A luxury boat charter in Melbourne is one of the best ways to see the city from a new vantage point. Whether you’ve lived here all your life, have out-of-town visitors, or would like to provide the ultimate in corporate entertainment, a private Melbourne boat charter is a magnificent way to experience Melbourne’s charms. Melbourne Boat Hire offers fully customisable private riverboat trips for up to 35 people.

Our smaller premium electric vessels are suitable for an intimate cruise seating up to 8 people in comfort; ideal for a romantic proposal, a small group of friends or a fun family time. Your skipper can take you throughout Melbourne’s river systems, giving you the chance to experience Melbourne from the water and capture some fantastic photographs. Food and beverage packages are available and can be tailored to suit the occasion whether you prefer a rustic picnic or sophisticated cocktails and canapes.

For luxury cruise boat hire in Melbourne for a larger group, look no further than our beautiful Birrarung. A hybrid diesel-electric party yacht, she’s the Grande Dame of the river. Accommodating up to 35 guests, her opulent interior includes a covered area with tables and chairs, an open space saloon with plush wrap around seating, a large bathroom and fully equipped kitchen and bar with oven, fridges, sinks and hot water, and an ice-maker. Perfect for social events, corporate entertainment, product launches or indulgent cruising, Birrarung is the pinnacle of party yacht hire in Melbourne. With wi-fi and a Sonos sound system and some fantastic pre-programmed playlists, you and your guests can enjoy the perfect acoustic accompaniment to your private boat charter. We offer full catering with delicious gourmet treats and drinks to match the style of your event. Your special event on the Birrarung will be one that your guests never forget.

One of the best ways to rejuvenate your mind is by booking a private skippered boat cruise in Melbourne. Here are simple tips or suggestions that you can follow to make it a memorable one.

Switch Off Your Mobile: If you have booked a romantic cruise on Melbourne’s Yarra River, we recommend that you turn off your mobile phone to avoid being disturbed and you can completely relax.

Select Clothes for the Weather: We recommend that you wear comfortable clothes when you are on Melbourne Yarra river cruises so you can relax throughout your private skippered boat cruise in Melbourne. Plan for the weather as the temperature and conditions can change quickly in Melbourne. If cold and raining, you will want to wear a jumper and coat. For hot summer days, shorts and t-shirts are suitable. Check the weather forecast the day before so you can be ready.

Check the Package: Before you hire a boat, take some time to check the details of each of the packages that a service provider is offering before booking. Compare the options available for your chartered boat hire in Melbourne.

Use the Space Well: Take advantage of the space available on the boat. Take time to learn about the features available. Knowing what’s available will enable you get the most from Yarra River cruises in Melbourne.

Order Food in Advance: Find out about the menu and place an order beforehand. Some foods require extra time and special ingredients for preparation. It will help the crew to prepare well before you board.

A Good Camera: It is a must to have a good camera with you so that you can capture all the precious moments of your private skippered boat cruise experience in Melbourne. If you are using your phone, make sure you will have enough charge to capture images throughout the experience.

Listen to the Captain: Listen to the captain and follow the planned itinerary and transit times. Knowing what’s ahead will help you plan the trip to get maximum value and enjoyment, whether you are planning a romantic cruise or getting together with a group of friends on your chartered boat hire in Melbourne.

Self-Drive the Boat: If you want a self-drive boat, you need to book a cruise accordingly. If you choose this option, you can go in your own pace and enjoy complete privacy. You don’t need a boat license to drive a boat.

Get All the Details in Advance: You don’t want to be in a rush and stressed that you are late. Get the details of where you will be boarding, where you will want to park or public transport options, so you can be sure that you will arrive on time for departure on your private skippered boat cruise in Melbourne.

One of the less attractive points of a city holiday is the traffic. Sure you want to see all the incredible sights and scenery that Melbourne has to offer but not while sitting in gridlock traffic. Yarra River boat cruises dispense with all that. Here you can meander river for miles without a hint of road traffic in your way. What better way to soak up attractions like:

• Melbourne Star
• Flinders Street Station
• Federation Square
• Eureka Sky Tower
• So much more

But the sights you will see are not the only charm that Melbourne Yarra River cruises turn on. For starters you can enjoy all the flexibility of bespoke Yarra River boat cruises. Whether you want to cruise Melbourne’s waterways for two hours to a leisurely half day, your preferences can be easily accommodated. Wind your way through Docklands, Southbank and shipping precincts. You can be afloat to see the sun come up over Melbourne or cruising the Yarra when the sun sets in glorious fashion. Come aboard for lunch or savour a delicious dinner. You can even choose to simply sip some tantalising drinks while sightseeing.

By no means must you spend the whole of your city river cruises Melbourne on board either. Step out onto some of the many jetties that lead to Southbank restaurants and waterside hotels. Or pop out near the Victorian Arts Centre to take in a vibrant exhibition. The opportunities are rich and diverse.

