Highlights of Melbourne Cruise
3.5
Highlights of Melbourne Cruise
By Melbourne River Cruises
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About
Get unique views of Melbourne from the Yarra River on this cruise. Take in vistas from both banks as you travel the river in both directions. Hear in-depth commentary while you ride, getting a full picture of Melbourne's history and modern existence. Choose between outdoor or indoor seating depending on the day’s weather, and enjoy a pick-me-up with provided tea or coffee.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 78 per group
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
Highlights
- Comprehensive river cruise traveling both directions; you won't miss a thing
- Refresh yourself with included tea or coffee
- Listen to educational narration from a guide
- Great introduction for first-time visitors or those short on time
- Commentary
- Drinks (tea and coffee)
- Yarra River Cruise
What's not included- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Make your way to the departure point, camera in hand, for this comprehensive river cruise through Melbourne. Board the boat and find a comfortable seat from which to take in views of the city’s historic buildings, modern skyscrapers, and lush gardens. Seating options include both indoor and outdoor areas, with tea and coffee provided in the cabin. This tour cruises both up and down the Yarra River for views of both banks, a great way to check off all the sightseeing goals on your list in just a short time. Listen to live commentary about Melbourne's history, geography, and ecology, and its role as a modern cultural capital. Walk away with a great overview of the city, memorable photos, and an idea of how you'd like to spend the rest of your time in Melbourne. Snacks and beverages are available to purchase on board.
- Start:
- Melbourne River Cruises, Berth 2, Southbank Promenade, Southbank VIC 3006, AustraliaBerth No 2, Southgate Arts and Leisure Precinct Landing
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3013SIGHTAB- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travellers can participate
- Please note the travel date is only required as an indication within 3 months from booking confirmation date
- Unfortunately the vessel is NOT wheelchair accessible. However, passengers in a wheelchair can be accommodated only if they can get on and off the vessel on their own and if the wheelchair is collapsible. The staff are not permitted to assist handicapped persons due to insurance restrictions
- The Melbourne Highlights Cruise may include a pause between the two tours and may require switching to a different boat.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 78 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3013SIGHTAB
From
AU$62.00
per adult
Select date and travellers
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Itinerary
- Berth 2, Southbank Promenade, Southbank VIC 3006, AustraliaBerth No 2, Southgate Arts and Leisure Precinct Landing
- Pass byMelbourne River CruisesYarra RiverMelbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)Royal Botanic Gardens VictoriaMelbourne Convention and Exhibition CentreDocklands
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Allan C0 contributionsFantastic trip a must in MelbourneFantastic cruise up and down river the food was excellent staff were helpful and friendly this trip is a must for anyone visiting Melbourne 👍👍👍Written 15 March 2025
- COLLEEN57_120 contributionsBottomless..Did this cruise with my family today. Wonderful way to spend a very warm afternoon in Melbourne. The food and drinks really were bottomless and delicious. Staff were great. Highly recommend.Written 15 March 2025
- 113maryannep0 contributionsExceptional experience ❤️What an exceptional enjoyable day, great food, endless drinks scenery and friendly service. Of course we had a beautiful sunny day. I would highly recommend this cruise and I’m sure I’ll try to do it again, Coming from the country a great way to appreciate Melbourne.Written 14 March 2025
- L3604CEingridm0 contributionsGreat night!My Cousins last evening in Melbourne before flying back to the UK, what a great evening, layout and set up was great, weather good, staff incredibly lovely food was presented in a timely fashion, well presented on the plate and the taste was fantastic, it was a fabulous evening I would certainly go again if family/friends came to visit.Written 13 March 2025
- barbarasL6801OF0 contributionsGirls holidayReally enjoyed it, staff were amazing , food was lovely, however we ordered chicken for all 4 of us and were given 4 vegetarian Lasange. They managed to find one chicken meal and one salmon meal. I am allergic to sea food so had the chicken, my daughter had the salmon, the other two had no choice but they said the vegetarian lasange was nice. Over all it was a fabulous day, drinks were flowing, I would recommend this and I would go again .Written 9 March 2025
- X3202LBandrewl0 contributionsMelbourne River Dinner CruiseThe dinner river cruise is outstanding. A wonderful way to see Melbourne and all its glory. The food is first class and the service brilliant. This was our second dinner cruise and we will now make it an annual event.Written 7 March 2025
