Cruises, Sailing and Water Tours

Enjoy a serene cruise with Punting on the Lake around the islands of the picturesque Ornamental Lake in Melbourne’s stunning Royal Botanic Gardens. Settle back in an elegant wooden punt to enjoy a unique view of one of the world’s finest gardens as your professional punter tells you about its history, environment, wildlife and plants.

Punts depart regularly from the Punting on the Lake landing in front of the Terrace Cafe, inside Gate A of the Royal Botanic Gardens (corner Alexandra Avenue and Anderson Street). Tours take 30 minutes and are suitable for all ages. Longer evening and sunset tours are also available throughout the summer. Reservations are recommended, and can be made through the website.

You can also enjoy a Punt Tour – High Tea Package with Punting on the Lake and the Terrace Cafe, or book a charter cruise for your wedding or function in the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Gift vouchers for all our tours make a wonderful present and can be purchased through the website.

Facilities

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Services

Private Guided Boat Tour

From $50 to $65

Take a serene cruise around the islands of the picturesque Ornamental Lake in Melbourne’s stunning Royal Botanic Gardens. Settle back in an elegant wooden punt to enjoy a unique view of one of the world’s finest gardens as a professional punter tells you about its history, environment, wildlife and plants.

Whether you are celebrating a birthday, going on a romantic outing, taking the family out, or just catching up with friends, punting on the lake will be a memorable occasion.

Family Friendly Pet Friendly - Enquire

Summer Evening Cruise

$150

Relax in an elegant wooden punt in the calm of the early evening as you cruise around the Ornamental Lake and enjoy the stunning vistas of the Botanic Gardens in the heart of Melbourne. As the sun gets lower and the visitors to the Gardens disperse, watch the bird life venture out to fish and feed around the lake.

You are welcome to bring drinks or a hamper on board this hour-long tour – the perfect prelude to a later movie or show.

Price is per boat, seating up to eight people in each. Please contact Punting on the Lake if you would like to book for more than one boat. This is a private tour – your group will not share the boat with others. Advance reservations only.

Family Friendly Pet Friendly - Enquire

Summer Sunset Cruise

$150

Enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Botanic Gardens at this magical time of the evening, when photographers will delight in the deepening colours and the changing skyscape. You are welcome bring refreshments on board or just settle back and enjoy the scenery as your traditional wooden punt meanders around the shady islands of the Ornamental Lake.

Advertised price is per boat, seating up to eight people in each.

Please contact Punting on the Lake if you would like to book for more than one boat. This is a private tour – your group will not share the boat with others. Advance reservations only.

Family Friendly Pet Friendly - Enquire

Wedding Punt Cruise

$150

Punting on the Lake have a number of Wedding Punt Cruise packages to enhance your celebration and delight your guests.

Wedding Package A: Charter Cruise – Don’t leave your guests sitting around. While they await the arrival of the bride and groom at the Terrace Restaurant, why not provide short cruises on the Ornamental Lake? Guests of all ages will enjoy the diversion. Punts depart and return to the Punting on the Lake Landing in front of the Terrace, picking up and dropping off guests approximately every 20 minutes. This also gives your guests a wonderful photo opportunity.

Wedding Package B: Bride and Groom Cruise – The perfect opportunity for just the two of you to share a romantic cruise around the islands of the Ornamental Lake before you join your guests. Departs and returns to the Punting on the Lake Landing in front of the Terrace.

Photographers are welcome on your punt free of charge. The handcrafted wooden punts and the beautiful scenery of the Royal Botanic Gardens provide a romantic and elegant setting for your wedding photos. A punter will follow your photographer’s directions for the shoot.

Family Friendly Pet Friendly - Enquire