request if we can.

Melbourne River Cruises

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Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise

Highlights of Melbourne Cruise

Bottomless Brunch Afloat in Melbourne

River Gardens Melbourne Sightseeing Cruise

Melbourne City and Williamstown Ferry Cruise

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Melbourne River Cruises - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Melbourne River Cruises

Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, and sit back and relax as your captain details the history of the Yarra and Melbourne on a gently meandering river cruise.

Melbourne River Cruises has a choice of eight fully enclosed vessels catering to Melbourne’s ever-changing weather, with a vessel capacity of 25 to 165 people.

Join a daily sightseeing cruise, or host a private function with menus and entertainment to suit all budgets and tastes.

Enjoy the festival lights from the water on a spectacular 30-min harbour cruise from 28 to 30 June.

Melbourne River Cruises Berth 1-2, Southbank Promenade Southbank 3006

Contact details

• telephone number: 03 8610 2600
• email address: [email protected]
• Visit website for Melbourne River Cruises

Only In The City

GoBoat Melbourne

Be your own captain by renting a picnic boat, with no boat licence required.

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Melbourne River Cruises

• See all photos

Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise

Highlights of Melbourne Cruise

Bottomless Brunch Afloat in Melbourne

River Gardens Melbourne Sightseeing Cruise

Melbourne City and Williamstown Ferry Cruise

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Melbourne River Cruises - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Party Cruises

Melbourne cup.

MAKE A REAL ENTRANCE AT THE MELBOURNE CUP THIS YEAR WITH YARRA RIVER CRUISES ON BOARD MELBA STAR

Imagine travelling to the Melbourne Cup in style on board our corporate cruiser, Melba Star, enjoying great company and friendly service whilst watching the city skyline and beautiful parks and gardens drift by at a leisurely pace.

No crawling traffic, car parks, booze buses, taxis, or waiting; we’ll pick you up at South Wharf (DFO) Docklands and take you directly to the river entrance gate at Flemington while you have a drink and enjoy your cruise. We’ll even bring you back at the end of the day! There’s no better, faster or safer way to experience Melbourne’s world-famous Spring Racing Carnival!

Let your Yarra River Cruises transfer maximise your Spring Racing carnival experience as you enjoy the ambience of the Melbourne Cup like never before! Truly one of the best things to do in Melbourne.

Book your return passage aboard our corporate cruiser now, and let us make this a unique and unforgettable experience.

Served on the transfer to Flemington & return: Australian sparkling wine, local & imported beer, Australian bottled, orange juice & soft drinks

*Times provided herein are estimates only and are subject to change based on first and last scheduled race times.

Yarra River Cruises specialise in corporate event cruises, and we are renowned for our unparalleled reputation for excellence in service and facilities on the beautiful rivers of Melbourne.

Our cruiser, the Melba Star, conveniently departs from Melbourne South Wharf (DFO) and docks near the river entrance gate of Flemington Racecourse.

On arrival, make your way into Flemington Racecourse, a short walk to the entrance gate and a grand day out.

After the last race, be sure to be back on board the boat for the carefree return trip back into the city.

Our Melbourne Cup Package Cruise to Flemington traditionally sell out quickly, so book early to avoid disappointment!

Simply complete the enquiry form or  contact us  to discuss your Melbourne Cup cruise booking.

MAKE A REAL ENTRANCE AT DERBY DAY THIS YEAR WITH YARRA RIVER CRUISES ON BOARD MELBA STAR

Imagine travelling to Derby Day in style on board our corporate cruiser, Melba Star, and enjoy great company and friendly service whilst watching the city skyline and beautiful parks and gardens drift by at a leisurely pace.

No crawling traffic, car parks, booze buses, taxis, or waiting; we’ll pick you up at South Wharf (DFO) and take you directly to the river entrance gate at Flemington while you have a drink and enjoy your cruise. We’ll even bring you back at the end of the day! There’s no better, faster or safer way to experience Melbourne’s world-famous Spring Racing Carnival!

