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** ** Valentines Weekend - $220 per adult**
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)
Barramundi Main Course
Baked barramundi fillet (BAR), cooked with ginger and lime, dressed in a curried coconut veloute, served with wild rice & sea
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
Vegetarian Main Course
Whole Baby Pumpkin filled with a stir fry of seasonal vegetables and quinoa, topped with melted cheese (V) (GF)
Reviews
1,507 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Very poor communication
Annie H,May 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00I can only leave my review based on the communication level for the tour company, not the actual tour itself. We left our hotel with what should have been plenty of time to get to the meeting point. What we didn't know, because we're not from here, is there was a local sporting event that was going on that evening, which made all of the trains delayed. With all the transportation delays, we arrived at the meeting point less than 5 minutes after the departure time. As we were walking up, the boat was pulling away. I reached out to the tour company while stuck on one of the trams, informing them of all the delays, and letting them know we would be a few minutes late. There was no response from the tour company, and they obviously didn't wait. I feel 90% of the people booking excursions like this are going to be tourist, and the tour company should sent out a message if there is going to be a large sporting event in the city that evening so you can properly plan for extra time to arrive. There was no such communication from this company. A refund was requested and rejected.
Amazing
natalierI6831YW,May 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience. Friendly staff, amazing food, really enjoyable. Great views, highly recommend.
Nice cruise along with...
Polly T,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Nice cruise along with nice food and staff. Met some nice people. A bit breezy due to weather but staff compensated.
Kansas City friends
Kenneth B,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Be ready to have an enjoyable and relaxing time cruising along the river. Arrive hungry as the multiple courses are great.
First trip to Melbourne
anitaw857,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Food was excellent and the staff were friendly and helpful and the service was exceptional
Great Experience
Gary B,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great service,great food, great and friendly atmosphere , we will be returning.
River Dinner Cruise
Chris H,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00All team members were pleasant and the night was very well organized. The food was very good. Great scenery.
Great night on the Yarra
L8898ZRjudys,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Dinner Cruise was fantastic. The food was excellent and the all staff were very attentive and friendly. The captain's playlist added to the experience providing a connection to other diners. The venue was warm, although the weather was cool and we could go out the front or to the upper deck.
If it’s a cold night...
yolanda w,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00If it’s a cold night sitting near the door is very annoying, cold and distracting. Maybe you shouldn’t put any tables next the entrances.
Excellent evening
Tracey P,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Three hour cruise on the Yarra starting from conveniently situated wharf. Friendly, attentive staff, good food and generous drinks.
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Operated by Melbourne River Cruises