Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise on the Yarra River
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
What could be a more memorable way to enjoy a meal in Melbourne than a gourmet dinner cruise along the Yarra River? Watch the city light up during this 3-hour cruise and enjoy Melbourne's noted fine dining in the comfort of a floating restaurant. Sip wine, beer and spirits while you admire the changing vistas of the city skyline and pass by waterfront parks and attractions.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
Not wheelchair access
Please advise if you are joining together with another pre-existing booking
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
What To Expect
Your Melbourne dinner cruise starts at Southbank Promenade on the southern side of the Yarra River. Hop aboard the Spirit of Melbourne — your fully enclosed floating restaurant — and set off up the river. As you cruise along the Yarra, admire the lights of the city and pass by waterfront attractions like Flinders Station, Federation Square, the Royal Botanic Gardens, AAMI Park, Rod Laver Arena and Riverside Park. Your 4-course dinner is prepared by expert chefs and matched with premium Australian wines. While you dine, enjoy attentive service and the lively yet romantic atmosphere. Choose from a variety of beverages such as beer, spirits, and red, white or sparkling wine, and end your meal with a glass of port or a liqueur. Your unique dinner experience ends when you return to Southbank Promenade. **The Cruising Restaurant may sometimes operate on the Yarra Countess and the Yarra Empress, depending on demand, weather, major events, river closures, and tides**
Sample Menu
starter
Entree Tasting Platter
- Lamb Kofta served with minted yoghurt (GF) - Peking Duck on a bed of garden salad (GF) - Seafood Cocktail dressed in a creamy seafood sauce (GF)
starter
Ratatouille Filo Parcel
Served with goats cheese and salad(V)
main
Chargrilled Chicken Breast
with a porcini mushroom cream sauce, served with potato and seasonal vegetables (GF)
main
Baked Barramundi Fillet
cooked with ginger and lime, dressed in a curried coconut veloute’
main
Chargrilled Beef Eye Fillet
with a port wine jus, served with potato and vegetables (GF)
main
Portuguese Lamb Shank
served upon mash potato with a confit of vegetables (GF)
main
Whole Baby Pumpkin filled
with a stir fry of seasonal vegetables and quinoa, topped with cheese (V) (GF)
main
Roasted Mediterranean Vegetable Lasagna
with a bechamel sauce served with potato gratin & seasonal vegetables (V)
dessert
Dessert & Cheese Tasting Platter is pre-selected consisting of:
• Selection of Mini Desserts • Australian Cheeses, dried fruit and nuts served with crackers
What‘s Included
4-course dinner (Main choice at check out)
Beer, wine, soft drinks, premium spirits and liqueurs
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
Beef Main Course
Pan Fried Beef Eye Fillet cooked “medium” with a port wine jus, served with potato and seasonal vegetables (GF)
Vegetarian Main Course
Whole Baby Pumpkin filled with a stir fry of seasonal vegetables and quinoa, topped with melted cheese (V) (GF)
Lamb Main Course
Portuguese Lamb Shank on a base of mash potato with a confit of vegetables (GF)
Chicken Main Course
Chargrilled Chicken Breast with a porcini mushroom cream sauce, served with potato and seasonal vegetables
Barramundi Main Course
Baked barramundi fillet (BAR), cooked with ginger and lime, dressed in a curried coconut veloute, served with wild rice & sea
Reviews
1,453 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
That the service was...
Evelynn S,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00That the service was exceptional the food was melt in your mouth. The whole cruise a wonderful experience.
Absolutely spectacular, we loved it. The food was delicious, the service was amazing. Only negative was no commentary.
Beth H,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This cruise was spectacular. We really had a great time. The food was absolutely delicious and the service was really, really good. The only thing we could fault was that there was no commentary - it would have been nice if there was someone telling us what area we were, or what was going on, on the riverbank (eg. on the left, we're coming into Toorak where the rich & famous reside). Other than that, it was brilliant. We loved it. Thank you
Very casual and relaxed...
Patrick B,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very casual and relaxed atmosphere with good food and bubbly. I would recommend if one is looking for a quiet evening.
Super nice staff & service while food quality needs improvement.
William H,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00Good: Staff were super friendly. A few solo travelers like myself were arranged to really nice tables. Kudos to the team and company. Not-so-Good: Food quality definitely needs improvement - I ordered beef as the main course, which was pretty dry and plain, the starters had seafood that didn’t smell/taste fresh, the dessert (I had lemon tart) tasted like sth sourced from a shop.
Romantic evening
945huwg,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lovely evening very well organised Food very good Staff amazing free flowing drinks what more could you want thanks for a great evening
Good food and Drink but could do without Brace for Impact
Glenn H,,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00Had high hopes for this cruise and the food/beverage were all good and free flowing. The lower mark is because the cruise ship got stuck during dinner then had to be towed free. After it was it drifted into the opposite river bank with the Captain announcing "Brace to Impact" We then had to wait for 3rd vessel to pick us up and return us to the starting point. Because of this we did not get to complete the whole cruise. This experience is likely unique to this particular sailing.
Loved it!
elezed,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great evening with brilliant service. The food was first class and Melbourne lights as the night went dark, were a treat.
Fantastic cruise awesome...
Cathy A,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic cruise awesome food and flowing drinks . Great friendly staff and crew . Highly recommend. Fab night
Perfect way to celebrate!
marxjt,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful evening , great food (with unlimited drinks!) and wonderful ambience travelling gently across the Yarra. Friendly and attentive staff. Highly recommended!
Fun!
Paula K,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Lovely evening Nice experience and service was great Would do it again. Beautiful setting in a great city
Related Experiences
Operated by Melbourne River Cruises