Sightseeing Cruises

1-Hour Yarra River Parks & Gardens Cruise

Cruise boat on river with city skyline in the background, River Gardens tour.

River cruise boat on a scenic waterway with a stadium and trees in the background.

River cruise boat passing under a pedestrian bridge in a cityscape setting.

River cruise boat on Melbourne's Yarra River with cityscape backdrop.

Duration

1 hr

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Glide along Melbourne’s Yarra River, soaking in views of Federation Square, Royal Botanic Gardens, Olympic Park, and MCG on this relaxing 1-hour cruise.

Set off on a 1-hour Yarra River cruise, offering a front-row seat to Melbourne’s key landmarks and stunning natural beauty.

Glide past Federation Square and Government House, where you’ll catch glimpses of Melbourne’s cultural heart and historic architecture.

Sail by the lush Royal Botanic Gardens and the unique design of AAMI Park, home to both greenery and Melbourne’s modern sports spirit.

Cruise past Melbourne’s iconic sporting venues, including the MCG and Rod Laver Arena, pillars of Melbourne’s sports culture.

Fun fact: The Yarra River was originally named "Birrarung," meaning "place of mist and shadows," but early settlers mistranslated it as "Yarra."

1-hour Yarra River sightseeing cruise

Complimentary tea/coffee

Beverages (can be purchased on the cruise)

TOTAL DURATION55 minutes - 65 minutes
FREQUENCYday at 11am, 1:30pm and 4pm
MODE OF TRANSFERBoat
FIRST DEPARTUREFederation Square
LAST DEPARTUREFederation Square
1 Boarding point
Melbourne River Cruises
Get direction
Sights covered
Federation Square
Royal Botanic Gardens
Government House
AAMI Park
Melbourne Arena
Margaret Court Arena
Melbourne Cricket Ground
Rod Laver Arena
Herring Island

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

4.4
1,146 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
Lyndl
Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
The scenery was lovely and the commentary was informative On our return, the boat lost power and the crew were fantastic, turning into a really fun experience. It was very memorable
Malcolm
Oct 2025
Verified booking
4/5
Good trip. The speakers at the back of the boat were pretty average and we missed most of the commentary
Maria
Jul 2025
Verified booking
5/5
The guide was wonderful, the tour explained and the view was spectacular.
Jennifer
Jun 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Fantastic staff cruise was amazing
Lynton
Sep 2025
Verified booking
5/5

Melbourne through the Yarra’s eyes

Set off on a 1-hour Yarra River cruise, where you’ll explore Melbourne’s most iconic landmarks, all set against the city’s stunning natural backdrop. You'll encounter Federation Square, a hub of culture and design, and the grand Government House, a symbol of Melbourne’s colonial history. As you cruise along, enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Royal Botanic Gardens, home to over 8,500 plant species, with its lush greenery and scenic views stretching along the riverbanks. AAMI Park, with its eye-catching, bubble-shaped roof, adds a modern touch to the landscape, showcasing Melbourne’s fusion of nature and innovative design.

Next, venture into Melbourne’s sporting precinct, a world-class area that includes the iconic MCG, Rod Laver Arena, and other famous venues. You’ll catch glimpses of where history is made, from the AFL grand finals to the Australian Open. Keep an eye out for Herring Island, the only artificial island on the Yarra. This picturesque spot offers a peaceful retreat, surrounded by nature and a stark contrast to the bustling city life.

Route

Federation Square

Royal Botanic Gardens

Government House

Melbourne & Olympic Parks including AAMI Park, Melbourne Arena, Holden Centre, Margaret Court Arena | MCA, Melbourne Cricket Ground | MCG, and Rod Laver Arena

Herring Island

What's not allowed

Guests appearing intoxicated may not be permitted onboard.

Accessibility

The cruise is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Additional information

Children will have to remain seated at all times during the cruise.

Ensure you check-in at the ticket kiosk 15 minutes before departure.

Australian citizens enjoy reduced prices with concession tickets. Please bring your valid IDs.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly

Please display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID while boarding

If you have purchased reduced-price tickets, please carry your valid photo ID proof for verification. Students must show their valid student IDs.

Kindly ensure that you arrive 10-15 minutes before the start time of your tour to avoid any delays

Boarding Point

Your boarding point is at Southbank Promenade - BERTH 2, SOUTHGATE (Berth 2, Southbank Promenade, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia)

Click here for the exact boarding point

Get Directions to the Boarding Point

Getting There

Closest train station is Flinders Street Railway Station, a 2-minute walk to the boarding point.

Closest bus stop is Arts Center, a minute away from the boarding point.

Validity

This ticket is valid for the date and time selected during checkout