brisbane river cruises 2022

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WELCOME TO RIVER CITY CRUISES

Explore queensland’s capital on a boutique timber vessel with a relaxing and informative tour of the city of brisbane from the river is one of the best things to do in brisbane. during the cruise you will be entertained by an informative commentary that provides insight into the history of brisbane and the river today. perfect for both locals and visitors.

Our Daily Cruises

PLEASE NOTE DEPARTURE LOCATION

We depart from the Cultural Centre Public Pontoon, South Brisbane Qld 4101. This is located on the river outside the Cultural Centre, about 100m upstream from the Victoria bridge and 300m upstream from the Brisbane Wheel. Please Note: Unfortunately M V Neptune is not equipped for wheelchair access and refreshments are available for purchase on board by card only.

Morning Tea Cruise

Midday cruise, cruise to lunch package, sunset river cruise.

• Friday & Saturday

South Bank Combo Pass

Afternoon cruise, newstead to southbank cruise, new years 2024 cruise, riverfire 2025.

• PRELIMINARY 30th of August 2025

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Seniors groups, youth or school groups or just want to arrange a private function then we can provide a great outcome.

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Brisbane’s Best Tour

Hop on board the MV Neptune for a magnificent tour of Brisbane by water. This remains Brisbane’s best value tour. During the cruise you will be entertained by an informative commentary that provides insight into the history of Brisbane and the River today. Enjoy an ice cold beer or wine from bar as you marvel at the historical landmarks and the homes of the rich and famous. Perfect for both locals and visitors!

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Experience The City Of Brisbane On A River Cruise

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Brisbane River Cruises

Discover The Brisbane Cityscape From The Story Bridge

The legendary Story Bridge in Brisbane is not merely a thoroughfare that connects the Brisbane Central Business District (CBD) and Fortitude Valley with Kangaroo Point. It's a portal to breathtaking views, epic adventures, and memories that’ll stick with you.

Posted on Dec 18, 2023

Koala-Ty Time: The Ultimate Lone Pine Koala Experience

Say G’day to the first and largest koala sanctuary in the world, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane, Australia. What first started out as a safe refuge for the sick and injured koalas back in the 1920s, has now blossomed into one of the best tourist places in Brisbane.

Posted on Nov 16, 2023

The Only Weekend Getaway Itinerary In Brisbane You Need

Brisbane is blooming. If there was even the slightest doubt that Brisbane is a global metropolis, it’s been put to sleep with the news that the 2032 Olympics will be hosted here.

Posted on Oct 26, 2023

32 The Promenade, King Street Wharf, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia

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Recreation Hub, Commercial Pontoon, 449 Kingsford Smith Drive, Hamilton Qld 4007 PO Box 8294 Wynnum North QLD 4178

The 5 Best Brisbane River Cruise Tours [2024 Reviews]

It’s no secret that Australia is bursting at the seams with adventure and excitement, but there are plenty of serene opportunities that lie within its natural landscapes.

If you’re in Brisbane and want an excursion that will take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, offering lush riverside scenery and amazing skyline views, you’re in for a real treat.

Going on a Brisbane river cruise is one of the best activities you can partake in, and it’s great for people of any age or background! I’ve carefully curated this guide with the 5 top Brisbane river cruises available that are well worth your time and money. Let’s get started!

Best Brisbane River Cruises

Quick answer: the 5 best rated brisbane river cruise tours for 2024.

• Brisbane River Cruise with Entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
• 90min Brisbane River Cruise/Tour
• Sunset River Cruise
• Brisbane River Cruise
• City Lights Dinner Cruise in Brisbane with Dinner

Brisbane River Cruise Tour Reviews

1. brisbane river cruise with entry to lone pine koala sanctuary.

• Duration: 5.5 hours
• Departure: Cultural Centre Boardwalk, South Brisbane QLD 4101
• Departure Time: 9:00 AM
• Includes:  Round-trip cruise, general admission into Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

There’s no way you can explore Brisbane without taking advantage of the amazing flora and fauna that awaits. With the Brisbane River Cruise with Entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary , it combines both seamlessly, offering a fun and educational adventure.

I know it sounds a bit cliche, but I’ve always wanted to see koalas in real life, and was so excited that I was able to on this tour!

We started out by meeting with our guide at the Cultural Centre Boardwalk in the morning, where he greeted us and offered us a briefing of what to expect for the morning and afternoon.

