Elizabeth Anne cruising the Yarra past Princes Bridge with guests aboard, Melbourne skyline behind

THE ROYAL BARGE

The riverboat that carried a Queen. Yours for an evening.

Private charters, cruises and river transfers aboard Melbourne's most storied vessel — restored, hosted, and unmistakably hers.

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SINCE 1946

Eighty years on the water. Three royal visits. One vessel.

Built in 1946 for the Royal Australian Navy, Elizabeth Anne has spent her life on Melbourne's river. In 1956 she carried the Duke of Edinburgh to the MCG to open the Olympic Games. In 1963 she welcomed Queen Elizabeth II aboard. In 2003, Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik cruised the Yarra on her decks. Melbourne came to call her the Royal Barge — a title she earned, not one she claims.

1946Built for the Royal Australian Navy
1956The Duke of Edinburgh, to the Olympic Games
1963Queen Elizabeth II steps aboard
2003Crown Princess Mary & Crown Prince Frederik

ABOARD

How Melbourne sails with her

Water Transfers

Cross the city by river, not by road. Private, punctual, and rather more memorable.

Christmas Parties

The end-of-year celebration your team will still talk about in March.

Spring Racing Carnival Transfers

Arrive at Flemington by water, glass in hand.

New Year's Eve Events

Midnight on the water, fireworks overhead, thirty-eight guests at most.

Christmas Day Cruises

Lunch or dinner on the river, everything taken care of.

Hens Parties

Celebrate her in style — champagne, high tea, golden hour.

Private Events & Cruises

Milestones, proposals, long lunches: one vessel, yours entirely.

One party aboard at a time,
up to 38 guests.

“All staff were friendly and the boat was spotless… great way to get back to town.”
Guest review, TripAdvisorTRIPADVISOR

ON THE CALENDAR

Upcoming departures

One vessel, limited dates.

SAT 31 OCT

Derby Day transfer

Flemington precinct — Derby Day, departs Crown Floating Landing, Southbank

TUE 3 NOV

Melbourne Cup Day transfer

Flemington precinct — Melbourne Cup, departs Crown Floating Landing, Southbank

THU 5 NOV

Oaks Day transfer

Flemington precinct — Oaks Day, departs Crown Floating Landing, Southbank

SAT 7 NOV

Stakes Day transfer

Flemington precinct — Stakes Day, departs Crown Floating Landing, Southbank

THU 31 DEC

New Year's Eve charter

Yarra River & Victoria Harbour — midnight fireworks, departs Crown Floating Landing, Southbank

Step aboard

Whether it's an evening charter or a ten-minute crossing, it begins the same way — we welcome you aboard, and the city changes shape.