FAQS


Here's some common questions and answers below. If there's something else on your mind, feel free to give us a call.

GENERAL


  • How do I make a booking?

    Bookings can be made easily online via our 'Book Now' option. You can also contact our team by phone or email if you need assistance or want to discuss a private or special event.

  • 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.

  • Booking changes?

    Reservations can be rescheduled or cancelled for credit free of charge up to 24 hours before your trip. For more flexibility, you can add Trip Protection at the time of booking, which allows changes up to just 4 hours before departure. You can often extend your booking whilst underway.

  • Arrival at dock?

    Your group must arrive 15 minutes before departure. This is to allow necessary time for on-boarding and briefing. If you're late, you will have less time on the water, as your boat remains due back at scheduled time of booking.

  • What's the pricing?

    Please click 'Book Now' to see our current cruise options and prices as we offer a broad range of river cruise experiences.

  • Can I book for a large group or special event?

    Yes! We cater to groups of all sizes and can tailor cruises for birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events, and other special occasions. Contact us to discuss your requirements and available packages.


  • How far in advance should I book?

    We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for weekends, holidays, and private events, to secure your preferred date and time.

  • When should we arrive at the dock?

    Please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. This allows time for onboarding and safety briefings. Arriving late will reduce your time on the water, as boats must return at their scheduled time.


  • Can I change or cancel my booking?

    Reservations can be rescheduled or cancelled for a credit free of charge up to 24 hours before your trip. For added flexibility, you can add Trip Protection at the time of booking, which allows changes up to 4 hours before departure. You can often extend your booking while underway.


  • Do you offer gift vouchers or gift cards?

    Yes. Gift vouchers are available and make a perfect present for birthdays, anniversaries, or special occasions. Vouchers can be purchased online or through our team.

  • Bringing pets along?

    Yes our boats are pet friendly, and pooches make the best deck hands! Be careful giving pets too much responsibility though, the Yarra scenery can be distracting.

  • 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.

  • Accessibility?

    Our Skippered Cruise boats (located at Southgate Berth 4) and Skipper Yourself location (at WTC Wharf) are wheelchair and mobility scooter accessible.


    Please note that Skipper Yourself boats are not wheelchair accessible, but some Skippered Cruise boats are. Contact our staff, and we’ll guide you through the best available options.

  • What happens if it rains?

    Our boats are partially covered to provide protection from light rain. However, in the event of severe weather, we’ll work with you to reschedule your booking to another suitable time.


  • What if the weather is bad?

    You can reschedule your reservation for free up to 24 hours before your trip. For changes requested within 24 hours of your booking, we will do our best to assist you. If needed, you can often extend your booking while your trip is in progress.


  • Can I bring a BBQ or gas cooker onboard?

    No. For safety reasons, BBQs, gas cookers, and open flames are not permitted on board.

SKIPPER YOURSELF


  • Do I need a boating licence?

    As our boats are reasonably low powered, you don't need a boating licence to operate them. You must however be 18 or older and comply with water navigation and safety laws. We'll brief you on these before your trip.

  • How many people in the boat?

    Our Skipper Yourself boats can carry up to 9 people. Children and toddlers also count towards the passenger number.

  • Drinking alcohol?

    It's required by law the nominated skipper must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and remain 0.00% BAC. Alcohol consumption laws are enforced by Victoria Water Police and comprise heavy fines. 


    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 antisocial behaviour will lead to the trip being terminated with no refund.

  • Where do we start the trip?

    All Skipper Yourself trips launch from our dock at WTC WHARF, which is is close to CBD and all public transport options. See more info here.

  • Bringing own food and drinks?

    Absolutely. All good boat trips involve food and drinks, and our boats are designed for stability and festivity on the water.

  • Minimum age for skipper?

    Yes, as well as being responsible and devilishly good looking, the designated skipper must be 18 years of age or over.

  • What are the available hours?

    Skipper Yourself trips are available 7 days a week from 9am until Sunset. Hit the 'Book Now' button below to see available times available for current season.

  • Where can we cruise?

    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 happens if I return the boat late?

    If you return boat late, the extra time will be charged. If a group scheduled after you is delayed as a result, you will be charged for both your extra time and the other group’s waiting time. Please ensure you return your boat at the agreed time to avoid issues.

  • Extending trip while on the water?

    You can often extend trip whilst underway. To do so contact us on 1300 915 605 to check on boat availability. If possible, we can extend your trip and the extra time will be added to your booking payment.

  • Is there security deposit or bond?

    For Skipper Yourself we reserve right to charge a $300 security deposit should boat be returned damaged or breach of customer responsibilities.

  • Do I need to book in advance?

    We recommend booking ahead as boats are limited. You're certainly welcome to try your luck same day and following our Book Now process will show you real-time availability.

SKIPPERED CRUISES


  • How many people on the boat?

    We have a range of Skippered Cruise boats ranging from up to 8 or up to 30 passengers. Follow Book Now to see options and pricing.

  • Where do we start the cruise?

    Our Skippered Cruises launch from our dock at Southgate Landing Berth 4, which is close to CBD and all public transport options. If you'd prefer to be picked up at another location, just let us know beforehand.

  • Start or end at different location?

    Yes, our Skippered Cruises have flexibility with pick-up and drop-off locations. If you have specific requests on the location (for a Skippered trip), please Contact Us beforehand and we'll try to accommodate.

  • What are the available hours?

    Individual cruise packages run at scheduled times, while private Skippered cruises are available 24/7 (upon request). We also run special events which can fall at specific times, join our list to stay tuned.

  • Where do we cruise?

    Skippered trips can be tailored to explore anywhere throughout the Yarra River, Maribyrnong River, and around Williamstown area. Depending on what you'd like to see and do, we'll make an awesome experience for your group.

I STILL, HAVEN'T FOUND, WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR...


We're here to help, just Contact Us to let us know.