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Yarra River

Yarra River: Our most recommended tours and activities

Melbourne: 2-Hour City Highlights River Cruise

1. Melbourne: 2-Hour City Highlights River Cruise

Climb aboard a pleasure boat with a sundeck for a cruise along the Yarra River in Melbourne for a narrated tour. Glide past landmarks including the Polly Woodside, West Gate Bridge, Southgate, Princes Bridge, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Olympic Park, Herring Island, Botanic Gardens, and more. Cruise past beautiful buildings, skyscrapers, bars, and parks. Catch some sun on the sundeck or enjoy the views from the inside cabin. Enjoy a round-trip journey that allows you to really enhance your knowledge of what is known as one of the "most livable cities in the world." Travel both down river and up river to see highlights such as the Docklands Crown Entertainment Complex, West Gate Bridge, a 19th-century sailing ship, the Polly Woodside, Southgate Arts and Leisure Precinct, and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Center. Admire up river landmarks, such as Princes Bridge, Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Government House, Olympic Park, Herring Island, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Arts Centre Melbourne, and National Tennis Center where the Australian Open is played.

Yarra Valley Hot Air Balloon Flight & Champagne Breakfast

2. Yarra Valley Hot Air Balloon Flight & Champagne Breakfast

Experience the thrill of ascending over a changing landscape at sunrise, suspended in a basket, floating under a spectacular hot air balloon. The cold air hits your cheeks, clouds floating past, the hot flames above warm you up under the morning sky… as you take flight… up, up, and float away. Join a spectacular hot air balloon experience with a bird's eye view of the picturesque Yarra Valley (located an hour’s drive from Melbourne) – Victoria’s renowned wine region. Operating 364 days of the year (weather permitting) this once-in-a-lifetime tour experience provides an entirely different perspective of the Yarra Valley, beyond the typical tourist itinerary. Take off on a beautiful hot air balloon flight over the Yarra Valley at sunrise. The Yarra Valley is home to 90 vineyards and 35 wineries, many of which hold a reputation for creating world-class wines. See it from an entirely new perspective as you breeze over the picture postcard landscape. Meet your pilot approximately one hour before sunrise (you will be advised of the exact time and location when you phone the duty pilot the night before your flight). Your pilot will give you a short briefing before being transported to the launch site where you may help with the launch or stand back and take photos of the balloon as it is inflated. Then, climb aboard, and away you go gently floating over the Yarra Valley as if you were a cloud. It is truly one of the most magnificently tranquil, picturesque, and dream-like experiences you can do. Afterward, make a final landing, pack the balloon away, and have a champagne breakfast (additional cost of $35pp).

Spirit of Melbourne 4-Course Cruise with Drinks

3. Spirit of Melbourne 4-Course Cruise with Drinks

Board your fully enclosed boat at Southbank Promenade to start your dinner cruise along the Yarra River. While aboard the floating restaurant, take in views of the lit-up city skyline, and pass by waterfront sights such as Federation Square, Flinders Station, Rod Laver Arena, Riverside Park, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Relax with a beer, liquor, or red, white or sparkling wine, and enjoy the romantic atmosphere on the boat. Your dinner is prepared by talented chefs and served by attentive staff. It will also be paired with premium Australian wines. After a tasting platter, main course, dessert platter, and cheese platter, your luxurious meal culminates with a coffee or tea and a glass of port or liqueur. You’ll be full and relaxed by the time you return to the Southbank Promenade to end your cruise.  Sample menu (subject to change): Entrée Tasting Platter • Lamb Kofta served with minted yoghurt (GF) • Peking Duck on a bed of garden salad (GF) • Seafood cocktail dressed in a creamy seafood sauce (GF) Main Course (1 choice per guest) •  Chargrilled chicken breast with a porcini mushroom cream sauce, served with potato and seasonal vegetables (GF) •  Baked barramundi fillet, cooked with ginger and lime, dressed in a curried coconut veloute  •  Chargrilled beef eye fillet cooked “medium” with a port wine jus, served with potato and seasonal vegetables (GF) •  Portuguese lamb shank served on mashed potatoes with a confit of vegetables (GF) Vegetarian Option — Entrée • Ratatouille filo parcel, served with goat cheese and salad (V) Vegetarian Option — Main Course • Whole baby pumpkin filled with a stir fry of seasonal vegetables and quinoa, topped with melted cheese (V) (GF) Dessert Platter • Selection of mini desserts Cheese Tasting Platter • Australian cheeses, dried fruit, and nuts served with crackers Tea, Coffee & Chocolate • Port or liqueur (available upon request during tea & coffee service) Beverages • Premium selection of red, white & sparkling wines • Selection of beers & a range of spirits • Soft drinks & orange juice We operate under strict RSA laws when serving alcohol. NOTE: Main course menu selections are to be provided at the time of booking.

Melbourne: 2-Hour Bottomless Brunch Cruise

4. Melbourne: 2-Hour Bottomless Brunch Cruise

Enjoy this 2-hour cruise along the Yarra River and pamper yourself with unlimited indulgent brunch options that will be sure to cater to your appetite. The drinks selection has as much personality as the food selection. Indulge in a bottomless selection of premium beer, wine, and Prosecco mimosas throughout your brunch float. Surround yourself with the majestic views of Melbourne’s cityscape views on the renowned Yarra River. Depart from Southgate on the Spirit of Melbourne, a vessel that offers encompassing glass viewing areas as you dine away and pass Melbourne’s parks, gardens and sport’s stadiums and more. A sophisticated way to enjoy a brunch experience and relax before you go on about the rest of your day.

