Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise
4.7

Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise

By Melbourne River Cruises
Recommended by 93% of travellers
93% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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If you’ve already explored Melbourne on foot, see the city from a different perspective on an evening dinner cruise—a great way to avoid the daytime heat and see Melbourne illuminated by night. Without having to jostle among crowds, sail the Yarra River and pass Federation Square, Flinders Station, and the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria while enjoying a 4-course meal and unlimited sparkling wine, beer, and spirits all night.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 18-99, max of 100 per group
Duration: 3h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
  • A Melbourne luxury dinner cruise shows you a different side of the city
  • Combine sightseeing with a culinary experience
  • Admire the city of Melbourne when its illuminated by night
  • Take advantage of free-flowing beer, wine, and spirits 

  • 4-course dinner (Main choice at check out)
  • Beer, wine, soft drinks, premium spirits and liqueurs
What's not included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Your evening excursion begins at Southbank Promenade, where you board your vessel and take a seat. As you sail down the Yarra River, see top Melbourne attractions such as the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Flinders Station, Rod Laver Arena, and Riverside Park illuminated by night.  Enjoy a premium 4-course meal of Australian-inspired cuisine, including lamb, beef, and seafood, accompanied by free-flowing wine, beer, sparkling wine, and spirits. Your meal culminates with cheese, coffee, and a glass of port or liqueur. At the end of the cruise, the boat returns 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**

Start:
  • Southbank Promenade, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
    Southgate Berth 1. Located in front or the Langham Hotel
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Pushchair accessible
    • Near public transportation
    • Infant seats available
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3013DINNER

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Most travellers can participate
    • 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
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travellers

    • If you cancel at least 4 days in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
    • If you cancel within 3 days of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.

    The tour operator has provided the following answers to customers’ questions.
    Are vegetarian options available during the Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise?
    Vegetarian selections are available. (Whole Baby Pumpkin filled with a stir fry of seasonal vegetables and quinoa or similar) Please specify in the "Special Requirements" box at checkout if you require the vegetarian option.
    Answered Dec 2021

