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.

Moor in Melbourne

Short-term visitor berthing (up to 90 days) is available in the heart of Melbourne at Melbourne City Marina. The largest visitor berthing facility in the city, this marina offers a range of facilities and is a short stroll from the Docklands entertainment precinct. Long-term berthing is available across the river, at Yarra's Edge Marina.

The good life in Gippsland

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 beaches, rocky promontories, wildlife and whales-spotting at Croajingolong National Park.

Laid back on the Murray

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

Any person who operates a powered recreational vessel in Victoria must be licensed. This means any boat equipped with an engine that is used or is capable of being used for propulsion.

Visit the Maritime Safety Victoria website to find out more about recreational boat licences.

All operators of hire and drive personal watercraft (jet skis) are required to hold a boat operator licence with a personal watercraft endorsement.

Read the Recreational Boating Safety Handbook on the Maritime Safety Victoria website for more information.