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Tried and Chartered: 5 Best Brisbane River Cruises
Brisbane’s a stunner, no doubt. But have you ever seen it sparkle from a different angle, like a diamond reflecting off a million sunbeams? That’s the magic of a Brisbane River cruise!
Ditch the crowded streets and hop aboard a scenic river jaunt. We’ve scoured the options to bring you the best Brisbane River cruises guaranteed to show you the city in a whole new light (without the sunburn)!
1. Mirimar Cruises
Services: Daily Cruises, Koala and River Cruises, Christmas Cruise, Private Functions, etc.
Website: https://www.mirimarcruises.com.au/
Address: Cultural Centre Pontoon Southbank Boardwalk, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Contact Details: +61 412 749 426
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 8:30am – 3pm
Google reviews score | 4.7/5 |
Facebook reviews score | 4.7/5 |
Total reviews | 5/5 |
Score consistency | 5/5 |
Services | 4.8/5 |
Amenities | 5/5 |
Itinerary | 4.9/5 |
Bookings/Reservations | 5/5 |
Rates | 5/5 |
Pros
- Offers cruises to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary from Tuesday to Sunday
- Provides convenient itinerary with meal inclusions
Cons
- Selection of cruise experiences are limited
- No cruises on Mondays
What we love most about Mirimar Cruises is the convenience as they offer daily cruises departing right from the heart of the city!
Setting sail on the Brisbane River is a fantastic way to see the city from a different perspective. The cruise itself was smooth and relaxing, with informative commentary along the way.
If you wish to see koalas up close and personal, we recommend cruising to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary through Miramar. This day tour includes morning tea and lunch, 3 hours at the sanctuary, while you can purchase some snacks from their on-board cafe.
For something a little more festive, they also offer Christmas cruises – a great way to get into the holiday spirit! You can choose from a Sunset Cruise or a Late Afternoon Cruise.
Pricing for their cruises starts from $80, which we think is reasonable considering the inclusions.
In addition, you can also avail of private charters for special events wherein you can book a DJ for the night and choose from their menu options.
While we appreciate that they offer daily cruises to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, it seems that they lack other interesting cruise experiences. Also, take note that they’re closed on Mondays.
2. River City Cruises
Services: Morning Tea Cruise, Midday Cruise, Cruise to Lunch, Sunset River Cruise, South Bank Combo Pass, Groups/Charters, etc.
Website: https://rivercitycruises.com.au/
Address: Cultural Centre Public Pontoon, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Contact Details: +61 428 278 473
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 7:30am – 2:30pm; Sunday, 10:30am – 2:30pm
Google reviews score | 4.7/5 |
Facebook reviews score | 4.8/5 |
Total reviews | 5/5 |
Score consistency | 4.9/5 |
Services | 5/5 |
Amenities | 4.7/5 |
Itinerary | 5/5 |
Bookings/Reservations | 5/5 |
Rates | 5/5 |
Pros
- Offers daily cruises at affordable rates
- Offers a good selection of daily cruises from morning to afternoon
Cons
- No air conditioning on board
- Top deck seats can be uncomfortable
River City Cruises offers a truly unique and memorable way to experience the vibrant city of Brisbane. We love that they provide an unparalleled vantage point to take in the stunning riverside scenery and world-class attractions.
The staff ensured we had everything we needed for a comfortable and enjoyable cruise. The vessel itself was clean with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating areas to soak in the picturesque views.
They offer a selection of cruise experiences which allow you to appreciate the city’s iconic landmarks even more, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide.
Some of their most popular cruises include the Morning Tea, Midday, Cruise to Lunch, Afternoon Cruise, South Bank Combo Pass, and Newwstead to South Bank.
We love that these cruises are offered daily, while you can take a Sunset River Cruise on Fridays and Saturdays.
Another reason why River City Cruises is one of the best cruises in Brisbane is the affordable pricing.
You can go for a Morning Tea Cruise for just $49. This includes a complimentary Devonshire Tea with tea or coffee, informative commentary, and of course, a scenic Brisbane River cruise.
The only caveat is that there’s no air conditioning on board. So if you’re planning on booking, it’s also good to check the temperature for the day as it might be too hot.
Also, the top deck seats can be improved as it can be quite uncomfortable especially for long trips. But overall, it’s a relaxing and affordable way to soak in the city sights.
3. Brisbane Cruises
Services: Brisbane to Gold Coast Day Cruise, Bribie Island Day Cruise, Explore Our River Lunch/Dinner Cruise, St Helena Island Day Tour, Private Functions, etc.
Website: https://www.brisbanecruises.com.au/
Address: Commercial Hub, Hamilton Recreational Pontoon, 449 Kingsford Smith Dr, Hamilton QLD 4007
Contact Details: +61 7 3630 2666
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
Google reviews score | 4.7/5 |
Facebook reviews score | 4.8/5 |
Total reviews | 4.9/5 |
Score consistency | 4.9/5 |
Services | 4.9/5 |
Amenities | 5/5 |
Itinerary | 4.9/5 |
Bookings/Reservations | 4.8/5 |
Rates | 5/5 |
Pros
- Offers a selection of whole day packages
- Affordable rates complete with essential inclusions such as meals and drinks
Cons
- No cruises on weekends
- Does not offer fixed daily cruise schedules
Brisbane Cruises is one of the best cruises to book in the city as they offer whole day cruises to the beautiful Gold Coast.