We then boarded our vessel, which was a clean and comfortable boat that offered plenty of food and drinks for purchase (the pastries in particular are a must-try).

The cruise was quite leisurely and relaxing, offering amazing views of the city skyline and iconic landmarks like the Story Bridge and South Park Parklands.

As we cruised along, our guide did a fantastic job at offering interesting commentary, including historical and cultural knowledge, as well as some funny anecdotes.

Expand To See More See Less

After about an hour on the boat, we arrived at the Lone Pine Koala Sancturary, which is nearly 100 years old! We learned that it’s used today as a refuge for ill, injured, and orphaned koalas who cannot support themselves in the wild.

Back when it opened in 1927, it was a time where koalas were in grave danger of being culled for the fur trade, but it’s still very important to have around today.

The sanctuary itself is quite beautiful, as a haven of natural beauty, with plenty of shade provided by the eucalyptus trees, where these furry little guys laze in the branches above.

It was a fantastic opportunity to learn about the importance ofkeeping them safe with a wide range of exhibits, learning not only about the cute marsupials, but the local birds of prey, too.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other experiences you may enjoy:, 2. 90min brisbane river cruise/tour.

• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Departure Time: 10:30 AM, 12:30 & 2:30 PM
• Includes:  1.5-hour Sight Seeing Cruise, Live commentary, Morning Tea (10:30am cruise), Souvenir Map of Brisbane City

If you already have a packed itinerary and are looking for the opportunity to add in something a bit more relaxing in Mother Nature, this next tour should be up for consideration.

90min Brisbane River Cruise/Tour  is a fantastic way to get a lay of the land (and water?) in a way that allows you to experience the allure of Brisbane in a rather compact journey.

With great customer service and excellent organization, it’s one of my top recommendations if you’ve just arrived in the city and want to see and learn a lot, quickly.

With many different start times available throughout the morning and afternoon, it’s that much easier to fit into a busy schedule. Arrive at the boardwalk at least 10 minutes before your cruise time, stepping aboard the sleek vessels to be greeted by the friendly staff.

I’d be willing to say that the staff won’t above and beyond to make us feel welcome, ensuring a fantastic experience for everyone.

As soon as we all got settled in, they provided us with some delicious scones to accompany our morning tea to enjoy as we soaked in the beautiful views on the river.

The captain was very funny and did a great job at making everything interesting, regaling us with anecdotes and historical background on each site.

Taking the tour for me was incredibly useful in getting to know Brisbane fast, and I made sure to explore certain places further after them catching my interest while on the river.

Southbank beaches and lagoons, Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park, bridges, etc. were all interesting to see from this perspective, and made me realize just how interesting Brisbane really is. If you’re looking for a nice, relaxing cruise that isn’t crowded or noisy, definitely consider this one.

It’s a wonderful way to start out any morning in this lovely city, and even more so with such wonderful hosts.

3. Brisbane Sunset River Cruise

• Departure Time: 6:00 PM
• Includes:  In-person guide, restroom on board

As the sun starts to set, Brisbane becomes a city of shimmering lights with a charming glow and vibe to it. There’s no better way to experience an evening in Brisbane than with the Sunset River Cruise tour .

If you’re looking for a romantic evening activity that doesn’t involve going to a restaurant or don’t want to deal with a fully-guided tour, this is just the ticket.

However, don’t think that it’s just ideal for couples – it’s also perfect for solo travelers, as well as friend groups or entire families. I found it was a great way to meet fellow travelers, as it kind of had a lighthearted, nighttime experience.

If you have an evening free and would also like to learn a bit more about the history and cultural background of Brisbane, this is it.

As we relaxed and cruised along the tranquil waters, I watched as the lights reflected off the river and sipped on some delicious beer while listening to the captain.

Seeing Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point’s cliffs looked so different at night, taking on a new kind of charm under the allure of darkness. The food was also quite tasty, serving as a nice precursor to going out to eat at a restaurant, if that’s on your itinerary.

The canapes and snacks were nice and varied, from salty/savory delights to sweet treats, there’s something for everyone.

With plenty of comfortable seating, restaurants onboard, and other amenities, it’s also a quite nice place to spend some time. Oh, and then take into consideration the ultra-inexpensive price, and you seriously can’t go wrong here.

4. Brisbane River Cruise 12.30pm

• Duration:  1.5 hours
• Departure Time: 12:30 PM
• Includes:  1.5-hour sightseeing cruise, live commentary, souvenir map of Brisbane city, access to the onboard coffee shop/licensed bar

Are you someone who doesn’t want to get up early in the morning to head out to a tour, or perhaps want to break up a busy day with a bit of relaxation and comfort?

