Southern Cross Yacht Club

Few locations in Yarralumla can match the scenic charm and relaxed elegance of the Southern Cross Yacht Club. Set right on the edge of Lotus Bay, this waterfront venue blends exceptional dining with remarkable views of Lake Burley Griffin. Operated by the Canberra Southern Cross Club, the Yacht Club has earned a reputation among locals and visitors for its seasonal menus, attentive service, and versatile function spaces. Whether you are planning a leisurely lunch, a special dinner, or a private celebration, the team here focuses on quality food, thoughtful hospitality, and a setting that makes every occasion feel memorable.

Recent changes have made the venue even more inviting. From June 2026, the Yacht Club extended its opening hours and now welcomes guests from Wednesday through to Sunday. Sunday evenings are open for the first time, giving diners a fresh opportunity to end the weekend with a waterfront meal. A brand-new winter Prix Fixe menu lets you choose two or three courses from a freshly updated seasonal selection, while the Weekend Winter Buffet on Saturdays and Sundays showcases roast meats, fresh seafood, pasta, soup, and desserts. These additions sit alongside the popular Restaurant Menu and a carefully chosen Beverage Menu, offering something for everyone.

Services & Facilities

The Yacht Club is designed to cater to a wide range of needs, from casual dining to formal events. The main Yacht Club Restaurant serves lunch and dinner with a menu that highlights modern Australian cuisine and seasonal ingredients. For a more laid-back experience, Snapper & Co. on the ground floor offers relaxed lakeside dining seven days a week, with The Courtyard Menu and The Deck Menu available.

Beyond the dining room, the venue includes four distinct function spaces. The Wardroom is an intimate room ideal for private dinners, meetings, and conferences. The Lotus Room offers a private dining experience with full lake views. The Balcony stretches along the waterfront, giving guests an outdoor feel while remaining sheltered from the elements. Finally, The Yacht Club Restaurant itself can be booked out for larger events, combining the full dining room with those panoramic vistas.

• Yacht Club Restaurant — contemporary dining with seasonal menus
• Snapper & Co. — casual lakeside eating seven days a week
• The Wardroom — private room for dinners, meetings, and conferences
• The Lotus Room — exclusive dining area with lake views
• The Balcony — expansive, light-filled waterfront terrace
• Weekend Winter Buffet (Saturday & Sunday) — roasts, seafood, pasta, soup, desserts
• Prix Fixe menu — two- or three-course seasonal lunch and dinner

What We Offer

Food and drink sit at the heart of the Yacht Club experience. The restaurant menu changes with the seasons to ensure the freshest produce and most relevant flavours. A full beverage list covers local and imported wines, beers, spirits, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. The themed dining events add another layer—upcoming highlights include the Spirits CBR Cocktail Dinner, Tipsy Tea by the Fire on selected Sundays, and the Mt Majura Wine Dinner. These evenings pair curated menus with matching drinks in an intimate, waterside atmosphere.

Membership brings extra value. As part of the Canberra Southern Cross Club, guests can join the Star Rewards program, access reciprocal clubs, and enjoy member pricing on food, beverages, and events. The Weekend Winter Buffet is priced at $49 for members and $59 for non-members, with kids' buffet at just $10. Community is central to the club’s identity—over the past decade, more than $14 million has been contributed to local organisations, and more than $1.3 million in grants is delivered annually.

Dining & Menus

• Restaurant Menu — seasonal modern Australian dishes
• Beverage Menu — wines, beers, spirits, cocktails, and soft drinks
• Weekend Winter Buffet — comprehensive buffet available on weekends
• Prix Fixe Menu — two or three courses, updated seasonally
• Themed dining events — cocktail dinners, wine dinners, afternoon teas

Functions & Events

• Weddings — scenic waterfront ceremonies and receptions
• Conferences — meetings and corporate events with AV facilities
• Kid’s parties — fun, supervised celebrations
• Celebrations of life — dignified memorial gatherings
• Special occasions — birthdays, anniversaries, graduations
• External catering — off-site food service for private functions

Why Customers Choose Us

Guests consistently mention a few things in their reviews: the food is beautifully presented and genuinely delicious, the service is warm and professional, and the lake view adds a special dimension to any meal. One recent visitor described the food as top-class, noting that every dish was perfectly cooked and the portions were just right. Another group of six praised the upstairs dining room and singled out their server for outstanding hospitality from the moment they arrived. The modern décor and relaxed waterfront atmosphere also came up as highlights.

