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Book Yarra River lunch and brunch cruises

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Why go for a Yarra River lunch cruise?

Aperol bottle and citrus fruits on bar for Bottomless Brunch Cruise in Melbourne.

Melbourne's finest daytime dining
Step aboard for a lunch with a difference: fresh, seasonal menus served against Melbourne’s iconic riverside backdrop. The city skyline, bridges, and gardens glide past your table while you relax with friends or family.

  • Relaxed atmosphere: A social daytime experience, perfect for groups or couples who prefer something lighter than an evening cruise.
  • Scenic views: Gardens, landmarks, and riverside life revealed in broad daylight.
  • Seasonal menus: Expect dishes featuring local seafood, meats, and vegetarian options paired with regional wines.
  • Unique experience: More than just a meal — it’s Melbourne’s city tour and dining scene combined.
Learn more about Spirit of Melbourne cruises

Things to know before booking your Yarra River lunch cruise

  • Accessibility: Most lunch cruise vessels are wheelchair-accessible from Southbank berths. Confirm access needs at booking.
  • Age suitability: Families with children are welcome. Lunch cruises often attract groups celebrating birthdays or casual get-togethers.
  • Inclusions: Multi-course lunch with drinks (wine, beer, soft drinks). Some operators offer bottomless beverage upgrades.
  • Why lunch over dinner: Daytime cruises reveal Melbourne’s gardens, architecture, and daily river life; views that evening cruises can’t capture.
  • Lunch cruises: Typically depart around midday (12pm) on weekends and select weekdays. Menus are fuller than brunch. Think hearty mains, seafood, and multi-course dining. Lunch cruises tend to run for ~2 hours and are ideal for relaxed daytime celebrations or sightseeing with a meal.

​Book a Yarra River lunch cruise

  • Brunch cruises: Only offered on weekends, usually late departures (~1pm). Menus are lighter and more playful, often with pastries, fresh fruit, eggs, or small plates paired with coffee, sparkling wines, or bottomless drinks. The vibe is more social and festive, perfect for groups of friends.

​Book Bottomless Brunch Cruise on Yarra River

  • Booking tips: Weekends fill fast, especially in spring and summer. Midweek sailings offer more space and a quieter atmosphere.

What you'll see on your Yarra River lunch cruise

Melbourne skyline with Yarra River and Flinders Street Station in view.

Federation Square & Flinders Street Station

Melbourne’s cultural heart and busiest transport hub.

Cruise boat on Yarra River passing Southbank, Melbourne with cityscape and bridge.
Eureka Tower in Melbourne with surrounding cityscape and trees.
Greenhouse in Royal Botanic Gardens with palm trees and glass architecture.
Melbourne skyline with St. Paul's Cathedral and Princes Bridge over the Yarra River.

Plan Your Yarra River lunch cruise

Dinner cruise boat on Yarra River with Melbourne skyline in the background.
  • Lunch cruises: Depart around 1pm for a 2-hour scenic meal experience. Runs Friday–Sunday (and select weekdays).
  • Brunch cruises: Weekend-only departures, showcasing relaxed menus with sparkling wines and mimosas. These lively sailings usually launch in the late morning, spanning approximately 2 hours.

Best time to visit

  • Spring & autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures and beautiful riverside foliage.
  • Summer weekends bring a vibrant social scene, perfect for groups or celebrations.
  • Winter lunchtime offers a quieter, cozier experience within heated cabins.
  • Departure point: Southbank Promenade, typically Berth 2 for lunch/brunch cruises.
  • Train: 5-minute walk from Flinders Street Station via Princes or Evan Walker Bridge.
  • Tram: St Kilda Road & Flinders Street routes all fall within the Free Tram Zone, convenient and cost-free.
  • Parking: Nearby secure options include Wilson Southgate and Eureka Car Park (both ~5 min walk).
  • Accessibility: While the Spirit of Melbourne is not fully wheelchair-accessible, foldable wheelchairs and prams are accommodated, and trained staff can assist with boarding.
Dining guests toasting with drinks on the Spirit of Melbourne Cruising Restaurant.
  • Dress code: Smart casual preferred, neat and comfortable.
  • Age & crowd: Lunch is inclusive for families; brunch tends to attract social groups exploring Melbourne’s foodie scene.
  • Dietary requests: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal menu options are widely available when requested during booking.
  • Alcohol service: Beverages like wine, beer, soft drinks are included. Brunch cruises may feature bottomless Prosecco or Mimosas.

