Duration
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
Meals included
Sail the Yarra River for 2 hours, exploring Melbourne’s top landmarks like Federation Square, Docklands, the MCG, and the Royal Botanic Gardens.
4.4/5
(974)
Arline
Deepti
William
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Cruise the Yarra River for 2 hours, passing iconic landmarks like Federation Square, Docklands, and the Crown Entertainment Complex.
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See Melbourne’s natural and urban beauty, from the Royal Botanic Gardens to Melbourne CBD views and the striking Bolte Bridge.
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Discover history with views of the 19th-century “Polly Woodside” sailing ship and Melbourne’s bustling shipping channels.
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Enjoy live commentary, revealing fascinating stories about Melbourne’s landmarks, from sports arenas to world-class cultural hubs.
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Fun fact: Many animals call Yarra River home, including 18 different species of frogs and 170 bird species!
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2-hour Yarra River sightseeing cruise
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Live commentary
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Complimentary tea/coffee
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- Beverages (can be purchased on the cruise)
- TOTAL DURATION1 hour 55 minutes - 2 hours 5 minutesFREQUENCY70-90 minutesMODE OF TRANSFERBoat
1 Boarding point
Sights covered
Southgate Arts & Leisure Precinct
Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
Polly Woodside
Crown Entertainment Complex
World Congress & Trade Centre
Bolte Bridge
Westgate Bridge
Docklands Stadium
Melbourne CBD
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.
- 974 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.
662209291856Guests from United Kingdom, New Zealand, Germany and over 12 countries have loved this experienceWhat our guests say
Graham
Feb 2026Verified booking
Debra
Feb 2026Verified booking
Arline
Jan 2026Verified booking
William
Jan 2026Verified booking
Andrew
Jan 2026Verified booking
Melbourne, how the river sees it
Step aboard for a journey that reveals Melbourne’s charm from its most serene vantage point: the Yarra River. As the city buzzes around you, drift along the calm waters and take in unmatched views of Melbourne’s iconic landmarks. Starting at the vibrant Southgate Arts & Leisure Precinct, the cruise glides past Federation Square’s striking architecture before revealing the lush beauty of the Royal Botanic Gardens and the intriguing Herring Island. Along the way, discover the heart of Melbourne’s sporting spirit with glimpses of world-class venues like the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Rod Laver Arena, and AAMI Park.
Sail into the story of Melbourne’s past and present as you pass the 19th-century sailing ship Polly Woodside, a symbol of the city’s maritime heritage. The route continues through the bustling Docklands, offering views of modern marvels like Docklands Stadium and the World Congress & Trade Centre. Glance up at the impressive Bolte and Westgate Bridges, two engineering feats that span the city’s shipping channels, as you learn about Melbourne’s industrial prowess through expert onboard commentary.
The cruise loops back, presenting the city skyline in all its glory. Capture the unique blend of historic and contemporary as Melbourne’s CBD reflects on the river’s surface. Whether you’re soaking in the view of Crown Entertainment Complex or the Government House, you'll learn about the significance of the landmarks that shaped Melbourne over the years.
Route
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Southgate Arts & Leisure Precinct
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Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
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19th Century sailing ship “Polly Woodside”
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Crown Entertainment Complex
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World Congress & Trade Centre
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Bolte Bridge & Westgate Bridge
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Shipping Channels and dock area
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Docklands and Docklands Stadium
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Melbourne CBD views
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Federation Square
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Royal Botanic Gardens
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Government House
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Melbourne & Olympic Parks including AAMI Park, Melbourne Arena, Holden Centre, Margaret Court Arena | MCA, Melbourne Cricket Ground | MCG, and Rod Laver Arena
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Herring Island
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What's not allowed
- Guests appearing intoxicated may not be permitted onboard.
Accessibility
- Wheelchairs and mobility scooters cannot be accommodated due to boarding restrictions. As the venue is not wheelchair accessible.
Additional information
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The 2-hr Melbourne Highlights Cruise may include a pause between the two-hour ride and require switching between boats.
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Children will have to remain seated at all times during the cruise.
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Ensure you check-in at the ticket kiosk 15 minutes before departure.
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Australian citizens enjoy reduced prices with concession tickets. Please bring your valid IDs.
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Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
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Please arrive at the boarding point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.
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Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the boarding point.
Boarding point
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Board your cruise at Melbourne River Cruises.
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Address: Berth 2, Southbank Promenade, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia.
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