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This is a Melbourne must do, imagine cruising down the Yarra River on your private luxury boat enjoying a 3-course dinner and drink on board.
Enjoy one of Melbourne’s unique dining experiences with a delicious 3-course meal on board a luxurious electric boat that is private for just you and your partner.
There is simply no better way to indulge in a gourmet dining experience, surrounded by the vibrancy of this world-class culinary city while cruising on a luxury boat. This truly is a Melbourne experience not to miss, Melbourne’s first and only Yarra River private dinner cruise experience which includes a scenic cruise along Melbourne’s iconic Yarra River with spectacular breath-taking views and delicious food and wine to savour your taste buds.
Seeing Melbourne city by a boat provides an entirely new viewpoint on the skyline.
Departing from Docklands this 1.5 hr dinner cruise winds up the Yarra River and then returns to Docklands
Highlights
- Luxury 1.5 hr private cruise for just you and partner
- A luxurious eco-friendly boat which is whisper quiet and has no fumes
- Premium dining experience
- 3 Course meal included
- Beer, wine and soft drinks included
- Unbeatable views of Melbourne city
- Friendly and experienced local Skipper
Menu Selections:
Entree
Choice of:
Duo of Dips board to share (v, veo, gf)
Selection of house made dips and assorted breads
Chefs tasting board to share (vo, gf)
Chefs’ selection of house made delicacies
Main:
Choice of:
Braised Lamb Ricotta Gnocchi
Fresh ricotta & potato gnocchi, slow braised lamb, red wine, tomato sugo, parmesan, sage
Mushroom Duxelles Risotto (V, VG, DFO)
Truffled mushroom Duxelles, parmesan, garlic & herb King oyster mushroom, truffle oil
Roasted Spatchcock (GF)
Ras el hanout spiced Butterflied spatchcock, chickpea ratatouille, curry leaves
Parsley & Lemon Gnocchi (V, VGO, GF, DFO)
Fresh parsley & lemon gnocchi, tomato sugo, broccolini, fior di latte, Tuscan kale and olive oil
Grilled Tiger King Prawn (GF, DFO) (5pcs)
QLD sourced King prawn, Authentic Asian slaw, lime, sweet chilli dressing, fried shallots
Crispy Pork Belly (GF, P)
Slow cooked pork belly, cauliflower puree, broccolini and cranberry jus
Squid Ink Linguine (DFO)
Fresh squid inked linguine, Prawn, scallops, clams, calamari, mussel meats, confit garlic, chili, olive oil, white wine, lemon herb butter
Beer Battered Fish & Chips (DF)
Battered seasonal fish, tartare, lemon, salad and chips
Eye Fillet
250g grass fed, Huon Creek VIC, mash potato, heirloom carrots, red wine jus (gf)
Dessert:
Selection of dessert petit fours
V – Vegetarian, VG – Vegan, VGO – Vegan Option, GF – Gluten Free, GFO – Gluten Free Option, VEO – Vegan Option, DF- Dairy Free, DFO – Dairy Free Option
Allergy alert: while stringent precautions are taken, one should assume that contact with peanuts, tree nuts, seeds, wheat, eggs, milk, soy, shellfish and other allergens is possible.
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We contacted the company by email and phone to change the type of boat connected to our booking as it was too big for our group. After a lot of back and forth via email and phone, and after us chasing them up, the team amended our booking. The process to make this change was very tedious, with little guidance or assistance from Melbourne Boat Hire, and we were therefore under the impression the booking remained in the afternoon (in keeping with our original time). Unbeknownst to us the team had also made a change to the departure time (that was not communicated or confirmed with us during either of the phone calls in which the booking was amended).
When the booking day arrived and the misunderstanding became apparent, the owner, Matt, was rude and dismissive over the phone and made no genuine effort to resolve the confusion, despite us genuinely attempting to figure out what had gone wrong and attempts to work with him. We have since sent several follow-up emails requesting a reschedule and, after receiving no meaningful response, a refund. We also raised our concerns regarding our rights under Australian Consumer Law.
Matt repeatedly shrugged off our attempts to reach a reasonable resolution over the phone and has not responded to any of our follow up emails. The overall impression is that the business is more interested in taking customers’ money than providing an acceptable level of service.
After reading the company’s other Google reviews, it appears several customers have raised similar concerns about poor communication, cancellations and being left out of pocket.
This was an extremely disappointing experience, and I would strongly recommend using another boat-hire company to all who are interested in having an experience on the Yarra. I would consider amending this review if Matt contacts us and makes a genuine effort to resolve the matter.
I would definitely recommend and do this again
Thank you for your care with the wet weather, helping set up our guests and making sure we’re all comfortable and having fun.
I recommend having your milestone birthday in this boat! 5 stars!
Our group of 12 booked the 1.5-hour Sunset Cruise with Melbourne Boat Hire, and despite a dramatic downpour right at boarding time, it turned out to be an unforgettable experience. Captain Matt and deckhand Gabriel welcomed us aboard with calm professionalism and good humour—thankfully, we had the boat all to ourselves!
After a thorough safety briefing from Matt, we set off through the port and up the Yarra River toward the city. The tide was high, so we couldn’t pass under one of the bridges, but it didn’t dampen our spirits. About 20 minutes in, the rain eased and gifted us a stunning sunset—absolutely perfect for photos and memory-making.
Matt was incredibly informative, sharing insights about the area as we cruised along. The boat itself was cosy, dry, and warm—just what we needed after the soggy start. And yes, the champagne was chilled to perfection!
Thanks Matt and Gabriel for turning a rainy evening into a golden one. Highly recommend Melbourne Boat Hire for anyone looking to see the city from a fresh, scenic perspective.
🙏Melbourne Boat Hire for the great food
Our boat was nice and tidy.
Melbourne Boat Hire staff are so polite and lovely people.
I recommend " Melbourne Boat Hire"
Our vessel, Eliza J, glided her way through the CBD via the river.
She was comfortable and easy to skipper.
Went with a couple of friends for the birthday of my partner.
Thank you to our knowledgeable and super capable skipper, James.
James was more than accomodating and made the experience even more special for me and my wife. Thanks again James!
If you plan on using their Champaign glasses, they are not the best for the holders provided and easily tip over with any wave.
overall, we had an excellent trip.
Crew and the weather played its part in the feel good experience we all had.
It was a birthday party attended by 25 people of all ages.
Everyone enjoyed it.
Wish we had it for longer.
However, anymore than 20 guests is a bit of crowding on this boat. A microwave oven may be a good addition if possible.
Very good experience overall.
The company is well run and their skipper Finn was very nice to greet us and explain everything we needed to know. The booking and waivers and on the day experience all ran smoothly. No issues. You can park on the streets around and or in the open car park across from St Mangos Ln.
I highly recommend this boat rental and would love to do it again!












