Top 5 Dinner Cruises in Australia

1.Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise on the Yarra River

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,470 reviews · from $139Our pick

Board at Southbank Promenade at 7:30 pm for about three hours on the Spirit of Melbourne. Enjoy a four-course dinner with Australian wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, port, and cheese as you pass Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, Rod Laver Arena, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Seating and vessel choice can vary.

“Very casual and relaxed atmosphere with good food and bubbly. I would recommend if one is looking for a quiet evening.”

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2.Adelaide Hills Tour with River Murray Lunch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 374 reviews · from $135

See Adelaide from Mount Lofty, pass Bridgewater Mill, then board Captain Proud for a three-hour Murray River cruise with live commentary and a two-course lunch. You also get one hour in Hahndorf. Guides such as Paul, Phil, Roy, and Karen are known for local stories and good humor, while the boat and route can vary with weather.

“Great trip in the steamboat and the lunch was very nice. Our bus driver Phil was fantastic and very knowledgeable.”

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3.Swan River Lunch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 301 reviews · 2h 30m · from $92Best value

Spend 2.5 hours cruising from Perth to Fremantle and back aboard Captain Cook Cruises WA. Your reserved table, captain’s commentary, seasonal buffet, cake dessert, and full bar make this a relaxed way to see riverfront homes, yacht clubs, marinas, docks, and Fremantle’s heritage buildings without changing transport or plans.

“A very nice 2.5 hours. Saw a lot of sights on the way to Fremantle and back. Lunch was excellent. Great food with well organised service. No queues at the bar. A really enjoyable trip. Captain’s commentary…. good luck with that, too noisy to hear a word.”

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4.Swan River Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 270 reviews · from $114

Board Captain Cook Cruises at Barrack Street Jetty for a 2.5-hour evening on the Swan River. You’ll have reserved seating, a hot and cold buffet, and live entertainment or a DJ while Perth’s skyline slips by. Drinks cost extra, and seating location matters if you prefer quiet conversation over music and dancing.

“Nice experience. Could have improved by maybe departing earlier so guests can see some of the river views before sunset. Also my instructions were to see the ticketing window for ticket validation 30 mins before departure. The ticketing window was unattended. We were a group of 14, ended up joining the queue for boarding with fingers crossed. Was all okay and the crew were fantastic. Couldnt fault them. Good variety of food - just watch the chilli levels, even the coleslaw was hot hot hot.”

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5.Adelaide Hills Tour with River Murray 3 Hour Lunch Cruise.

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 91 reviews · 8 hours · from $133

Spend eight hours with CP Tours and Charters combining an Adelaide Hills drive with a three-hour Captain Proud paddlewheeler cruise. You’ll stop at Mount Lofty, Bridgewater Mill, Beerenberg Farm Shop, and Hahndorf, with hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, and a two-course lunch included. Small groups range from 2 to 24 people.

“The trip was everything we looked forward to and more. We had the best tour guide who had extensive knowledge on the history of Adelaide which added to the delight of the tour. The bus was comfortable and the atmosphere was made good thanks to the tour guide who made everyone feel welcome and comfortable. My family and I would do this again anytime as it was worth every moment.”

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