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‘s Included
4-course dinner (Main choice at check out)
Beer, wine, soft drinks, premium spirits and liqueurs
Hotel pickup and drop-off
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
Options
Lamb Main Course
Portuguese Lamb Shank on a base of mash potato with a confit of 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
Beef Main Course
Pan Fried Beef Eye Fillet cooked “medium” with a port wine jus, served with potato and seasonal 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
1,430 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Disappointing Cruise
Sue S,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00Dinner cruise was disappointing. We had no idea of the surroundings of where we were on the Yarra as there was no one giving any commentary. Most of the time you look out onto darkness so there’s really not much to see. Would be better as a lunch cruise. Food was fine. Staff were very good.
Good service and food
Travel11031789412,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Staff, service and food was really good. A little disappointing the quality of the surroundings. I expected a little more given the high cost. It wasn't really much of a boat cruise as such, no commentary about the trip etc.. may as well have been in a high end restaurant for a lower cost.
Very novel and enjoyable experience
Janet A,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Delightful evening despite a bad weather day. Crew made us comfortable and welcome. Food was great- looked great and lovely flavours. Generous portions
Spirit of Melbourne experience
Trish499,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Food was nice. View was lovely. 3 hours was just a bit long. All staff very nice. Booking on line from NZ all options for where not available.
Good food, disappointing cruise.
Mary H,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The dinner was awesome, but the cruise was very disappointing. I had expected to see some sights of Melbourne, with narrative. However, this boat went back and for between 2 bridges for 2 1/2 hours.
A wonderful way to spend an evening.
MareeC97,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing night we had aboard The Spirit of Melbourne dinner cruise. Firstly the staff, wow what a crew. Their service was exceptional and they were all so friendly. The food was also amazing. We had a lovely evening and would definitely recommend to others. Thank you for the best night aboard
Engagement celebrations
ColandTer,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic evening on the Spirit of Melbourne. Everything was excellent. All of the staff are exceptionally friendly and efficient. The meal was delicious and the drinks were flowing which was nice. We were celebrating our Daughter and her Fiance's engagement. Thank you for a wonderful night. Highly recommended evening.
Service and food were...
Warren P,
Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Service and food were excellent on this dinner cruise. Staff was always asking if we needed more drinks or anything else. Some great views of the downtown.
Excellent tour in this...
Anonymous,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent tour on this Yarra River Cruise and really top dinner! Congratulations to those responsible for the organization and punctuality!
Relaxing & Delicious
JTSV,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife took me on the lunchtime cruise and it was fantastic! The food, drink and the service was impeccable and what a wonderful way to relax for a couple of hours! If you remember Melbournes great Tram Car restaurant this trip along the Yarra rivalled it - and I can give no higher praise than that! Well worth it - a real gem!
Related Experiences
Operated by Melbourne River Cruises