Party Boats for Hire in Melbourne

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 has a fantastic selection of both luxurious and affordable private party boats! This means that you can host your special occasion in any space possible. From elegant banquet rooms, world-class private restaurants, and hip bars to soulful cafes, live music venues, and…private party boats! 

Key Elements To Consider Before Hiring A Party Boat

1. Know what you want – The first thing you need to determine before your cruise party is how you will use the boat. For example, a yacht hired for a private birthday party will be different from a large ship 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 if you had 100 guests.
2. Set a clear budget – Boat hire prices vary, and extras like catering, entertainment, and decorations can add up fast. Decide upfront how much you're willing to spend — and if you're splitting costs with guests, make sure payment terms are clear from the start. 
3. Pick an easy to access departure point – Choose a marina or pick-up location that's easy for your guests to reach. If the spot’s out of the way, you might need to organise group transport like a shuttle bus. 
4. Check the amenities carefully – Not every boat comes fully equipped. Confirm what’s included (like a minibar, sound system, or entertainment options) and ask about extra fees for things like catering or crew services to avoid surprise costs.
5. Book the right date for the best experience - Melbourne’s best boat party season runs from mid-December to mid-February, when the weather is warm and sunny. To avoid higher rates and crowded waters, consider hosting your event on a weekday rather than a weekend. 
6. Ensure that you have a qualified crew on board - Safety and professionalism matter. Make sure the boat is staffed with an experienced, friendly crew who can keep the event running smoothly and ensure your guests are looked after. 

Prices For Private Party Boats And Yachts In Melbourne

Private boat hire usually charges by the hour:

• Small boats for about 5 people can start from $85 per hour.
  
  
• Larger yachts hosting up to 65 guests can go up to $2,000 per hour.

Prices tend to peak during Melbourne’s busy summer season (December–February). For a better deal, consider booking in the off-peak months (May–August) when you can often negotiate lower rates or get extra perks included. Some listings let you rent just part of a boat's event space. This is a smart way to cut costs for smaller events without sacrificing the party vibe.

The Best Party Boats in Melbourne

If you're looking to throw a memorable party on the water, Melbourne has some awesome boat hire options for every group size and budget. From small, fun boats to big river cruisers, there’s a perfect spot to celebrate. Here are five of the best party boats you should check out:

• Yarra Queen, Southbank: This is a classic Melbourne party boat, great for bigger celebrations with up to 120 people. With a hire fee starting from around $2,870 per session, it’s a popular choice for birthdays, work parties, and private events cruising along the Yarra River.
• Voodoo Sports Yacht, Docklands: For something a bit more luxe and private, the Voodoo Sports Yacht is perfect. It fits up to 12 people and costs around $660 per hour. It’s ideal for smaller, stylish get-togethers where you want top service and a sleek setting.
• Spirit Of Melbourne Cruising Restaurant, Southbank: If you want a party that includes amazing food, the Spirit of Melbourne is hard to beat. With room for up to 170 people and prices starting at $99 per person, it’s a full cruising restaurant experience for a formal celebration or special night out.
• Spaceship Boat, Docklands: This boat is a fun, super affordable option for small groups. It seats up to 12 people and costs just $299 to hire per session. It’s a fun choice if you want something easy and casual for a birthday or relaxed catch-up on the water.
• Yarra Empress, Southbank: If you’re planning a big event, the spot has space for up to 145 guests and gives you a premium river cruise experience. With hire fees starting around $3,400 per session, it’s a great option for larger celebrations where you want a bit of luxury and lots of space.

BYO and External Catering Options at Melbourne Party Boat Venues

Several party venues in Melbourne’s Docklands and Southbank areas allow BYO (bring your own) food or the use of external catering services. Smaller private boat hires like Boat4Hire or the Aquadonut in Docklands typically allow you to bring your own food and drink. These venues often don’t include catering in their price, which starts from around $159 to $420 per hour, depending on the vessel and duration.

Larger charter boats such as the Yarra Princess or Yarra Countess in Southbank, while offering in-house catering, often also permit external catering on request. It's great for events where you prefer full control over the menu. These larger venues generally charge flat session rates, with total hire costs ranging between $4,740 and $11,434, based on Tagvenue data.

Before booking, check the individual listing for catering policies, as rules vary depending on the operator. You can message venue managers directly through Tagvenue to confirm if BYO or self-catering is allowed.