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3013DINNER

    From
    £96.42
    per adult
    Select date and travellers
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    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Melbourne River Cruises
      4.1 of 5 bubbles1,618
      Australia
      Joined in December 2008
    • Mary Ellen N
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great way to cruise the Yarra River
      We did the two hour tour and the second half was gorgeous! Comfortable ride! We were able to move in the shade depending on not having many passengers. The audio gave some good insight. Lovely boat ride!
      Written 19 March 2025
    • COLLEEN57_12
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Bottomless..
      Did this cruise with my family today. Wonderful way to spend a very warm afternoon in Melbourne. The food and drinks really were bottomless and delicious. Staff were great. Highly recommend.
      Written 15 March 2025
    • 113maryannep
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Exceptional experience ❤️
      What an exceptional enjoyable day, great food, endless drinks scenery and friendly service. Of course we had a beautiful sunny day. I would highly recommend this cruise and I’m sure I’ll try to do it again, Coming from the country a great way to appreciate Melbourne.
      Written 14 March 2025
    • barbarasL6801OF
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Girls holiday
      Really enjoyed it, staff were amazing , food was lovely, however we ordered chicken for all 4 of us and were given 4 vegetarian Lasange. They managed to find one chicken meal and one salmon meal. I am allergic to sea food so had the chicken, my daughter had the salmon, the other two had no choice but they said the vegetarian lasange was nice. Over all it was a fabulous day, drinks were flowing, I would recommend this and I would go again .
      Written 9 March 2025
    • G4739QUstevep
      0 contributions
      2.0 of 5 bubbles
      Not what I expected.
      We did a cruise on 15/2/25 at 13.30pm. The 2 hours cruise was actually only 1 hour 20 mins. The boat couldn't fit under one of the bridges (high tide?) so we had to turn back and wait for a while. Not a big deal but interesting. The seating was just a series of plastic chairs in rows. Not very comfortable. It rained and I had to move two seats away from the window as the vessel leaked badly. For $110 per couple it was disappointing.
      Written 6 March 2025
    • Pearl65
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Perfect way to spend a couple of hours in the city
      Lovely food and staff. Free flowing drinks (wine, beer or champagne) but you can pay for spirits. We sat upstairs and it happened to be a beautiful day and the perfect temperature. Everything was better than we could have hoped for. Loved it.
      Written 1 March 2025
    • L3793PHdales
      0 contributions
      2.0 of 5 bubbles
      Route change
      Very disappointed after pre booking our gardens cruise only to be told that we had to do Docklands due to works for Moomba . We have done docklands twice before so we were not interested in doing it again . We paid $190 for a 60th celebration. It would have been nice to notify me earlier of change of route .
      Written 22 February 2025
    • Cruiser824152
      0 contributions
      3.0 of 5 bubbles
      River views
      There was not much outdoor space to sit. A lot of people were standing outdoors, so it was hard to see in front of us and also the seats are low so it is hard to see the views in front of us. Everybody was talking so it was hard to hear the comments on the historical information through the speakers. However it was nice to go down the river and it was a beautiful day out and it is a good way to see the city from afar
      Written 17 February 2025
    • thehensters1
      0 contributions
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      Never Again
      Unfortunately, the reality of this cruise does not match the advertised offering. Unless you are one of the first people on board and manage to get one of the very limited outdoor seats you are doomed to sit inside. Here you will be deafened by the endless music that is only interrupted by a monotone commentary. The seating inside is temporary seats lined up in rows. Strangely, all the seats closest to the windows are on an angle so you find yourself leaning to the side to sit upright. Why have a 45 degree slope where you put chairs. As a result, the cruise gives you a very achy back. For us, the best part of this cruise was getting off it as quickly as possible.
      Written 9 February 2025
    • Charmaine G
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Best bottomless brunch
      The bottomless brunch was fabulous. It was easy to book, and boarding was a smooth process. The food was excellent, and our glasses were definitely bottomless. The crew was fabulous, looked after us so well, and made the cruise lots of fun. It was a great way to cruise the Yarra. We highly recommend this cruise.
      Written 9 February 2025
    • earlbE4993MQ
      0 contributions
      3.0 of 5 bubbles
      ZZzzzzzzz
      A 2 hour cruise. First hour upstream was a boring trip with nothing bu shoreline to see. Second hour downstream was better. I won’t recommend the upstream tour. zzzzzzzz
      Written 8 February 2025
    • lizardqueeen
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Nice river tour
      Opportunity to get a perspective of Melbourne from the river. Interesting scenery. And glad we did the tour. Most of the narration is done via a recording and it’s rather impersonal though. The dock is right downtown and easy to find. Check-in is somewhat chaotic. The boat doesn’t have a scanner to read your electronic ticket so you have to wait in line with others buying tickets and get a paper ticket. Because some of the bridges are super low, the he boat ceiling is too. Watch yourself if you are tall; my husband hit his head twice.
      Written 21 January 2025
    • miagA5840ZA
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fabulous Experience
      Fabulous afternoon on the water. Great food and drinks. Wonderful friendly happy staff. Would definitely recommend. And love to go again
      Written 20 January 2025
    • I4084QNlaurieg
      0 contributions
      3.0 of 5 bubbles
      River cruise in Melbourne
      We booked the two hour tour. The captain and crew were great. I love taking a river or lake cruise whenever possible. This one needs some help on its focus. The river itself is a little boring but if they would include a discussion of the architecture and art we see along the way that would make it more interesting. The the commentary was prerecorded no chance to ask questions and at times difficult to hear over the kids and people chatting.
      Written 19 January 2025
    • Susan S
      0 contributions
      3.0 of 5 bubbles
      So So
      We didn't feel like there was really that much to see. Sure it was nice being on the water but we were looking for a little more. We sat outside on the back of the boat and it was difficult to hear the audio recording. It was a 2 hour cruise and we opted to get off the boat at the halfway point. It just wasn't for us.
      Written 18 January 2025
    See all 1,618 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    4.7
    4.7 of 5 bubbles391 reviews
    Excellent
    315
    Very good
    50
    Average
    10
    Poor
    9
    Terrible
    7

