River Gardens – Melbourne River Cruises
Melbourne River Cruises is home to many cruise options, including Sightseeing Cruises, Cruising Restaurant, Williamstown Ferry, and many event cruises.
We choose the Sightseeing Cruise – River Garden Cruise as we wanted to experience Melbourne’s gardens and iconic sites from a different perspective.
The cruise departed from Southbank Promenade. Waving the Cultural Arts and Leisure Precinct goodbye, Melbourne’s picturesque gardens, parklands, and some of the world’s most famous sporting arenas came into view.
It was a pleasantly smooth ride, with large windows (top small windows open/close) and provided endless views of the Yarra River and sites of Melbourne that one can easily miss.
The cruise went for 1 hour and cruised its way down the lovely Yarra River. There were complimentary tea and coffee on board and commentary from the captains. The commentary included exciting facts and humour, as well as learning more about the history of Melbourne’s highlights we passed on the cruise.
Highlights from the Cruise included:
- Federation Square
- Royal Botanic Gardens
- Governor’s Residence- Government House
- Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Melbourne Park (Home to the Australian Open)
- Melbourne Olympic Park
- Herring Island
- Holden Centre
Melbourne River Cruises is one of the best ways to explore and experience Melbourne’s sites without wasting time or getting lost trying to find them.
Overall, our experience was pleasant, and the River Garden Cruise was scenic as well as a great way to rest our legs after a couple of days exploring Melbourne City on foot!
Departure Times:
Nov-Apr: 10:15am, 11am, 1pm, 1:30pm, 2pm, 3:30pm, & 4pm
May-Sep: 10:15am, 11am, 1pm, 1:30pm, & 4pm
Do check the website for all notices and time confirmations or phone (03) 8610 2600
Other Sightseeing Cruises include Ports & Docklands- Down River, Melbourne Highlights- Combined Trip, and City to Williamstown Cruises.
Ports & Docklands- Down River highlights include:
- Southgate Arts & Leisure Precinct
- Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
- 19th Century Sailing Ship- “Polly Woodside”
- Crown Entertainment Complex
- World Trade Centre
- Bolte Bridge & Westgate Bridge
- Shipping Channels and Dock Area
- Docklands & Docklands Stadium
- Stunning views of Melbourne CBD
Melbourne Highlights- Combined Trip includes the River Cruise and Ports & Docklands Cruises. The cruise allows you to view the contrasting scenery of Melbourne that has made it one of the “Most Livable Cities in the World”.
For all other details on the cruises, including Spirit of Melbourne Cruising Restaurant and special events, see website.