- 23blancheb0 contributionsA lovely experienceWe had a slow leisurely cruise around the Yarra River on a quaint little ferry boat. It was A great way to wind down after a busy day. We enjoyed the 4-course meal. And iconic views of the city were perfect for selfies and photos.Written 5 March 2025
- Pearl650 contributionsPerfect way to spend a couple of hours in the cityLovely food and staff. Free flowing drinks (wine, beer or champagne) but you can pay for spirits. We sat upstairs and it happened to be a beautiful day and the perfect temperature. Everything was better than we could have hoped for. Loved it.Written 1 March 2025
- 253lynw0 contributionsOne of our better decisions....!An excellent trip from start to finish,well organised and very relaxed,the food and drinks were excellent,staff were just great,all in all one very enjoyable evening,worth it.Written 24 February 2025
- L3793PHdales0 contributionsRoute changeVery disappointed after pre booking our gardens cruise only to be told that we had to do Docklands due to works for Moomba . We have done docklands twice before so we were not interested in doing it again . We paid $190 for a 60th celebration. It would have been nice to notify me earlier of change of route .Written 22 February 2025
- DAVIDBH250 contributionsMelbourne dinner cruiseGreat food and service,plenty to drink. Fantastic views of Melbourne at night. This is a must if visiting this City. we were not disappointed . Well done to the he crewWritten 21 February 2025
- MTW490 contributionsDinner CruiseFood excellent plenty of alcohol included staff were great and friendly it was a beautiful relaxing night we had a good nightWritten 19 February 2025
- K3041GIheatherl0 contributionsExcellentThe dinner cruise was great , service excellent and wonderful views , would thoroughly recommend as a wonderful experienceWritten 15 February 2025
- N3146QTtimj0 contributionsA dinner cruise that is a must whenever you are in Melbourne.My wife and I had a wonderful dining experience on the Spirit Of Melbourne Dinner Cruise. The staff on board were extremely well organised and attentive even with the boat being full that night. The food was very good and the wine kept coming! A very enjoyable and value for money 3-hour gentle trip up the Yarra was the perfect way to spend a summers evening. A great night out!Written 14 February 2025
- Wadavers0 contributionsCouples need to do thisWhat an excellent way of celebrating Valentines Day. Dinner cruise on the Yarra being pampered by friendly staff. Food was first class and the drinks flowed throughout. Great experience and a must do as a treat any time of the year.Written 14 February 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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3.5
192 reviews
Excellent
69
Very good
56
Average
32
Poor
19
Terrible
16
the_stoddarts
Sydney, Australia2,383 contributions
Sept 2022
Waking up to a sunny morning, we decided to book a 2-hour cruise online for later that morning and this was an easy process. The cruise starts from Southbank with a return trip heading Upriver to the River Gardens, back to point of origin and then Downriver to the Ports and Docklands.
Each trip shows differing sides of Melbourne, and we recommend doing both if you have time, and the weather!
The crew were very friendly and helpful although, as we preferred to sit out the back in the open, the sound of the engines meant that we were unable to hear any of the commentary. Realise that it may even be hard to hear over an outdoor speaker; how about the headphones available on Hop On Hop Off buses around the world? It is also quite a small area which is a shame although understandable given Melbourne’s varied weather patterns 😊. We wouldn’t have been so happy to have to sit inside as it is all rather tired and feels ‘closed in’. We did notice a pail for people to put their cigarette butts on the deck but, thankfully, there were no smokers on our trip. Would have spoilt the experience if there had been.
One very scary (but enjoyable!) experience was passing under some bridges with minimal (and I mean inches here!) clearance … thankfully everyone looked out for everyone else and no heads were lost!!
The cruise was a great way to spend a couple of hours on a warm sunny day, and we ended back at Southbank in time for lunch.
Each trip shows differing sides of Melbourne, and we recommend doing both if you have time, and the weather!
The crew were very friendly and helpful although, as we preferred to sit out the back in the open, the sound of the engines meant that we were unable to hear any of the commentary. Realise that it may even be hard to hear over an outdoor speaker; how about the headphones available on Hop On Hop Off buses around the world? It is also quite a small area which is a shame although understandable given Melbourne’s varied weather patterns 😊. We wouldn’t have been so happy to have to sit inside as it is all rather tired and feels ‘closed in’. We did notice a pail for people to put their cigarette butts on the deck but, thankfully, there were no smokers on our trip. Would have spoilt the experience if there had been.
One very scary (but enjoyable!) experience was passing under some bridges with minimal (and I mean inches here!) clearance … thankfully everyone looked out for everyone else and no heads were lost!!
The cruise was a great way to spend a couple of hours on a warm sunny day, and we ended back at Southbank in time for lunch.