    Tim J
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2025 • Couples
    My wife and I had a wonderful dining experience on the Spirit Of Melbourne Dinner Cruise. The staff on board were extremely well organised and attentive even with the boat being full that night. The food was very good and the wine kept coming! A very enjoyable and value for money 3-hour gentle trip up the Yarra was the perfect way to spend a summers evening. A great night out!
    Written 14 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    It's wonderful to hear that you had such a great time on the cruise with us. The team works hard to ensure everything runs smoothly, and it’s so great that you had a chance to relax and enjoy the food, wine, and views. Hope to see you again! ❤️
    Written 17 February 2025
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Stephen K
    7 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jan 2025 • Couples
    The meal was delicious and had generous portions. Our table was crammed. The sites were good ….we cruised until after sundown and then the lights of the city were beautiful. The best overall part of our experience in Melbourne, however was the Tram system…so easy to get from anywhere to anywhere and very economical too!
    Written 14 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    We’re glad you enjoyed the meal and the sights. We love hearing that you had a great time exploring Melbourne. Have fun and hope to see you again! ✨
    Written 17 February 2025
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Carmel D
    Melbourne, Australia414 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dec 2024 • Couples
    Excellent evening with changing scenery, plenty of drinks, delicious food and attentive wait staff. We were lucky that we had perfect weather also. We booked only a few days earlier (once we knew the weather). Seats were locked in and we had been loctaed a table upstairs. We all had plenty of time to move around the boat to take photos, enjoy the views, chat to fellow passengers and wave to others on the river banks or in passing boats. There was a relaxed but celebratory vibe the whole night and although the staff worked hard, they were happy to chat too. We were told to arrive 20 mins early but 5-10 mins was ample. Nobody needed to sight our tickets (but we'd been asked to bring them). Tea and coffee didn't seem to arrive upstairs, but we were happy to sit on our wines/spirits and desserts (while delicious) were different from what was described. We received two large ones on one platter rather than several small ones. Be aware that you need to organise which entree (of two choices) and which main meal (of several good choices) a few days before the event.
    Written 21 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thanks for sharing your experience! It sounds like you had a wonderful time with us. I’m so glad to hear the staff were friendly and attentive! Sorry about the tea and coffee — we do stay pretty busy, and usually, it’s available upstairs upon request, but we should definitely let guests know about that in advance. Hope to see you another time :)
    Written 29 January 2025
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Zibode
    Sydney26 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2023
    I wrote to the company as I like to give them opportunity to make things right and received no reply. The entree is all seafood which we didn't eat in retrospect we should have asked for no entree and have extra dessert instead. We were asked what we would like to drink and asked for Moscato and they had none. We have done this trip about 3 times before ( simply because the wonderful Colonial Tramcar restaurant was taken off the tracks, otherwise we would have been on that!) Anyone that use to dine on the Tramcar restaurant will know how wonderful it was. There was no other sweet wine on offer. The main was delicious it was steak. I asked for Tia Maria and Milk (they again had none) Baileys was available but it still wasn't what I asked for. Due to medical reasons I can only have light milk,. When I asked for light milk they had none of that either they said "we only have the other stuff". Any cafe, restaurant, in the world carries other types of milk whether it be skim, light , almond. I don't expect them to have a plethora of milk on offer but I do expect more than One size fits all take it or leave it. The desserts were TINY. We thought when we received them that another plate was coming to the table but alas it was only this plate with 5 tiny cakes and slices. Those that have children will know what I mean when I say the size of the red velvet cake was the same size as those little ones you buy from Woolworths or Coles in packs of 30 or 40 and you send them to school with your children to share with classmates as birthday cakes. That was the sizing of the desserts to give you some perspective. We also had to get up to the bar and ask for coffee and tea, Thought that would have been brought around to you. The trip on the boat is always nice but food Very disappointing for the ticket price of $175.
    Written 14 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hello, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We apologize for the inconveniences you experienced during your recent visit. We always aim to deliver an exceptional level of service to our customer and we regret that we missed your marks. Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention. We really hope to resolve the problem, please send us an email at info@melbcruises.com.au or simply contact our office at 03 8610 2600. Thank you.
    Written 16 February 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    aussie1Sydney
    Sydney, Australia204 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jan 2025 • Couples
    The service was outstanding and the drinks were free-flow. The staff were always looking to ensure that your glass was never empty.
    The food was very nice and most people would be full at the end of the meal.
    The trip up the river was mildly interesting and, while it was great to see the lights of Melbourne when you get back to the starting point, I am not sure it is value for money.
    I would not do it again.
    Written 13 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We appreciate your recognition of our service staff. We’re always looking for ways to improve and will take your feedback into consideration. Thanks for joining us. ☺️
    Written 20 January 2025
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    CJ
    7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mar 2023
    We recently had the pleasure of going on this dinner cruise on the Yarra River in Melbourne, and it was a truly magical experience. From the moment we stepped aboard, we were greeted with warm smiles and impeccable service from the friendly staff. The cruise on the Yarra River was a truly magical experience. The food was divine, the views were breathtaking, and the staff were friendly and professional.

