Private Boat Hire on the Yarra River Melbourne
Discover Melbourne from the water with a private Yarra River cruise. Perfect for celebrations, corporate events or relaxed sightseeing, our cruises offer a unique way to enjoy the city. Choose from a variety of boats with catering, beverages and entertainment options available. Filter by group size, budget and onboard features to find the right fit. With expert local support and a best price guarantee, booking your Yarra River cruise is easy breezy.

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Discover Melbourne with Waterfront Views
Melbourne is a city that comes alive from every angle—but there’s something especially magical about seeing it from the water. A Yarra River cruise offers a fresh and unforgettable perspective of the city, blending iconic views with a relaxed and enjoyable cruising experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a corporate event, or just looking to explore the heart of Melbourne in a unique way, a private Yarra River cruise is the perfect choice.
Why Cruise the Yarra River?
The Yarra River winds its way through the centre of Melbourne, passing by some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. As you cruise along, you’ll see sights like Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Southbank, and the Docklands—all from the comfort of your own private vessel. Unlike land-based venues, a river cruise gives you constantly changing views, fresh air, and a sense of freedom you simply can’t get anywhere else in the city.
Yarra River cruises are also calm and sheltered, making them ideal for guests of all ages. There are no waves or rough waters—just smooth sailing through Melbourne’s stunning inner-city waterways.
Perfect for Any Occasion
A private Yarra River cruise is a versatile and memorable option for a wide range of events:
🎉 Birthday Parties – Celebrate in style with music, drinks, and unbeatable city views.
👰 Hens & Bucks Parties – Add fun, flair, and even a little cheeky entertainment for a night to remember.
🏢 Corporate Events – Impress clients or reward staff with a relaxed yet sophisticated experience.
🎄 Christmas Parties – Close out the year with good food, flowing drinks, and festive cheer on the river.
💍 Weddings & Engagements – Host an intimate ceremony or pre-wedding celebration with a stunning backdrop.
🏙️ Sightseeing Cruises – Sit back and soak in the scenery with family or friends on a scenic tour through the city.
Onboard Features & Add-Ons
Cruise boats on the Yarra River range from elegant, intimate vessels to larger function boats, all offering a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can expect:
✔ Comfortable lounges and open decks
✔ Licensed bars or BYO options
✔ Sound systems and lighting for parties
✔ Onboard catering or BBQ facilities
✔ Entertainment add-ons like DJs, acoustic musicians, or live performers
✔ Themed décor, photographers, or presentation equipment for events
✔ You can keep it simple or customise your cruise with a full package including food, drinks, entertainment, and more.
What to Expect on Your Yarra River Cruise
When you book a Yarra River cruise you’re not just hiring a boat—you’re unlocking a personalised experience on Melbourne’s most iconic waterway. Here’s what you can look forward to:
✔ A scenic journey through the heart of Melbourne
✔ Views of Docklands, Southbank, and the city’s vibrant waterfronts
✔ Drinks, grazing platters, or fully catered menus available onboard
✔ Comfortable open decks and shaded lounge areas to relax and socialise
✔ Stunning sunset or night-time views of the Melbourne skyline
✔ Whether you’re planning a quiet escape or a lively celebration, we’ll help you make it unforgettable
Whether you’re gliding through Melbourne’s scenic Yarra River or celebrating with the city skyline as your backdrop, Easy Boat Hire makes it simple to plan the perfect cruise experience.
Why Melbourne Locals Love Our Yarra River Cruises:
✔ Stylish vessels – Choose from modern cruisers, catamarans, or intimate luxury boats
✔ Fully crewed charters – Friendly, experienced skippers and staff included
✔ Flexible packages – Hourly, half-day, full-day, or evening cruises available
✔ Tailored extras – Add catering, drinks, entertainment, decorations & more
✔ Perfect for all events – Birthdays, proposals, corporate functions, or casual get-togethers
How to Book a Yarra River Cruise
✔ Browse our available boats or get personalised recommendations from our team
✔ Choose your cruise date, length, and number of guests
✔ Select optional add-ons like catering, bar service, live music, or theming
✔ Confirm your booking and let us handle the details
✔ Sit back, relax, and enjoy Melbourne from the water!
Local Experts, Seamless Planning
At Easy Boat Hire, we take the stress out of booking your Yarra River cruise. With real-time availability, honest advice, and expert local support, we help you find the ideal vessel for your event—fast. From intimate escapes to lively parties, we make sure your experience flows just as smoothly as the river itself. Just let us know your date, group size, and event style, and we’ll match you with the best available boats.
👉 Meet the Crew and contact us today to start planning your private river cruise!
Frequently Asked Questions About Yarra River Cruises
Yarra River cruise prices can vary throughout the year, with summer often attracting higher rates and winter offering better value. Extra costs such as staff, wharf fees, and catering may apply. We provide all-inclusive quotes for convenience, or you can use our Easy Boat Hire Cost Calculator to work out your total and per-person cost instantly.
Our Yarra River vessels cater to a variety of group sizes:
✔ Small cruisers for 2–12 guests
✔ Mid-sized boats for 15–40 guests
✔ Large vessels for 50–100+ guests
We’ll help match you with the best option for your group and event style.
Most Yarra River cruises depart from:
✔ Southbank Promenade
✔ Federation Wharf (near Fed Square)
✔ Docklands
Other pickup points may be available on request (subject to access and scheduling).
Yes! Many cruises are BYO-friendly, while others offer:
✔ Fully catered food and drink packages
✔ BBQ options
✔ Licensed bar service
We’ll help you choose the right boat based on your preferences.
Cruise durations start at 2 hours, with popular options for:
✔ Short daytime sightseeing cruises
✔ Sunset cruises
✔ Full event charters (3–5 hours)
Absolutely! We allow pre-access for event styling and decorations (subject to availability). Chat with our team to arrange early access or discuss setup requirements.
Yarra River cruises focus on sightseeing and relaxing onboard. There are no swim stops, but you’ll enjoy beautiful scenery, city lights, and iconic landmarks from the water.
Prices vary by vessel and inclusions. Typical rates start at:
💰 $600–$1,200 for 2-hour cruises
💰 $250–$400 per additional hour
Custom quotes are available for larger groups or special packages.