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If you’re considering going on a Melbourne river cruise, I would encourage you to go for it!
A river cruise is a relaxing way to sightsee, and the views are just fantastic! As long as you choose the right one, I think it’s something that everyone should do while in Melbourne.
I’ve done a handful of different river cruises in Melbourne, and there truly is something for everyone. So in this blog post, I’m going to share the pros and cons of doing a river cruise to help you decide whether it’s worth your time, and round up my favorite options.
Would I recommend doing a Melbourne River Cruise?
Yes, definitely!
A Melbourne river cruise is a great way to see the city. You get to check off a ton of top sights while relaxing from the comfort of the boat. And honestly, the views are just fantastic! We have done a bunch of Melbourne river cruises because we just love the scenery so much.
It’s no wonder that a river cruise ranks pretty high on our list of the most popular things to do in Melbourne. They’re ideal for pretty much all types of travelers and are also a great way to see a lot of Melbourne if you don’t have long to spend here, or don’t want to do a lot of walking.
There are a ton of different options available for a Melbourne river cruise, and let me tell you, they are not all created equal. Some of the cruises we have done haven’t been that great, while others have blown us away! You need to pick the right cruise to make it worthwhile, but don’t worry, I’ve got plenty of recommendations coming up.
Highlights on a Melbourne River Cruise
See the Yarra River
The beautiful Yarra River runs right through Melbourne, offering scenic views in every direction. The city was built around this river, so exploring it is a must. A ton of Melbourne’s most famous landmarks are dotted along the river, and it’s also home to lots of wildlife, including over 50 species of birds, and adorable platypuses!
You get to relax but explore
Sightseeing often involves being on your feet all day, but with a Melbourne river cruise, you get to just sit back and take it all in! It’s much more relaxing than walking through busy streets or using public transport to tick off all of the major landmarks. So if chilling out and gliding past the city’s most iconic sights sounds good to you, then you should definitely do a river cruise!
Incredibly scenic
The main reason that we have done so many Melbourne river cruises is that we just can’t get enough of the views! These boat rides are super scenic, so we end up doing one every time we’re in the city. Melbourne is a beautiful city and a river cruise really showcases its best angles!
Affordable options
There are some very affordable river cruises available in Melbourne, such as this one for just $38 AUD. To be honest, you do get what you pay for here – it’s a short and basic cruise, and we’ve definitely had better experiences out on the river. But you still get the same views, and if you’re on a tight budget, then we still think it’s better to do this cruise than miss out altogether!
Related Read: If you’re after more budget-friendly activites, check out our huge list of free and cheap things to do in Melbourne!
Perfect all year round
Melbourne river cruises run year-round, and they have both outdoor viewing decks and temperature-controlled cabins. We’ve done river cruises to beat the heat during the summer, and to stay warm and dry during the winter. It’s an ideal way to sightsee at any time of year!
Reasons to Avoid a River Cruise in Melbourne
Bad weather
River cruises run rain or shine, but they may be canceled in the event of extreme weather that makes it unsafe to set sail. If you book with the company Viator (who all the tours I’ll mention are through), you’ll be covered for this and get a full refund.
At the same time, the views are generally better on a sunny day, but if you book through Viator you can change or cancel your booking for free until 24-72 hours beforehand.
That’s why I added a river cruise to my top things to do in the summer in Melbourne! It’s hard to beat a sunny day cruising along the Yarra.
You prefer exciting activities
If you’re a super adventurous traveler who wants a more exciting way of sightseeing, then we probably wouldn’t recommend a Melbourne river cruise for you. These cruises are scenic and relaxing and are more about sipping a drink as you take in the views than getting a huge adrenaline rush.
What is our number one favorite river cruise in Melbourne?
The Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise isn’t just our favorite river cruise in Melbourne – it’s easily one of the best we’ve ever done anywhere in the world! We had an amazing time (read our full review here!) and would recommend this cruise to anyone looking for a fun, classy, and relaxing evening in the city.
It’s a 3-hour dinner cruise, so we got to see the city lit up after dark, which was magical! And if you go between mid-October and late March, the cruise departs in time to catch the sunset out on the water.
I think the views were my favorite part but the food was a close second, and we especially loved the steak and the cheeseboard that we got. It was like dining in an upscale restaurant, only better because we were floating along the river, with fantastic views of the city’s most famous landmarks.
Oh, and don’t let me forget the free-flowing drinks, either! We got to choose between beer, wine, and premium spirits, and the crew kept them coming. The service was truly excellent and the staff couldn’t do enough for us.
At $185 AUD, this isn’t the cheapest Melbourne river cruise available but, as cheesy as it sounds, it was worth every penny. In terms of value for money, it can’t be beaten because you get both a gourmet meal and gorgeous views of the city. It’s a truly all-inclusive experience so we think that it’s a fantastic deal.
However, for these reasons, it almost always sells out in both summer and winter, so we strongly recommend booking in advance.
Book the Melbourne Dinner Cruise here and read all the 5-star reviews!
What are other fantastic river cruises in Melbourne that I’ve done?
2-hour Highlights of Melbourne Cruise
If you’re looking for a more wallet-friendly river cruise that still delivers a great experience, then I can recommend this 2-hour cruise. At $62 AUD, it’s affordable, and a relaxing way to see a lot of the city. I really enjoyed floating down the river and admiring the skyscrapers, urban gardens, and the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground!