Let your Yarra River Cruises transfer maximise your Spring Racing carnival experience as you enjoy the ambience of Derby Day like never before! Truly one of the best things to do in Melbourne.

After the last race, is sure to be back on board the boat for the carefree return trip back into the city.

Our Derby Day Package Cruises to Flemington traditionally sell out quickly, so book early to avoid disappointment!

Simply complete the enquiry form or  contact us  to discuss your Derby Day booking.

MAKE A REAL ENTRANCE AT OAKS DAY THIS YEAR WITH YARRA RIVER CRUISES ON BOARD THE MELBA STAR

Imagine travelling to Oaks Day in style, onboard our corporate cruiser, Melba Star, enjoying great company and friendly service whilst watching the city skyline and beautiful parks and gardens drift by at a leisurely pace.

No crawling traffic, no car parks, no booze buses, no taxis, no waiting; we’ll pick you up at South Wharf (DFO) and take you directly to the river entrance gate of Flemington while you have a drink and enjoy your cruise. There’s no better, faster or safer way to experience Melbourne’s world-famous Spring Racing Carnival!

Let your Yarra River Cruises transfer maximise your Spring Racing carnival experience as you enjoy the ambience of the Oaks Day like never before! Truly one of the best things to do in Melbourne.

This year, tickets are only available for the morning transfer as the return leg is sold out.

Our Oaks Day cruise to Flemington traditionally sells out quickly, so book early to avoid disappointment!

Simply complete the enquiry form or  contact us  to discuss your Oaks Day cruise booking.

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Ultra-Luxury River Cruises

With Scenic, it’s more than an ultra-luxury river cruise, it’s a seamless journey from start to finish that places you at the heart of everything we do.

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Truly unforgettable experiences  await

Our river cruises take you to extraordinary regions, while immersing you in the rich history, local cultures, and culinary delicacies to create moments that will be cherished for years to come.

Discover river cruising with Scenic, for unrivalled experiences

From the historic waterways of Europe to the mighty Mekong River in South East Asia, a Scenic 5-star river cruise is in a class of its own. Every detail has been taken care of to the Nth Degree by our world-class crew so you can enjoy the benefits of a truly all-inclusive journey.

Destinations

The River Experience

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• Cruise Destinations

Melbourne Cup

• Carnival Splendor

* Coming Soon

• Ports of Call

Don your finest racing garb and saddle up — Carnival Cruise Line is celebrating the race that stops a nation™ with a Melbourne Cup cruise. There’s no better way to get to the Melbourne Cup Carnival than aboard the Carnival Splendor cruise ship. And the fun and adventure begins as soon as the ship leaves its departure port on Sydney Harbour. Enjoy the Phantom Cup Call, enjoy canapes by the waterslides, indulge in the themed cruise fare, and make the most of the activities based around one of Australia’s favourite events. Disembark at Station Pier near the Yarra River and you’re ready to experience the home of Australian horse racing. This 2023 Australian Melbourne Cup Cruise departs early November and the best time of booking to get a great cruise deal is now. Click 'view sailings' for more cruise details and features about this unforgettable six-night ocean view cruise, including AUD pricing.

• Race day general admission ticket into Flemington Racecourse on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day.
• Transport to and from the racecourse.
• General admission entry into Kennedy Oaks Day (transfers included).

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Cruises to the Melbourne Cup

* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are included.

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Quick Links

Christmas Day Lunch

Christmas lunch cruise in melbourne.

Take the stress out of Christmas and spoil your family and friends with a relaxing 3-hour Christmas lunch cruise with Melbourne River Cruises. We’re certain you’ll love spending the afternoon dining on a boat with your nearest and dearest while cruising along the scenic Yarra River. When celebrating Christmas, the last thing you want is to be stuck in the kitchen all day preparing and cooking a feast. That’s why our Christmas lunch cruises offer the perfect solution. Sit back, relax and let us take care of everything while you enjoy quality time with your loved ones.

