Melbourne River Cruises
ProHighlights
- Fleet of river function boats taking private groups from 28 up to 170 standing or 130 seated
- A dedicated event coordinator, chef-designed menus and drinks packages for every private cruise
- Boards at Southgate and Federation Wharf in the CBD, cruising the Yarra River
About Melbourne River Cruises
Melbourne River Cruises has been taking people out on the Yarra since 1981, when Peter Ganditis Senior launched the Yarra Princess, the first boat in the city able to carry more than 100 passengers. The family business has since grown to a fleet of seven, and alongside its sightseeing and dining cruises it runs private functions on its boats. Group sizes are matched to a vessel. Yarra Duchess suits 28 to 38 guests standing, Yarra Princess and Yarra Queen take up to 100 and 110, Yarra Empress up to 145, Yarra Countess up to 165, and Spirit of Melbourne up to 170 standing or 130 seated. Boats can be laid out with open space for dancing or with tables for a relaxed meal. Each private cruise is handled by a dedicated event coordinator. The kitchen team builds a menu to suit the event, from canapés and cocktail food to a BBQ buffet or a full sit-down meal, and drinks come as standard, premium or spirit packages, non-alcoholic packages, or run on a tab or with guests paying for their own. The crew can arrange boat decorations, and DJs, karaoke and jukeboxes can be hired for a themed or dance party. Private functions cover birthdays, anniversaries, lunch and dinner parties, hens and bucks nights, social club outings, end-of-exams uni parties, work Christmas parties, conferences and team events. Weddings are also catered for, from a small ceremony on board to a reception cruise or a boat transfer to a riverside wedding venue. Functions board at Southgate on Southbank Promenade or at Federation Wharf in the CBD.
Inclusions & amenities
Vessel Type
Features
Location
Food & Drinks
Facilities
Pricing
Food
Beverages
Wharfs & Availability
Frequently asked questions
How many guests can Melbourne River Cruises take on a private function?
It depends on the boat. Yarra Duchess takes 28 to 38 standing, while Spirit of Melbourne has the most room, taking up to 170 standing or 130 seated, with four other vessels in between.
Where do private functions board?
Day cruises and functions leave from Southgate, Berth 2 on Southbank Promenade, and parties and functions also use Berths 3, 4 and 5 at Federation Wharf in the CBD.
What food and drinks are offered on a private cruise?
Menus are tailored by the chefs, from canapés to a BBQ buffet or a sit-down meal. Drinks can be standard, premium, spirit or non-alcoholic packages, or run on a tab or with guests paying for their own.
Can we have a DJ or karaoke on board?
Yes. DJs, karaoke and jukeboxes can be hired for a private cruise, and the event coordinator can help set up a themed or costume party on the boat.
Are the boats wheelchair accessible?
Not fully. Folding wheelchairs can come on board and the crew help guests board and disembark, and carers or companions travel free of charge.
Suitable occasions
Lee Kendrick
a month ago
Absolutely loved this experience. Great food and service with a relaxing river cruise along the Yarra. Great value for money and well worth it. Will do it again for sure.
Amber Belle
4 months ago
I went on the 3 hour Melbourne Highlights cruise. It had more comfy seats, was less crowded and the guide was very informative. I loved seeing the bridges, city views, Herring Island, the gardens and so much more. The vi…
Sal Baldwin
6 months ago
I took my twin friends on the brunch cruise as a surprise for their birthday. Our waiters Adrian and Rhett were so much fun, professional, and accommodating :) There was a lot of food and the drinks were great. The crui…
Leo Peters
8 months ago
What a lovely coast along Melbourne's Yarra River aboard MRC'S lovely Riverboat and a great way to discover Melbourne! The evening atmosphere was delightful as we watched the sun set over the city skyline. The four cours…
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