Melbourne City and Williamstown Ferry Cruise: Historic Maritime Adventure

Embark on a historic maritime adventure with the Melbourne City and Williamstown Ferry Cruise. Explore the coastal village of Williamstown and enjoy a leisurely cruise back to the city.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

City to Williamstown

Cruise past Melbourne’s shipping channels on your journey to the old maritime seaport of Williamstown. Explore this early colonial settlement, boasting a charming array of restaurants, cafes and galleries amongst picturesque gardens. Take in the stunning waterfront bay views overlooking the coastal waters. Duration: 50 mins to 1 hour.

Williamstown to City Ferry

Depart from this inner city treasure and historic coastal village. Journey across the bay into the Yarra River, past the port and docklands. A wonderful opportunity to see the magnificent vistas of the Melbourne skyline before entering into the hustle and bustle of city life.

Duration: 50 mins to 1 hour

Williamstown and City

For a great day out, take a return trip to or from Williamstown or the city. A wonderful range of activities, restaurants and attractions to explore for everyone. Duration: 1 ¾ - 2 hours

You can choose to go one-way or return! Just select which option suits you at the time of booking.

Onboard Facilities:
• Tea and Coffee
• Informative commentary
• Large panoramic windows
• Alfresco sun decks
• Comfortable onboard amenities (restrooms)

Points of Interest

  • Melbourne River Cruises

  • Yarra River

  • Williamstown

What's Included
  • Tea and coffee provided
  • Live commentary during the tour
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

The City and Williamstown Ferry offers visitors an historic coastal village experience. Cruise past Melbourne’s shipping channels on your journey to the old maritime seaport of Williamstown. Spend the day sipping coffee at a sidewalk café or discovering quaint shops and galleries, before taking a leisurely cruise back to the city.

Departure times are from the City unless stated otherwise.

  • Confirmation for this product will be received at time of booking
  • The boat is completely enclosed and windowed so that passengers won’t be subject to the elements
  • Unfortunately the vessel is NOT wheelchair accessible. However, passengers in a wheelchair can be accommodated only if they can get on and off the vessel on their own and if the wheelchair is collapsible. The staff are not permitted to assist handicapped persons due to insurance restrictions
  • Important Note:
  • Cruise duration times are approximate and subject to change, often due to tides and river traffic
  • Cruise direction and timetable subject to tidal conditions and river closures
  • Passengers MUST check timetable for their return trip to ensure departure times connect
Location
Melbourne River Cruises
Southbank Promenade
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
3.9
(340 Ratings)
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1 star
Arthur_b
Aug 6, 2024
The Yarra Tourer - The very friendly crew and the informative narration about points of interest, on the cruise, made it money well spent. Thank you.
Review provided by Viator
Jpz1428gr
Jun 14, 2024
Enjoyed the Williamstown and return trip - Took the To-Williamstown and Back option. Great way to see some of the sights of Melbourne from a different perspective. Pre-recorded commentary was informative. Added info from the captain (Michael) was current and mostly interesting with some humour. Engine noise was a bit louder than desirable. Be sure to enjoy a complimentary cup of tea as well. 4pm at the Gem Pier to return (10.30am depart Southbank) gave us plenty of time to enjoy Williamstown without it being too long a day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
122loism
Apr 27, 2024
Pleasant Trip - To Williamstown and back to see an exhibition. A lovely sunny day. Michael skipper on way over who was friendly and humorous, not sure who on the way back as they didn't introduce themselves. Both trips went at a pace where it was comfortable to have the windows open and not get cold. Good on boat commentary and good diverse choice of music.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Omkar_p
Apr 26, 2024
Mel to willamstown - Great trip Nice view and commentary all the way Beautiful complementary dreams coffee Love chilled beers and col drinks
Review provided by Viator
Swishytail
May 24, 2024
Change those chairs!! - It would be generous to describe this as 'Very Good', but the next rating is "Average" and it was slightly better than that. It was autumn and I had to call to establish if the cruise was running or not. The cruise itself was very informative and the Yarra River/Port Philip Bay is lovely. The seats on the vessel were just hard backed dining chairs and most uncomfortable. Customers moved them forward or back, compressing leg room, so it was very tight (vessel full). Williamstown is well worth the visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
420rosalindp
May 7, 2024
Excellent Yarra River views and history - Trip along the river highlighted the past and present for Melbourne. Informative and enjoyable. Pity the commentary was not in sync with each location. The boat needed a good clean and the staff could present better as one of Melbournes' tourist attractions. Value for money.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joel_b
Apr 29, 2024
A different Melbourne perspective - It is a cute trip to enjoy the Jarra River views of the city, even though it haas barriers to enjoy the city.
Review provided by Viator
Neil_t
Apr 27, 2024
Ferry - Seeing the sights and squeezing under the bridges on way back Pleasant and informative crew Useful commentary provided
Review provided by Viator
Roberta_d
Apr 20, 2024
Breathing in Fumes - The awful smell of fuel, breathing fumes and smelling like fuel until I could wash my hair again simply awful. The only outside chairs were exactly were the fuel tank was and it was so noisy that the loud speaker with the narrator explaing the view could not be heard it was just extra noise. The staff was not friendly either at the ticket booth no explanation was given at all n the guy had a dismissive attitude. I loved being so close to the water and enjoyed the view while I travelled but I think new ferries are required.
Review provided by Viator
765lesteri
Aug 4, 2024
Not value for money - Very Disappointed! We purchased our tickets online and went to pick them up at berth 2. The man obviously didn't like his job as he was quite rude and abrupt. Due to tides we had to walk 1km or more to get on the ferry called Duchess to Williamstown return. The advertising said there would be commentary however there wasn't any provided as the recording didn't seem to work (except for the welcome to country). $48 each Not good value for money!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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