Written 12 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Thank you for this detailed review, your feedback means a lot to us! We will definitely look for ways to improve our speakers so everyone can enjoy the humorous and educational commentary. Thank you again for taking the time to share you experience with us and the community.
We can't wait to see you on board again soon.
Written 20 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tigerram
224 contributions
Was a 2hr cruise, broken with a 30min interval between going upriver then downriver.
Would have to say there is not that much detail to see from the boat, e.g. botanical gardens so mostly we found the understanding of the different areas of the city useful for subsequent walking around and also some of Melbournes history.
The commentary is recorded, so lacks some kind of character often experienced with live guides.
The seats are not built in to the boat, they are cheap chairs placed within the boat.
There is a bar onboard and complimentary tea/coffee.
Price seems a little high for the actual experience.
Would have to say there is not that much detail to see from the boat, e.g. botanical gardens so mostly we found the understanding of the different areas of the city useful for subsequent walking around and also some of Melbournes history.
The commentary is recorded, so lacks some kind of character often experienced with live guides.
The seats are not built in to the boat, they are cheap chairs placed within the boat.
There is a bar onboard and complimentary tea/coffee.
Price seems a little high for the actual experience.
Written 13 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback on your recent cruise experience. We appreciate your comments about the informative commentary and historical insights. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the seating and the recorded commentary format. As for the price, we strive to offer a value-packed experience that includes complimentary tea/coffee and onboard amenities such as a bar. We appreciate your perspective on this and will take it into consideration as we evaluate our pricing structure. We hope to welcome you aboard again soon and provide an even better experience. Thank you for choosing our cruise.
Written 16 June 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Garrali
Sheffield, UK109 contributions
Saw this trip advertised and decided to give it a go as this was our first time in Melbourne. On reading reviews, a lot of comments were around the commentary recording not been very good. Luckily for us, the recording wasn’t working so the captain took over with his own superb and knowledgeable information along with a nice sense of humour. We paid for the 2 hour cruise which took us both ways down the river firstly towards the sports area and then down to the port. We really enjoyed and after disembarking decided to walk along the river in the warm sunshine.
Written 8 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Garrali,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We're delighted to hear that you decided to give our trip a try during your first visit to Melbourne. We hope to welcome you back on board soon for another memorable experience!
Written 12 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pollard Family
Nashville, TN211 contributions
The cruise was on a semi cold afternoon…this river boat is 90% enclosed with side windows that open so you’re really not cold. The roof is semi covered with glass that lets the sunlight in warming the compartment. The rear has seating for about 12 people to sit and another 10 to stand. The rear wasn’t windy at all and the picture you can take was incredible. There are two trips you can take … the up river and down river. I purchased both trip so it was a two hour river tour. The tour is mostly a pre-recorded audio tour but the captain and the first officer will answer any question you may have. Learned a lot about Melbourne and the aquatic and land history during the river excursion. They do offer drinks and snack at a cost that was reasonable so I would suggest pre-buying some food prior to getting into the boat if you take the 2 hour tour. The ship berth (berth 2) where you get into your boat has plenty of food / bar around the boat company berth. I truly enjoyed it but I like boat tours everywhere they offer one .
Written 14 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Thank you for taking the time to share such a detailed and positive review of your experience with us! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your time on our Melbourne Highlights cruise! We appreciate your feedback and look forward to welcoming you back for another boat tour adventure in the future!
Written 16 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A Family in Australia
Brisbane, Australia2 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
First things first, the booking lady at Booth#2 was pretty frustrated with herself and wasn't polite to anyone looking to buy the tickets. When I bought the tickets, I asked her a few questions and she surely appeared like she was doing a favour to me. Apart from that, the actual cruise wasn't bad but as there was a high tide, we ended up going outside the CBD so didn't get a chance to see the city how we wanted. It isn't bad and worth a trip if you have some time.
Written 24 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We're glad you found the cruise enjoyable despite the unexpected change in route. However, we're sorry to hear about your experience at the booking booth. We’ll address this with our team to ensure a more welcoming experience for all guests. We hope you’ll give us another chance to show you the city from the Yarra!
Written 26 December 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TsingSingTravel
Macau, China2 contributions
Sept 2024 • Friends
Loved this cruise highlights. The city is beautiful and the more lovely from the boat. The crew are very good and must say very knowledgeable. The river is called Yarra and there is a lot of history in the commentary which is the best thing we heard in Melbourne city. They have a good control on their operation which you can see in the staff. The new Zealand man was very professional and courteous while making my booking.
Written 9 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Thank you for leaving us a review! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed your time on our sightseeing cruise! We can't wait to have you cruising with us again soon.
