Yarra River Tours and Tickets

Q: What are the main attractions along the Yarra River in Melbourne?

Popular attractions along the Yarra River in Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD) include Flinders Street Station, the Arts Centre Melbourne, the Royal Botanic Gardens, the King's Domain parkland, and the Southbank Promenade. Outside of the CBD, other riverside attractions include the Abbotsford Convent and Scienceworks museum.

Q: Can you go boating or kayaking on the Yarra River?

Yes, you can go boating and kayaking on the Yarra River in Melbourne. You can book a boat cruise or hire a boat to drive yourself around the Yarra River and the Docklands area. Kayaking on the Yarra is also very popular, either as part of a kayaking tour or independently with a hired kayak.

Q: Is swimming allowed in the Yarra River?

No, you cannot swim in the Yarra River in Melbourne’s CBD or in the Yarra River Park. It is illegal to swim in the Yarra River anywhere downriver of Gipps Street in Abbotsford. But you probably wouldn’t want to anyway, as the water quality in these areas is quite poor.

Q: Are there any cruises or boat tours available on the Yarra River?

Yes, there are many river cruises you can take along the Yarra River. Boat tours on the Yarra range from sightseeing cruises that let you see Melbourne from a new perspective to dinner cruises where you can enjoy dinner and drinks while admiring the illuminated city center. Most river cruises depart from the CBD area.

Q: Can you go fishing in the Yarra River?

Yes, you can go fishing in the Yarra River if you have a fishing license for Victoria. If you catch fish from the Yarra River, you should consult advice from the local council before eating it, as industrial pollutants are known to be at high levels in certain fish.

Q: What are the best viewpoints for photographing the Yarra River and Melbourne skyline?

The best places to photograph the Yarra River and Melbourne skyline are Morell Pedestrian Bridge in South Yarra and the riverfronts at Alexandra Gardens and Birrarung Marr Lower Terrace, opposite each other. In the CBD, two good spots are the Queens Bridge and the Princes Bridge.

34 results

Best Seller

River Gardens Melbourne Sightseeing Cruise

1 hourFree Cancellation

3.6

(209)

from $26

1 Hour Sight seeing Melbourne River Cruise on historic vessel

See the most famous sites in Melbourne from the Yarra River as you cruise on a vintage vessel, a Grower built in 1924. Travel under historic bridges at sunset, cameras ready to snap photos of the Botanical Gardens, the Docklands, and more from your boat. Listen to live commentary from your captain who tells you all about Melbourne’s history and culture as you have a few nibbles and maybe a glass of wine (BYO).

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1 Hour Sight seeing Melbourne River Cruise on historic vessel

1 hour 10 minutesFree Cancellation

4.6

(26)

from $26

Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise on the Yarra River

Spend an evening on the Yarra River during this Melbourne dinner cruise. As you admire the twinkling city lights reflecting on the water, enjoy a 4-course gourmet meal inclusive of beverages. This fine dining experience includes beer, wine, and spirits, as well as coffee, tea, dessert, port, and a cheese plate. Cruise past attractions like Federation Square and the Royal Botanic Gardens while soaking up the elegant and relaxing atmosphere of the boat.

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Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise on the Yarra River

3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.5

(1,510)

from $143

Ultimate Melbourne Walking Tour: History, Laneways & Culture

3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(1,548)

from $94

Likely to Sell Out

Bottomless Brunch Afloat in Melbourne

2 hours

4.9

(67)

from $94

Highlights of Melbourne Cruise

2 hoursFree Cancellation

3.8

(752)

from $56

2-Hour Self-Drive Boat Hire on the Yarra River

Enjoy a private 2-hour cruise on the Yarra River with this self-drive boat rental in Melbourne. No license is required to drive this vessel, which has a fully enclosed cabin option if needed. Bring up to 10 friends and family members on board for a relaxing and scenic cruise. Create your own sightseeing tour by passing top attractions such as the Royal Botanic Gardens, Southbank, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Federation Square and the Docklands. You can even disembark at Herring Island Park to walk around its outdoor sculpture park.

