Lunch with a View Aboard Melbourne River Cruises
If you’re on the lookout for a truly memorable lunch experience in Melbourne, you can’t go past a Yarra River lunch cruise.
We spent a delightful afternoon with Melbourne River Cruises on their popular lunch cruise, and it was easily one of the most relaxing and scenic meals we’ve enjoyed in ages. The combination of delicious food, breathtaking views, and a peaceful journey made it a standout experience.
Related reading: 31 Itinerary Ideas For Spending One Day in Melbourne CBD
>> Head straight to our personal tidbits including accessibility advice for
Unique Lunch Cruise Melbourne
Our Spirit of Melbourne Lunch Cruise is set to depart from Southbank, known as one of the city’s most vibrant dining and entertainment precincts. Once the fully enclosed vessel is boarded, it quickly becomes evident that something special awaits.
The boat has been designed to be both comfortable and clean, with large panoramic windows ensuring stunning views from every seat.
As the cruise glides along the Yarra River, the iconic Melbourne skyline is brought to life. This provides a fantastic way to experience the city from a fresh perspective. Without the hassle of traffic, the opportunity to fully relax and take in the sights is easily embraced.
Contributor Review
A beautiful dining experience was had on a very sunny afternoon on the Yarra River with Melbourne River Cruises. We were greeted very warmly by the staff and directed to our table that was definitely ready for a very fine dining lunch.
That’s exactly what it was. Champagne was flowing or any other drink you desired. We were on our way, the entrée was served, then the main meal followed by dessert. Every meal served was absolutely delicious, and my gluten-free needs were perfectly met. We travelled along for nearly 2 hours. It was a very enjoyable afternoon.
If you have children with you they were welcomed on board and were entertained by a wonderful French waiter who was a master at producing clever origami creatures. They were also catered for perfectly. Even had a steer of the boat.
Highly recommend.
– Diane
A Scrumptious River Cruise Lunch with Options for Everyone
The food, without a doubt, steals the spotlight. Melbourne River Cruises delivers exactly what they promise: a “scrumptious lunch.”
The meal features a variety of dishes to suit all tastes, which you can conveniently pre-order during booking. For those with dietary requirements, the crew happily accommodates requests as long as they receive 72 hours’ notice.
We pair our lunch with a glass of wine (non-alcoholic options are available), adding to the charm of the experience. There’s something magical about sipping a drink while gliding past Melbourne’s riverside parks and gardens. The combination of delicious food, a relaxed atmosphere, and stunning views makes this dining experience truly unforgettable.
Contributor Review
The river cruise was just delightful! Viewing the sights and sounds of Melbourne at such a leisurely pace gave us time to really soak up the beauty and history along the banks of the Yarra. We admired the parks and gardens, the stately homes and historic bridges, and Melbourne’s sporting and entertainment venues before returning to disembark at Southbank.
The hero of the day was the three-course meal served by the attentive and entertaining crew. A delicious entree of roasted mediterranean vegetables in filo pastry followed by a perfectly chargrilled eye fillet was my choice. Then dessert as well!! And all enjoyed with a sparkling wine.
With sunny skies, good company and great service it was a wonderful outing. One to be highly recommended.
– Marg
More Ways to Explore the Yarra with Melbourne River Cruises
While the lunch cruise is perfect for a midday treat, Melbourne River Cruises offers a range of other sightseeing cruises that allow you to explore the city at different times and from unique perspectives:
- Ports & Docklands 1-Hour Cruise: Discover Melbourne’s maritime history with this fascinating one-hour journey through the city’s ports and waterfront developments. Seniors card price is $34.95. Book online here.
- Parks & Gardens 1-Hour Cruise: A serene experience showcasing Melbourne’s lush river gardens and hidden green spaces along the Yarra. Seniors card price is $34.95. Book online here.
- Melbourne Highlights 2-Hour Cruise: This combined two-hour cruise takes in both the Docklands and river gardens, offering a comprehensive look at Melbourne’s diverse riverside sights. Seniors card price is $54.95. Book online here.
- Golden Hour Cruise: Perfect for photographers and romantics alike, this evening cruise captures Melbourne in its most beautiful light as the sun sets. From $59 per person. Book online here.
- City Lights 1.5-Hour Cruise: Experience Melbourne’s riverside at night, with the city lights reflecting off the water and creating a magical atmosphere. From $69 per person. Book online here.
Spirit of Melbourne Lunch Cruise Tidbits
- Adults price is $135 (no seniors card discount), teens are $80 and Children (aged 3 – 12 years) are $65;
- The price includes a 3-course meal with unlimited drinks;
- The Lunch Cruise is available on select weekdays from 1 pm and runs for 2 hours;
- Guests are asked to check-in at the Ticket Kiosk 20 minutes before the departure time;
- Menu options are selected at the time of booking, the below was our menu selection and can be used as an example only as this is subject to change:
- ENTRÉE COURSE (Please note one entrée selection per guest)
Antipasto includes a selection of Seafood and Small Goods (Gluten Free Available)
Roasted Ratatouille in Filo with Tomato Relish (V, Gluten Free Available)
MAIN COURSE (Please note one main course selection per guest)
Pan-seared Chicken Breast served with potatoes and porcini mushroom sauce (GF Available)
Chargrilled Eye Fillet with green peppercorn sauce, served with potatoes and vegetables (GF Available)
Oven Baked Salmon Fillet topped with pimento sauce served with seasonal vegetables (GF Available)
Whole Baby Pumpkin served with a stir fry of seasonal vegetables & quinoa, topped with melted cheese (V) (GF)
Roasted Mediterranean Vegetable Lasagna with Bechamel Sauce served and Seasoned Vegetables (V)
- ENTRÉE COURSE (Please note one entrée selection per guest)
- The children’s menu is either Fish & Chips or Chicken Schnitzel & Chips, and they are very generous portions delivered before our entrees.
Spirit of Melbourne Lunch Cruise Accessibility
- Melbourne River Cruises supports customers with a range of disabilities, including mobility, hearing, and vision impairments. The vessel can accommodate folded wheelchairs;
- Crew assistance is available to support boarding and disembarking;
- During busy school holiday periods, staff create designated pram stations to assist families;
- As each vessel has unique features, it is important to note that accessibility features vary depending on the specific river cruise booked with Melbourne River Cruises;
- Contact Melbourne River Cruises on 03 8610 2600 with any accessibility questions or concerns;
- The departure Berth is 350 metres from Flinders Street Station, also, accessible via tram along St Kilda road.
Melbourne River Cruises
Berth 2, Southbank Promenade, Southbank VIC 3006
03 8610 2600
I hope this post has inspired you to get out and explore Melbourne! Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to find out more ways to discover (or rediscover) the joy of exploring Melbourne.
This post contains affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click on a link and make a purchase.