This cruise also had interesting commentary. I got a really comprehensive overview of the city’s history and learned a lot of things that I didn’t know about Melbourne’s past! I liked that we got to go upriver and downriver, as it was cool to see the difference on each side. There was also free tea and coffee on board, which was a nice touch.
There are multiple departures each day so this cruise should be easy to fit into your itinerary. It’s definitely worth doing for those who are short on time, and I think that this is a good choice for families. I would recommend doing this tour on your first day in Melbourne, as it’s the perfect way to get your bearings and get an idea of what this city is all about.
Book this budget-friendly cruise here!
Private Romantic Melbourne Dinner Cruise for 2
Couples looking to celebrate a special occasion should definitely consider this private romantic cruise! We absolutely love this cruise and if you’re looking for a luxurious experience on the Yarra River, this is most definitely it.
We will never forget sailing down the river, just the two of us! Having the cruise all to ourselves was so special, and we loved the food, which was a delicious 3-course meal. It was actually prepared by a very reputable local restaurant, so we got to experience some of Melbourne’s best fine dining along with an incredible private cruise.
We also got to try plenty of fantastic local beer and wine, and the crew took amazing care of us. In fact, they really couldn’t do enough for us! We felt like true VIPs.
I think that this would be an incredible way to celebrate a honeymoon or anniversary, or even to propose! Trust me, it would be very difficult for anyone to say “no” while enjoying this beautiful, intimate cruise. I think it’s the most romantic thing you could possibly do in Melbourne.
The cruise costs $589 AUD per couple, and promises to be an unforgettable evening of romance. So if you’re looking to sweep your special someone off of their feet, you should definitely book this cruise!
Book this romantic river cruise here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Related Read: For a step-by-step guide to plan a quick trip here, check out our ideal 3-day Melbourne itinerary!
Other Things to do in Melbourne
If you have a little extra time in your itinerary, we have even more epic Melbourne activities. You can check out our full list of the best things to do in Melbourne or check out our top recommendations below!
- Drive the Great Ocean Road – This scenic drive follows the southern coastline and is one of the most epic things to do in Melbourne. We joined this guided tour so we could stop at the iconic areas, like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Apollo Bay, while someone else did the driving so we could enjoy the views! This day trip from the city was our favorite Melbourne experience, it’s stunning and a great break from the bustling city.
- Wander the Arcades – Melbourne is also home to tons of pretty arcades (covered walkways), and my favorites to explore are the Block Arcade and the Royal Arcade. You can see the most famous arcades and visit the best chocolate shops and dessert cafes (with plenty of samples!) on this Arcades Dessert Walking Tour. Our guide was amazing and my sweet tooth was so happy!
- Explore the Melbourne Gardens – The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is another great way to escape the city, without leaving city limits. This huge garden is home to over 8,500 species of plants and has been around for over 170 years. It’s simply gorgeous, and spending a few hours strolling through makes for a lovely afternoon. There are often special events going on, so check the website here before you go!
- Explore St Kilda – This cute beach town is just 15 minutes from downtown Melbourne, and is a great place to grab a coffee and take in those ocean views! St Kilda is famous for its coffee scene, there are many to choose from – but our favorite is Galleon Cafe. If you’re visiting on the weekend, check out Esplanade Market for some unique souvenirs or Luna Park, super fun for families!
- Day trip to Phillip Island – Phillip Island is one of our favorite day trips from Melbourne because you can see the world’s largest Little Penguin Colony! Visiting here means seeing the famous “Penguin Parade” where hundreds of Little Penguins waddle back to their burrows. We took this organized tour, which also included stops at the Brighton Boxes and the Moonlit Sanctuary, where we got to hand-fed wallabies and see koalas!
Where to Stay in Melbourne
If you’re planning to visit Melbourne, let us help you find a great place to stay. There’s something to fit every budget, so check out our top picks from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here’s what you need to know!
The Langham Melbourne – $$$
For an elegant stay – think marble staircases, fountains, and chandeliers – The Langham Melbourne is the perfect place. The hotel is in the middle of Melbourne overlooking the Yarra River. You’ll get beautiful city views from the hotel’s restaurant and from the indoor pool. It’s also within walking distance of a number of top attractions.
Rooms here start at $300 – $400 AUD per night. Check availability and reserve a room here.
Grand Hotel Melbourne – $$
Stay in the Melbourne Central Business District at this historic hotel that has plenty of character. The studios and apartments at the Grand Hotel Melbourne give you more space than a typical hotel and even include a kitchen. You can also take advantage of the heated indoor pool and the fitness center with a sauna. Plus, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to Crown Casino, Southbank, Docklands, and more.
A studio starts at around $200 AUD per night and can be reserved through Booking.com here.
Space Hotel – $
You don’t have to sacrifice style for money at this hostel. The Space Hotel is a modern hostel with lots of extra guest amenities like a gym, a hot tub, and even a mini-theater. You can head to the rooftop terrace to relax and enjoy the views. The hostel is conveniently located in the Central Business District and is not far from the Queen Victoria Market and Chinatown.
Accommodation options include both private rooms and shared dorm rooms. A bed in a dorm starts at $55 AUD per night and private rooms begin at $100 AUD. Reserve a spot in advance with Booking.com or HostelWorld.com.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
So, should you do a river cruise while in Melbourne? If you ask me, the answer is always yes! The river is gorgeous here and the city’s sights are even prettier from the water. Whether you’re after a romantic dinner cruise or a sightseeing cruise with the family, there are great options for everyone!
Don’t leave yet! You might like our blog on the Great Ocean Road tour we recommend or we have more travel tips, city guides, and inspiration on our Australia page.
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