These cruises allow you to take in the stunning views of the Brisbane River, Moreton Bay, and the glittering Southeast Queensland coastline.
Their signature Brisbane to Gold Coast Day Cruise lasts for 8 hours. It sets sail past a fascinating mix of old and new, from modern ports to glimpses of historic landmarks like the Peel Island leper colony and St Helena Island’s colonial prison.
As you soak it all in, you can enjoy complimentary morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and a comfortable return coach to Brisbane.
The best part is, the tour package is very budget-friendly at $109. We think it’s a really good deal especially if you want a relaxing and slow-paced sight-seeing activity complete with all the essentials.
What’s more, they also offer a Brisbane River Lunch or Dinner Cruise starting from $50. You can also opt to explore Bribie Island through their day tour and lunch packages.
However, they don’t offer cruises on weekends but they might be available for private bookings during these times. Also, their cruises aren’t on a fixed daily schedule so always check their website for available dates.
4. River to Bay
Services: Brisbane – Straddie, Manly – Straddie, Straddie Tours, Straddie Guide, Straddie Bus, Brewery Tours, etc.
Website: https://rivertobay.com.au/
Address: Suite 287/11 Racecourse Rd, Hamilton QLD 4007
Contact Details: +61 7 3517 4952
Hours: Open 24 hours (for online inquiries)
Google reviews score | 4.7/5 |
Facebook reviews score | 4.5/5 |
Total reviews | 4.5/5 |
Score consistency | 5//5 |
Services | 4.7/5 |
Amenities | 4.8/5 |
Itinerary | 4.7/5 |
Bookings/Reservations | 5/5 |
Rates | 5/5 |
Pros
- Offers high-speed water taxi services from Brisbane to Straddie
- Great option for those short on time but still wish to take a scenic river route to the bay
Cons
- No complimentary food and drinks included
- Those prone to seasickness must take medication before the trip
If you’re looking for a way to escape the bustle of the city in style, River to Bay offers quick getaways to the Moreton Bay islands in a quick scenic cruise!
River to Bay utilizes a modern fleet of high-performance vessels designed for speed, safety, and efficiency. These advanced boats are among the leaders in their class within Southeast Queensland.
Their Straddie Shuttle service offers a convenient and enjoyable water taxi option. It connects passengers from Brisbane City and Northshore Hamilton directly to North Stradbroke Island.
For those searching for adventure, you’d be thrilled to know that they also partner with various local operators to offer a diverse range of Moreton Bay experiences.
You can go island hopping, join eco-friendly 4WD tours and boat tours, and even a special excursion designed for oyster enthusiasts.
Their Brisbane to Straddie service is priced at $44 for a round-trip ticket. But take note that this doesn’t include complimentary meals and drinks, but snacks are available for purchase on board.
Also keep in mind that their service is a high-speed shuttle. If you’re prone to seasickness, it’s best to take medication prior to departure.
To conclude, River to Bay is a great option for those who’d like to take the fast and scenic river to bay route to North Stradbroke Island or Straddie. But if you’re looking for a more relaxing and slow-paced cruise, it would be best to book elsewhere.
5. Brisvegas Cruises
Services: Birthday Parties, Uni Cruises, Christmas Parties, Weddings, Bucks Parties, Corporate Events, etc.
Website: https://www.brisvegascruises.com.au/
Address: 63 Rotherham St, Kangaroo Point QLD 4169
Contact Details: +61 1300 791 180
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm; Saturday & Sunday, 24 hours
Google reviews score | 4.7/5 |
Facebook reviews score | 4.7/5 |
Total reviews | 4.8/5 |
Score consistency | 5/5 |
Services | 4.7/5 |
Amenities | 5/5 |
Itinerary | 4.5/5 |
Bookings/Reservations | 4.8/5 |
Rates | 4.9/5 |
Pros
- Ideal for private bookings and events
- Party packages can be customized
Cons
- Doesn’t provide a set cruise itinerary
- Requires full payment to confirm booking
What sets Brisvegas Cruises apart from other services is their focus on private functions. If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience for your special event, then Brisvegas is the ideal choice.
They have two vessels available, the Lady in Red and the M.V. James Cavill which can accommodate 120 and 130 passengers, respectively. It’s great that both vessels are equipped with sound and lighting systems, ensuring a lively atmosphere for any event.
Imagine having the whole boat to yourselves with a gorgeous view of the Brisbane River against the city skyline. You can book them for birthdays, weddings, corporate events, Christmas parties, uni cruises, and more.
What we love about their cruises is that you can personalize the package based on your requirements. You can choose from a selection of food and drinks and opt to have an intimate party of 30 to 130 people.
While there’s no set itinerary for these private cruises, the Brisvegas Cruises team possesses a comprehensive knowledge of the Brisbane River. We appreciate that they can suggest scenic routes that enhance the whole cruise experience.
In addition, if you’re planning to book them for a private function, take note that they require full payment to confirm your booking.