Melbourne: City and Williamstown Ferry Cruise

5. Melbourne: City and Williamstown Ferry Cruise

Embark on a sightseeing cruise along Port Philip Bay to Williamstown. Take in the views of the Melbourne skyline and enjoy insightful audio commentary on board as you sail down the Yarra River. Admire the skyline of Melbourne from a different perspective as you listen to the informative audio commentary. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city center and soak up the sun on the sun deck. Upon arrival in Williamstown, get the choice to take a break in Williamsport and visit the historic seaport, or stay on board and return to Melbourne. Linger in one of the cafés or galleries of Williamstown, known for its heritage buildings such as Customs House. If you choose to take the round-trip option, then just sit back and relax on one of the finest bay cruises on the return journey to Southbank.  

Melbourne: 1-Hour Gardens and Sporting Precinct River Cruise

6. Melbourne: 1-Hour Gardens and Sporting Precinct River Cruise

Discover Melbourne’s highlights while cruising along the breathtaking Yarra River. Cruise through downtown Melbourne on this sightseeing tour and listen to the on board commentary that will point out passing attractions and provide interesting tidbits of Melbourne’s history. Enjoy an hour aboard the riverboat as you cruise under the Princes Bridge and past top cultural attractions. Marvel at the magnificent riverbank gardens from the outside sun deck or through the panoramic windows from the inside cabin. On this tour you will also see Herring Island, Princes Bridge, the governor's residence, the Victorian Arts Center, Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Olympic Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the National Tennis Center. Enjoy complimentary coffee and tea while relaxing and taking in the beautiful city sites. 

Melbourne: Guided City Bike Tour with Gear and Lunch Stop

7. Melbourne: Guided City Bike Tour with Gear and Lunch Stop

Get introduced to Melbourne and the surrounding suburbs and discover key landmarks on this guided biking trip with all the gear you need for a safe adventure. Take breaks, stop for an optional lunch, and get tips on what to do in town during the rest of your stay.  Whether you’re new to the city or have lived here your entire life, you’re guaranteed to learn all facets of Melbourne on this one all-encompassing tour. Hear about Melbourne’s founding, the Aboriginals, the Eureka Stockade, local war history, the importance of sports in the city, and much more. Make a stop in Fitzroy at a trendy cafe for lunch (costs not included). Alternatively, feel free to pack your own lunch to enjoy during this stop. During breaks, your guide will give you great tips on what to do whilst in town from events to the best spots to eat.

Melbourne: Electric Picnic Boat Rental on the Yarra River

8. Melbourne: Electric Picnic Boat Rental on the Yarra River

Rent an electric boat in Melbourne and captain your own private cruise along the Yarra River. Discover the city from the river and set your own pace as you explore the river. Cruise along Melbourne's iconic Yarra River, the heart of the city. Follow the famous waterway, choosing your own route and schedule for maximum flexibility. Bring along an esky (cooler) of cold drinks or a picnic basket. Pirate hats and eye patches are always welcome. The Danish-designed picnic boats are constructed from fiberglass which uses recycled PET bottles instead of virgin glass and is powered by a state-of-the-art electric motor direct from Germany. These unique boats are electric, meaning you tread lightly on the environment. GoBoat contributes to improving the local waterways by regularly patrolling and collecting rubbish from the area.

Yarra River, Melbourne Waterbike Tour

9. Yarra River, Melbourne Waterbike Tour

Discover the bends of the iconic Yarra River that runs through the vibrant city of Melbourne. Pass by famous landmarks while riding a fun waterbike on a guided journey and learn about all the major sites sitting on the edge of the river, as well as some of the main bridges. After an informative safety briefing, you'll be taken to your waterbike and given a lifejacket before heading upriver to explore the Botanical Gardens and views of the Government House. Turning under the Swan Street Bridge, pass the iconic Rod Laver Arena Precinct, with MCG in the background. Ride along Birrarung Marr Park and continue downriver. Pass under the Princes Bridge into the heart of Melbourne, past Flinders Street Station and SEA Life Aquarium with the Rialto building towering in the background. Turn at Webb Bridge, taking in Yarra's Edge Marine before passing the Polly Woodside Tallship and Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre. Continuing upstream, pass Crown Casino, the South Bank precinct with Eureka Tower soaring to the skyline above. See Arts Centre Melbourne before once again passing under Princes Bridge and finishing back at the rowing sheds along Boathouse Drive, directly across the Yarra River from Federation Square.

Other Sightseeing Options in Yarra River

Want to discover all there is to do in Yarra River? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Yarra River

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 941 reviews

This was a really fun experience. I spent 8 hours exploring the place because it is so massive. The gardens were the highlight, and the grounds are so large that even with a large crowd you can be by yourself in hidden gardens. I would definitely recommend.

Had an amazing time. Staff were friendly and the service was outstanding. Delicious food and plenty of cold beverages. Highly recommend!!

Freddie is great. Took us through some cool places in the city. Funny and informative. Great Oz humor with lots of jokes along the way.

Absolutely incredible! Tour guide/Captain was very knowledgeable and made the tour very enjoyable for all ages.

Had great fun and learnt a lot about early Melbourne