THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Skip the crowded trains and experience Oaks Day at Melbourne’s Flemington Racecourse on a 75-minute water taxi along the Yarra and Maribyrnong Rivers. Relax and enjoy cityscape views that turn your trip into part of the celebration.
Skip the crowded trains and experience Oaks Day at Melbourne’s Flemington Racecourse on a 75-minute water taxi along the Yarra and Maribyrnong Rivers. Relax and enjoy cityscape views that turn your trip into part of the celebration.
Book with Melbourne River Cruises
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
2,576 ratings
Operated by Melbourne River Cruises · Southbank, Victoria
Experience Oaks Day at the Melbourne Cup Carnival in unparalleled style aboard the Oaks Day Water Taxi, cruising along Melbourne’s iconic Yarra and Maribyrnong Rivers. Departing from Berth 2 on the Southbank Promenade, this 75-minute boat ride offers a refreshing alternative to traditional transport, placing you right in the heart of the city’s vibrant atmosphere while delivering stunning views of Melbourne’s riverfront landmarks. Whether you choose one-way or return trips, this water taxi transforms your journey to Flemington Racecourse into a highlight in itself.
Melbourne’s Southbank is a lively cultural hub known for its riverside dining, bustling promenades, and scenic vistas. As you glide past notable points like the Bolte Bridge and the Crown Casino complex, the blend of urban pulse and natural waterways creates a rare setting unique to this part of Victoria. The Yarra River’s winding course offers a constantly changing perspective—from sparkling city skylines to lush green banks where local birdlife is often visible.
Oaks Day, celebrated as the “Ladies Day” of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, carries a special energy marked by fashion, racing, and festivities. Arriving by water offers an exclusive, crowd-free experience that contrasts sharply with the busy roads and packed trains heading to Flemington. This journey encourages a peaceful moment to soak in the excitement subtly building up around the city, making your race day all the more memorable.
What makes Oaks Day Water Taxi a standout option for this event is not just the convenience but the chance to enjoy Melbourne’s waterways in a way few visitors get to. The slow-paced cruise invites you to take photographs of the city’s reflections on the river and watch local wildlife like black swans gliding alongside. It also positions you perfectly for a relaxed start and finish to your day, avoiding the usual transport hassles.
For travelers looking to combine the thrill of one of Australia’s most celebrated racing events with the ease and charm of a waterborne experience, this service is hard to beat. Available to ages 18 and up, it promises a unique perspective on Melbourne’s celebrated spring racing season, blending outdoor exploration with cultural tradition flawlessly.
The service is available only to passengers aged 18 and older during Oaks Day events.
All departures for Oaks Day Water Taxi are from Berth 2, Southbank Promenade, Melbourne.
Yes, trips can be booked one way or as a return for convenience and flexibility.
Each ride lasts approximately 75 minutes along the Yarra and Maribyrnong Rivers.
There is no onboard catering, so bringing your own refreshments is recommended if desired.
In case of severe weather, trips may be canceled or rescheduled for passenger safety.
Melbourne River Cruises operates from Southbank, Victoria, offering a range of river and bay cruises on the Yarra River, Maribyrnong River and Port Phillip Bay. The company provides sightseeing cruises such as Melbourne Highlights, Parks & Gardens Cruise and Ports & Docklands that pass Federation Square, the Royal Botanic Gardens and Docklands Stadium. Transfer services include Oaks Day TRANSFER PACKAGE and Derby Day TRANSFER PACKAGE, which feature a 90-minute cruise along the Maribyrnong River with morning tea, a premium bar and live race viewing to Flemington Race Course. Water taxi and transfer options include Oaks Day Water Taxi and Derby Day Water Taxi. Commuter and day-trip services connect the city and suburbs with routes like City to Williamstown, Williamstown to City and City to Williamstown Return, offering scenic ferry travel across Port Phillip Bay to Williamstown’s waterfront attractions. Special event cruises include New Year’s Eve options such as NYE Party Cruise, NYE Party Cruise – Over 40’s, NYE Midnight Fireworks Cruise and NYE Twilight Cruise (Early Fireworks). Dining experiences are available aboard the Spirit of Melbourne Cruising Restaurant with a four-course meal, illuminated Yarra River views and unlimited beverages, offered as dinner and lunch cruises. Brunch options are listed as Bottomless Brunch Afloat. A variety of other scheduled departures such as City Highlights Express - Fed Wharf are also offered. All trip names, durations and onboard inclusions are listed in publicly available schedules and product summaries. Schedules and booking information are published on Melbourne River Cruises' official website and partners.
Book with Melbourne River Cruises