5 Sunset River Cruises in Australia Worth Booking

1.Surfers Paradise: Sightseeing Sunset River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 482 reviews · 1h 30m · from $31Our pick

Spend 90 minutes on the Nerang River and Gold Coast waterways with live English commentary, sunset views and wildlife spotting. You will pass Marina Mirage, Sea World, Southport Yacht Club, luxury homes and mega-yachts. Cheese, crackers and savoury nibbles are included. Drinks, including cocktails and champagne, are available from the licensed bar.

“We had a wonderful wee trip. The staff are so friendly and so knowledgable about the area and very cheery too. Surprise nibbles on board included in price, which was very reasonable indeed. Captain ordered a 'Happy birthday' singalong for my friend's birthday too. We all enjoyed our trip and we all agree that we'd do it again, so I thoroughly recommend the trip to anyone, all ages too. Thank you guys for making our day so much brighter. :-)”

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2.Sunshine Coast: Mooloolaba River Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 310 reviews · 1h 30m · from $38

Cruise from The Wharf Mooloolaba to the river mouth, fish markets, harbour, and canals while guides such as Ollie and Lou share local stories. You can order fresh seafood, cocktails, wine, beer, and soft drinks onboard. The enclosed boat runs in most weather and costs $38, with food and drinks extra.

“it was so relaxing and enjoyable, our captain was so friendly, informative and funny.”

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3.Cairns: Sunset River Cruise with Snack and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 185 reviews · 1h 30m · from $50

Cruise Cairns’ Trinity Inlet for 90 minutes at sunset with an English-speaking skipper, a beer, wine, or soft drink, and a light savory snack. Expect mangroves, skyline views, local history, wildlife stories, and a small-boat atmosphere. Guides may include Steve, Jack, Joe, Bruce, Jacob, or Stu.

“Great activity for sunset as there are not many tours in the area for later at night.”

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4.Noosaville: Noosa River Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 161 reviews · 2 hours · from $26Best value

Cruise from Noosaville through Woods Bay, Weyba Creek, the River Mouth, and Noosa Sound Canals as the sun drops. Your English-speaking skipper mixes local history, wildlife, house prices, and friendly jokes with calm music. The bar sells drinks, and you can bring snacks. Allow about 2.5 hours for the Noosaville round trip.

“Captain Dave (haha) was fabulous. Shame he couldn’t provide a sunset but the trip was a lot of fun. He was both the barman and skipper, well done!!”

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5.Byron Bay: Scenic Sunset River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 8 reviews · 2 hours · from $49Top rated

Set out from Lance Ferris Wharf in Ballina for a two-hour sunset cruise along the Richmond River. A marine biologist guide, including Marian on some outings, provides live commentary on local wildlife and history as you pass mangroves, creeks, Mobb’s Bay, and Pimlico Island. Two cold drinks and locally made sweet and savoury treats are included.

“It was a fun experience - very interesting information about wildlife and very safe - good food - Started to rain/storm - al got wet but kids had fun - a great adventure .. Thankyou”

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