Lunch with a View Aboard Melbourne River Cruises
A three-course lunch on the Yarra is one of those outings that sounds like a treat and actually delivers one. We spent an afternoon on the Spirit of Melbourne Lunch Cruise with Melbourne River Cruises, and it’s easily one of the more relaxing meals we’ve had this year — good food, a slow pace, and the city sliding past the window instead of traffic.
Related reading: 33 Itinerary Ideas For Spending One Day in Melbourne CBD
A different way to see the city
Our Spirit of Melbourne Lunch Cruise departs from Southbank, right in the middle of the city’s dining and entertainment strip. The vessel is fully enclosed, with large windows on both sides, so you get a clear view of the river whichever side of the table you’re sitting.
As the boat moves along the Yarra, the skyline shifts past at an easy pace — no traffic, no parking to think about, just the city going by while you eat.
Diane’s 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.
The food is the main event
Melbourne River Cruises calls this a “scrumptious lunch,” and that’s a fair description. You choose your entrée and main when you book, and the crew will cater to dietary requirements with 72 hours’ notice.
We have ours with a glass of wine (non-alcoholic options are available too), which suits the pace of the whole afternoon — there’s no rush, and the parks and gardens along the river are a nice thing to watch while you eat.
Marg’s 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.
Ither ways to explore the Yarra with Melbourne River Cruises
The lunch cruise is a good midday option, but Melbourne River Cruises runs a few other sightseeing trips if you’d rather do something shorter, or in the evening:
- Ports & Docklands 1-Hour Cruise: An hour through Melbourne’s working docks and waterfront, with commentary on the maritime history. Seniors Card price $41. Book online here.
- Parks & Gardens 1-Hour Cruise: A quieter route upriver past the parks and gardens. Seniors Card price $41. Book online here.
- Read Kathy’s review of the Parks & Gardens cruise.
- Melbourne Highlights 2-Hour Cruise: Combines the Docklands and Parks & Gardens routes into one trip. Seniors Card price $64.95. Book online here.
- Golden Hour Cruise: Timed for sunset, when the light on the river is at its best. From $79 per person. Book online here.
Read Kathy’s review of the Parks & Gardens cruise.
Spirit of Melbourne Lunch Cruise tidbits
- Book a midweek dinner or lunch cruise and save $10 per person
- Price includes a three-course meal with unlimited drinks
- Runs on select days from 1pm, for around 3 hours
- Check in at the Ticket Kiosk 20 minutes before departure
- You choose your entrée and main at the time of booking. Ours looked like this on the day — treat it as an example only, as the menu changes:
- 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)
- Kids get fish and chips or chicken schnitzel and chips — generous portions, served before the adult entrées
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;
- Call Melbourne River Cruises on 03 8610 2600 with any accessibility questions;
- The departure Berth is 350 metres from Flinders Street Station, also, accessible via tram along St Kilda road.
- Accessibility Guide can be found here.
Melbourne River Cruises
Berth 2, Southbank Promenade, Southbank VIC 3006
03 8610 2600
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The Seniors in Melbourne team were hosted by Melbourne River Cruises. All opinions are the writers’ own.
