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Top Small Private Boats in Melbourne
Welcome to Melbourne, a nautical heaven, where you can hire small boats to party and explore the city from beyond shore. Cruise the Yarra River and Port Phillip to discover the city’s charming waterways. Small boats are a unique way to see Melbourne's breathtaking skyline. They are perfect for intimate gatherings, adventurous fishing trips, or just enjoying a tranquil day on the water. Whatever activity you’ll pick you can be sure to experience the city from a whole new perspective. Enjoy the freedom of the water under you and embark on your Melbourne adventure!
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![Entire Boat at Yarra Princess in Melbourne CBD]()
from $935
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityEntire Boat
90 guestsYarra PrincessMelbourne CBDKKingsley R.
“Friendly staff. Boat was spacious enough.” -
![Voodoo at Voodoo at Vip Melbourne Boat Charter in Docklands, Melbourne]()
from $650
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityVoodoo
12 guestsVoodoo at Vip Melbourne Boat CharterDocklands, MelbourneEnjoy an exclusive private boat cruise on the Yarra and into the bay on your own Yacht, “Voodoo”. We cater for up to 12 guests. The minimum cruise time is 2 hours. -
![Entire Boat at Yarra Empress in Southbank, Melbourne]()
from $1247
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityEntire Boat
145 guestsYarra EmpressSouthbank, MelbourneYarra 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. -
![Melbourne Fishing Boat for 8 at Boat4Hire in Docklands, Melbourne]()
from $308
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityMelbourne Fishing Boat for 8
8 guestsBoat4HireDocklands, MelbourneBoat 4 Hire aims to help landlubbers explore their inner pirate with a range cruises and fishing charters on the Yarra River and Victoria Harbour. The company offers speed boats available for hire all year round, while the -
![Fishing Boat 40HP - 5 Pax at Boat4Hire in Docklands, Melbourne]()
from $299
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityFishing Boat 40HP - 5 Pax
5 guestsBoat4HireDocklands, MelbourneThey flex to absorb the impact of the sea and works like car shock absorbers, not like your standard aluminium tinny. This boat can be driven by both licensed and unlicensed drivers. -
![Boat at Polly Woodside in South Wharf, Melbourne]()
from $750
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityBoat
300 guestsPolly WoodsideSouth Wharf, MelbourneAs one of the last Victorian merchant sailing ships, the Polly Woodside is a reminder of a bygone era. After 143 years at sea, the ship now welcomes visitors aboard as it docks in Belfast. -
![Entire Boat at Yarra Queen in Melbourne CBD]()
from $1051
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityEntire Boat
120 guestsYarra QueenMelbourne CBDGGordon C.
“Super unique amazing experience, very friendly crew, also good value for money.” -
![Melbourne Fishing Boat - 5 Pax at Boat4Hire in Docklands, Melbourne]()
from $159
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityMelbourne Fishing Boat - 5 Pax
5 guestsBoat4HireDocklands, MelbourneNon-licensed drivers can now fish in Hobsons Bay and Williamstown. Please note that non-licensed drivers can still hire our Bowriders but under restricted speed allowable to non-licensed holders. -
![Entire Restaurant at Spirit Of Melbourne Cruising Restaurant in Southbank, Melbourne]()
from $109
per person / per sessionCheck availabilityEntire Restaurant
170 guestsSpirit Of Melbourne Cruising RestaurantSouthbank, MelbourneAdditionally, we provide vegetarian choices. An experience you'll never forget, the Spirit of Melbourne represents one of the best dining options in Melbourne. -
![Victoria Star Cruises at Victoria Star Cruises in Docklands, Melbourne]()
from $3500
hire fee / per sessionCheck availabilityVictoria Star Cruises
350 guestsVictoria Star CruisesDocklands, MelbourneStep aboard the Victoria Star, one of Melbourne’s largest cruising vessels. Perfect for corporate events, weddings, private parties, and special celebrations, Victoria Star Cruises mixes waterfront views with first-class -
![Yarra Countess at Yarra Countess in Melbourne CBD]()
from $1364
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityYarra Countess
165 guestsYarra CountessMelbourne CBDYarra Countess is one of Melbourne River Cruises’ fleet of cruisers, a familiar sight upon the Yarra River, trundling past Southbank and around past the Botanic Gardens. -
![Yarra Duchess at Yarra Duchess in Southbank, Melbourne]()
from $1595
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityYarra Duchess
38 guestsYarra DuchessSouthbank, MelbourneGuests will love the view, the outdoor time, and the unique venue. You can customize the space for various events and celebrations of up to 40 people. It will work well for birthdays, private parties, meetings, and much more.
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FAQs about Top Small Private Boats in Melbourne
The cost of small boats averages around $935 hire fee per hour. The final price will depend on location, size, amenities, and demand. Some venues also offer additional packages that include catering, AV equipment, or additional services. Take a look at the usual price ranges in Melbourne, based on Tagvenue data:
| From $308 | to $1247 | hire fee per hour |
| From $109 | per person |
These are the venues within 950 m from central Melbourne, available to book on Tagvenue:
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Yarra Countess at Yarra Countess
on Berth 2 Southbank Promenade - 950 m from centre.
Venue said: Combining sightseeing and a truly unique setting, they’re as popular with private events as they are with the many tourists who flock to Melbourne all year round. -
Entire Boat at Yarra Princess
on Berth 2 Southbank Promenade - 950 m from centre.
Our user said: ‘Boat was spacious enough.’ -
Entire Boat at Yarra Queen
on Berth 2 Southbank Promenade - 950 m from centre.
Our user said: ‘Super unique amazing experience, very friendly crew, also good value for money.’
Cheap small boats in Melbourne start from $105 per person or $295 hire fee per hour. Check out these budget-friendly spaces you can book through Tagvenue, as of September 2026:
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Entire Boat at Yarra Princess, from $109 per person (up to 90 guests standing)
Our user said: ‘Boat was spacious enough.’ -
Fishing Boat 40HP - 5 Pax at Boat4Hire, from $299 hire fee per hour (up to 5 guests seated)
Venue said: They flex to absorb the impact of the sea and works like car shock absorbers, not like your standard aluminium tinny. This boat can be driven by both licensed and unlicensed drivers. -
Entire Boat at Yarra Empress, from $109 per person (up to 145 guests standing)
Venue said: 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.
Cruising on a small boat in Melbourne provides an exceptional opportunity to explore the city's beautiful waterways and landmarks. As you navigate the Yarra River, you'll be captivated by the scenic parklands and gardens. Sailing further, you'll come across the vibrant Southbank Promenade and the tranquil bays of Williamstown and St Kilda.
The boat ride also offers a unique perspective on Melbourne's skyline, showcasing architectural wonders like the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the Shrine of Remembrance, and the towering Eureka Skydeck. As you cruise, you might even catch a glimpse of the charming Block Arcade and bustling Southbank. All these sights make cruising on Melbourne's small boats a truly unforgettable experience.
In Melbourne, you can hire a small boat from various docks and areas along the Yarra River. Popular locations include the Central Pier and the New Quay Promenade in Docklands, both easily accessible by foot from the city centre. If you're further out, public transportation options such as trams, buses, and trains are available, as well as taxis and ride-sharing services.
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Page last updated in September 2026
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