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2-Hour Self-Drive Boat Hire on the Yarra River

2 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(24)

from $219

Per group

This private, half-day Yarra River rafting experience is an exciting way to get out of Melbourne—perfect if you need to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Take a guided paddle through Level 2 rapids and see the sights of mini-gorges, valleys, and diverse wildlife along the river’s shore. With lunch provided and time to truly take in the scenery, experience the natural beauty of the Yarra River with no need to organize a thing yourself.

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Yarra River Half-Day Rafting Experience

3 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(25)

from $80

Port of Melbourne and Docklands Sightseeing Cruise

1 hourFree Cancellation

3.7

(108)

from $26

Likely to Sell Out

A Taste of Melbourne: Small-Group City Tour with Food and Drink

While many people start with the city center of Melbourne and its laneways when exploring, there’s much more to Melbourne than this one area. Experience different sides to the city in one compact tour on this shared bus tour that goes beyond the laneways and places you can easily walk to. Explore different suburbs, each with their own vibe and feel, and visit bayside beaches for a well-rounded city tour.

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A Taste of Melbourne: Small-Group City Tour with Food and Drink

4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(59)

from $99

Likely to Sell Out

The historic monuments, waterfront parks, and scenic shipping channels of Melbourne are even more picturesque when viewed from the water. On this tour, set sail at sunset along the Yarra River and experience the city at its most magical. Cruise past the Botanical Gardens and Melbourne Park; explore the Docklands and admire the waterfront mansions of Melbourne’s suburbs; and peek at the sculpture garden on Herring Island.

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Golden Hour Cruise

1 hour 15 minutesFree Cancellation

4.3

(12)

from $48

Private Bespoke Melbourne Walking Tour - Expert Local Guide

3 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(30)

from $183

Price varies by group size

Likely to Sell Out

Melbourne City Sights Kayak Tour

1 hour 45 minutesFree Cancellation

4.9

(162)

from $60

4 Hours Sightseeing Small Group Tour in Melbourne City

You have decided to visit Melbourne, Australia. Why don't you get the best out of Melbourne and explore the highlights of the city while relaxing in our comfortable minivan and listening to its story. Our Melbourne city sightseeing tour will take you around Melbourne to see all aspects and highlights of this vibrant metropolitan city. Melbourne is known as the sports capital of Australia, Arts capital of Australia, Fashion Capital of Australia and named as the most livable city in the world! And we ll tell you why!!

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4 Hours Sightseeing Small Group Tour in Melbourne City

4 hoursFree Cancellation

3.7

(7)

from $73

Melbourne Sunset Kayaking Experience with Dinner

Experience Melbourne at sunset from the water on a 2.5-hour kayak tour on the Yarra River. Your guide takes you around Victoria Harbour and along Southbank where you pause to see the fire-ball display at Crown Casino. Enjoy an on-the-water dinner of fish and chips, then see downtown Melbourne before your tour ends next to Princess Bridge. Includes guide, use of equipment, light dinner, and kayak tour.

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Melbourne Sunset Kayaking Experience with Dinner

3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(194)

from $88

Melbourne City Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight with GoPro Photos

4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(277)

from $442

Likely to Sell Out

Melbourne has a sporting history of more than 150 years, and one of the best ways to learn all about it is by joining this small, intimate group (max 8) walking tour. Your guide talks about Australian football, tennis, cricket, horse racing and more. Ask your guide any sporting questions you can come up with as you explore Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne & Olympic Parks, AAMI Park, and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

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Melbourne Sports Walking Tour

2 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(38)

from $64

Private Melbourne Tour with a Local: Custom Highlights & Gems

2 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(51)

from $64

Price varies by group size

Melbourne Sports Precinct Walk with Behind-the-Scenes MCG Tour

Whatever sport you follow, you’re sure to enjoy touring Melbourne’s sporting venues. The Australian city is big on sports, as you’ll learn on this walking tour that covers about 5 miles (9 kilometers). From the National Tennis Centre to Olympic Park, Australian footie grounds and the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground, you’ll get an insight into all facets of Melbourne’s sporting culture. Take photos at iconic venues and relive sporting history through your guide’s stories. A must for all sports fans.

