Party Boats for Hire in Melbourne

Party Boats Hire Guide

According to Invest Victoria, Melbourne is recognised as the second most liveable city in the world. The cohesive society, healthcare, education, and world-class infrastructure make it a magnificent city. Apart from that, it boasts a fantastic range of great and affordable venues! This means that you can host your special occasion in any space possible. From luxurious banquet rooms, world-class restaurants, and hip bars to soulful cafes, live music venues, and…party boats! 

Party boats are an exciting option that can add some extra flair to your celebration. Plus, they make it easy to explore the best Melbourne has to offer! You can enjoy a luxury event on a party yacht and feel like a true A-list star, or a laid-back river cruise to wind down and savor the moments with your crowd. However, to make the most of a boat party, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Key elements to consider before hiring a party boat

• Have a purpose in mind – The first thing you need to determine before your cruise party is how you will use the boat. For example, a boat used for a birthday party will be different from a boat used for a wedding party. The size of the boat is important, too. If you have fewer than 10 guests, you’ll need a completely different boat than when there are 100 guests. Whatever you want to do, make sure it matches the capabilities of a party boat you will go for.
• Determine a budget – Hiring boats for parties in Melbourne comes with a price. Determine beforehand what the total cost will be so there aren’t any surprises. If you plan on splitting the cost with others, be sure to discuss payment beforehand, so you can avoid having any awkward conversations. Setting a budget will really help you figure out how much you will need to make the boat event happen. Don’t forget to include other party elements in your calculations, such as entertainment, decorations, and catering that you’d like to incorporate. 
• Pick your place – It’s important to know where you’ll pick the boat up and where you’ll have to drop it off. For easy access, you may want to hire a party boat that is centrally located. Keep location in mind and check if it’s accessible for other party goers. If not, you may consider hiring a shuttle bus or other type of transportation to get everyone to your desired destination. 
• Know your details – Imagine if you step onto the boat to find it empty. No TV, no mini bar, nothing you imagined. You can easily avoid that by carefully checking all the details before hiring a boat. If you’re not sure what’s included, ask the managers! Discuss the equipment, as well as other fees that may come with hiring a catering or entertainment. That way, you won’t want to have to deal with unforeseen surprises.

• Decide on a date - To ensure that your boat party goes smoothly, pick a good date! It's best to agree on that early enough so you won't have to make any last-minute decisions. The best time of year to host your boat event is mid-December through mid-February. That’s when the weather in Melbourne is at its best. If possible, try to avoid weekends and holidays as it can impact attendance. 

• Ensure that you have a qualified crew on board - The boat crew can really make or break your party! So be sure to check whether they are friendly and knowledgeable - they should be able to answer any questions your guests might have about what's happening at the moment. Also, safety should be your main priority, so don’t skimp on that matter! It’s better to pay more for a qualified crew than opt for someone less experienced. 

Hire prices of party boats in Melbourne

Now, let’s talk about money. You may wonder how much it actually costs to hire a party boat in Melbourne. We’re here to answer that question! 

Party boats in Melbourne usually charge per hour. Prices can vary significantly from $85 (for 5 people) to $2,000 per hour (for 65 people), depending on the type of boat. Yachts are usually more expensive than other vessels. (Based on data from Tagvenue.com.)

When you hire a boat in the busy season (December to February), the fees may be higher than in the slow season (May to August) when boat companies slash their rates. So if you’re really keen on hosting a boat party on a budget, we highly recommend considering the latter. You can save some extra money, or negotiate and get some extras in the final price. 

You may also consider browsing the listings that offer to break down the boat’s space and allow you to book only part of the event space! It’s the perfect solution for smaller events or when you have a limited budget. 

FAQs about Party Boats in Melbourne

Will I get seasick while on a boat party?

This is one of the first thoughts that might cross your mind when you hear about a boat party. Getting sick will depend on the size of the boat and the water where you’ll be sailing. If the boat is big and stable, you will have less risk of getting seasick. Also, if you’re sailing on the Yarra River, you won’t need to worry about getting seasick since the river is very calm and flat. However, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, so make sure to bring some seasickness pills that you can easily get from pharmacies.

Are children allowed on board a boat venue in Melbourne?

Most party boats in Melbourne allow children on board, but in some cases, the children need to be seated at all times and wear life vests. But to be sure, ask the manager about that to avoid any unpleasant surprises on the day of the party.

How far in advance should I book a party boat in Melbourne?

If possible, you should book a party boat up to 12 weeks in advance. You should really plan early in order to find the best bargains, especially during the peak time that falls anytime from December to February. Also, it will allow you to nail down all other party details and host the best party possible!

Can I bring my own drinks onto a hired boat in Melbourne?

Again, this depends on the boat. Some boats require that you only bring your own drinks while others ask the opposite; buying solely from their bar. Ask the people who rent out the party boat for more details.