10 Surprising Things About GoBoat Melbourne

GoBoating on the Yarra River, you wouldn’t know you are in the middle of a city with a population of 4.5 million people. The electric motor is close enough to silent, leaving plenty of room for conversation to flow over your picnic.

Outside of the odd river ferry cruising past and the occasional rower or kayaker, the waterway lacks any congestion.

There’s plenty of pedestrians and cyclists on the banks of the river and cars and trams bustling over bridges, but out on the water you feel a world away from the scurry of the city.

Sailing at just over a walking pace really allows you to soak up Melbourne. The CBD skyline, the way the light hits the buildings at different times of day, the beauty of the riverside parks and the sight of the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the distance.

You get a front row look at many of Melbourne’s most iconic locations. In the heart of the CBD you’re close up with Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, Crown Casino, SEA Life Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre, South Wharf and numerous iconic bridges including the Evan Walker Bridge that connects Southgate to Flinders Street Station.

Then as you head back towards Richmond, you’re met with the green surrounds of Birrarung Marr, Alexandra Gardens, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the AAMI Park & Tennis Centre precinct.

Heading in the other direction and into Docklands, you’re right up close with the Bolte Bridge, Marvel Stadium and Melbourne Star Observation Wheel.

There’s no distractions and you’re drawn together around the central picnic table. A GoBoat picnic with friends is really similar to an intimate dinner party or being around a campfire.

There is no urge to check your social media feeds or respond to texts. It is all about conversing with your friends, the food, the drink, soaking up the experience and enjoying everyone’s company.

GoBoats have a sleek Scandinavian design and are surprisingly spacious. Even with 8 people are on board with all their belongings and picnic supplies.

No boat licence or boating experience is required in order to skipper a GoBoat. The motor and steering are very easy to get used to, with only a short safety briefing, navigational pointers and operational demonstration required before you get going.

From $14 a head for an hour or $24 per person for two hours, renting a GoBoat fits within most budgets. The ability to bring your own food along and the proximity to public transport and other popular activities also helps keep costs down if travelling in from the suburbs or exploring more of Melbourne afterwards.

You have full licence to cater for and style your GoBoat picnic. You can put together a simple cheese platter from home, order one in, get Uber Eats, go all out with potluck of platters and everything in between.

You’re even allowed to BYO a limited amount of alcohol on board and enjoy your favourite beverage. You can hire and esky with ice from the GoBoat team to keep everything cool.

If you think your dog would enjoy a boat trip (and most do) then it’s an amazing dog friendly activity. Remember to bring a lead and something for them to drink out of.

Time flies when you are out on the water and chances are that you will want to extend your boat rental (sometimes possible) or be back for more. You’ll want to show your out of town visitors, a different set of friends, go as a family or take your colleagues for some team building.

From spotting local wildlife to helping Mum or Dad steer the boat. The novelty of being in your own private boat doesn’t wear off and they will be engaged and sit surprisingly still throughout the trip.

Dressing up as pirates is encouraged as is bringing plenty of kid friendly picnic snacks!

GoBoat provide life jackets (a legal requirement for children) for 10kgs and above. Therefore, GoBoating comes highly recommended for kids one year old and older!

On a boat it’s astounding how many people want to say hello! You’ll do your fair share of waving to other GoBoats, walkers, joggers, cyclists and people peering off bridges to get a closer look at you.

The GoBoat staff are pretty friendly and helpful too!

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