Christmas Lunch on a Boat Inclusions

The highlight of our Christmas lunch cruise is an impressive buffet spread, featuring a delectable selection of dishes that will tantalise your taste buds. From traditional favourites to enticing alternatives, we have something to please every palate.

The hot buffet includes succulent roast turkey with cranberry sauce and mouth-watering roast pork loin with apple sauce. For those seeking vegetarian options, we offer penne pasta with tomato and mushroom, accompanied by roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

On the cold buffet, you’ll find an array of refreshing summer salads, carefully selected by our talented chef. Indulge in the flavours of smoked Victorian leg ham, Tasmanian smoked salmon, fresh prawns, roasted sirloin beef and a delightful antipasto platter. The variety ensures that there’s something for everyone, allowing you to savour the tastes of the festive season.

No Christmas celebration is complete without indulging in sweet treats, and our dessert selection will not disappoint. Enjoy a delightful array of mini desserts handpicked by our chef as well as a fresh fruit platter that offers a burst of natural sweetness. For those who appreciate the rich flavours of cheese, our cheese platter provides the perfect finale to your meal.

To complement our Christmas lunch cruise feast, we offer a wide range of beverages to satisfy all tastes. Choose from a selection of red, white and sparkling wines or opt for a refreshing beer. We also provide soft drinks and orange juice for those who prefer non-alcoholic options.

A Truly Memorable Experience

Our Christmas lunch on a boat allows you to take in the stunning views of Melbourne’s skyline as you indulge in a sumptuous feast. The 3-hour cruise gives you ample time to savour the experience and create lasting memories. To ensure that your dietary requirements are met, we kindly ask you to inform us of any specific needs before the service date. Our dedicated team will go the extra mile to accommodate your requests and make sure everyone can enjoy the festivities to the fullest.

Our Christmas lunch cruise in Melbourne offers a truly memorable experience for the whole family. Not only will you enjoy a delicious meal in a stunning setting, but you’ll also create memories that will last a lifetime.

Leave the cooking and cleaning behind this Christmas and treat your loved ones to a luxurious and stress-free celebration on the Yarra River. Book your tickets now!

0428 278 473

WELCOME TO RIVER CITY CRUISES

Hop on board mv neptune for a magnificent tour of brisbane by water., explore queensland’s capital on a boutique timber vessel with a relaxing and informative tour of the city of brisbane from the river is one of the best things to do in brisbane. during the cruise you will be entertained by an informative commentary that provides insight into the history of brisbane and the river today. perfect for both locals and visitors.

Our Daily Cruises

PLEASE NOTE DEPARTURE LOCATION

We depart from the Cultural Centre Public Pontoon, South Brisbane Qld 4101. This is located on the river outside the Cultural Centre, about 100m upstream from the Victoria bridge and 300m upstream from the Brisbane Wheel. Please Note: Unfortunately M V Neptune is not equipped for wheelchair access and refreshments are available for purchase on board by card only.

Morning Tea Cruise

Midday cruise, cruise to lunch package, sunset river cruise.

• Friday & Saturday

South Bank Combo Pass

Afternoon cruise, newstead to southbank cruise, new years 2024 cruise, riverfire 2024.

• Saturday 31st August

Riverfire 2025

Coming soon trivia night cruise.

• Thurs Fortnightly

Coming soon

Groups & Charters

Seniors groups, youth or school groups or just want to arrange a private function then we can provide a great outcome.

Senior Groups

School Groups

Special events

Catering available

to arrange your event

Brisbane’s Best Tour

Hop on board the MV Neptune for a magnificent tour of Brisbane by water. This remains Brisbane’s best value tour. During the cruise you will be entertained by an informative commentary that provides insight into the history of Brisbane and the River today. Enjoy an ice cold beer or wine from bar as you marvel at the historical landmarks and the homes of the rich and famous. Perfect for both locals and visitors!

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