Land ahoy! Water taxis set to activate river sites

After years of longing for a water taxi service for the Yarra River, WTC Wharf has answered the call, launching the WTC Water Taxi service late last year.

The loop has four stops: WTC Wharf, South Wharf, Southgate and Federation Square.

A fifth stop, at ANZ Wharf in Docklands is available on Fridays between 4pm and 7pm.

The service has enlisted the use of Melbourne Water Taxis and Classic Steamboat Cruises to provide and drive the boats.

The service is available between 4pm and 7pm on Fridays and 12 noon and 6pm on weekends.

WTC Wharf’s Philip Hill said the initiative was a long time coming and would help the activation of the waterfront, especially now that there was much to see and do along the river.

“Yarra loop is a reliable and affordable option for commuters who need to travel from one end of the city to the other and is sure to be popular with workers heading to waterfront locations on Friday evenings,” Mr Hill said.

“For Melbourne’s visitors, it is a very economical way to travel up or down the Yarra River and around the city loop,” he added.

The Yarra River Business Association has endorsed the water loop, with president John Ahern saying the service would become a cornerstone of the city.

“The WTC Yarra Loop service is a welcome addition to Melbourne’s transport network, and is a landmark step towards greater activation and integration of Yarra River landmarks and destinations,” Mr Ahern said.

“It is a great asset for local tourism and elevates Melbourne to the other great river cities of the world,” he added.

The WTC Yarra Loop is a private entity, with WTC Wharf believing the model is a sustainable one.