Booking Your Boat
New Year’s Eve in Melbourne is one of the most anticipated nights of the year, and there’s no better way to celebrate than on the water. Instead of being lost in the city crowds, make your night unforgettable with Boat4Hire.com.au and AquaDonut.com. Whether you want the freedom of a self-drive BBQ boat or the comfort of a larger pontoon boat with your own captain, our fleet offers the ultimate way to welcome 2026 with your family and closest friend
Melbourne’s Yarra River is the heart of the city’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, with stunning fireworks displays lighting up the sky at 9pm and midnight. Hiring your own private boat gives you:
Front-row seats to the fireworks without battling the crowds.
A safe, private space to celebrate exclusively with your guests.
Freedom to bring your own food and drinks, making it cost-effective and personal.
Unmatched atmosphere – the city lights, music, and energy all from your private floating venue.
Instead of being shoulder-to-shoulder in public areas, you can relax and enjoy the show with just the people you love.
Our famous AquaDonut BBQ boats are perfect for groups of up to 10 passengers. They’re round, fun, and easy to drive – no boat license required! Imagine floating along on a private BBQ boat, a cool drink in hand, and the fireworks buzzing around you with 360 degrees views . Much better value than a noise restaraunt and BYO most welcome.
On New Year’s Eve, AquaDonut boats offer two exclusive sessions:
8:00pm – 10:00pm: Enjoy the family-friendly fireworks.
10:30pm – 12:30am: Celebrate the countdown and midnight fireworks in style.
It’s the perfect way to enjoy a self-drive adventure while making memories that last a lifetime.
Looking for more space and less responsibility? Step aboard our Spaceship Pontoon boats, carrying up to 11 passengers and operated by a professional skipper. You’ll get all the fun of the night without needing to drive, so you can focus on celebrating with your guests. With plenty of room, comfortable seating, and a festive atmosphere, the Spaceship is like having your own private floating lounge for New Year’s Eve.
Whether you’re planning a family outing for the earlier fireworks or a party cruise for midnight, we have you covered. With two sessions to choose from (8:00pm–10:00pm and 10:30pm–12:30am), you can pick the perfect time to suit your group.
Embrace the Freedom of Self-Drive Cruise from Docklands
Self-driving a boat gives you complete control over your aquatic journey. You decide the pace, the route, and the stops along the way. Explore Melbourne’s waterways with Boat4Hire without needing a boat license or experience.
Boat4Hire’s fleet caters to a range of preferences and group sizes. A boat is available for every occasion, whether you’re going on a date, with family, or by yourself. We design each boat to meet your specific needs.
Choose Your Vessel
From cosy dinghies to spacious pontoons, Boat4Hire offers a variety of vessels to s suit your boating desires. Each boat is well-maintained and equipped with safety features to ensure a comfortable and secure trip.
Easy to Navigate
Boat4Hire designed the boats in its fleet for ease of use, with simple controls and intuitive handling. Even if you’re new to boating, you’ll quickly feel like a seasoned captain as you navigate the waters with confidence.
Curious about what others think? Many guests have shared their experiences after a day out on the water with us. You can browse genuine reviews from other passengers on trusted platforms like Google Reviews and TripAdvisor to see firsthand how much people have enjoyed their boat hire adventure.
These testimonials highlight everything from our easy online booking system to the helpfulness of our team and the comfort of our boats. We encourage you to see what past guests have to say and get a feel for why so many people choose us for their Melbourne boating experience.
To enhance your boating day, you can choose to add our BBQ Pack which includes all your eating and cooking utensils. We also have beverdige package to your booking for extra convinience-thse can be arranged in advance to suit your group and making planning a beeze. Your also welcome to bring your own for and drinks, Wether you want a hassle-free walk on the boat service or prefer to bring your own nibbles we have options to help your outing more memorable
To make things smooth as possible we accept all major credit cards or funds transfer. Choose your preffered checkout
Same rule applies as driving a car. The Captain must be under 0.05 and sensible consumption with your guests on the vessel.
Howver if your under 21 years of age at the Captain then no consumption of alchol is allowed
Up to 12 passengers are allowed. All ages welcome. Babies and infants under 12 months of age are not counted.
Under our bad weather guarantee bookings can be deffered to another day. Refunds are not provided.
The minimum age to be a Captain is 18 years of age. Photo ID is essential.
You can self-drive our boats by the hour, 1/2 day or a full day. Or tow the boat away on holidays!
Ready to plan your perfect cruise, fishing adventure, or leisurely day on the water? Whether you’re seeking something luxurious, unique, or intimate, we’re here to help make your boating dreams a reality. Reach out to our friendly team to discuss your ideas, check availability, or request a quote for your ideal experience.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own picnic on board. Pack your favourite food and beverages, and make the most of your trip with a meal on the water. It’s a great way to enjoy the scenery and relax with friends or family as you cruise. Just don’t forget to take your rubbish with you when you go—let’s keep the river and bay beautiful for everyone.
Absolutely! You can enhance your cruise experience by choosing from a variety of food and beverage packages. Whether you’re in the mood for a gourmet cheese platter, fresh sushi, or drinks to toast with friends, there’s an option to suit every occasion. Prefer to make it personal? You’re more than welcome to pack your own picnic basket and enjoy a casual meal as you float along. Either way, you’ll have everything you need for a memorable time on the water.
