2-Hour Self-Drive Boat Hire on the Yarra River

Would do again!

What an amazing experience! We had booked a boat for 12 but only 6 people ended up coming which meant lots of space. We packed our own lunch and it was a blast, there was Bluetooth to play music. Husband said the self drive was quite easy and it's very slow so never felt like we were in danger. We would definitely do again. Finding the dock can be quite tricky but it's right between 2 restaurants so walk straight down. Highly recommended!

Family celebration

For mum’s birthday our children prepared surprise - booked this boat on Friday afternoon. Weather was very good- not hot and not cold, completely suitable for this activity. We decorated boat and broth a food . Two hour on the river were great . Service was exceptionally good.

Great experience

Our group of 9 had a great time on this 2 hour self guided Yarra River Cruise. It was very well organised, with professional and friendly staff (thanks Matt). The boat was presented in very clean condition and there was a canopy to protect us from the wind. It was very relaxing a great way to see Melbourne city and docklands from a different perspective. I can highly recommended this excursion and company to follow Melbourne locals or visitors. Thank you.

Fantastic Night

Thanks to Matt and Eliza for answering all my questions in the lead up to the event, and to Chris on the night for explaining everything. We did a self drive tour and the boat was very easy to drive. We brought our own alcohol, but ordered platters. Even though it rained a bit we did not get wet as the covers were pulled down. Overall, my wife and friends enjoyed her 50th Birthday and I would highly recommend Melbourne Boat Hire and the Eliza J

Very relaxing, with a different perspective of Melbourne

Fantastic way to see Melbourne from a different perspective! Matt was very professional and the boat was very nice and well presented. We did a self drive tour (very simple to operate) with the family, but now im thinking id like to go again with some mates... might try the cheese and wine tour! Very highly recommended!

Great time on the Yarra

Recommended this company and activity from a friend, did the 4 hour trip which gives you enough time for a picnic at Herring Island Instructions very clear , training great, boat in great condition , will and have recommended to further friends!

Another way to view Melbourne

We hired the 10 seater electric boat and had 6 people on board, so we had plenty of space to relax and take in the views of Melbourne. 2 Hours was sufficient time to go down the Yarra and turn near the Nylex clock, for our return journey. Going past Southbank and the Casino, was a wonderful experience. The boat has a small fridge and glasses on board. Bring your own ice for the ice bucket and you are set. Easy to drive, quiet and no boar fumes. A great day was had by all onboard.

Wonderful relaxed cruise down the Yarra - a must do!

Took the family out on one of their wonderful modern 10 man electric blue boats, we were out for two hours (go for more!) and got to pass through the CBD then motored to quiet picnic spots / botanical gardens. Wonderful manoeuvrable boat, beautiful pictures! Excellent day out, highly highly recommended. There was even a fridge onboard and an awesome sound system!!!

Work outing

We had a lovely 2 hours on the water, seeing Melbourne from a different perspective. Able to enjoy a glass of wine and a couple of platters in our afternoon 'cruise' before heading out for a meal in the evening. The boats are beautiful, comfortable and easy to drive. (It is a boat and you still need to be careful, but we found it very easy). Good instruction and courteous staff sent us on our way. Definitely looking forward to doing this again.

Reminiscing this day makes me smile 3 weeks later

We hired The Harvey self drive for my birthday in November for a 3 hour adventure. This amount of time was perfect. We were able to go as far down river as Herring Island and return.There were 9 family members and we brought our own platters to share as well as our own drinks. The sun shone, the day was calm, the company the best and the scenery was beautiful. So much so we forgot to pipe our music in through the in built speakers for the 1st half of trip. Nice amount of space for 9ppl to share. Complimentary Champagne Bucket, glasses and plates as well as crisp white linen tablecloths, dropdown sides should the weather change and wonderful service from staff with meet n greet at handover to handover at end. Highly recommend this for that special thing to do with those you love.

EXCELLENCE SERVICE

We booked a self drive electric boat for 12 persons. On the day itself, Matt, the person in charge from Melbourne Boat Hire, is extremely professional in making sure that we are briefed clearly on all the safety precautions and demonstrate to us on the functions of the boat. An amazing ride, with beautiful scenery along the Yarra River. Will definitely book the ride from them again in the coming future.

Amazing and Fun Experience.!

The owner was very friendly and polite. He explained everything about the boat and its conditions of use. Driving the boat is easy, but you have to keep focus because the river flow makes the boat never stay in the same position as you want. They give you a map where it is specified the right way to pass the bridges, in this case is easier if a friend helps you or even you can pay for the driver service but is not really necessary. I think driving a boat is a good and different experience, is not hard and is something that you don't do all days. The boat has a small fridge, glasses, some pillows and blankets, but honestly is not cold because the boat has a kind of windows that protect you of the wind or water in case of rain. You can play music in the stereo of the boat, just pluging your mobile phone on it. You can also turn the lights on if you rented the boat in the sunset time and use the bell in different situations. I rented the boat for two hours and it was enought time to go along all the city and come back. It is a different way to enjoy the scenery and the places in Melbourne with a really beautiful view with your couple or your friends.

