Melbourne: 2-Hour Bottomless Brunch Cruise

Imagine floating down Melbourne’s iconic Yarra River on a vessel that combines scenic views, tasty food, and unlimited drinks — all in just two hours. For $84 per person, you can indulge in a lively brunch experience aboard the Spirit of Melbourne, departing from Southgate. As we step onto this glass-enclosed vessel, we’re greeted with the promise of premium beer, wine, and Prosecco mimosas, all while passing Melbourne’s parks, gardens, and stadiums.

What we love most about this cruise? First, the stunning views of Melbourne’s vibrant cityscape and riverfront are hard to beat. Whether it’s the modern skyline, lush green spaces, or iconic sports venues, the scenery constantly shifts, making every moment visually engaging. Second, the food and drink offerings are surprisingly diverse and plentiful, with enough hot and cold dishes to satisfy even the hungriest brunchers.

A possible consideration? Two hours can fly by quickly, especially if you’re chatting and enjoying the scenery — so pacing your meal and drinks is worth thinking about beforehand. This experience suits travelers who enjoy a laid-back atmosphere, delicious food, and the chance to take in Melbourne from a different perspective. It’s especially popular with groups celebrating special occasions or anyone who just wants a stress-free way to start or relax during an afternoon.

Key Points

• Scenic Views: Pass Melbourne’s skyline, parks, and stadiums from the comfort of a glass-enclosed boat.
• Bottomless Drinks: Unlimited premium beer, wine, and Prosecco mimosas keep the mood lively.
• Tasty Food: A variety of sweet and savory dishes served throughout the cruise.
• Relaxed Atmosphere: No rushing, just enjoying good company, good food, and great scenery.
• Convenient Location: Starts from Southgate, a central spot easy to access.
• Authentic Experience: Many reviews praise the attentive staff and quality offerings, making this a worthwhile value.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Melbourne Bottomless Brunch Cruise

The Start: Easy Check-in and Departure from Southgate

Your experience begins at the Berth 1, Southgate, with check-in at 12:50 PM, just a short walk from Melbourne’s city center. The Spirit of Melbourne is a sleek vessel with expansive glass viewing areas, perfect for watching the world go by while staying sheltered from the elements. The check-in process is straightforward, and the staff is usually friendly and welcoming, setting a relaxed tone for what’s ahead.

The Cruise Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Once aboard, the cruise lasts exactly two hours, typically operating in the afternoon. There’s no formal commentary about landmarks, which actually works in your favor if you prefer chatting or simply soaking in the views. Instead, the focus is on enjoying your food and drinks and the scenery.

As you glide along, you’ll pass Melbourne’s parks, gardens, and sports stadiums, all framed against the city’s striking skyline. The boat’s design ensures you can see from almost every angle, making it a photographer’s dream — especially during daylight hours when the city lights haven’t yet taken over.

Food and Beverage: An Afternoon Feast with Unlimited Drinks

The brunch menu is a highlight. It offers a diverse selection of hot and cold dishes, served like a refined afternoon tea. Many reviews mention that the food was “delicious” and “served like an afternoon tea,” with generous portions. The variety caters well to different tastes, including savory options praised by guests for their quality and hot dishes that are satisfying.

The bottomless drink selection receives consistent praise. Guests frequently mention the “flowing” prosecco, wine, and beer — with servers topping up glasses regularly. One reviewer appreciated the “never once got to the bottom of the glass,” highlighting attentive service. The drinks add a festive touch without ever feeling overwhelming. There’s also tea and coffee available, catering to those who prefer a warm beverage.

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The Views: Why Everyone Talks About the Scenery

Travelers consistently rave about the views during the cruise. The combination of the city’s skyline, parks, and stadiums passing by provides a dynamic backdrop. One guest noted, “The surroundings were superb,” and many mention how the scenery makes the cruise feel like a special occasion, even without a guided commentary.

Service and Atmosphere: Friendly and Professional

From the reviews, it’s clear that the crew goes above and beyond in providing attentive, friendly service. Guests often comment on how servers kept glasses topped up and accommodated special requests, such as celebrating birthdays with a cake. One guest mentioned, “Adrian kept us fully hydrated in the Melbourne rain,” showing the crew’s dedication.

The environment is a balance of lively and relaxed. There’s no loud music or loud commentary — just a mellow playlist, often a mix of 80s tunes and Pink Floyd, which adds to the vibe. Many reviews highlight the friendly staff and the chilled atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for groups of friends or couples seeking a leisurely, social experience.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise?

This cruise is perfect for celebrations like birthdays, catch-ups with friends, or a unique way to enjoy Melbourne’s scenery. It’s also suitable for visitors who appreciate good value — reviews consistently mention “great portions” and “flowing drinks” — and for those who want an authentic local experience without the hassle of planning extensive logistics. It’s not a sightseeing tour with commentary, so if you’re expecting detailed landmark stories, this might not be your best choice.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Brunch Cruise

• Arrive early: Check-in starts at 12:50 PM, so plan to arrive a few minutes early to settle in.
• Pace yourself: With unlimited drinks, it’s tempting to indulge. Remember, two hours is a short but lively window.
• Dress comfortably: Casual clothes are fine, but consider layers if it’s cool or windy outside.
• Reserve in advance: The popularity suggests this cruise books out, especially on weekends or sunny days.
• Bring your ID or passport: needed for check-in and to verify age for alcohol consumption.
• No hot food: Guests mention it would be better if hot options were available, so plan accordingly if that’s important for you.

How This Experience Compares to Other Melbourne River Cruises

While there are other river cruises with sightseeing or dinner options, this brunch cruise stands out for its value and relaxed vibe. Many reviews highlight that it’s “a lovely way to spend a Sunday” or a “great afternoon before a Lions game”, underscoring its flexibility for various schedules. Compared to longer or more elaborate cruises, it offers a quick, high-quality taste of Melbourne’s riverside scene, with the bonus of bottomless drinks.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Cruise?

For travelers seeking a laid-back, social morning or afternoon, this cruise ticks many boxes. It’s an excellent choice if you want to combine scenic views, delicious food, and bottomless drinks in a compact, hassle-free package. Perfect for celebrating special occasions, catching up with friends, or simply starting your Melbourne visit with a memorable experience, it offers good value for money and consistently positive reviews.

However, if you’re looking for an educational tour or guided commentary, this may not be the right fit, as it emphasizes relaxation over narration. It’s also less suitable if hot food is a priority or if you prefer a longer, more in-depth cruise experience.

Overall, if your idea of a good time involves great scenery, attentive service, and unlimited drinks, then this bottomless brunch cruise promises a delightful, memorable slice of Melbourne life.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?
It’s a 2-hour experience, making it perfect for a leisurely afternoon without feeling rushed.

Where does the cruise depart from?
From Southgate, at Berth 1, with check-in at 12:50 PM. It’s centrally located, making it easy to reach.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the cruise itself, unlimited beer, wine, and mimosas, a selection of sweet and savory foods, along with tea and coffee.

Is there a dress code?
No formal dress code is required. Casual, comfortable clothes are fine, but consider layers if it’s cool outside.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 3 days in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

Are children allowed?
The reviews focus on adult guests enjoying the experience, and alcohol is served, so it’s best suited for those of legal drinking age.

Is there commentary about landmarks during the cruise?
No, the cruise does not include sightseeing commentary, which allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.

In the end, this Melbourne bottomless brunch cruise combines scenery, good food, and lively drinks in a way that’s both relaxing and memorable. Whether celebrating a special day or just wanting a different view of Melbourne, it’s a lively, enjoyable experience that many have rated nearly perfect.

You can check availability for your dates here: