ON A BOAT
ProHighlights
- Four skippered boats for private groups: Amsterdam (8), Rebecca (16), Summer (20) and Yarra (30)
- BYO on every boat, or add drinks packages and grazing platters ordered three days ahead
- Skippered cruises leave Southbank Promenade; Summer is fully wheelchair accessible
About ON A BOAT
ON A BOAT is a Yarra River boat operator built around Dutch canal-style launches, started by founder Alistair after years living in Amsterdam. As well as licence-free self-drive hire, it runs skippered private cruises for groups, with the boat and crew booked for your party alone – birthdays, hens and bucks days, corporate outings and team days. The skippered fleet covers a range of group sizes. Amsterdam is a cosy eight-seater with a sun-shade and Bluetooth. Rebecca, a classic timber boat built in 1948 and restored, takes 16 and has a bathroom and all-weather covers. Summer carries 20 with an open layout suited to catering and mingling, an onboard toilet and full wheelchair access. The 30-guest boat, Yarra, comes with Bluetooth music, glassware, ice, cushioned seating, removable windows and a bathroom. Groups can bring their own food and drinks on any boat. Alternatively, pre-order a drinks package of wine, sparkling, beer and soft drinks priced per person by cruise length, plus sliders and grazing or fruit platters, at least three days before the cruise. Skippered cruises run from one to four hours and usually leave from Berth 4 at Southbank Promenade, with other pick-up and drop-off points on the river available by arrangement. The wharves are DDA-compliant with ramp access and level boarding, and the crew can stow mobility aids during the cruise.
Inclusions & amenities
Vessel Type
Features
Location
Food & Drinks
Facilities
Pricing
Food
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Wharfs & Availability
Frequently asked questions
How many people can ON A BOAT take on a private cruise?
The skippered fleet takes 8 (Amsterdam), 16 (Rebecca), 20 (Summer) or 30 (Yarra), so you choose the boat that fits your group.
Can we bring our own food and drinks?
Yes, BYO is welcome on every boat. Drinks packages and food such as sliders and grazing platters can also be ordered, at least three days ahead.
Where do skippered cruises leave from?
Skippered cruises usually depart Berth 4, Southgate Promenade in Southbank. Other pick-up and drop-off points along the river can be arranged on request.
Is there wheelchair access?
The wharves are DDA-compliant with ramps and level boarding, and the 20-guest boat Summer is fully wheelchair accessible with an onboard toilet.
How long can a skippered cruise run?
Cruises are booked from one to four hours, and the team can tailor a cruise for birthdays, anniversaries and corporate events on request.
Suitable occasions
Sarah Hawa
a month ago
Coming to Melbourne for a few days, we can honestly say that booking “On a Boat” was one of the best and funnest experiences we had! A special shoutout to Callum, who was absolutely amazing. He was so friendly, informat…
Curtis de la Harpe
2 months ago
I was expecting a tourist trap and I was wrong. This was so much fun. We got the small cheese board and even though it wasn't cheap if there's only 2 people. But it will feed 6 happily. And if you have 6 it is very reaso…
Kiakiokiko Kiasatina
2 months ago
Great value for more people. We booked for the first session at 10am and got the lowest price. An hour On Boat was enough to experience this self skipper.
MS Kim
4 months ago
It was so much better than just looking from the outside. I’m very grateful to Callum for kindly teaching us and helping us enjoy the experience. Connecting Bluetooth was also very easy, so we had a relaxing and romantic…
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