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Yarra
River Cruises
By
Richard Moore
Melbourne
River Cruises
City
and Williamstown Ferry Cruise
Highlights
of Melbourne Cruise
Port
of Melbourne and Docklands Sightseeing Cruise
River
Gardens Melbourne Sightseeing Cruise
 Ah,
the Yarra River. That muddy, brown upside-down river that snakes
its way through Melbourne.
It's
not the Nile, nor is it the Danube but to Melburnians it is our
river - hang, it even has a song written about it - Frank
Jones' excellent My Brown Yarra.
I
didn't know, nor would many people in the city, but the Yarra is
a man-made river, dug out in the colonial days to drain the city's
swamps and marshes to make the land more liveable.
That
was one of the interesting facts that we were told while taking
a journey on the old waterway with Melkbourne River Cruises.
 The
cruise company operates a fleet of large riverboats that have regular
trips up to the end of the navigable parts of the Yarra around the
middle suburbs of Kew, down to the docklands and out skirting Port
Phillip Bay to Williamstown.
I
reckon a city's waterways are one of the best ways to see a place
- Amsterdam, Sydney for example - and Melbourne is no exception.
Having
been away from Melbourne for eight years I found the Docklands run
particularly interesting. The development that has gone on there
has created a huge new part of the city - again dominatd by some
wonderful architecture.
Cruises
leave and arrive at various docks along the Yarra at Southgate,
across from Flinders St Station and Fderation Square in the central
city. They go at least every hour - even in the colder months.
 Each
cruise has a really interesting commentary and you get free coffee
or tea while on board.
You
can check out the various cruises at the bottom of this page.
Spirit
of Melbourne, Cruising Restaurant.
Spirit
of Melbourne Dinner Cruise
What
could be better than a night-time cruise up and down the Yarra River?
The lights of Melbourne's skyline are amazing at night and the Yarra
takes on a special charm in the twilight or after sundown.
And
to add to your visit to the Victorian capital and try one of Melbourne
River Cruises dinner journeys.
 We
thoroughly enjoyed our time on the Spirit of Melbourne.
The
atmosphere was very pleasant, the crew attentive without being ever
present, the food was great and the wine and drinks flowed.
Each
table had plenty of room between it and the next so that you could
chat to your dinner companion without being in competition with
those nearby.
You
have to pick your main meakl before the cruise begins - no drama
as clearly they needed to make sure they had everything catered
for on board and, anyway, all of the mains sounded very appetising.
Our
entree was lovely, the mains - steak and pork - cooked to perfection
and the desserts an excellent way to finish. You also get a glass
of port to round off the evening which, in my books, is not a bad
way to do so.
 Between
courses you can head out on to the deck areas to see the cityscape
- and this would be great in both summer and the colder nights.
We
went in May and while cool it meant you could see the Melbourne
night face - particularly around the city centre and the sporting
precinct. While we were cruising by there was a Melbourne Storm
rugby league match at the colourful AAMI Stadium and also a night
football match at the MCG.
One
thing that brought joy to this Melburnians heart was hearing the
crowd roaring as a goal was scored and you could hear it clearly
from where we were sailing by.
 A
dinner cruise on the Spirit of Melbourne is an experience you should
try to indulge in. It is a really good night out.
Entrée
Platter
King
Prawn Asian Salad, Fruit Coulis Dressing Roast Vegetables, Tandoori
Paste, Rocket Salad, Mint Yoghurt Confit Duck Leg, Lentil Salad,
French Dressing.
Mains
(your choice of)
Chargrilled
Chicken Breast stuffed with Brie, semi-dried tomatoes on couscous
with a Tarragon Cream Sauce Crispy Skin Moroccan Salmon, Potato
Rosti, Avocado Salsa, Caper Mayonnaise.
Pan Fried Eye Fillet, Roasted Seasonal Vegetables, Porcini Mushroom
Cream Sauce, Black Garlic Butter Grilled Polenta, Mushroom Ratatouille,
Palm Hearts, Vincotto & Truffle Oil.
 Chargrilled
Pork Rib Eye, Sweet Potato Mash, Glazed Green Peas with an Olive
Oil & Balsamic Reduction.
Dessert Tasting Platter
Selection of Desserts Cheese Platter Selection of Australian Cheeses.
Melbourne River Cruises
Cruise
A.
Port
and Docklands 1 - 1.5 hour cruise Meander past Melbourne CBD and
discover some of the landings of our early settlers. Now one of
the busiest trading ports in the Southern hemisphere, historical
Victoria Docks will give you a snapshot of our rich maritime heritage
and the boom of the gold rush era.
 Cruise
B
River
Gardens 1 - 1.5 hour cruise Within moments of departing Melbourne’s
cultural Arts precinct, you are cruising through Melbourne’s picturesque
gardens, parklands and some of our famous sporting arenas.
Cruise A-B Melbourne Highlights 2 - 2.5 hour cruise Combine
both our River Gardens and Port & Docklands cruise to enjoy the
complete river cruising experience. View the contrasting scenery
of Melbourne that has made it one of the “Most Livable Cities in
the World”.
 Cruise
C City to Williamstown 50 - 60 minute cruise Cruise by Melbourne’s
shipping channels and Docklands on your historic 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.
Cruise
D Williamstown to City 50 - 60 minute cruise Depart from this
inner city treasure and historic coastal village as we journey across
the bay into the Yarra River, past the port and Docklands area.
A wonderful opportunity to view the magnificent Melbourne skyline
before entering into the hustle & bustle of city life.
Cruise C-D City & Williamstown 1.5 - 2 hour cruise A fantastic
way to travel and experience the wonderful range of activities,
restaurants, and attractions at Williamstown or in the City.
 Board
the ferries at Williamstown or Southgate for your return journey
taking in the spectacular scenery along the way.
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