Yarra Duchess
Southbank Promenade, Berth 5, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
The Yarra Duchess is one of the many boats on offer by Melbourne River Cruises, a regular fixture upon the iconic Yarra River both by day or night. It’s a lovely sight to see, and even lovelier when you’re inside, celebrating with family and friends, or workmates.
Combining sightseeing (even in your home city) with truly unique setting, The Yarra Duchess is an immensely popular function venues. As one of the smaller venues in the Melbourne River Cruises fleet, the Yarra Duchess comfortably fits up to 40 guests, in a versatile space surrounded by large windows.
It’s especially popular with corporate events (EOFY or Christmas party?), and birthday celebrations.All of vessels that make up Melbourne River Cruises are fully enclosed, each with their own viewing deck, onboard amenities, and an always-eager-to-help crew.
The cruises themselves make their way past the iconic panoramic view that is Melbourne; from the twinkling skyline at night, to bustling Southbank, from the Botanic Gardens to the Docklands, and even further afield to Williamstown.Find Melbourne River Cruises at Federation Wharf below Federation Square, or at Southgate, Berth 5 Lower Promenade.
Yarra Duchess Function Rooms

Yarra Duchess
It glides up and down the Yarra and beyond, past the Botanic Gardens and the city lights and the city's iconic Southbank precinct. There's room for up to 40 guests aboard, a versatile function venue that's easily transformed from a cor...
Frequently Asked Questions
What catering / food and beverage options are available at Yarra Duchess?
The following food and beverage / catering options are available for guests at Yarra Duchess:
- Filtered Water
- Coffee / Tea
- Inhouse Catering
- Bar Tab
For more information regarding food and beverage / catering options, please contact a VenueNow Event Booking Expert.
What steps are involved in booking an event at Yarra Duchess?
There are a few steps involved in booking an event at Yarra Duchess and the VenueNow team are here to do the heavy lifting for you.
Firstly, contact the VenueNow team by submitting an enquiry or speaking to one of our team members online or over the phone. We'll need to collect a few details from you, such as your:
- Event type
- Number of people attending
- Preferred event date & time (and if this is flexible)
- Budget (per person or total)
- Room layout
- Food and beverage / catering requirements
- Any other requirements
Once we've gathered these details, the VenueNow team will contact the team at Yarra Duchess to check:
1) Can they host the event on your preferred date / time? If not, what are some alternate dates / times?
2) What is the estimated cost based on your event requirements?
This process tends to take around 1 business day on average to receive a response from the venue. Once we've received a response, the VenueNow team will contact you as soon as possible.
If you're happy with the proposed price and dates / times, the VenueNow team will connect you with Yarra Duchess to finalise your booking (which may include a site visit if you choose to do so).
VenueNow provides this service free of charge to you as we are paid a small fee by Yarra Duchess if you book via us.
I have more questions. How do I get in contact?
There are a number of ways you can get in contact:
1) Call the VenueNow team on 1300 647 488 during business hours AEST
2) Contact the VenueNow team via our online chat in the bottom right of the screen
3) Submit an enquiry via the form on the page
The VenueNow team usually reply within a few hours during Australian business.
How do I find out if Yarra Duchess is available for my event date?
The best way to find out if Yarra Duchess is available for your event date is to send an enquiry through or get in contact with one of VenueNow's Event Booking Experts.
Availability at many venues around the country is limited so if your date is flexible, please let the VenueNow team know and the venue may be able to provide a range of dates that suit your needs.
What type of events can be hosted at Yarra Duchess?
The following types of events can be held at Yarra Duchess:
- 18th Birthday Party
- 21st Birthday Party
- 30th Birthday Party
- 50th Birthday Party
- Bar Mitzvah
- 40th Birthday Party
- Birthday Party
- Wedding
- Trivia Night
- Trade Show
- Bucks Night
- Christening
- Christmas Party
- Cocktail Party
- Corporate Function
- End of Financial Year Party
- Engagement Party
- Function
- Hens Night
- Bat Mitzvah
- Ceremony
If your specific event type is not on the list, contact one of VenueNow's Event Booking Experts and they will check if Yarra Duchess is able to facilitate your event or will help you find an alternate venue.
How much does an event cost at Yarra Duchess?
Events at Yarra Duchess start from 0.
This may be subject to change due to seasonality, day of the week, duration and your specific requirements. For an accurate quote for your event please send an enquiry or contact one of VenueNow's Event Booking Experts.