Written 11 September 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ChandlersForders
Eastleigh, UK88 contributions
Dec 2022
The cruise and the places visited were interesting and pleasant activities on a sunny day. The first mate on the boat gave a great personalised commentary to those outside on the first part of the cruise - otherwise you could not hear. We were then disappointed that we had booked the tours together, but had to change boat for them to accommodate more passengers and there was, therefore, a long delay. This was not the worst part, however - that was the lack of apology and indifference to the fact that it might inconvenience people. Disappointing.
Written 24 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
We are sorry to hear of your less than satisfactory experience with us and hope you will accept our apologies. Please do not let this isolated incident stop you from giving us a second chance. We would like to make things right and assist you personally and hope you will allow us to speak with you to discuss the situation.
Please send us an email at info@melbcruises.com.au or simply contact our office at 03 8610 2600. Thank you.
Written 29 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Margie W
1 contribution
Jan 2024 • Family
Great views on the tour both sides of the river.
Pre-recorded narration however was off sync and often too early or too late with no noted effort by staff to pause or try and sync.
The reference to a structure on your right or left is not helpful enough for a person new to the city to identify especially as did not necessarily correlate to the exact location.
Would be helpful to have in person narration or a person who can pause and point details or answer questions.
The guy at the ticket sounded rather impatient, and uninterested to the couple ahead of us and to us.
Cruise with lots of potential though
Pre-recorded narration however was off sync and often too early or too late with no noted effort by staff to pause or try and sync.
The reference to a structure on your right or left is not helpful enough for a person new to the city to identify especially as did not necessarily correlate to the exact location.
Would be helpful to have in person narration or a person who can pause and point details or answer questions.
The guy at the ticket sounded rather impatient, and uninterested to the couple ahead of us and to us.
Cruise with lots of potential though
Written 21 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We appreciate your positive comments about the great views on the tour. However, we apologize for the issues with the pre-recorded narration being off sync and not providing clear references. We also regret to hear about your experience with the ticketing staff, and we apologize for any inconvenience caused.
Thank you for acknowledging the cruise's potential, and we hope to have the opportunity to improve and provide you with a more enjoyable experience in the future.
Written 22 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LamsUK
United Kingdom27 contributions
May 2022
We departed on time heading towards the east of Yarra River.
As we sailed along, the pilot who was also commentating seemed humorous but we couldn’t hear much of what he was saying as his speech was not clear it sounded muffled.
We came back to the pier and was not aware that we had to stay on as we purchased full price tickets, the ticket booth staff did not inform us beforehand.
Luckily we headed back onboard as we departed for the west of Yarra River which had better views than the east.
We also wasn’t aware that we could go outside towards the rear of the boat until we saw other passengers go there when we traveled to the west.
Overall the West of Yarra River was best for photo opportunities.
As we sailed along, the pilot who was also commentating seemed humorous but we couldn’t hear much of what he was saying as his speech was not clear it sounded muffled.
We came back to the pier and was not aware that we had to stay on as we purchased full price tickets, the ticket booth staff did not inform us beforehand.
Luckily we headed back onboard as we departed for the west of Yarra River which had better views than the east.
We also wasn’t aware that we could go outside towards the rear of the boat until we saw other passengers go there when we traveled to the west.
Overall the West of Yarra River was best for photo opportunities.
Written 21 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
Thank you for taking your time to leave a review. We would like to apologize for not being able to clearly communicate the necessary information beforehand. We hope to see you cruising with us again soon!
Written 23 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steve P
Albury, Australia16 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
We did a cruise on 15/2/25 at 13.30pm. The 2 hours cruise was actually only 1 hour 20 mins. The boat couldn't fit under one of the bridges (high tide?) so we had to turn back and wait for a while. Not a big deal but interesting. The seating was just a series of plastic chairs in rows. Not very comfortable. It rained and I had to move two seats away from the window as the vessel leaked badly. For $110 per couple it was disappointing.
Written 6 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I’m am wanting to bring some people on your boat who are covered under NDIS.
They are able to walk and talk and so no wheelchair access is required, but my question is
Do you have companion/carers rates
and
Is the fee for said person regarded as a concession
Kind regards
Alison
Written 13 January 2025
Do you have to be double vaccinated
Written 11 December 2021
can you turn up on the day without a booking . We would love to do the cruise but am unsure of exact time we will be in Melbourne
Written 23 April 2019
Hi there sorry for the delay the cruise lasted about 1hour up and 1hour downstream. Well worth it. Enjoy!!
Written 19 April 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.