If that sounds like you at all, go ahead and check out the Brisbane River Cruise 12.30pm experience . Instead of going out to lunch, this tour is a great alternative to have some tasty food, refreshing drinks, and a pretty tour in the sunshine.

I really find this tour to be ideal for anyone of any age, activity level, background, etcetera., as it’s a very welcoming experience.

You’ll set off on a journey along the winding waters of the river, which is one of the coolest activities to partake in during the summertime. You’ll get to kick back, let the stress melt away, and appreciate the beauty of Brisbane’s stunning skyline with great company.

We started out from the South Bank, all the way through the city under the Story Bridge, until Breakfast Creek – I got to know the city quite well!

Something I will mention, is that if you’re interested in unique suburban architecture, this is the cruise for you. I took some incredible photos and videos as we cruised along, and as there weren’t too many people on board, didn’t have to worry about my view getting interrupted.

The entertaining live commentary only enriched the experience further, and I purchased a coffee and snack from their onboard bar/cafe to enjoy as I listened.

They thoughtfully provided us with a complimentary gift of a Brisbane city map, as well as some discounts for other activities throughout the city. Overall, it was another really affordable, fun activity that I highly recommend.

5. City Lights Dinner Cruise in Brisbane with Dinner

• Includes:  Dinner, restroom on board, snacks

This is truly one of the most magical tours I’ve been on in Brisbane, and if you’re looking to indulge in an evening of tasty food and drink, check this one out.

With amazing stunning views of the glowing water, the City Lights Dinner Cruise in Brisbane with Dinner  is one to impress. Instead of going to dinner at a nice restaurant, try this sophisticated, relaxing experience that you’re sure to want to repeat.

Starting out at 6pm, you’ll head to the boardwalk to meet the captain and crew, where you’ll be escorted onboard the clean and upscale vessel. The staff on this boat is undoubtedly one of the best of any I’ve encountered, answering any questions we had with a sense of expertise.

The seating was nice and comfortable, with each table offering a great view of the river, city skyline, and other interesting sites.

It was surprising that this tour was only 1.5 hours, as I simply learned so much about Brisbane’s history and culture, and experienced so many different stories and forms of entertainment.

I enjoyed the included snacks and drinks while listening to music, with undoubtedly one of the most impressive Australian city backgrounds. The luxurious buffet dinner followed up the snacks, which was very substantial and the quality of a nice dinner.

I also appreciated the full bar on our boat, which made the tour even more cost effective – perfect for those who are on a tight budget but want to really learn about Brisbane. Using locally-sourced ingredients, everything tasted very fresh, and I felt represented the local foodie scene quite well.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking to make a memorable night out, this is the tour for you!

Tour Guides

The Brisbane River Cruise with Entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is our Editors Choice for the best Brisbane river cruise

Krysha Thayer

Related articles, 🐋 the 5 best sydney whale watching tours – [2024 reviews], the 5 best blue mountains tours from sydney – [2024 reviews], the 5 best moreton island tours from brisbane – [2024 reviews], the 4 best wine tours in australia from melbourne [2024 reviews].

Brisbane River Cruises & Island Tours

Browse and book our range of Brisbane river cruises for families, kids and adults. Book online here

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Cruises from Brisbane

Discover queensland's sunny capital city of brisbane, the gateway to the gold and sunshine coasts.

Best Ocean Cruise Line Overall

Cruise Passenger Reader’s Choice Awards, 8-time consecutive winner

Cruising from Brisbane gives you the perfect opportunity to uncover the very best of New Zealand, Tasmania and beyond. Try local produce at one of the city’s many farmers markets, and surround yourself with incredible works of art at QAGOMA. Or hike Mt Coot-tha to watch the sun set over the sparkling skyline. From dusk until well after dawn, this city will keep you busy before or after your cruise from Brisbane.

Find the Best Cruises from Brisbane

New Zealand

Between the dramatic landscapes and rich heritage, New Zealand is a destination you will want to return to again and again. On your next cruise from Brisbane, marvel at grottos filled with glow-worms one day, and sample an authentic Māori hangi the next. From awe-inspiring sites like Fiordland National Park to our immersive Across the Ditch program, there is no better way to experience New Zealand than with Princess.

