On the water · RIVER CRUISES IN AUSTRALIA
Deck space is finite and the good departures go early. These 15 river cruises in Australia are priced and timed so you can decide in a couple of minutes and get on with the rest of the trip.
Cruise the calm Dickson Inlet aboard Lady Douglas for about 90 minutes. Your skipper points out crocodiles, birds, mudskippers, shipwrecks, mangroves, and Port Douglas landmarks, with commentary from crew such as Richard, Jay, and Jake. A drink and snack plate are included, and the boat returns to Wharf Street.
“Excellent trip. Family run operation. Very relaxed and lots of information give. A must if you are in Port Douglas”
Cruise upstream and downstream on Melbourne’s Yarra River, passing Docklands, Southbank, the MCG, Olympic Park, Herring Island, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. You get English GPS-triggered commentary, tea and coffee, indoor seating, and an open back deck for photos. The crew may change by departure, with Dave and Harry among the praised team members.
“All went as expected, so no recommendations needed. Most enjoyable and relaxing.”
Spend about an hour on the Daintree River aboard the quiet solar-electric Solar Whisper. Your guide points out crocodiles by name, along with birds, frogs, snakes, fish, and mangrove life. Small groups, live commentary, tea, and coffee make this a calm, good-value wildlife outing near the Daintree ferry.
“Great trip, guide is very knowledgeable, saw plenty of crocs. Boat only has one row of seats in each side unlike other larger boats which can be 3x3 so everyone gets a good view and the skipper turns the boat so both sides gets close to each croc!”
Spend about three hours aboard a fully enclosed Spirit of Melbourne boat, cruising from Southbank with a four-course dinner and included beer, wine, bubbly, spirits, soft drinks, coffee, tea, port, and liqueur. You will pass Federation Square, Flinders Station, Rod Laver Arena, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Boats may be the Yarra Countess or Yarra Empress.
“Menu was good and courses were spread out during the cruise.. Good ambiance on the boat. Yarra River near Melbourne at night was good to see.”
Take the MV Mirimar II from Southbank to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, with captain commentary, river views, and a café on board. You get three hours to see more than 130 koalas, feed kangaroos and wallabies, visit Platypus House, and watch the Flight Raptor and sheepdog shows. Return by boat in the afternoon.
“The staff was very friendly and the ride itself was beautiful. I would definitely recommend bringing a sweater, because it was chilly”
Board the heritage Popeye at Elder Park for a 45-minute English-language cruise on the River Torrens. Your captain shares Adelaide history and points out landmarks including the Festival Centre, SAHMRI, Adelaide Gaol, and Adelaide Zoo. Drinks and snacks are available to buy, and you may get off at the zoo or Botanic Garden.
“Great commentary...hard case guy. Learnt lots about history.... Well worth the experience”
Spend one hour on the Daintree River with guides such as Bruce, Ray, Brad, or Griff, watching for crocodiles, birds, tree snakes, and other wildlife. The cruise travels through a UNESCO-listed region and includes tea, coffee, or children’s slushies. Sightings are not guaranteed, but crocodiles are spotted on most trips.
“Had a great time, started raining half way through but the guide was amazing and made sure we still got to see a few crocs”
Spend an easy hour cruising from Federation Wharf through central Melbourne. Your captain and English-speaking onboard guide point out Eureka Tower, Southbank, the Royal Botanic Gardens, bridges, and riverside districts. Tea and coffee are included, while snacks and alcoholic drinks cost extra. Expect open-air views, indoor seating, and a relaxed return to Berth 2.
“Fabulous 👌 Great trip, Gilbert (our Driver/Guide) was brilliant 👏 Highly recommend !”
Spend a full day visiting Sydney Zoo, Blue Mountains lookouts, Wentworth or Katoomba Falls, Leura, Three Sisters, and Scenic World. Guides such as Les, Bruce, and Wayne add local stories and humor. Zoo and Scenic World tickets cost extra, while a ferry from Olympic Park to Circular Quay finishes the day.
“Bruce was a fantastic guide. He made the day run smoothly and provided interesting commentary throughout. Sydney Zoo and Scenic World worth doing as extras to the tour. The Parramatta ferry back to Circular Quay was a great way to finish the tour”
Board at Murray Street Pier for a relaxed Derwent River cruise with captain’s commentary and clear views of Hobart’s waterfront. Choose a one-hour morning or afternoon trip, a 1.5-hour lunch sailing, or a two-hour dinner cruise with a three-course meal and one drink. The route heads north or south depending on the departure.
“Great commentary very interesting information and facts. Lunch was delicious. Staff very friendly and helpful.”
Join Lady Douglas for a 90-minute river cruise from Port Douglas Marina. Your skipper guides you through mangroves and Dickson Inlet, watching for saltwater crocodiles, birds, fish, rainforest mountains, and boats. Drew, Jake, and Chris are among the guides praised for lively commentary. A bar drink and snack box are included.
“The captain was an excellent guide and told stories up and down the lagoon. Excellent value for money.”
Join Crocodile Express for a one-hour cruise on the Daintree River, where guides such as Neil and Justin point out crocodiles, birds, snakes and rainforest plants. One pass covers the Upper and Lower Daintree routes, so you can return for another cruise and compare the river near Daintree village with the mangrove-lined lower section.
“Saw two massive crocs on the bank in the river. Tour guide explained the rivers history including some of the indigenous peoples history using the river. The hour flew by! Would recommend”
Travel from Darwin to Fogg Dam and the Window on the Wetlands, then spend 2.5 hours on an open-air Mary River cruise. Guides such as Cam, Evan, Richard, Luke, and Paul share stories about wildlife, Aboriginal culture, Darwin, and the wetlands. Expect crocodiles, water buffalo, lilies, dozens of bird species, and a generous cold lunch.
“Fantastic day. It was great out on the water of the Mary River Wetlands. We saw the big 5 in a very relaxed atmosphere. Our Guide Paul was extremely knowledgeable on the area, wildlife as well as the history of the NT.”
Board Captain Cook Cruises at Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty for a 150-minute return sailing to Fremantle. You’ll have a reserved table, captain’s commentary, a seasonal buffet lunch, dessert, and access to a full bar. The route passes Perth’s riverfront, riverside homes, yacht clubs, marinas, docks, and Fremantle’s heritage buildings.
“As always we fully enjoyed the experience and the friendly staff on this cruise. The captain was always very knowledgeable on the area. We had visitors from South Africa that was amazed of the quality of service food and surrounding area . Well done and we will be back .”
Choose a one-way or return Swan River cruise between Perth and Fremantle with Captain Cook Cruises WA. Relax in air-conditioned seating or step onto the open decks as the captain points out Kings Park, Swan Brewery, Black Wall Reach, Point Walter, yacht clubs, mansions, and the Blue Boat House. A return option leaves time to explore Fremantle.
“Lovely cruise up and down the river, interesting and informative commentary”
Pick a hull, a coast or an hour of the day.
