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
Barramundi Main Course
Baked barramundi fillet (BAR), cooked with ginger and lime, dressed in a curried coconut veloute, served with wild rice & sea
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)
Chicken Main Course
Chargrilled Chicken Breast with a porcini mushroom cream sauce, served with potato and seasonal vegetables
Lamb Main Course
Portuguese Lamb Shank on a base of mash potato with a confit of vegetables (GF)
Reviews
1,498 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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.
Yarra river boat ride
docbone555,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We did the evening Yarrra River boat tour, which included dinner. Overall, the tour was very good as was the food and drink. I always suggest would have been to shorten the length of the boat ride by about 30 minutes otherwise excellent evening.
A truly lovely way to celebrate a special occasion.
Joanne C,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Service was amazing. Staff were friendly. High standard of food. It was a lovely way to see Melbourne. It was a very enjoyable evening.
Great but a high tide limited our travel on the river.
H9438PYmarks,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The staff were friendly and attentive serving an excellent food choice, along with free drinks. Unfortunately due to a high tide we could not go under any bridges so we went up and done between two only. This did slightly spoil otherwise what was a great experience.
No no for sightseeing but a leisurely (but expensive) dinner on the Yarra.
439barrys,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00A leisurely and relaxing cruise with good food, fine wine along service that was exemplary. However there was very little to see along the cruise which made it a little boring. After a champagne we had entrees, main course , dessert and a small cheese platter, with more wine, all of which were well served and tasty. I don't think the deal was cheap so maybe think about other options such as a day tour.
An amazing experience on the Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise by Melbourne River Cruises
senthooranj,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing experience on the Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise by Melbourne River Cruises during my first visit to Australia. I went on the cruise during my first few days in Australia (around 2nd January), and it truly set the tone for the rest of my trip. The 2.5-hour journey along the beautiful Yarra River was absolutely delightful. The food exceeded all expectations—from the entrées to the desserts, everything was of excellent quality and well worth the price. The overall experience, including the ambiance and service, made it even more special. It was definitely value for money, and I would highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Melbourne. A perfect way to enjoy the city!
Food was amazing staff where great and attentive drinks flowing
Darlene v,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Food was amazing staff attentive and professional drinks flowing the only thing id improve was the lighting to bright .
What an amazing day to...
Maya D,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What an amazing day to wrap up our trip to Melbourne. Wonderful staff . So lovey and helpful. Always check on us . They have organised a cake to celebrate my mum’s B’day . Highly recommended
Fantastic Night Out
Stephen T,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A Dinner Cruise definitely worth doing. Everything was top notch. First class service. The food was exceptional as was the beer, wine and coffees. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a classy night out.
Superb Dinner cruise.
Sunshine555903,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous dinner cruise for my Birthday. The staff were superb,the food was great , the drinks kept coming! Sore head today but well worth it. Thanks to everyone on the Spirit of Melbourne Dinner cruise.
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Operated by Melbourne River Cruises