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
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
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
Reviews
1,483 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fun night out in Melbourne ...
F226RJpaulm,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The weather was a perfect summers night. No jackets necessary. Arrived at the dinner boat to some super friendly service which lasted all night long. Bumped in to some overseas tourists who asked lots of questions. Food was worth tasting. Beer and spirits available from start to end. Cruising up and down the Yarra River with the Melbourne skyline surrounding us. Great views. Well worth giving this a go sooner rather than later!
So-so, would skip in future
davidsandiego,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Ok event. River not very scenic - just not that kind of city - don't think Chicago, Sydney or Paris. Often tide prohibits this cruise boat from getting under bridges so you may spend a lot of time just doing little 300m circles. Food is so-so - think poor cruise food. Lots of wine but not quality. Service is fine. It's a bit long at 3 hrs for such a short river. If really want to do a cruise I would do the 1 hr, save money and get a quality meal in town. Best thing about it is meeting other guests - Aussies all very friendly.
Best cruise ever.
clarkie,,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This would have to be one of the best river cruises I have done. Even better than Budapest. The Food was excellent and the staff were magnificent. You had plenty of room in the dining room, we were not squashed in. The staff were very attentive and your glass was never empty. I could not believe the quality of the food it was brilliant and you were served promptly. I can't recommend it highly enough.
Spirit of Melbourne dinner cruise
Vacation42257,,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From the moment of boarding until disembarkation, everything was perfect. Attentive staff, delicious food and ample drinks. Although at capacity, it did not feel crowded.
Sunset Dinner Cruise
Nancy K,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00The experience would have been better if it didn’t rain which obscured the view and limited how far the boat could travel since the river was high and the boat couldn’t go under some bridges. The atmosphere was nice. The food was mediocre.
Mediocre- book a restaurant instead
Bavarian Q,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Food ok, noisy, great if you like inhaling diesel fumes, service to suit staff. Railing from below to doo deck wobbly,- wouldn’t do it again
Wedding anniversary
sarahbT2803GT,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We are from England and wanted to celebrate our 19th wedding anniversary, it you did not disappoint, it was amazing from start to finish. Worth every penny. Starter was more than I thought. And the steak jyst melted in your mouth. Wine did not stop flowing. What amazing memories to keep thank you 😊 xxx ❤️
Great
Donna E,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Nice enjoyable experience, only thing I would complain about is being put in front of the aircon as it was blowing straight on me and was cold. But apart from that food was awesome and service excellent!!!
Janwarren
Janet B,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Good food, friendly service, pleasant night. We sat on the upper deck, a bit breezy but they pulled down the plastic covers.
Beautiful way to celebrate
Resort04393351894,,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Top deck, great views of Melbourne starting in the daylight-saving light and finishing in the darkness of night we were able to view Melbourne along the Yarra River - a whole different perspective - in a very relaxed way. Food was good and the lovely little cheesecakes with candles for the couple in our group of four who were celebrating an anniversary, and half of the other couple a birthday (yes on the same day), was a lovely touch. The food was very good - no complaints - but we were very full by the time we left the boat so the walk to the Fed Square Carpark was welcome.
Related Experiences
Operated by Melbourne River Cruises