    But the real star of the show was the breathtaking views of Melbourne that we enjoyed throughout the evening. The city's skyline was truly stunning.
    Highly recommended for anyone visiting Melbourne!
    Written 1 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hello, Thank you for taking the time to leave such an incredible review and recommendation! It was truly our pleasure to welcome you on board, and our staff will be delighted to hear that you enjoyed their service. We are lucky to provide this experience in such a beautiful part of the city, and are so glad you enjoyed the views! We hope to welcome you back on board soon.
    Written 2 April 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    mjsg01
    Horsham, UK129 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sept 2024 • Couples
    Lovely relaxed trip down the river with good food and sights
    Well organised loading of the ship with each booking given a preset table number (so no advantage getting on first)
    Service was great with plenty of staff on hand to help with any queries or extra drinks.
    Food was of a good standard (better than expected for this type of trip)
    Written 8 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hello, Thank you for leaving us with your review for the Spirit of Melbourne! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed your time on our cruise! We hope to serve you again soon!
    Written 10 October 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    blinkybillWhistler
    Brisbane, Australia1,668 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very professional and friendly staff. We left at 7:30pm and arrived back at Southbank at 10:30pm.
    Staff were very attentive with drinks and the food was sensational. We struggled to finish the dessert but then didn't want the fourth course, which was a cheese platter, go to waste.
    We passed the Australian Open tennis area and still could see people there late in the evening.
    Great photo opportunities abound. Very smooth cruise. The captain was cautious and avoided some tourists in a hire boat that steered infront of us at the start of the evening.
    Written 19 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hello, We built the Spirit of Melbourne to provide the best possible service to every customer who walks through our door. We can’t thank you enough for taking the time to share your feedback with us and reminding us why we do what we do. We hope to serve you again in the future. Have a great day!
    Written 23 January 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Kunal M
    Montreux, Switzerland2 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2022 • Family
    We were on a vacation to Australia (coming in all the way from India). I had booked the spirit of Melbourne dinner cruise (2 adults + 1 child) on 27th. We had just arrived into Melbourne and booked the tickets at 530. At 175 AUD per adult it was surely steep. We reached the boarding point at the designated time 730. To our utter shock we realised that our names and booking were not in paper sheet the person was carrying with him. So they didn’t even know of our booking and hence had made no arrangements for us - there was no table for us at the lower deck (where all others were sitting). After some time they set up a table for us at the top deck (we were all alone there with more tables on top of which the chairs were kept). It was not a good feeling. Then they told us that because of the last minute they did not have the food we had chosen while booking. This was a big put down as my son had specifically chosen spaghetti bolognaise and they gave him veg lasagna instead. He hates lasagna and didn’t enjoy one bit. The cruise moved very slowly between 2 bridges and there were no announcements to know what was what. After about 45 min the cruise docked at the starting point and basically became a floating restaurant.
    The food was pretty decent (apart from the fact that my son didn’t get the food of his choice). Overall the experience was so bad that we decided to get off the boat at around 9-915 cos we weren’t having fun. At 440 odd AUD for the three of us the cruise was a massive disappointment. I had written to the email if provided on the reservation but no one bothered to revert. A HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT.
    Written 7 November 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    bourne on vacay
    Ile-de-France, France8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jan 2023
    I highly recommend the Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise as a must-do experience for anyone looking to explore Melbourne's rich culinary scene and stunning waterfront. It's the perfect way to see the city from a different perspective . The calm cruise through the Yarra was amazing is probably the best way to see Melbourne just pass by. The staff professional and friendly served each course and every drink with a smile and made our nights. It will be hard to match this when we visit other cities.

    Overall, this is a must-do experience for anyone visiting Melbourne, and it's an excellent way to see the city at night from a different perspective. Highly recommended.
    Written 2 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hello, Thank you for taking the time to leave such an incredible review! It is truly our pleasure to hear that you had a beautiful night on board. We are proud to have such attentive staff, and to provide experiences in such a stunning part of Melbourne. We are so appreciative of your kind words and really look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
    Written 2 April 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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    *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

    Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise provided by Melbourne River Cruises

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