About this tour
Cruise the Yarra River aboard a restored 1920s-era ferry, sailing upstream and downstream through Melbourne's heart. Depart from Southgate most Wednesday–Sunday mornings for a 70-minute journey past iconic bridges and the evolving waterfront. A knowledgeable guide narrates the route whilst you watch the city skyline and industrial heritage unfold. Bring your own food and drink to settle in as the river carries you through decades of local history.
Highlights
- Restored 1924 and 1914 ferries with original character intact
- Live commentary on Melbourne's bridges, skyline and riverside heritage
- Upstream and downstream route through the city centre
- BYO wine and snacks welcome aboard
- Accessible to prams, service animals, and all fitness levels
What to expect
You'll board at Southgate and settle onto a vessel that's genuinely vintage—no theme-park replica. The commentary keeps pace with what you're seeing rather than veering into flowery storytelling. Expect genuine river breeze, working heritage machinery, and the quirk of older vessels (slightly creaky, authentically cramped in some spots). You'll pass under the Princes Bridge, the Yarra Bend, and past the docks where you might spot working tugboats. The vibe is relaxed, more local than tour-group rushed. Bring sustenance; there's no café service.
Good to know
Departs Wednesday–Sunday from 10:45am. Restroom on board. No food sold on the vessel—bring your own. Prams and service animals welcome. Public transport links available near Southgate. Suitable for all mobility levels.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.