Fun afternoon on the boat

A few friends and I hired a boat using the self drive option. Matt was great to deal with and gave clear instructions to a boat driving newbie to navigate the Yarra River bridges. The boat itself had glasses, plates & blankies to keep you warm. The fold down plastic sides made for a fun and warm winter afternoon. Would recommend again.

Truly Unique and Awesome Experience!

Never thought of driving a boat down the Yarra River or anywhere else without an experienced skipper on board. This is truly unique and awesome Experience! I would highly recommend Melbourne Boat Hire to my family and friends and we would love to do it again. What an amazing family experience!

Yarra river touring with class!

My team recently had our Christmas party on board a 10 seater electric motor fully covered boat and it was perfect. Although a bit windy, the Yarra river is very well sheltered and the boat itself has see through plastic panels that can be put up or down depending on what you need and when. The boat doesn't set speed records, but why would you want to when you are touring and seeing the sights. The presentation and orientation of the boat was first class and we really couldn't have had a better experience. We took our own alcohol but they provided wonderful platters of food that kept us full for the full four hours we had the boat. We even stopped on Herron Island for a toilet break (there are many on the Yarra so don't panic about that!) which was lovely. All in all, life is better with a boat and we won't hesitate to recommend and use in future Melbourne Boat Hire! - Oh it was very good value for money too!!

Peaceful drift on the Yarra

Highly recommended. Service was great, boat is new and in excellent condition - very comfortable and thoughtfully equipped. Boat is slow but lovely and quiet - perfect for the river. We did 4 hour trip up and back on Yarra - advertised timings were perfect. Watch out for rowers - they are faster and come up behind you! Our visitors were delighted.

Brilliant afternoon

Our family group of 12 had a very memorable afternoon. We packed our own cheese platters and the boat was stocked with everything we needed. The boat is incredibly easy to drive, even for someone who hasn't driven one before. We cruised right up the Yarra, past Southbank and the MCG. The 2 hour option was enough time on board for us. The service was excellent and the boat was faultlessly clean. Can't recommend this more highly if you want to see Melbourne from a different angle. Thanks!

Great times in Melbourne, Australia

We are a flight crew with a 24 hour layover in Melbourne. After contacting Melbourne Boat hire we rented the 12 passenger Duffy, The Eliza J for the 4 hour cruise. What a great day out of the Yarra River!! A huge thank you to this company that took great care of us. It truly was one of our best layovers in years. We will be back!

Awesome experience from start to end

We booked the boat Harvey A for a 2-hour self drive trip and it was great! The online booking was really easy and they provided us with all the information we needed. The instructor was really friendly. The boat is easy to drive and was simply lovely and comfortable. It offers lots of amenities like with champagne glasses, radio, fridge etc. Great for an afternoon with friends cruising along the Yarra! I can highly recommend this activity if you don't want to be on a crowded river cruise and take your own time exploring the river. It would also be great for a special date night. Thank you so much to Melbourne boat hire!

Pirates on the Yarra

Had a wonderful day on the river with my family pretending to hunt for pirates with my young boy. Very Melbourne weather but not a problem with the fully covered boat. We took our own snacks and made use of the onboard fridge to keep a few drinks cold. The boat was not a speed fest but perfect for the Yarra. Nice to see the CBD from an alternative point of view. Will certainly be doing this again, perhaps with a designated Captain to let me enjoy a glass of wine or 2.

One of the most memorable days of my life!

I decided that a self-drive boat ride was a unique and fun way to propose to my girlfriend. She was definitely surprised that I didn't need a boat licence. The sights of Melbourne were amazing as we drove down the Yarra River on a beautiful sunny day. She said "Yes" and now she's my fiancé! The guys were very professional and made the experience so special by arranging a cheese platter, drinks, and even flowers to give to my girlfriend, and then offering to take photographs of us to capture the moment. She was definitely impressed! Highly recommend this experience to anyone!

Delightful Way to See the Sights!

Our group of 6 was visiting Melbourne for the Australian Open Tennis. Following 2 busy days at Rod laver Arena we hired a boat from Melbourne Boat Hire for a relaxing morning cruise. We all thoroughly enjoyed the trip! Matt was very helpful & explained how to drive, places to look out for, where to go and the safety requirements. The boat was in immaculate condition and more plush than expected. It was a delightful way to see the sights of Melbourne along the Yarra. Most of us had a go at being Skipper and the keen photographer in our group took some amazing photos of Melbourne (from a fresh perspective) too! The Eliza J comes with a toilet, which was convenient, rather than having to dock to visit a toilet. We took our own snacks & drinks, and we were supplied with ice, as requested. We have already recommended this trip to friends.

MUST DO experience

We enjoyed the luxury boat so much and even kids got the chance to drive it. It was amazing to see BOTH sides of the Yarra river while being in the middle. Staff were exceptional friendly and very helpful. The two hours went so quickly just like good times always do. Would certainly do it again.

Great boat and service.

Had the boat for two hours to ferry 10 ladies on start of a hen night down the Yarra river and the boat was excellent (silent electric) and was more or less brand new, well set out up inside and out with everything you could need. Easy to drive if you are not a boaty as well. Will use it again for when we have visitors over.