Wine Tastings
1–2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
AU$440
per group
Melbourne Boat Hire
Melbourne Boat Hire
5
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Full view
About
Melbourne Boat Hire is the best choice for intimate, eco-friendly self-drive hire boats and luxury skippered boat cruises on Melbourne's iconic Yarra River and surrounds. Melbourne Boat Hire offers a unique, intimate cruise experience with a difference. Cruise the beautiful Yarra River - the social heart of Melbourne - in the comfort of your own luxury vessel with the option of catering with exquisite food and beverage dining packages. For those looking for a self-drive hire option, we offer self-drive cruises onboard our luxury hire vessels. Self-drive hire is a great option for people of all abilities as no boat licenses are required. We welcome you to experience Melbourne Boat Hire today! Prepare to be amazed.
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Dinner Cruises
1–2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
AU$589
per group
Rentals
2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
AU$299
per group
Food & Drink
1–2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
AU$589
per group
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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.
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5.0
563 reviews
Excellent
525
Very good
29
Average
4
Poor
4
Terrible
1
Sarah F
1 contribution
Mar 2020
Highly recommend Melbourne boat hire if you are after a small, relaxed and Intimate wedding and looking to do something a bit different .We had our wedding on-board the birrarung .The boat was Absolutely stunning and was perfect for us and our 23 guests with plenty of room to move around .Matt was so helpful and responded quickly to all our enquiries and made our day very relaxed . The food was fantastic and we were able to have the option to byo which we selected to do with our drinks which made It a lot more affordable for us . We hired the boat for 4 hours leaving at 4:30 and returning at 8:30 it was beautiful cruising along the Yarra as the sunset and the city lit up .We had the most perfect day and all our guests commented on how relaxed and enjoyable the day was. Big thankyou to Matt and Melbourne boat hire for making our wedding day such a special and memorable experience.
Written 26 March 2020
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 so much for this amazing review, we're so pleased you had such a good day on Birrarung for the wedding! We really loved having you on board and if you ever find yourselves back in Melbourne we'd love to see you for another cruise along the Yarra river!
Written 16 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DRSLB6
Williamsburg, VA53 contributions
Jan 2020
Since our Uber got lost and caught in rush hour traffic, we arrived late. However, our contact person was waiting on the boat for us and gave us extra time to make up for leaving late. I was concerned when I made the nonrefundable reservation of poor weather which of course occurred as it was pouring rain. However, since the boat was fully covered both top and all sides, we kept dry inside and it didn't stop us from having a blast! So happy I didn't book the cheaper noncovered boats as that would have been miserable if not impossible due to the rain. So we blasted music and drank cocktails as we cruised thru Melbourne with bystanders laughing and waving to us. I think we were the only boat out on the water and we were blessed for the last 15 minutes of the hire when the sun came out at the end of the cruise. Truely a fabulous experience RAIN OR SHINE!!!
Written 16 January 2020
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 so much for your kind review and great to hear you enjoyed your day out along the Yarra river even in the rain! We hope to see you back on board again soon to make some more fun memories!
Written 16 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David W
Viti Levu, Fiji144 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
All aspects of this activity were as advertised. The welcome and briefing were friendly and professional, the boat was presented very well and it was very comfortable and simple to operate. Whilst the boat was advertised to take 10 people, I would recommend no more than 8 adults for comfort and space.
A great 2 hour activity.
A great 2 hour activity.
Written 2 January 2020
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.
Thanks David, great to hear you loved your cruise with us along the Yarra river! We hope to have you back on board again soon to make some more fun memories!
Written 16 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
siddhesh g
2 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
We were 9 people on Eliza -J boat and cannot express how relaxing and luxurious the experience was. Boat was prepared and made ready perfectly on time for us when we arrived 15 mins early to the starting point at docklands. Boat was clean and neat from inside. Instructor clearly explained all the rules and know how about the boat and relaxed our nerves about driving a boat on our own!
The boat was very stable, and 5 knots speed is not bad for you to Cruze from docklands to MCG from the Yarra River.
Really enjoyed our voyage. Look forward to come and enjoy your services again in the future.
Cheers!
The boat was very stable, and 5 knots speed is not bad for you to Cruze from docklands to MCG from the Yarra River.
Really enjoyed our voyage. Look forward to come and enjoy your services again in the future.
Cheers!
Written 8 January 2020
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.
Thanks so much for your review and great to see you loved your cruise along the Yarra river!
Written 16 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bomberbaby
1 contribution
May 2022
The pick up location for the boat was easy to find and information (from the get go) was well detailed and instructed very well. Driving the boat was very easy and navigating the trip down the river was easy also. The best feature about the Melbourne Boat hire is the covering encasing the top of the boat and also the height off the water. On a breezy and cold day, the weather wont affect the event due to the cover/shelter and feels much safer being off the water than say blow up boats offered by other hire companies, It was also fun to be able to self-drive as their is an option to do so. Highly recommend for a special event or occasion and take the self drive option is feasible - makes the experience more enjoyable!
Written 24 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.
Thank you so much for this great review! so good to hear you had such a good time cruising with us along the Yarra river! We hope to see you back on board soon!