From the spectacular outback and bustling cities to the natural wonders and rich culture, Australia is one of those places that really does have something for everyone. Taste your way through Margaret River’s dazzling wine region. Dive the iconic Great Barrier Reef, or meet wildlife at Melbourne’s Healesville Sanctuary. On cruises from Brisbane, experience it all and so much more.

Australia Seacations

With short cruises from Brisbane, discover Australia at your own pace. Climb Sydney’s Harbour Bridge, and people-watch at Bondi. Or pan for gold at Melbourne’s Sovereign Hill museum, and browse through clothes, housewares and souvenirs at Queen Victoria Market. Whether it’s a long weekend with a loved one or a few days of play with family, your Seacation cruise from Brisbane will take you where you want to go.

Tasmania is a scenic wonderland just waiting to be explored. When cruising from Brisbane, uncover the many delights of Tassie on a Tasmanian cruise. Highlights include climbing Cradle Mountain, wandering Hobart’s Salamanca Markets, exploring the penal colony at Port Arthur and taking in the sunset at Great Oyster Bay.

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is a destination that has to be seen to be believed. Discover natural hot springs, mud pools and geysers, or uncover barrier reefs, drop offs, coral gardens and wreck dive sites. Whether partaking in cultural festivals, sampling cuisine or trekking trails, cruises from Brisbane will ignite your senses as you venture through the unexplored paradise of Papua New Guinea.

Tahiti & South Pacific

Cruise from Brisbane and embark on a sensory adventure as you travel to the idyllic paradise of Tahiti and the islands of the South Pacific. Stroll through Tahiti’s bustling capital Papeete. Feel the turquoise waters lapping at your feet in Bora Bora, and bask on the beaches of Moorea. Or get off the beaten path to unearth spectacles such as the waterfalls at Faarumai or the tomb of the last king of Tahiti, Pomare V.

New Caledonia & Vanuatu

The islands of New Caledonia & Vanuatu have to be seen to be believed. From the picturesque French influenced Noumea, to the friendly waters of Port Vila, there is something for everyone on a cruise through this region. You’ll experience some of the most amazing snorkelling, and some of the friendliest people in the world at each of your ports of call.

Asia Cruises

Asia is a land where ancient civilisations and traditions meet vibrant cities and contemporary flavours. On cruises from Brisbane, see the very best of Asia and embark on a sensory journey through the region’s most iconic cities. Learn the art of Thai dancing in Bangkok, navigate the Cu Chi tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City and discover 8,000-year-old history at the National Palace Museum in Taipei.

World Cruises

On World Cruises from Brisbane, unpack once and visit even more destinations while enjoying more time at sea. As you explore the many corners of the world, connect with other guests who share your passion for travel and exploration. Together, embark on one legendary adventure, travelling from idyllic island paradise to towering cityscapes – and everywhere in between.

What You Need to Know About Cruises from Brisbane

Perfectly laidback yet packed with culture, adventure and excitement, Brisbane is a city full of treasures well worth exploring. Here’s everything you need to know about the city, so you can make the most of your cruise from Brisbane.

Brisbane at a glance

• Language : English
• Currency : Australian Dollar (AUD)
• Time Zone : Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)
• Docking : Your cruise from Brisbane docks at Brisbane International Cruise Terminal.
• Attire : Weather is warm or hot all year round, with a rainy season from December to February. Opt for shorts and t-shirts during the day, and pack long pants and sweaters for cooler evenings in June to August. 
• Transportation : Priding itself on being a green city, Brisbane makes it easy to get around using public transport, offering an extensive network of bus, ferry and rail services.

Things to do in Brisbane

When cruising from Brisbane, walk on South Bank, climb Story Bridge and catch a show at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Or learn about the city’s past on a visit to Boggo Road Gaol, shop ‘til you drop at Queen Street Mall and catch a few innings at the Gabba. Whether it’s a picnic in the City Botanic Gardens or a comedy night at Brisbane Powerhouse, your visit to Brisbane will set the tone for adventure.

Ships That Cruise from Brisbane

Our Princess fleet includes some of the best cruises from Brisbane. Find the comforts of home along with the luxuries you deserve on board any of our ships. Discover what makes our fleet so unique.

Learn more about  Coral Princess® , Diamond Princess® , and Grand Princess®

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Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair® flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

Princess EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

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Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax

Extend your cruise vacation and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the representative’s services.

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Start planning the vacation of your dreams with a cruise you'll love at a price you can't beat. Explore our latest featured deals, snag some last-minute savings and see how our all-inclusive packages can make your getaway even better.

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