Highlights of Melbourne Cruise
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Cruise the Yarra River and admire Melbourne's spectacular skyline on a two hour narrated city cruise. Your cruise includes both the down and up river routes, encompassing the scenic river gardens and Herring island with the contrasting port and former-industrial Docklands area; giving you an extensive appreciation of the entire Melbourne region.
Beverages & Snacks available to purchase
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please note the travel date is only required as an indication within 3 months from booking confirmation date
Unfortunately the vessel is NOT wheelchair accessible. However, passengers in a wheelchair can be accommodated only if they can get on and off the vessel on their own and if the wheelchair is collapsible. The staff are not permitted to assist handicapped persons due to insurance restrictions
The Melbourne Highlights Cruise may include a pause between the two tours and may require switching to a different boat.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Melbourne River Cruises
Embark your cruise from lively Southbank
Yarra River
Cruise along Melbourne's iconic river and learn of the history and culture of one of the world's most livable cities.
What‘s Included
Commentary
Drinks (tea and coffee)
Yarra River Cruise
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Options
Melbourne Highlights
Reviews
726 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lovely landmarks
Jaye M,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00One-hour trip provides a comprehensive overview of river-edge landmarks. Informative commentary. Friendly, helpful staff. Got a recommendation to go up the Skydeck (88 floors!) - excellent, a must see aerial view of Melbourne & surrounds. Recommended river cruise.
An enjoyable trip.
johnhJ8466HO,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Cruised upstream and downstream. Both were interesting though I found the upstream trip more interesting. I enjoyed the cruise. Commentary was over-all okay though for some bizarre reason it (it was recorded) kept calling the river YARR-RA. My other reservation is being hit on the head every five minutes with some irrelevant mention of the "first nation" people.
It was OK
Loree A,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00It was an OK experience. The staff were kind, friendly and very helpful. It's just that compared to other similar river tours we've experienced in other large cities, this one seemed lacking. The architecture in Melbourne is very interesting, we would have enjoyed learning more about that in addition to the other key points offered.
Cruising on the Yarra River in Melbourne
SHARON J,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00This was a very relaxing and informative boat ride. Enjoyed all the points of interest. I also appreciate the historic references.
An enjoyable cruise
BrianD832,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00A very enjoyable cruise on a great boat - unfortunately spoiled a bit by a lot of "cruisers" who wouldn't shut up despite the captain trying his best - he could have been a bit more forceful. We did the up and down cruises and the commentary was very helpful.
Great Melbourne architecture viewed from the river
williamhI3955DI,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Nice way to see the stunning architecture of Melbourne from the river. The old bridges were interesting, but the modern buildings, particularly down river, were amazing. We went up and down river, but there was a slightly frustrating half an hour wait after the up river trip even though we stayed on the same boat.
Just a very ordinary cruise.
Heather B,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Kitchen chairs to sit on. Minimal commentary Free tea and coffee was cold. Airconditioned Easy to have a nap and not miss anything.
Fun
patriciagK6170CR,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very pleasant and informative. We went upstream then down stream. Narrated
Up river only forget downriver
mjmb 40,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Trip was a little confusing as we traveled up river first which was ok but not very exciting. Then returned to our departure point to disembark for 30min, to only embark again on the same boat to travel down river, which was not worth it as it’s just a view of building construction and container port.
Melbourne River Cruise
Natalia P,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This cruise took us up river and down river for a wonderful, relaxing, educational and informative tour! It was a perfect follow up to the 2.5 hour walking tour that we completed just before it.
Related Experiences
Operated by Melbourne River Cruises