GoBoat Electric Boat Hire

We recently took the kids out for a day on the Yarra River with GoBoat, and it was such a unique way to see the city! GoBoat offers eco-friendly, self-drive picnic boats that you can hire for an hour or more from their spot at Banana Alley Wharf. These little blue boats are powered by quiet, electric motors, so you can cruise along peacefully and chat without shouting over a noisy engine. You don't need a boating license or any prior experience to captain one, which is a huge plus for us parents who are just looking for a straightforward, fun activity. The whole idea is to pack a picnic, gather your crew, and enjoy a floating adventure right through the heart of Melbourne.

Age Appropriateness

This is genuinely an all-ages activity. We saw everyone from couples to multi-generational families out on the water. For babies and toddlers, the boats are surprisingly stable and the high sides feel secure. GoBoat provides life jackets for all passengers, including infants and children, which they are required to wear. The staff will make sure you have the right sizes before you set off. Older kids and teens will absolutely love the novelty of it all, and they might even get a kick out of helping to navigate or spot landmarks along the river. Because you're in control of the speed (which is capped at a very gentle pace), you can make the journey as calm or as exciting as your little ones can handle.

The Highlights (Pros)

• You're the Captain: The best part for our family was the sense of adventure. The kids thought it was the coolest thing that we were driving our own boat. The controls are incredibly simple—literally just a tiller for steering and a dial for forward and reverse—so it’s not intimidating at all.
• Unique City Views: Seeing Melbourne from the Yarra River is a completely different experience. You glide past Flinders Street Station, under the Princes Bridge, and get a fantastic perspective of the city skyline and the Royal Botanic Gardens. It’s a brilliant photo opportunity!
• Picnic Perfection: The boats have a large central table, making them perfect for a floating picnic. We packed our own sandwiches, snacks, and drinks, which saved a lot of money and meant we had all the kids' favorites on hand. It just adds to the relaxed, leisurely feel of the whole outing.
• Clean and Green: The boats are electric, so they're quiet and don't produce any fumes, which is a big win when you have kids on board. The boats themselves were very clean and well-maintained.

The Watch-Outs (Cons)

• No On-Board Toilets: This is a big one for parents of little ones. There are no bathrooms on the boats, so a pre-departure toilet trip is absolutely essential. The nearest public facilities are a short walk away at Flinders Street Station.
• Weather Dependent: Your booking is, of course, at the mercy of Melbourne's famously fickle weather. While GoBoat does provide umbrellas for light rain or sun, a downpour could definitely put a damper on the experience. They have a good cancellation policy for bad weather, but it’s something to keep in mind.
• Navigating the River: While the boats are slow and easy to drive, the Yarra can be busy with other tour boats and rowers. The larger tour boats can create a bit of a wake, which can make the little GoBoat rock a bit. It’s not dangerous, but it might be unsettling for very young children or nervous passengers. You just need to stay aware of your surroundings.

Practical Survival Tips for Parents

• Book Ahead: Especially on weekends or school holidays, these boats are popular. Book online in advance to secure your spot and preferred time slot.
• Parking: Parking right at Banana Alley is practically non-existent. The closest paid parking is at Federation Square or along the Southbank. A better bet is to catch a train to Flinders Street Station, which is directly opposite the wharf.
• Pack Smart: Aside from your picnic, bring hats, sunscreen (even on cloudy days, the reflection off the water is strong), and a jacket for everyone, as it can get breezy on the river. Don't forget wipes and hand sanitizer for sticky picnic fingers!
• Arrive Early: Plan to get there about 15 minutes before your booking time. This gives you time to check in, get your safety briefing, fit the kids with life jackets, and use the bathroom without cutting into your precious boat time.