Melbourne Boat Hire
ProHighlights
- Electric and hybrid charter boats Lady M (25 guests) and Birrarung (35 guests) with a private skipper and crew
- Choose 2, 3 or 4-hour charters from 45 Newquay Promenade, Docklands, with 30 minutes to set up first
- Catering packages or BYO, with fridges, food warmers, an ice maker and a Sonos sound system on board
About Melbourne Boat Hire
Melbourne Boat Hire is a locally and privately owned operator based at Newquay Promenade in Docklands, running a fleet of electric-powered boats on the Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers. Alongside licence-free self-drive hire, it takes private skippered charters for birthdays, engagements, hens days, product launches, staff thank-yous, Christmas parties and wedding ceremonies. For larger groups there are two charter boats. Lady M seats 25 and is fully electric, while Birrarung is a hybrid licensed for 35 guests. Each has an undercover area with casual seating, an open deck with padded seats, informal tables and chairs, a kitchen and bar area, and a bathroom. Fridges, food warmers and an ice maker are on board, and the esky in the bar is filled with ice before guests arrive. Music runs through a Sonos system that connects over the boat's wi-fi. Smaller groups of up to 10 can book a skippered cruise of two, three or four hours on one of the compact electric boats, and there are progressive lunch and dinner cruises with three courses and drinks included. Every charter comes with a private skipper and crew and half an hour of set-up time before leaving the dock, so decorations or branding can go up first (blu-tac or string only, no confetti or sparklers). Food can be fully catered from the charter menu, or guests can bring their own food and drinks for a BYO surcharge. Cruises run all year, and the boats can be closed in when the weather turns.
Inclusions & amenities
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Wharfs & Availability
Frequently asked questions
How many guests can Melbourne Boat Hire take on a private charter?
Lady M takes up to 25 guests and Birrarung up to 35. For 10 or fewer, the smaller electric boats run skippered cruises of two to four hours.
Can we bring our own food and drinks?
Yes. BYO is allowed on the charter boats with a $200 surcharge, as they are licensed. Catering packages can be ordered instead, with 24 hours' notice.
Can we decorate the boat?
Decorations can go up during the 30-minute set-up time before departure, using blu-tac or string only. Sticky tape, confetti, confetti balloons and sparklers are not allowed.
Is there music on board?
The charter boats have a Sonos sound system. Guests connect their phones over the onboard wi-fi and stream from Spotify or Apple Music.
Where do charters depart and how long are they?
Charters leave from 45 Newquay Promenade, Docklands, and can be booked for 2, 3 or 4 hours, with the departure time confirmed when you book.
Suitable occasions
Chris Seams
5 months ago
Great sunset cruise from Melbourne Docklands up the Yarra river and back. We love a good Duffy boat ride and this was exactly that! Our Captain and guide Fabio was fantastic!
Suganya Ganapathy
7 months ago
Celebrated my birthday on Harvey A. It was a cute and relaxed picnic on a boat. Kid friendly. Beautiful views of the city. Easy to drive. Customer service was really nice. It would’ve been better if all the zips on the b…
HEIDI STOKES
7 months ago
We had an incredible night for a function on the Lady M on the weekend. The staff Nora and Fabio were welcoming and accomodating to all our needs. The boat is stunning and clean, and throughout the night the views you’re…
Catalina Macfarlane
8 months ago
Fantastic experience!! Hired Birrarung for 2 hours for my birthday and it was great. Great crew, fantastic views and good space. Even with 35 people on board, it felt like a good amount of space. My only small thought is…
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