14 Dining Experiences in Melbourne, Shortlisted

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 an approximately three-hour dinner cruise on the Yarra. You’ll pass city sights including Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, Rod Laver Arena, and the Royal Botanic Gardens while enjoying four courses, wine, beer, spirits, and attentive table service. The boat is enclosed, and the vessel may vary.

“Delightful evening despite a bad weather day. Crew made us comfortable and welcome. Food was great- looked great and lovely flavours. Generous portions”

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2.4-Course Dinner Cruise with Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 511 reviews · 3 hours · from $138

Board an enclosed restaurant boat at Southbank for a three-hour Yarra River dinner cruise. Enjoy a tasting platter, a choice of main, dessert and cheese, plus included drinks and views of Melbourne landmarks. Main courses must be selected when booking. The cruise is for adults aged 18 and over.

“Had our own table by the widow - great views. Great Food, Great Service. Thoroughly recommend it”

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3.Sunset Kayak Tour with Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 214 reviews · 3 hours · from $84

Set out from Victoria Harbour with Kayak Melbourne guides for a three-hour paddle past the Bolte Bridge, Crown Casino, Southbank and Flinders Street Station. You’ll get a land-based safety lesson, stable two-person kayaks, and dinner served while you’re tied up in a marina. Finish near Federation Square as the city lights come on.

“Ben and Ethan were very friendly and good guides / instructors. No prior knowledge needed, all explained before we set off. The kayaks have rudders so no need to panic about steering if you’re new to kayaking. Plenty of opportunities to take photos, ask questions and learn a bit more about the city, and the food was decent. Water bottles were also provided. It was someone’s birthday so Ben and Ethan were kind enough to get them a birthday cookie with a candle as a surprise, after one of the other participants mentioned it. I travelled solo and this was not an issue - I paired up with someone who…”

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4.Melbourne Sunset Kayaking Experience with Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 188 reviews · from $86Top rated

Set out from Docklands with a guide, basic paddling instruction, and a stable Sea Bear kayak. Follow the Yarra past Victoria Harbour and Southbank, pause for fish and chips or another dinner choice on the water, and look for Crown Casino’s fire display. The tour takes about three hours and ends near Federation Square.

“Great trip, run my experts. Dinner on the yarra was awesome. Guides made you feel really welcome and showed you the basics of kayaking. Would highly recommend”

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5.City Laneways Progressive Dinner and Drink

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 88 reviews · 3 hours · from $140

Walk from Gordon Reserve through Chinatown, Melbourne Central and the laneways near Hosier Lane, sampling four to six foods and one included drink. Your guide chooses venues to suit the evening and the group. Simon and Hugo are among the guides who have led the tour, sharing Melbourne food tips and stories as you go.

“Simon was great! He was very in tune with the needs of our group and made sure that everyone had a great time. The food was really good too. I would definitely recommend this tour if you have a free evening in Melbourne.”

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6.Progressive Dinner Tour – Chinatown, Laneways & Drink

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 53 reviews · from $142

Meet your local guide at 7 pm for a three-hour walk through central Melbourne, with 4 to 6 premium food tastings and one included drink. The route may include Chinatown, Curtin House, Hosier Lane, and venues chosen around your group’s tastes. Guides such as Simon, Hugo, Alex, and Mark have led the tour.

“Great way to experience restaurants and bars off the beaten path. Hidden gems you would never know about or find on your own without a guide.”

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7.Skydeck and Altitude Dining Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 34 reviews · 1h 30m · from $99

Spend 90 minutes at Melbourne Skydeck, taking in city views, trying a 6-D VR flight over Victorian destinations, then dining at Eureka 89. Executive Chef Renee Martillano’s three-course menu focuses on seasonal local produce. The $99 price includes admission, dinner and VR, but not drinks. It suits a quick evening out, though the menu and service may not delight every diner.

“good. but drinks at dinner were expensive and a glass of wine did not have much in it. better to buy a bottle if you can afford it.”

