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Brisbane Sightseeing cruises

Our most recommended Brisbane Sightseeing cruises

From Brisbane or Gold Coast: Moreton Island Full-Day Trip

1. From Brisbane or Gold Coast: Moreton Island Full-Day Trip

Enjoy a day on Moreton Island on this full-day trip from Brisbane or the Gold Coast. Relax on the cruise on the way, enjoy a delicious lunch, then take part in fun outdoor activities like kayaking and sand tobogganing. Be picked up from a centrally-located meeting point in Brisbane or the Gold Coast. Sit back and relax on the air-conditioned drive to the boat's departure point. Board a spacious boat with an outdoor area and a covered seating area. Enjoy ocean views as you cruise across Moreton Bay. Discover a vibrant underwater world as you follow your guide on a snorkeling tour around shipwrecks. Have the chance to spot turtles, fish, and rays. Stop to savor a sandwich lunch on the beach before taking a guided tour in a glass-bottom kayak. View the underwater wonders of the Tangalooma Wrecks as you paddle over crystal-clear water. Explore the area on the island that is known as "The Desert." Ride in a rugged 4X4, and experience the exhilaration of sand tobogganing at speeds of over 40 miles per hour. Admire the Gheebulum Coonungai National Park that covers most of Moreton Island.

Brisbane: Sightseeing River Cruise with Morning Tea

2. Brisbane: Sightseeing River Cruise with Morning Tea

Experience the original sightseeing cruise on the Brisbane River, as you sip your morning tea. During this 1.5 hour guided tour, you will be entertained by informative commentary, while taking advantage of  fantastic photo opportunities. Board the MV Neptune at the City Botanic Gardens River Pontoons. These are located on the river at the City Botanic Gardens. Access off Alice Street through the gates at either Albert St or Edward St. Cruise past Brisbane’s most iconic sights, including the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the city center, and the Story Bridge.    Enjoy this interesting, cost-effective, and informative tour of Brisbane’s distinctive river scene, ideal for both locals and visitors. Available year-round, you don’t want to miss out on this beautiful and relaxing tour.  

Brisbane: 1.5 Hour River Sunset Cruise

3. Brisbane: 1.5 Hour River Sunset Cruise

Board your boat for the evening at 5:45 PM and set off along the scenic Brisbane River at 6:00 PM. Purchase a drink from the onboard bar, then sit back and relax as you gaze at the city skyline. Gently cruise along the river, admiring the many bridges along the way, including the impressive Story Bridge. Marvel at the beautiful Kangaroo Cliffs, and watch the city be transformed with color as it lights up at night. Along the way, listen to relaxing music, take in the sights of the city, and soak up the memories of this unforgettable experience. The cruise ends at 7:30 PM, back at the dock.

Brisbane: River Cruise with Lunch

4. Brisbane: River Cruise with Lunch

Discover Brisbane from the water with this river cruise complete with lunch at one of the city's most popular eateries. Departing from South Bank, set out on a 1.5-hour cruise to explore some of Brisbane's most important sights. During your cruise, see sights such as the South Bank Parklands, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Story Bridge, New Farm Park, and the Brisbane riverside homes. The sights will be accompanied by an informative commentary about the region as well as a morning tea to satisfy your onboard cravings. The morning cruise will last for 45 minutes until you reach your first port of call. After a short walk from the landing dock, arrive at the Breakfast Creek Hotel where you can enjoy a delicious meal. Choose from a range of dishes such as rump steak, panko calamari, and Caesar salad. From here, you will once again board the boat to cruise back to the dock at South Bank within the luscious Parklands.

Brisbane: Midday River Sightseeing Cruise

5. Brisbane: Midday River Sightseeing Cruise

Discover Brisbane on a fun city cruise and learn all about the area from a local guide. See the highlights of Brisbane and snap great photos along the way. Enjoy informative commentary of your guide while taking advantage of the fantastic photo opportunities.  Cruise past Brisbane’s most iconic sights including the city center, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, New Farm Park, and the Story Bridge. The commentary will tell you some of the history of Brisbane and point out the historical and contemporary landmarks of the city.

