Fitzroy Gardens & Yarra River Cruise

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Departing from your ship, you'll board a motorcoach bound for Southgate Pier and the start of your 50-minute cruise on the beautiful Yarra River.

Although Melbourne is situated on the shores of one of the largest bays on the Australian coast, the Yarra River is the city's main water way. That's because one of the "most livable cities in the world" grew from the banks of the Yarra. In early times it was the major food source and meeting place for indigenous Australians, and the early European settlers used it primarily for agriculture. Today, it's one of the busiest ports in the country. During your cruise, you'll enjoy a different perspective of the city, sailing past some of the more notable sites including the vast Royal Botanic Gardens founded in 1846 and the Melbourne and Olympic Park Sports Precinct, considered to be Australia's premier sports complex that regularly hosts some of the biggest domestic and international sporting events. The venues have also previously hosted the 1956 Summer Olympics and 2006 Commonwealth Games.

Your motorcoach will meet you at the pier after your cruise to whisk you away for a narrated motor tour past some of the city's most notable sights including the ornate Princess Theater. Built in 1857, it's regarded as Melbourne's home for international musical productions. You'll also see Melbourne Park, Melbourne Cricket Ground, The Arts Centre. You'll pass by the Grand Prix site and St Patrick's and St Paul's Cathedrals.

Within the grand Fitzroy Gardens you'll discover huge formal garden beds, walking paths, a superb collection of trees, a gorgeous conservatory and the cottage that was once the home of Captain James Cook's parents in England. It's the only 18th century building remaining in Melbourne. You'll get to view the cottage and learn about Captain Cook's life. The cottage, originally built in 1755, commemorates the captain who discovered and skilfully charted Australia's eastern coastline. Built by Cook's father in 1755 from sandstone and brick, the cottage was dismantled and transported from the village of Great Ayton in Yorkshire, England, to its present site in 1933.

Your final stop is the Shrine of Remembrance for another photo opportunity. The memorial is a permanent and lasting memory to the ANZAC spirit; the men and women of Victoria who served and those who died in the Great War.

Your tour concludes as you return to your ship reflecting on all that Melbourne has to offer.

Special Notes:

Tour order may vary.

Due to the size of Cook's Cottage, this portion is unguided.

This tour is only offered on transit calls. It is not offered on full turnaround day.

Child Price:

12 years & under only