Melbourne: 2-Hour City Highlights River Cruise

Exploring the heart of Melbourne has never been easier. This 2-hour river cruise along the Yarra offers an unparalleled way to witness the city’s iconic landmarks from a unique vantage point. With expert commentary and complimentary refreshments, it’s a relaxing and informative experience for all. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking to rediscover your city, this cruise promises to reveal Melbourne’s beauty in a whole new light. But the true highlight? The surprises that await you along the journey.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Melbourne.

Key Points

• 2-hour sightseeing cruise on the Yarra River showcasing Melbourne’s renowned landmarks, including Docklands, Government House, MCG, and Royal Botanic Gardens.
• Ticket prices range from $36.05 to $41.44 per person, with up to 13% savings available.
• Complimentary tea and coffee provided on board, with options to purchase additional beverages and snacks.
• Guided English commentary and outdoor sundeck enhance the cruise experience.
• Online reservations available with no upfront payment and flexible cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

Offering a 2-hour sightseeing experience, the Melbourne City Highlights River Cruise provides travelers with the opportunity to explore the city’s renowned landmarks from the Yarra River.

Priced at $36.05 to $41.44 per person, the cruise can be booked with no upfront payment required and features a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Passengers can save up to 13% on the ticket price, making it an affordable way to discover Melbourne’s iconic sights.

The cruise features English commentary and the chance to enjoy the outdoor sundeck, creating a well-rounded river experience for visitors.

Cruise Experience

The 2-hour sightseeing cruise along the Yarra River showcases an array of Melbourne’s renowned landmarks, providing passengers with the opportunity to admire the city’s iconic sights from the water.

The cruise route takes guests past the Docklands Crown Entertainment Complex, Government House, Polly Woodside, the West Gate Bridge, Southgate, Princes Bridge, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Olympic Park, Herring Island, and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Passengers can enjoy the cruise from the sundeck, taking in the sights while listening to the English commentary.

With a duration of 2 hours, the river cruise offers a comprehensive and relaxing way to experience the highlights of Melbourne’s cityscape.

Inclusions and Amenities

Aboard the sightseeing cruise, passengers can enjoy complimentary tea and coffee, with the option to purchase additional beverages and snacks. A small quantity of food and drinks is permitted on board, catering to passengers’ preferences.

The cruise offers the following inclusions and amenities:

Inclusions	Additional Purchases
Sightseeing cruise	Beverages
Guided commentary	Snacks
Tea and coffee

This allows passengers to customize their experience and enjoy the journey at their own pace, while taking in the stunning views of Melbourne’s iconic landmarks along the Yarra River.

Meeting Point and Schedule

Located within the Southgate Arts and Leisure Precinct, the Melbourne River Cruises departure point is Berth No 2 on the Lower Promenade, near the Langham Hotel.

The cruises depart at various times throughout the day, with schedules varying by season and route.

The ‘Cruise A’ (Ports and Docklands) operates:

• October-April: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:10 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3 PM, 3:30 PM

• May-September: 11:30 AM, 12:10 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3 PM, 3:30 PM

The ‘Cruise B’ (River Gardens) operates:

• October-April: 11 AM, 1 PM, 1:30 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM, 4 PM

• May-September: 11 AM, 1 PM, 1:30 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Customer Feedback

Based on over 1,000 customer reviews, travelers have given the Melbourne 2-Hour City Highlights River Cruise an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars.

They’ve particularly praised the quality of transportation at 4.2 stars, while rating the value for money at 3.9 stars and the service and organization at 4 stars each.

Customers have appreciated the cruise’s ability to showcase Melbourne’s iconic landmarks along the Yarra River, including the Docklands, Government House, and Botanic Gardens.

However, some have noted potential pauses between tours and the need to switch boats, as well as the impact of major events on departure times.

Important Information

The cruise schedule is subject to tidal and weather conditions, which may result in pauses between tours and the need to switch boats. Major events in the area can also affect the departure times.

Guests should be aware of the following important information:

• Cruises may be subject to delays or changes due to environmental factors.

• Passengers may need to transfer to different boats during the tour.

• Departure times can be affected by scheduled events in the area.

• Visitors are encouraged to arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.

Highlights and Route

The 2-hour river cruise takes passengers along the Yarra River, showcasing an array of iconic Melbourne landmarks and scenic views.

The route includes the Docklands Crown Entertainment Complex, Government House, Polly Woodside, the West Gate Bridge, Southgate, Princes Bridge, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Olympic Park, Herring Island, and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Cruisers can enjoy the sights from the sundeck, with English commentary provided throughout the journey. Along the way, they’ll have the opportunity to take in the city’s skyline, historic buildings, and lush riverside landscapes.

The cruise offers a rundown of Melbourne’s top attractions, providing an engaging and informative experience for visitors.

Booking and Cancellation

Customers can reserve the Melbourne City Highlights River Cruise online and pay later, with no upfront payment required. Plus, they’re entitled to a full refund if they cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance.

The booking process offers several benefits:

• Flexible payment options, with no need to pay upfront

• Ability to secure a spot well in advance

• Free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior

• Convenient online booking platform for easy reservations

This allows customers to plan their Melbourne visit with confidence, knowing they can easily book the river cruise and adjust their plans if needed without financial penalties.

The hassle-free booking experience adds to the overall enjoyment of the 2-hour city highlights tour.

Recap

The 2-hour City Highlights River Cruise offers an exceptional way to experience Melbourne’s iconic landmarks from the Yarra River.

With breathtaking views, guided commentary, and complimentary refreshments, this cruise provides a comprehensive and enjoyable sightseeing experience.

The flexible booking options and free cancellation make it a hassle-free choice for exploring the city’s beauty.

You can check if your dates are available here: