SOUTHBANK BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Midnight on the River: Private NYE 2025 Cruises from Southbank
Two 2-hour private cruises from WTC Wharf Landing — an early, family-friendly outing and a late-night midnight run — for groups up to 8, 16 or 20 people.
Midnight on the River: Private NYE 2025 Cruises from Southbank.
On New Year’s Eve, Southbank’s riverfront becomes a stage and ON A BOAT offers a private vantage point: choose a family-oriented early cruise or a midnight celebration and watch the city’s fireworks from the water. The operator supplies the boat and captain; your group supplies drinks, snacks and the soundtrack for the night.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Fireworks from the water
See Melbourne’s New Year displays from a private boat for a clear, unfiltered perspective on the city skyline and pyrotechnics—ideal for families and groups who want a memorable vantage without the crowd.
Private, captain‑led cruise
ON A BOAT provides the vessel and a captain; private charters are sized to your group with options for up to 8, 16 or 20 guests, creating a cozy, party‑style atmosphere for your crew.
Two 2‑hour sittings: family or midnight
Choose an 8:00–10:00 p.m. family cruise or the late sitting that spans 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., each lasting two hours so you can plan arrivals and departures around the city’s NYE schedule.
What the day feels like
How it feels to be aboard
Board at WTC Wharf Landing and settle into a private cruising rhythm: a short launch, relaxed time on the water with music and conversation, then a focused window for the fireworks that anchors the night. The mood ranges from family-friendly sunset and early-evening conviviality to a raucous midnight celebration depending on the slot you choose.
THE VIEW
Fireworks from the water
See Melbourne’s New Year displays from a private boat for a clear, unfiltered perspective on the city skyline and pyrotechnics—ideal for families and groups who want a memorable vantage without the crowd.
THE BOAT
Private, captain‑led cruise
ON A BOAT provides the vessel and a captain; private charters are sized to your group with options for up to 8, 16 or 20 guests, creating a cozy, party‑style atmosphere for your crew.
THE TIMING
Two 2‑hour sittings: family or midnight
Choose an 8:00–10:00 p.m. family cruise or the late sitting that spans 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., each lasting two hours so you can plan arrivals and departures around the city’s NYE schedule.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this charter suits best
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Two-hour cruises; choose either the family sitting (8:00–10:00 p.m.) or the midnight sitting (10:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m.).
The operator provides the boat and captain; guests are expected to bring their own drinks and snacks for the charter.
Private charters are available for groups of up to 8, 16 or 20 people—confirm the exact capacity when booking.
All cruises depart from WTC Wharf Landing — arrive with time to spare for boarding.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Where do we meet for boarding?
All cruises meet and board at WTC Wharf Landing.
How long is each cruise?
Each cruise lasts two hours.
What does the operator provide?
ON A BOAT supplies the vessel and a captain for the charter.
How many people can join a private cruise?
Charters are offered for groups of up to 8, 16 or 20 people depending on the boat selected.
Do I need to bring food and drinks?
Yes — guests are expected to provide their own drinks and snacks for the cruise.
Are there different time options on New Year’s Eve?
Yes — there is a family cruise from 8:00–10:00 p.m. and a midnight cruise from 10:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m.