Sightseeing Cruises

GoBoat: BYO Self-Drive Picnic Cruise on Yarra River (Up to 8 Guests)

Choose a 1-, 2-, or 3-hour rental and cruise the Yarra River at your own pace—no boat license or prior experience required.

Steer past city landmarks like Flinders Street Station, Royal Botanic Gardens, Docklands, and Melbourne’s iconic sporting arenas.

Each boat seats up to 8 people around a picnic table, with shaded seating and space for snacks, drinks, and furry friends.

Bring your own picnic or pre-order catering at select docks for a laid-back, food-friendly river adventure.

Designed with recycled materials and powered by electric motors, these boats offer a quiet, zero-emission way to explore Melbourne.

1‑, 2‑, or 3‑hour GoBoat electric hire (based on option selected)

Self‑drive GoBoat picnic boat rental

Seats up to 8 people

Departure from Banana Alley Wharf, Melbourne CBD

No boat licence or prior experience needed

Central picnic table with cup holders

Safety equipment and instructions

Route map and safety briefing

Onboard sunshade canopy

Lifejackets for all ages

Pet‑friendly boating experience

Food and drinks (bring your own or pre-order, if available)

Professional skipper service

Onboard dog life jackets (bring your own if needed)

TOTAL DURATION1 hour - 3 hours
FREQUENCYEvery 15–30 minutes (based on availability and booking slot)
MODE OF TRANSFERElectric boat
Timeline
Map
1 Boarding point
Banana Alley Wharf
Get direction
Sights covered
Flinders Street Station
Royal Botanic Gardens
Melbourne Cricket Ground
Docklands Promenade
Hamer Hall & Arts Precinct
South Wharf Promenade
Polly Woodside Tall Ship

You can cancel these tickets up to 3 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.

11 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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What our guests say
James O
Solo
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
It was a blast. The boat was fun and the staff was exceptional.
Garima T
Solo
Verified booking
Last week
The super easy booking process.
Raul C
Solo
Verified booking
Sep 2026
Amazing, good for a date and enjoy the yarra river with friends or partner.
Wai Y
Solo
Verified booking
Aug 2026
Staff were very helpful and enabled me to master the driving skills easily. The scenes were nice and it was an unforgettable experience for us.
Hendra W
Solo
Verified booking
Jun 2026
The route, the clean boat, the friendliness of the staff

Drive your own eco-friendly electric boat down the Yarra River—no license or experience required—while picnicking and sightseeing at your own pace.

Getting started

Arrive at your booked time for a safety briefing and map handover. Boats are collected and returned to the same dock. A designated skipper (aged 18+) must remain sober throughout the ride.

What to expect

This self-guided boat hire lets you explore Melbourne’s riverscape at your own pace. Choose from 1-, 2-, or 3-hour rentals depending on how far you'd like to go. Glide through the heart of the city, passing landmarks like Flinders Street Station, the MCG, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. These boats are powered by silent electric motors and built with recycled materials, making your ride clean, calm, and climate-friendly. It's a slow cruise made for good food, conversation, and open-air views.

Features

Seats up to 8 guests around a picnic table—perfect for casual meals or celebrations.

Simple tiller steering and low-speed control make it easy for first-time drivers.

Each boat includes shaded seating and is pet-friendly.

Zero-emission motor ensures a quiet, eco-conscious ride.

All safety gear, including kids’ lifejackets, is included.

Extras

Suggested photo ops: Great views of the skyline, MCG, and riverside gardens from the middle of the Yarra.

Meals: You’re welcome to bring food and drinks. At some locations, pre-order catering is available during booking.

Tour upgrades: Rent for 2 or 3 hours for a longer route and extra time to relax or stop along scenic riverside spots.

Return to the same dock at the end of your session. Staff will assist with docking and equipment handover.

What to bring

Booking confirmation and ID for check-in at the dock.

Designated skipper must be 18+ and remain alcohol-free (0.00% BAC) throughout the rental.

BYO picnic or drinks: Pack food, snacks, and up to 2 alcoholic drinks per person.

Cooler/esky and utensils if bringing your own food.

Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)—boats are shaded but open on the sides.

Warm layers or weather-appropriate clothing, depending on the season.

Dog leash and supplies if bringing your pet (GoBoat is dog-friendly).

Child life jackets are available on request; inform staff during check-in.

What's not allowed

Swimming is strictly prohibited, both for safety and per local council regulations.

Leaving the boat unattended at any time is not allowed.

More than 8 passengers onboard (including children) is not permitted.

Skipper cannot consume alcohol; guests may drink moderately, but intoxication or disruptive behavior can lead to remote boat shutdown with no refund.

Additional guest pick-ups during the rental are not allowed.

No drones, barbecues, or smoking onboard (as per general operator policy, not listed explicitly but commonly enforced).

Accessibility

Boarding involves stepping into a low vessel, generally suitable for most guests, but not explicitly accessible for wheelchair users.

No lifts or ramps are available at most pick-up points.

Assistance not guaranteed for mobility-limited travelers—guests should contact the operator in advance for support options.

Additional information

Rentals typically range from 1 to 3 hours.

Safety gear, life jackets, and a briefing are included in the hire price.

Speed limited to ~4 knots, with simple tiller steering—no experience required.

Eco-friendly electric motor ensures a quiet, low-impact cruise.

Dogs welcome aboard (dog life jackets not provided).

Rain or shine operation: bring wet-weather gear in case of showers.

Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially on weekends or holidays.

A route map is provided during check-in to guide your journey and help you spot the best picnic or photo spots.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.

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