Tips

  • Lunch and brunch cruises sell out quickly on weekends; book early, especially in spring and summer.
  • Advance notice of dietary requirements ensures better accommodation.
Packing suitcase with clothes, hat, and sunglasses for a trip to Florence in February.
  • Light jacket or wrap: Even in summer, river breezes can feel cooler on the open deck, especially during spring and autumn sailings.
  • Valid photo ID: Required for guests planning to enjoy alcoholic beverages (18+).
  • Camera or smartphone: Daylight cruises are perfect for snapping gardens, bridges, and riverside life in full color.
  • Booking confirmation: Mobile e-tickets are widely accepted, but a printed copy can speed up boarding.
  • Personal essentials only: Small handbags or daypacks are fine; strollers can usually be folded and stored onboard. Large bags and luggage are not permitted.
  • Sun protection: Sunglasses or sunscreen are useful for midday cruises, particularly in summer when the sun reflects off the river.
Restroom sign with wheelchair access in a hallway.
  • Indoor dining cabins: Climate-controlled interiors with wide panoramic windows, ensuring uninterrupted views in all weather.
  • Outdoor decks: Open-air viewing decks allow guests to step outside for fresh air, photos, and unobstructed river views.
  • Seating: Reserved tables inside the main cabin; seating layouts ensure all tables face the river.
  • Viewing areas: Guests are welcome to move between indoor cabins and outdoor decks during the cruise to capture sights and skyline angles.
  • Restrooms: Onboard toilets available; larger vessels include wheelchair-accessible restrooms.
  • Accessibility: Step-free boarding at Southbank berths, with crew assistance available for mobility aids and folded prams.
  • Storage: Space for handbags, daypacks, and folded strollers. Larger luggage or bulky items cannot be stored onboard.
Tourists outside National Gallery of Victoria, enjoying garden view before 3-course lunch.
  • Southbank Promenade: Lined with cafés, restaurants, and buskers, it’s the perfect spot for a pre-cruise coffee or post-cruise stroll.
  • Eureka Skydeck: A few minutes’ walk away, with panoramic city views from Melbourne’s tallest building.
  • NGV International (National Gallery of Victoria): World-class art and exhibitions just across St Kilda Road.
  • SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium: A family favorite, located across the river.
  • Federation Square: A cultural hub with galleries, events, and dining, just a short walk over Princes Bridge.
  • Crown Casino & Entertainment Complex: Upscale dining, shopping, and nightlife to extend your outing.

Frequently asked questions about Yarra River lunch and brunch cruises

Can I request a specific seat on the cruise?

Seats are pre-allocated, but you can place a seating preference request (e.g., window table) when booking or afterward via provider support. While not guaranteed, requests are considered and they aim to ensure great views for every guest.

What’s the difference between a lunch and brunch cruise?

Lunch cruises typically depart around midday and serve a fuller multi-course menu with heartier mains. Brunch cruises are weekend-only departures, usually late morning, with lighter plates, pastries, fruit, and sparkling drinks like mimosas or Prosecco.

Are lunch and brunch cruises suitable for children?

Yes. Both welcome families, and children’s meals are available. Brunch tends to attract younger social groups, while lunch offers a more relaxed, family-friendly vibe. High chairs and space for foldable prams are usually provided.

Are the cruises reliable even when the weather is unpredictable?

Yes. Lunch and brunch cruises operate rain or shine with climate-controlled cabins and open decks. As one guide notes, they’re “perfect all year round,” offering comfort in hot summers and cozy shelter in crisp winters.

Does the experience feel rushed with flooding plates or crowded tables?

Not at all. Reviewers describe the service as “outstanding” and the pace as unhurried, akin to fine dining with scenic backdrops, not a rushed meal on a fast-moving boat.

Will I still get a great view if seated inside?

Absolutely. The vessel offers panoramic indoor windows plus open-air decks. Guests frequently switch between the two to get the best riverside and cityscape views during the day.

Is it worth booking lunch over a sightseeing-only cruise?

Of course! You get a relaxing sightseeing journey with the added luxury of a full meal and drinks. One visitor said choosing a river cruise is “much more relaxing than walking through busy streets,” with fantastic scenery to boot.

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