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8.The Q Train – First Class Private Dining For 2

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · from $142

Board the heritage Q Train at Drysdale for an approximately three-hour dinner in a private car for two. Five courses feature local produce, with a drink pairing for each, followed by tea or barista-made coffee. The train travels the Bellarine Railway, with a meal stop beside Swan Bay. Transport to the station is not included.

“The service on the train was superb. We are not wine drinkers but had amazing mock tails made up for each course. Each course was extremely tasty and just the right amount. It was for my husband’s 80th birthday and the Happy BirthdaRead more”

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9.Yarra Valley by night! Private wine, whisky and dinner tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews · from $606

Start at 4 pm for a private, adults-only evening in the Yarra Valley, with round-trip transfers from your valley accommodation. Taste wine at Barrique Wine Store, choose a tasting in Healesville, then sit down to a two-course dinner at Meletos. Guides Craig and Elliot have led outings, and the route pairs local drinks with vineyard views.

“Had a great evening savouring the sights and tastes of Yarra Valley. It was made all the more memorable by our guide Craig. Engaging and easygoing, Craig was only too happy to share his great knowledge of the Yarra Valley and the peoplRead more”

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10.The Q Train – Q Class Social Dining

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 21 reviews · from $103

Spend about three hours aboard The Q Train, a moving restaurant on the historic Bellarine Railway. Departing usually from Drysdale, you’ll have five courses made with local produce as the train travels toward Queenscliff and back, with views of Swan Bay and the Bellarine. Drinks cost extra, and you’ll need to arrange your own transport to the station.

“I went for my anniversary dinner and the experience was amazing , we opted for vegetarian food and the food was delicious. The overall experience was awesome and i would like to book the private cabin for next time 🥂”

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11.Peninsula Nature Private Day Trip with Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 6 reviews · 6 hours · from $303

Set out from Melbourne with a private driver-guide for Dendy Street Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary and the Arthurs Seat Eagle chairlift. Expect time to feed native animals, hear wildlife talks and finish with an Australian-style picnic dinner and short bushwalk. Guides Peter and Gosha have hosted the trip, though your assigned guide may vary.

“We had two wonderful days exploring with Peter. He is a wonderful host who does everything he can to make your day special and exciting! We certainly recommend this tour and the full day along the great ocean road. He has a great route and secret stops that will blow you away.”

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12.Eynesbury Homestead Dark Tales & Ghostly Trails Dinner&Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.2 · 5 reviews · 3h 30m · from $53Best value

Enjoy a two-course dinner at Ms Peacock Kitchen & Bar, with a $30-per-person credit, then follow a Lantern Ghost Tours host around Eynesbury Homestead. The 1.5-hour walk visits shadowy corners of the Staughton estate, including the lake, stables and former servants’ quarters. Tours run on the third Friday of each month.

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13.Private Romantic Melbourne Dinner Cruise for 2

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews

Board a private boat at Docklands for a 90-minute dinner cruise for two on Melbourne’s Yarra River. A local restaurant prepares a three-course meal, with beer, wine, soft drinks, and water included. Several cruise times are available. Hosts named Panda and Matt have captained past cruises, but your skipper may differ.

“It was one of the best experiences of my life - I proposed to my girlfriend in the middle of the Yaara river and it was delightful and romantic. The Skipper, Panda made us feel special and our conversations made the evening extra special - Thanks you for everything :) Sorry about all the champagne spills 😜”

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14.Great Ocean Road Day Trip with Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 12 hours · from $506

Travel by private vehicle from Melbourne with a personal driver-guide, taking an inland route to Port Campbell before following the coast back. Stop at the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, Maits Rest and more, with time for photos, wildlife viewing, snacks and a picnic-style dinner. English and Polish guides are available.

“Bonjour Peter est un excellent guide qui vous fait découvrir des endroits inhabituels en plus du circuit prévu, il vous abreuve de détails très intéressants et à toujours le souci que cette expérience soir la meilleure possible Je recommande vivement car nous avons passé un excellent moment”

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