Yarra Empress
Melbourne River Cruises, Southbank Promenade, Southbank VIC, Australia
Boat
•Why you'll love Yarra Empress
- Offers multiple boats for hire that can cater both social and private events.
- Enjoy sightseeing tours at notable landmarks and city's major attractions.
- Provides packages that include food, drinks and more to suit your specific requirements.
About the venue
The Yarra Empress is one of the many boats on offer at Melbourne River Cruises, many of which would be a familiar sight upon the Yarra River, trundling past Southbank and past the Botanic Gardens.Combining sightseeing (even in your home city) with a truly unique setting, they’re as popular with private events like weddings and birthdays as they are with the many tourists who flock to Melbourne all year round.
All vessels by Melbourne River Cruises are fully enclosed, each with their own viewing deck, on board amenities, and an eager and helpful 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.
The Yarra Empress comfortably fits up to 145 guests standing in a cocktail setting, or 85 seated for a dinner event. Find Melbourne River Cruises at Federation Wharf below Federation Square, or at Southgate, Berth 5 Lower Promenade.
Reviews for Yarra Empress
F. B.
Very informative cruise along the Yarra River. Thanks for all the information regarding the districts, bridges and buildings alongside the river. We highly recommend sitting inside to listen to the commentary. Free water, coffee and tea included.
SALWA ALHEMYADI
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Absolutely Wonderful Experience – Highly Recommended! During my visit to Melbourne, I had the pleasure of joining Yarra River Cruise, and it was truly a memorable experience from start to finish. Captain Peter and Captain Tom were exceptional — incredibly kind, friendly, gentle, and professional. They made the cruise feel safe, relaxed, and enjoyable, while sharing their warmth and positive energy throughout the journey. A very special mention goes to Rose, the amazing coordinator. She welcomed us with the most generous and beautiful smile, always cheerful, attentive, and genuinely caring. True to her name, she is lovely like a rose 🌹 — her kindness and constant smile added so much joy to the experience. I spent a truly wonderful and relaxing time on this cruise. Everything was perfectly organized, the atmosphere was warm and friendly, and the entire team made us feel welcome and valued. I absolutely loved it and highly recommend Yarra River Cruise to anyone visiting Melbourne. An amazing experience that I will always remember!
Junior Lesatele
Had an amazing experience on the Yarra River Cruise. It was a relaxing and scenic way to see Melbourne from a different perspective. The views along the river were beautiful, especially passing by the city skyline, parks, and iconic landmarks. The cruise was smooth, well-organised, and the staff were friendly and knowledgeable, adding interesting commentary along the way. It was the perfect balance of sightseeing and relaxation. Highly recommend this cruise to anyone visiting Melbourne or even locals looking for a chilled and enjoyable experience on the water. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
mai
Very quick, direct, and simple to book tickets and jump straight on. Staff were all consistently great with their hospitality skills, welcoming and friendly and always ready to answer our queries. Staff took time to do a safety briefing and always had customer safety in mind. The cruise itself lasted an hour and I was very impressed with the experience! Complimentary coffee, tea and water and a lovely experience where you could choose to sit outside on the deck area or inside at the tables and chairs. The boat driver had his dog on board and it was really cute, so fun to play with. The cruise allowed me to be very grateful for my city! and experience it in a way I never have before.
jodi tobias
First time doing a river cruise and it was so relaxing and we all really enjoyed it! Shame the weather kept tourists away, we had the boat nearly entirely to ourselves! Great commentary, thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Need help finding a venue?
Browse the VenueNow Marketplace or connect with one of our event experts to help you find the perfect venue free of charge.
Let's Get Started