Written 12 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Catzie
Sydney, Australia13 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
The boats are fantastic! We took our own nibblys and drinks and used the linen clothed tables and champagne glasses provided. The bench seats are padded making it more comfortable than a standard dinghy. It also has a roof and removable clear sides for wind/rain/sun protection. Boat is easy to drive. We drove up just past the Botanical Gardens so were able to see so much of the Yarra and the city passing by. Very relaxing and enjoyable. It says fits 10 but I would say comfortably no more than 8. Highly recommend.
Written 26 February 2020
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.
Thanks for this lovely review and so glad to hear you got to see a lot of the Yarra and its surroundings! We hope to see you back on board again soon!
Written 16 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rodhilliard
Wandong, Australia5 contributions
May 2021 • Family
We hired the Elisa J for a 4 hr tour of the Yarra River as a combined 40th birthday celebration for our daughter and her husband. The boat was beautiful, well equiped and very clean. There was plenty of room to comfortably seat the 5 adults and 6 children on board as well as carry the abundance of food and drink eskies that we took with us. The staff on the day couldn't have been more helpful. We highly recommend Melbourne Boat Hire to anyone contemplating a self drive boat trip to see Melbourne from the water.
Written 18 May 2021
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 so much for cruising with us and leaving such a lovely review! We're so pleased to hear you had such a wonderful day out on the Yarra river! We loved having you on board and we hope you come back to make some more fun memories!
Written 16 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mia W
1 contribution
June 2020
Wow, what a beautiful way to view Melbourne from the water and coast up and down the Yarra! Matt was very welcoming, professional and informative. The boat was an immaculate and classy little number, definitely something a little more special than the other boats cruising up the river. Loved that on a sunny Melbourne day we were able to be fully enclosed but still enjoy perfect views and remain protected from any (potential) wind or rain. A perfect day, thank you Melbourne Boat Hire!
Written 1 July 2020
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.
Thanks so much, so good to hear you enjoyed your cruise up the Yarra river so much and got to make some amazing memories, we hope to see you back on board again in the future!
Written 15 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Natalie C
Melbourne, Australia14 contributions
Dec 2020
We had a fantastic time on the Eliza J. From the start, the team at Melbourne Boat Hire were responsive and helpful and able to let me know about accessibility and many other questions I had about the boat. The briefing was comprehensive and the boat was easy to control and having an electric motor meant no fumes in the cabin. It was spacious enough for seven of us, I imagine it may be tricky trying to fit 12 onboard. Having a roof and windows that could be lowered was great as we had a bit of rain, then sun. then showers (thanks fickle Melbourne weather!). The only negative I could say was the the location of the docking area wasn't easy to find - maybe I just didn't read the instructions properly! I'd highly recommend for anyone looking for a fun Melbourne outing.
Written 9 December 2020
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.
Thanks so much for your review and for cruising with us, we hope to see you again for another fun day out on the Yarra river!
Written 16 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lorraine T
7 contributions
Mar 2020
Being from the UK and planning a wedding 12000 miles away and 11 hours time difference we must have been mad , but we did not need to worry . Having read excellent reviews and failed to get a beach around Melbourne that catered for non millionaires and small numbers we came across Melbourne boat hire
Booking the Birrarung we got married secretly with celebrant and my sister from docklands and until we arrived in Melbourne 15 strangers who we hooked up with and became firm friends in hours .
Matt and his team were fabulous having to move the boat last minute due to unexpected other wedding taking place kept us updated calm and free from any stress , the boat was beautiful open plan with the roof off, flowers , props and Mr and Mrs captains hats to add to our day
We married at 5 then took the cruise taking in all the sights , lights , flames and sunsets of melbourne itself allowing a smokers stop off and bouquet toss .
The boat also catered for our day with food and drink package chosen our guests and ourselves were served beautiful canapes, platters , hot and cold and all the drinks we could ask for ... Sam and Abbie allowed the groom to Skipper the boat jeez it was nearly Divorce and even joined in our craziness with dance offs
Over all we cant thank the team enough for making our day so special one day before lock down from corona virus at a time of uncertainty your service , expertise and humour as well as safety brief was next to none .
Tom and Lorraine Jackson xx
Booking the Birrarung we got married secretly with celebrant and my sister from docklands and until we arrived in Melbourne 15 strangers who we hooked up with and became firm friends in hours .
Matt and his team were fabulous having to move the boat last minute due to unexpected other wedding taking place kept us updated calm and free from any stress , the boat was beautiful open plan with the roof off, flowers , props and Mr and Mrs captains hats to add to our day
We married at 5 then took the cruise taking in all the sights , lights , flames and sunsets of melbourne itself allowing a smokers stop off and bouquet toss .
The boat also catered for our day with food and drink package chosen our guests and ourselves were served beautiful canapes, platters , hot and cold and all the drinks we could ask for ... Sam and Abbie allowed the groom to Skipper the boat jeez it was nearly Divorce and even joined in our craziness with dance offs
Over all we cant thank the team enough for making our day so special one day before lock down from corona virus at a time of uncertainty your service , expertise and humour as well as safety brief was next to none .
Tom and Lorraine Jackson xx
Written 30 March 2020
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 so much for this amazing review, we're so pleased you had such a good day on Birrarung for the wedding! We really loved having you on board and if you ever find yourselves back in Melbourne we'd love to see you for another cruise along the Yarra river!
Written 16 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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