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)
Lamb Main Course
Portuguese Lamb Shank on a base of mash potato with a confit of 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
Barramundi Main Course
Baked barramundi fillet (BAR), cooked with ginger and lime, dressed in a curried coconut veloute, served with wild rice & sea
Reviews
1,470 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent Service...But the Food...
Porsha J,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00The good: service was excellent...the seating process, initial drinks, appetizers all done very efficiently and with warmth and care. The appetizers were quite tasting including duck slice, oysters, beef, scallops. The needs improvement: overall, the dinner meal was substandard. The steak was dry and overcooked, the mash potatoes tasted like they came from a box, the fish was not well seasoned. The actual boat ride was smooth, but not at all scenic after the first 10 minutes. Probably not something we could recommend. Given the price point, perhaps just have dinner at a reataurant on the river.
Fabulous dinner boat cruise!
Melissa K,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The food was beautiful. When booking it requires you to choose two meals the same but I found out that you can choose two different meals. The staff were really attentive, always offering drink top ups and ready to serve. There were some fantastic photo opportunities and it was a really enjoyable evening!
Just do it
H1682HBirism,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brilliant evening. Well organised, good food, lovely staff
Great experience – great service
Peter D,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very fine/tasty dinner and great views of the city. If you are only one night in Melbourne (like us) definitely the very best decision. Great service, very friendly conditions (we even got a dessert wine).
Very crowded and not...
Kevin O,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Very crowded and not comfortable dinner experience. Would have enjoyed information about the history and scenery on the river
This is dinner on a boat...
Cheryl B,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00This is dinner on a boat floating ip and down the river through Melbourne. The food was just ok as was the service. The music was too loud. The scenery was great.
Great experience
0099mark,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great food and atmosphere in a relaxed setting. The open bar was a plus. Gret views of the city during the evening up and down the Yarra
You cannot miss this dinner cruise in Melbourne!
777maxtech,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow, this was one of the best things we did in Australia. Food was delicious, drinks included. Views were amazing. We started when it was still light out and finished at night to see the beautiful skyline. Service outstanding. We met so many people from around the world. Book early, it sells out quick….
Wonderful night on the Yarra
BILLY C,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00A birthday gift for my wife. We had a great time - Staff were friendly & kept our glasses full. We chose the lamb shanks as main, didn't really come with too much else and wine sauce needed more reduction but okay overall. You can smell diesel fumes when standing at the rear of the vessel, but a nice slow picturesque cruise down the Yarra river and a wonderfully lit up Melbourne on the return trip back to the berth.
Great dinner cruise!
Virginia W,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent food, the service was exceptional, and overall worth the money paid for this dinner……do try it!
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Operated by Melbourne River Cruises