Make Melbourne river cruises a definite on your city holiday itinerary. Speak to Melbourne Yarra River Cruises about everything from self-drive boat hire to a seafood, champagne and sunset cruise.

Back to Work Cruises

Are you tired before the work year has even begun? You’re not alone! Studies show- and lifehacker explains that it can be hard to get into the work mindset after a break. This is especially true if the break was hectic without any relaxation. Enter the ideal tonic- a Yarra River cruise down Melbourne’s iconic waterways. Theres no plane to catch, no passport control and no boarding queues. Just you, your partner, family or friends- and the captain.

How Long Does the Cruise Go For?

The great thing with our river cruises is that they are private and run on demand- so they can be as long as you like! Experience the joy of travel within your home city. To make a return to work cruise uniquely yours, consider combining a river boat trip with a stopover for a meal. Dine at one of Melbourne’s exciting restaurants by the water, and experience the city from a fresh perspective.

Self Drive Boats Available

We’ve got a number of boats on the Yarra River which are self-drive. These can be hired without a special boat licence. They are electric powered- no fumes, no noise and no complications. A number of seating options exist- the maximum number of passengers on a self-drive boat is 12.

How Much Notice is Required

We have a limited number of vessels, so it’s important to book early if you have a specific date or time in mind. Our river boat cruises are private, luxurious charter trips- not floating bars filled with random people. You get to experience luxury that is uniquely yours- just the thing to help you get motivated as you start back at work again.

Looking for something unusual as a date idea for your Valentine? Sure everyone brings chocolates, buys roses- does dinner and a show. There’s a way you can make any of these tried and tested favourites extra special! Combine one or more of them with a private romantic boat cruise. Move out of the circle of what everyone else does and impress your date with something that’s sure to get people talking and hearts fluttering.

Enjoy a spectacular sunset cruise on the Yarra River- see the Melbourne city lights from a unique perspective and watch those impressive flames outside Crown Casino. With a self-drive yacht- you’re the captain! Delight your date with the sights of Docklands and Southbank- as well as great views of all the bridges on Melbourne’s waterways.

Our Valentine’s Day boat cruise packages are unique. With boarding locations in Docklands, Southbank in fact- anywhere along the Yarra River- your date can get the impact of the surprise just before finding out what’s in store. if you’re going out for a romantic dinner- we can provide a self-drive or skippered cruise before you dine. Your own skipper can meet you and take you on private boat trip aboard a private yacht! We can provide pre-dinner snacks or drinks too.

Arrive at Your Lunch or Dinner in Style

Ignite the romance of the Mediterranean and treat your beloved to a transfer by private water taxi. We do Docklands to Williamstown, Southbank to Docklands or vice-versa- in fact- anywhere there’s a jetty along either the Yarra River or Maribyrnong River- we can pick up or drop off. If you combine a night at city waterside accommodation- the suburbs seem a world away when you travel Melbourne’s waters by boat. Hiring a water taxi- arranging a transfer between points on the rivers, leaves you free to enjoy each other’s company without worrying about the hassle of parking.

You can disembark along the river at Southbank or Docklands- in perfect proximity to the restaurants or Arts Centre- and have some fantastic photos as well. People have popped the question during boat trips on our luxury hire yachts! Flowers have been delivered- as a favourite token to express love. Maybe it’s a little too soon for diamonds!

If you are planning to stay the night in a city hotel- there are jetties along the river we can stop at, so you can disembark close to your accommodation. Valentine’s Day in 2018 is on a Wednesday. Our packages are available for early birds- people celebrating Valentine’s Day on the Friday or Saturday night prior to the day. And if you forgot to organise something- a last minute cruise idea, on the weekend after Valentine’s Day is sure to get you forgiveness!

Customised Itineraries

Ask about our luxurious boat cruises and private yacht charter for Valentines Day. Trip times and routes are customised individually- so we’ll be able to combine your yacht hire with your plan for the evening.

Take restaurant dining to a whole new level and see the sights of Melbourne from a completely unique perspective.

Yarra River Cruises offer a range of exciting ways you can combine a beutiful lunch or dinner- with a boat trip on the Yarra River.

We offer visitors and locals the unique, memorable experience of culinary delights at three hand-picked restaurants along Southbank or the Docklands precinct. Combine fine dining, with luxury touring. Cruises on the Yarra River can be designed to include bridges, landmark buildings and beautiful waterside parklands. Take a short walk between courses to boost your appetite and anticipate the next instalment of fine food.

Who Is It For?

This is a great way to see the sights- and visitors to Melbourne enjoy the opportunity to see the flames on Southbank from a different angle. Locals welcome the fresh viewpoint of their own city, as well as dining at a mystery retaurant or two!

Hens parties are great candidates for combining a dining experience with a river boat trip. The journey on the water is relaxing and allows for some spontaneous dancing and partying in between courses of culinary delight.

