BE YOUR OWN CAPTAIN!
Captain your own boat on Melbourne's magnificent Yarra River. Check below for real-time availability and book now.
Book Now
#1 Rated Water Activity in Melbourne
Affordable Prices (Up to 9 per Boat)
Open 7 Days, 9am until Sunset
1.
Book Online
Select preferred day and time, even for same-day trips. If no availability shows, please be flexible on the date, time, or duration. You can also check for availability on our Skippered Cruise boats, for up to 8, 16, 20 or 30 people.
2.
All Aboard
Get your crew together at our dock at least 15 mins before departure. Bring some food and drinks or pre-order a catering package.
3.
You're ON A BOAT!
Hit the big blue watery road and cruise with your ship-mates through the Yarra River. Our boats are designed for good times!
No Licence Needed
Up to 9 People
BYO Drinks & Snacks
Pet Friendly!
You're the Captain now!
Discover a new perspective on the city from the best seat in the house: the captain's seat. This is more than a boat ride; it’s a private adventure where you choose the route. Create unforgettable memories with friends, family, and even your dog as you cruise through the heart of Melbourne.
Book With Confidence
We know plans can change. That's why we offer a flexible rescheduling policy. Whether it's unexpected weather or another reason, you can easily change your cruise date at no extra cost. Just let us know at least 24 hours in advance, and we'll happily find a new time for your adventure.
We're Number One!
A bunch of people think we're awesome! Check us out on Google or TripAdvisor for thousands of genuine customer testimonials, then experience for yourself why we're the best ranked boating and water activity in Melbourne.
Quotes from our customers...
“The must do thing in Melbourne - on a boat and be the captain yourself especially for those boat lovers. It is indeed a good family outing thing to do.”
C Heng Tan, July 2025
“The crew of On a Boat were friendly, helpful and just overall easy to deal with! The boats were clean, able to accommodate up to 9 people and spacious. Theres a speaker, connect your phone, listen + sing along to your favourite music and pack some food. Great quality time with family or friends!”
A Cresp, July 2025
"Had an amazing time with ON A BOAT Melbourne! Easy to skipper, no license needed, and the Yarra views were stunning. Loved the comfy seating and Bluetooth speakers. Perfect for a relaxed, fun outing with friends. Highly recommend!"
R Bansal, May 2025
“We took a boat out yesterday for the first time for a family birthday and loved it! Super easy to operate, our 18 year old daughter was captain, she loved it! A very relaxing way to experience the city without the hectic hustle of roads and footpaths. Staff were super helpful and easy going. All round super rad experience! Highly recommend!”
C Hill, May 2025
“We booked a 1.5-hour boat ride, and it turned out to be an unforgettable and relaxing experience. I had never realized there were so many bridges along the Yarra River. From the boat, we watched people strolling along the riverbanks—some gathering with friends, others enjoying picnics with family.”
Steph G, April 2025
“⭐️⭐️ This was so much fun!!! ⭐️⭐️ To celebrate my sisters 60th we hired one of the self drive boats for 4 of us. The online booking was easy, and check in with the crew on arrival straight forward. All of the crew were so helpful providing information. I can highly recommend 'On a Boat hire', you will have a blast!!”
M McNeil, June 2025
“Cruising on a boat ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥by yourself is an absolutely wonderful experience that I would highly recommend to anyone! There’s something so special about being out on the water, enjoying the fresh air and breathtaking views, all while having the freedom to explore at your own pace. It’s not just about the boat itself, but about the entire journey and the connection you feel with the surrounding environment.”
J Xie, June 2025
“The must do thing in Melbourne - on a boat and be the captain yourself especially for those boat lovers. It is indeed a good family outing thing to do.”
C Heng Tan, July 2025
“The crew of On a Boat were friendly, helpful and just overall easy to deal with! The boats were clean, able to accommodate up to 9 people and spacious. Theres a speaker, connect your phone, listen + sing along to your favourite music and pack some food. Great quality time with family or friends!”
A Cresp, July 2025
Super easy to sail
With a steering wheel and easy power control, anyone can captain our user-friendly electric boats. You don't need a boat licence or experience.
Up to 9 people
Our boats comfortably fit up to 9 people and all necessary safety gear is provided. Infants also count toward passenger number, and for children under 12 years we'll supply life-jackets to wear.
Affordable prices
All prices are per boat (for up to 9 people) and we strive to keep our pricing accessible. Follow the 'Book Now' link for all cruise options and prices.
FAQs
Here's some common questions and answers below. If something else is on your mind, feel free to call us on 1300 915 605
Where can we sail?
You’ll be provided with a map and can sail the Yarra River through Melbourne's CBD. Downstream you can travel as far as Victoria Harbour (in Docklands) and upstream you can cruise as far as Herring Island (in South Yarra).
What if bad weather?
Yes, reservations can be rescheduled free of charge up until 24 hours before trip, though cannot be cancelled. Within 24hrs of start time your booking we will do our best to accomodate. You can often extend your booking whilst underway.
Children's life jackets?
Yes children's life jackets are available upon request, just ask for these when boarding. Adult life jackets are always stowed on board.
How many people?
Our Skipper Yourself boats can carry up to 9 people. Infants and toddlers also count towards the passenger number.
What's the pricing?
Please click 'Book Now' to see our current cruise options and prices as we have seasonal pricing. Prices are per boat, for up to 9 people.
All our boats are deluxe with steering wheel and easy power controller, super comfy cushioned seating and bluetooth music, so you'll cruise in comfort and style!
Policy on alcohol?
It's required by law the nominated skipper must remain 0.00% BAC. Alcohol consumption laws are enforced by Victoria Water Police and heavy fines apply.
All other guests must comply with our alcohol limits:
- One bottle of wine (per two persons)
- Three bottles/cans of pre-mixed spirits, beer or cider (per person)
- No straight spirits are permitted.
Any intoxication or antisocial behaviour will lead to the trip being terminated with no refund.
Where do we start?
All boats launch from our dock at WTC WHARF. We're on the Yarra River in front of the World Trade Centre buildings, at 18-38 Siddeley Street, Melbourne. Very easily accessed by car, tram and train, or walking distance of CBD.
Bring own catering?
Absolutely. All good boat trips involve food and drinks. Bring your own snacks to enjoy or pre-order one of our catering options.
Getting Here
Our dock at WTC Wharf is easily accessible from anywhere in CBD, Southbank, South Wharf or Docklands precincts.
WTC Wharf
Riverside, 18 - 38 Siddeley Street
Melbourne VIC 3000