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Melbourne Sports Precinct Walk with Behind-the-Scenes MCG Tour

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

5.0

(4)

from $110

Likely to Sell Out

Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Melbourne Private Tour

3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.4

(15)

from $145

Price varies by group size

Melbourne Sports Experience + Free Australian Sports Museum entry

Discover Melbourne’s love of sport and conveniently visit several major sporting facilities all at once on this small-group tour. Walk with your guide along the Yarra River to stadiums and facilities such as Rod Laver Arena, Olympic Park, and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) to learn their histories. Finish the tour at the Australian Sports Museum where you can dive further into the city’s sporting culture.

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Melbourne Sports Experience + Free Australian Sports Museum entry

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

5.0

(6)

from $88

Full Day Private Melbourne Tour with enchanting Koala Encounters.

See and do exactly what you want on this private, customizable day tour of Melbourne. Visit the city’s highlights, including churches, public squares, government buildings, seaside neighborhoods, and the laneways famous for their street art and fine coffee. Receive personalized attention, as this is a private tour. An ideal tour for travelers short on time, who want to make the most of a day in Melbourne.

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Full Day Private Melbourne Tour with enchanting Koala Encounters.

8 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(11)

from $1,901

Per group

Melbourne Laneways and Galleries Impressionist Art Walking Tour

Step into the world of art and mystery on Melbourne’s most unique new walking tour. Guided by a professional artist, this immersive walking tour experience celebrates the lives and fascinating stories of Melbourne's Australian Impressionist artists and their incredible connection to Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh through the friendship of one pioneering Australian artist. Explore Melbourne’s hidden laneways, iconic landmarks and long forgotten heritage buildings as you uncover the vibrant studios, galleries, and bohemian haunts of the 1800's. Hear tales of artistic passion and lasting friendships that helped shape a uniquely Australian artistic identity. Along the way, savor Melbourne’s world-renowned coffee culture before finishing with a guided visit to the National Gallery of Victoria, in Federation Square. See Melbourne through the eyes of an artist, and discover the untold stories behind Australia’s most influential artist movement and the start of our country's modern art scene.

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Melbourne Laneways and Galleries Impressionist Art Walking Tour

3 hoursFree Cancellation

from $91

Price varies by group size

See Melbourne With A Local: Private & Personalized

Melbourne is a large city with a broad range of things to entertain visitors, but it isn’t always the easiest place to work out where to go when sightseeing. Let a guide craft an itinerary around your personality and interests, then show you places in Melbourne that would most appeal to you. The itinerary can be adjusted to incorporate public transport or time at attractions, but tickets are not included.

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See Melbourne With A Local: Private & Personalized

3 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

4.0

(4)

from $96

Price varies by group size

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What are people saying about Yarra River

River Gardens Melbourne Sightseeing Cruise

Caleb_G, May 2026

Went well, professional...

Went well, professional and great service. Learned a lot. The staff provided free tea and coffee which was nice, and very friendly.

River Gardens Melbourne Sightseeing Cruise

Leonie_G, May 2026

Very informative was very...

Very informative was very enjoyable , would do it again next time in Melbourne, friendly staff and crew

Yarra River Half-Day Rafting Experience

Nigel_M, Feb 2026

Had a Great time! Andrew...

Had a Great time! Andrew was a great host with losts of fun facts about the river. Learnt many great skills.

River Gardens Melbourne Sightseeing Cruise

RonniJ_C, Mar 2026

Scenic River Ride

Get in line early to get a seat by windows. Seats are very small. Very scenic ride with good commentary.

River Gardens Melbourne Sightseeing Cruise

GrahamDent_D, Mar 2026

River trip

1 or 2 hour good value for price, great views and good options on the bar menu again at value for money. One small criticism the commentary would be better slightly louder as with many passengers of different nationalities often their chatter was too loud to hear detail on what sounded an interesting comment on places we passed.

Yarra River

5.0

(5,186)

Melbourne

Know before you go

Wear comfortable shoes to walk along the Yarra’s long esplanade.
The area’s weather can change at any moment, so bring layers and an umbrella to be prepared.
The river offers some of the most picturesque views in the city, so come prepared with your camera.

Yarra River Tours and Tickets

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What are people saying about Yarra River

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