This may not be a conventional way of getting around Melbourne, but Water Taxis definitely have their advantages. Firstly, there's no chance in getting stuck at red lights. Secondly, your journey on the waterfront is bound to have magnificent views.
Melbourne Water Taxis:
Melbourne Water Taxis (MTW), as the name might suggest, is Melbourne's premier Water Taxi company. They operate on the Yarra and Maribyrnong Rivers, taking you anywhere between Abbotsford and Williamstown via the Yarra, and on the Maribyrnong River they can travel as far as Canning Street, Essendon. Landing options include (and are not limited to)
Docklands,
Kings Domain, the
Botanical Gardens,
Federation Square and
Crown Casino.
MWT house three different sizes of boat, with their largest one, the Royal Barge, carrying up to 40 passengers. Their smallest boat is their Whaler, which carries an intimate 12 passengers. When hiring a water taxi the boat is for your private use only and it is highly recommended that you book a week in advance.
There is also a shuttle service available from
Southgate to
Melbourne and Olympic Parks (Rod Laver, MCG). This is run regularly for AFL matches, concerts and the Australian Open Tennis.
Water Taxis operate daily from 9 am until midnight, except for in Winter months where it only operates on weekends. Charters outside of these hours are possible, but will generally incur an extra fee.
Alternatives:
MWT may be the only water taxi company company in Melbourne, however there are many other companies that pride themselves as respectable cruise companies. The difference is simple: cruises generally focus more on luxury, where as with with water taxis transportation is the prime purpose however MWT still upholds good quality standards.
City River Cruises can accommodate up to 150 passengers, and their newest cruise boat, the MV Melba Star offers concert performance facilities, a bar and catering staff. They offer special NYE and Spring Racing Carnival packages, with extravagant menu options.
Melbourne Tramboat Scenic Cruises is another option; they offer various packages on their unique 'tramboat' that cost $45 for Adults and are around 3.5 hours long. Morning tea and gourmet lunch is included.
Melbourne River Cruises offers both Sightseeing tours and also a Williamstown Ferry Service. The sightseeing tours include Docklands, River Gardens and Melbourne Highlights - a combination of the two. Prices begin at $23 for a 1 hour cruise for Adults. They also coordinate private functions, and their fleet of eight vessels can capacitate up to 165 people.
Disclaimer: if one has experienced previous cases of sea sickness, water taxis may not be as enjoyable.