Brisbane: Classic Day Cruise to Tangalooma on Moreton Island

6. Brisbane: Classic Day Cruise to Tangalooma on Moreton Island

When you check in at the wharf, the staff will advise all tour times of the day to guests. You'll then travel from Brisbane to Moreton Island on a scenic boat ride. You may choose to enjoy a complimentary beverage either on the boat ride over or the return journey. Arrive at beautiful Moreton Island after a 75-minute boat journey. If you have selected the desert safari tour, you’ll travel by 4WD vehicle to the Tangalooma Desert. With this thrilling and bumpy 4WD bus tour - getting there is half the fun. Get a look at the real Moreton Island, the world's third largest sand island. You can choose to participate in the exhilarating sport of Moreton Island sand tobogganing, reaching speeds of up to 40km per hour. Perfect for everyone from beginners to thrill-seekers as you can choose your own pace. If you have chosen the marine discovery cruise, you’ll journey along the coastline in search of dolphins, dugongs, green sea turtles, rays and more. The purpose-built discovery boat provides unobstructed views of Moreton Bay’s intriguing marine life. Enjoy full eco commentary, provided to explain the habitats and behaviors of the local marine creatures. Throughout the day, you’ll also have a full access to the resort facilities including pools, restaurants and bars. Then, head back to the wharf to depart for Brisbane at 4:00 PM. After the 75-minute return journey, you will arrive back in Brisbane at 5:15 PM.

Gold Coast: Self-Guided Eco Boat Rental From Isle of Capri

7. Gold Coast: Self-Guided Eco Boat Rental From Isle of Capri

Relax away from land on a small electric boat that fits you and seven other friends and pets. Take a zip around with a picnic on board, with a convenient table and cupholders, and bench seating for you and your crew. First, board the Danish-designed picnic boat constructed from fiberglass which uses recycled PET bottles. Be one with nature as you sail along the water with an electric motor to propel you. From here, you'll feel good knowing your ride is giving back to the community being on board a vessel that helps clean up the local waterways of trash. Set sail from the Isle of Capri, Gold Coast, and use your provided map to follow the waterway. Finally, take in the views from the water, and let the smell of the water wash over your senses as you sip on your cooler of drinks. Glide along with easy steering onboard, and controlled speed on the motor before wrapping up your tour with easy docking.

Brisbane: Cruise to Watch 'Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race'

8. Brisbane: Cruise to Watch 'Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race'

Saturate yourself in the competitiveness of the boating world by securing your very own front row seat to the annual Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race. Travelling on board the magnificent Eye Spy Vessel, we cruise out to staring line to watch the commencement of this historical Yacht Race where you will enjoy a beautiful meal and entertainment plus - You just couldn't get any closer!

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Other Sightseeing Options in Brisbane

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What people are saying about Brisbane

Everything from start to end was fantastic. Pick up location in Gold Coast was central and easy to get to. Activities were amazing from snorkelling in ship wreaks to sand boarding in the desert. Staff are very friendly and encouraging. Lunch and equipment provided was great. Long day from Gold Coast but well worth the travel.

Fabulous! We enjoyed the snorkelling, kayaking and sliding down the sand dunes (but the sun and sand were scorching hot that day). Crew were friendly and helpful, we felt safe the whole time. We’re glad we did that last minute booking!

The tour itself and tour guides were excellent but I was disappointed to find that there was an international transaction fee of $10.68 added to the cost of the cruise for the four of us.

Everything was so well organised for our trip to Tangalooma. The staff were friendly and extremely helpful and there was never a dull moment. I would definitely recommend.

Great variety of activities. Secured area to leave our things while in the water. Delicious lunch. All the guides were so helpful and professional keeping us safe.