Boating & sailing
Take to the water in Victoria. Melbourne makes the most of its location on Australia's largest bay, offering opportunities to learn to sail, take a leisurely cruise down the Yarra River, or head out into the open waters of Port Phillip Bay.
Gippsland is home to Australia's largest groups of inland waterways, and a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. Explore the vast lakes, national parks, port-side villages and the Ninety Mile Beach. Further north, the seaside village of Mallacoota is surrounded by the deserted beaches, rocky promontories, wildlife and whales-spotting of Croajingolong National Park.
For a more relaxing water experience, hire a houseboat and wander along the Murray River, past red gums and paddle steamers, and stopping off in historic ports to fill up on fuel and regional food and wines.
Boating licences are required for most boat operators. Persons hiring or chartering a boat may be exempt.
Explore by region
Fill your sails on Port Phillip Bay and sail off on powerboats, yachts and kayaks past Mornington Peninsula's resident dolphins and inquisitive seals.
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Spend a day on the water around Phillip Island and catch dinner, discover fascinating marine life and explore secret locations.
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With the largest inland network of waterways at your disposal, Gippsland is the perfect location for a boating expedition.
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Embark on a short cruise on an historic paddle steamer, or captain your own houseboat for a leisurely tour of the lakes and rivers of the region.
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Make the Murray River your home for a while and take a relaxed holiday on your own fully-equipped, luxury houseboat.
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Relive the glory days of the pioneer era and take in the sights along the way with a journey down the Murray River on a historic paddle steamer.
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See Melbourne from a different angle by getting out on the water, sail the sparkling waters of Port Phillip Bay or cruise down the Yarra River.
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