SUSTAINABILITY & IMPACT
How we are playing our role in ensuring Melbourne’s waterways remain healthy for future generations to enjoy as much as we do.
We believe that exploring Melbourne’s iconic Yarra River (Birrarung) shouldn't come at the cost of its health. To support that we balance urban adventure with strict environmental stewardship. Whether you are hiring one of our famous self-drive electric boats or enjoying a skippered cruise, you are stepping on board with an operation dedicated to protecting our local marine ecosystem.
The Power of Electric
Loads of boats, less emissions. How we ditch fossil fuels for our rental fleet and we all get the benefit.
Impact Partnerships
Teamwork makes the dream work with our local river partners helping to drive positive environmental and cultural impact.
River Etiquette Code
Our guidelines for wildlife safety and sustainable cruising, so that you can also play your role.
Accessibility and Inclusion
Ensuring the Birrarung is open and accessible to everyone
THE POWER OF ELECTRIC
Loads of boats. Less emissions. Pure serenity.
We love the sound of stories and laughter, not the roaring of old-school diesel engines. We are steering a large chunk of Melbourne’s river traffic away from fossil fuels and onto clean, quiet, sustainable technology.
Electric Fleet: Our entire fleet of self-drive picnic boats are 100% electric. That means zero exhaust fumes, zero point-source emissions, and zero climate guilt for our visitors.
Ultra-Low Emission: For our remaining skippered and support vessels, we use high-efficiency, ultra-low emission engines to keep our remaining footprint as tiny as possible.
Whisper Quiet: Because our electric motors are practically silent, we drastically reduce underwater noise pollution. That means local birdlife and aquatic creatures can go about their day completely undisturbed.
IMPACT PARTNERSHIPS
Good Times. Clean Water. No Climate Guilt.
We don't just operate on the Birrarung we actively participate in and fund it's protection. As a proud partner of the Yarra Riverkeeper Association we demonstrate a hands-on commitment to the river and its history including:
Active Cleanups: More than just funding operations, our crew and community regularly roll up our sleeves to host and participate in Riverfest clean-up events.
Direct Funding: A slice of every single booking goes straight toward supporting vital pollution monitoring, community education, and major river cleanups.
Cultural Cruises: Designed hand-in-hand with First Nations educators via the Koorie Heritage Trust, these trips offer deep, respectful insights into the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people's enduring connection to the river.
Want to get involved? Please reach out as we'd love to hear from you!
RIVER ETIQUETTE CODE
Captain’s Code: River Etiquette
We love sharing the water, but the Birrarung's ecosystem always comes first. To keep the river thriving and its locals safe, we ask every captain to follow our simple sustainable cruising guidelines. You play a vital role in protecting this corridor, and it starts before you even untie from the dock.
Our core guidelines for wildlife safety and sustainable cruising include:
Wildlife First: Always give nesting birds, swans, and river wildlife a wide berth. Keep your distance and enjoy them from afar without disrupting their natural habitat.
Zero-Waste Captains: Secure all loose items and lightweight plastics on board before setting sail to ensure absolutely nothing blows into the water.
Keep It Chill: Enjoy the serenity of the river by keeping music and noise at a respectful level, ensuring a peaceful environment for both wildlife and fellow river users.
ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSION
An Open River for Everyone
The Birrarung belongs to everyone, and we believe there should be zero barriers to experiencing its beauty. We are deeply committed to ensuring our operations, vessels, and spaces are welcoming, safe, and accessible to people of all abilities and backgrounds.
Our ongoing initiatives to keep the river open to everyone include:
Accessible Fleet & Facilities: Offering specialised boarding options and working to ensure smooth access for guests with mobility requirements.
Inclusive Training: Equipping our entire shore staff and skipper crew with regular training to assist guests of all abilities confidently and respectfully.
Community Partnerships: Collaborating with local community organisations to provide subsidised or specialised cruises, opening up the water to groups who face barriers to entry.