If you’re planning on celebrating a birthday or milestone, a private, skippered boat ride on the Yarra River provides a pivotal point of interest, to commemorate any special event. Nervous about “popping the question”? An engagement proposal can be hidden within a menu- the boat cruise on the Yarra River can provide a distraction to deliver a real surprise when the ring is presented. We’ve even hung personalised “Will You Marry Me” banners from bridges, revealed to the couple as the boat passes beneath the bridge or walkway. This is a different way to celebrate a romantic cruise in Melbourne.

Are you looking for a different way to impress a client, reward staff for their hard work, or celebrate a new merger or contract acquisition? Our Corporate Cruises can be combined with a fine dining experience at multiple restaurants. This enables everyone to enjoy some space between rounds of drinks or meal courses- and provides a relaxed atmosphere for discussing what’s on the agenda for the day.

The 4 hour Yarra River Cruises progressive lunch/dinner cruises are suited for groups from 2-35(inclusive)

The pricing includes all three courses and the beverages.

Take a look at our progressive dinner cruises page for more information!

Get in touch with us- either by calling 0477075635 or using our handy inquiry form to find out more.

Are you spending time in Melbourne over Summer? Come aboard one of our luxury private yacht trips and experience the amazing diversity of attractions this city is world-famous for. A holiday boat cruise is a fantastic way to enjoy the cultural and scenic diversity of the city that has the whole world talking! Check the range of options we have for Yarra River cruises. Itineraries can be infinitely customised. What you see on this website is only a starting point.

Combine shore based activities with on-board dining. As your private skipper and guide, I can tailor a trip to visit the attractions you’d like to see. A firm favourite with locals and international visitors alike- is the tall ship Polly Woodside This wonderful vessel is located within the Boatbuilder’s Yard, not far from the Melbourne Convention Centre. We’ll need to confirm opening times and hours, as the exhibit books private functions which render it closed to the general public.

Combine a River Cruise and Barbecue

If you’d like to have your own barbecue on the banks of the Yarra- as you arrive in style- I can arrange a platter of salad and meat for you. Just bring your apron, chef’s hat and utensils. Find out more about different barbecue locations in Melbourne and design the ideal luncheon boat trip for you and a special person- or an alternative to a Christmas event at someone’s house.

Cruise in Luxury to Fine Waterside Dining

If cooking your own meal is not an option… there’s some great dining to be enjoyed at the many restaurants on the promenade alongside the Yarra river. Southbank is a foodie paradise, it has something for every taste. There’s everything from casual snacking, to premium dining. Luxury water transport is the perfect complement to a fine food experience. If you like seafood, consider ocean to plate specialists Waterfront Seafood Restaurant on the river’s edge.

Fascinated by Creatures of the Deep?

Get right up close and personal with an amazing experience at the Melbourne Aquarium. See a variety of marine life, and explore the coral coves, art aquarium and crocodile lair- to name but a few. Arrive and depart this exhibit by private cruise, and gain a deeper insight to what’s out there beneath the surface of the water. You can book a skippered boat trip to go for lunch at the Aquarium.

Cruise the Latest Fashion in Harbour Town

Conclude- or commence- your cruise with the luxury of a clothes shop stopover in Harbour Town. There’s nothing quite like boarding your private skippered yacht and sailing into the sunset with some exciting new clothes. It’s an indulgent experience- but definitely one you should try at least once. Take home a memorable souvenir from your Yarra River cruise. Treat yourself to a Harbour Town shopping cruise, followed with lunch or dinner on the water’s edge. See what’s on- and plan your pamper day in more detail. Check out the Harbour Town website for more information.

Interested to Learn More?

My range of Yarra River Cruises means you can design a day, afternoon or evening to suit your taste, style and budget. Get in touch today- use our contact form to start planning your next fun day out. Bookings available- sometimes on short notice- every day of the year.

So, you are browsing through a variety of choices online trying to decide to do something special with your loved one. Have you considered a romantic day or night on the beautiful Yarra River?

You can choose from a self-drive boat hire and be Captain for the day as you meander the beautiful waters of the Yarra River or select a skippered cruise where you are holding a glass of champagne, unwinding and absorbing the beautiful sites along the Yarra with your loved one.

Close your eyes and imagine passing by the romantic Botanical Gardens, your senses awakened by the beauty of the greenery and the sounds of birds chirping. Wave at the merry makers dotted along the Yarra as you pull your partner closer to you in your private haven.

If you truly want to make it a romantic Yarra River cruise experience, self-drive boat hire or skippered cruise for a night in the calm waters. You can view the spectacular Melbourne skyline, and as the sun goes down, the ambience of the city lights will make this an extraordinary evening. You never know, this may just end up being a proposal cruise too.

A variety of food and beverage packages can be arranged for your comfort. Keep it simple with sandwiches and beer or a proper dining experience with matching wines to go with your food selection. Arrangements can be made for a range of dietary options so don’t forget to ask.

Want to hire a photographer to capture your romantic cruise experience? That can be easily arranged as you capture precious moments against the spectacular Melbourne Skyline, iconic buildings like Federation Square and the Crown Casino and the Docklands.