DOCKLANDS BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Skipper Yourself: Take the Helm on Melbourne’s Yarra in an Electric Boat
Self-drive electric boats on the Yarra River — no boating licence required, seating and Bluetooth onboard, and room for up to nine people for 1–4 hours of hands-on city cruising.
Skipper Yourself: Take the Helm on Melbourne’s Yarra in an Electric Boat.
Slide from the wharf into the Yarra and see Melbourne’s waterfront from a low, electric vantage — you’re the skipper. These user-friendly electric boats let small groups pilot their own course without a licence, with comfortable seating, Bluetooth music and the freedom to bring your own drinks and snacks as you explore the city from the water.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
No licence required — immediate access to driving
The boats are designed for first-time skippers: no boating licence is needed and a full safety briefing is provided before departure, so novices can take the helm with confidence.
Up to nine passengers, creature comforts onboard
Each boat carries up to nine people and includes comfortable seating, a central table with built-in cup holders and Bluetooth audio, making it ideal for social cruising with friends or family.
Bring your own food, drinks and even the dog
Passengers are welcome to bring their own snacks and beverages; the operator also permits pets aboard, giving groups the flexibility to set the vibe they want while on the water.
What the day feels like
What It Feels Like to Skipper Yourself
You’ll meet at the Docklands, receive a short safety briefing, then cast off to pilot an electric boat along the Yarra for a relaxed window onto Melbourne’s waterfront. The trip combines the novelty of hands-on steering with easygoing social cruising — music from your phone, drinks in hand, and control of pace and route within the river’s limits.
THE ACCESS
No licence required — immediate access to driving
The boats are designed for first-time skippers: no boating licence is needed and a full safety briefing is provided before departure, so novices can take the helm with confidence.
THE CREW & COMFORT
Up to nine passengers, creature comforts onboard
Each boat carries up to nine people and includes comfortable seating, a central table with built-in cup holders and Bluetooth audio, making it ideal for social cruising with friends or family.
THE FREEDOM
Bring your own food, drinks and even the dog
Passengers are welcome to bring their own snacks and beverages; the operator also permits pets aboard, giving groups the flexibility to set the vibe they want while on the water.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this is for — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Trips run from short outings up to four hours; plan your time on the water accordingly.
Meet at WTC WHARF, 18–38 Siddeley Street, Docklands. The closest car park is 671 Siddeley Street CarePark Docklands VIC 3008.
Bring your own drinks and snacks and come prepared for the weather conditions.
Reservations can be rescheduled or cancelled for credit free of charge up until 24 hours before the trip; boats are limited so advance booking is recommended.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How many people per boat?
Each boat can carry up to nine people, including children and toddlers. For larger groups consider booking two boats or a skippered cruise.
Do I need a boating licence?
No boating licence is required to operate these electric boats; the operator provides a full safety briefing before your trip.
Where can I park nearby?
The closest car park is 671 Siddeley Street CarePark Docklands VIC 3008.
Can reservations be rescheduled or cancelled?
Reservations can be rescheduled or cancelled for credit free of charge up until 24 hours before the trip.
What happens when the weather is bad?
Contact the operator around three hours before your booking to confirm plans; they will advise whether to proceed or rebook based on conditions.
Can we bring and drink alcohol?
Yes, provided the nominated skipper is not under the influence and maintains a 0.00% blood alcohol concentration at all times.
Is there a minimum age to skipper the boat?
The designated skipper must be 18 years of age or over.