Beyond the plate, people appreciate the flexibility the club offers. Whether you want a quick casual bite at Snapper & Co., a long lunch on the Balcony, or a formal multi-course dinner in the restaurant, there is a space and a menu to match. The recent extension of hours and the introduction of Sunday evening service have made it even easier for families and groups to find a time that works. And with free parking for the first two hours ($5 for 2-3 hours, and a flat overnight fee of $20), visiting is straightforward.

Serving Yarralumla & Australian Capital Territory

Located at 1 Mariner Place on the shores of Lotus Bay, the Southern Cross Yacht Club sits in one of Canberra’s most picturesque suburbs. Yarralumla is known for its leafy streets, proximity to the water, and a village-like atmosphere just minutes from the city centre. Lake Burley Griffin is right on the doorstep, making the venue a natural choice for pre- or post-dinner walks, cycling, or simply enjoying the view. Public transport options serve the area, and the ample on-site parking means members and guests from across the ACT can reach the venue with ease.

As part of the Canberra Southern Cross Club—a not-for-profit organisation with over 80,000 members and four other licensed venues in Woden, Tuggeranong, and Jamison—the Yacht Club benefits from a deep connection to the community. The club employs over 600 people across its venues and fitness centres, and its commitment to continually improving facilities and services is reflected in every detail at the waterfront. Visitors from surrounding areas like Deakin, Curtin, and the broader ACT regularly choose the Yacht Club for its unique combination of quality, value, and setting.

Hours, Location & Directions

The Yacht Club is open Wednesday to Saturday from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm, and Sunday from 11:30 am to 5:00 pm. Snapper & Co. operates seven days a week, so casual dining is always available even when the main restaurant is closed. The venue is located at Lotus Bay, 1 Mariner Place, Yarralumla ACT 2600. To book a table, call +61 2 6273 1784 or email reception.yachtclub@cscc.com.au. Online bookings can be made through the ‘Book Now’ link on the Canberra Southern Cross Club website.

Questions Visitors Ask

Do I need to be a member to dine at the Yacht Club?

Under ACT regulations, all residents must be a member of the Canberra Southern Cross Club—or be signed in by a member—to dine at any of its licensed venues. Membership is straightforward to join online or at reception, and it unlocks member pricing, Star Rewards, and access to other club venues.

Is there a dress code?

Yes, the club maintains a reasonable dress code. Smart casual attire is expected, and thongs, singlets, or offensive clothing are not permitted in dining areas. Full details are available on the club’s website under the policies section.

Can I host a wedding reception here?

Absolutely. The Yacht Club is a popular waterfront wedding venue. The Balcony, Lotus Room, and the main restaurant can all be configured for ceremonies and receptions. The events team works with couples to tailor menus, drinks packages, and room layouts to suit their vision.

What is the Weekend Winter Buffet?

Starting 6 June 2026, every Saturday and Sunday from lunchtime onward, the restaurant serves an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring roast meats, fresh seafood, pasta, soups, and desserts. The regular à la carte menu is not available on weekends during this period. Members pay $49, non-members $59, and kids eat for $10.

Is takeaway or delivery available?

Yes. The club offers takeaway and home delivery through its ‘Takeaway’ and online ordering platforms. Menus for takeaway are posted on the website, and orders can be placed via the nowbookit.com booking system or the promote delivery page.

Are there public transport or parking options nearby?

On-site parking is available with a graduated rate: the first two hours are free, 2-3 hours cost $5, 4-5 hours $10, 5-6 hours $15, and overnight is a flat $20. Rates apply daily from 8am to 5pm including public holidays. Public buses stop within walking distance, and the lakeside cycle path passes close to the venue.