Brisbane River: Our most recommended tours and activities

Brisbane: Sightseeing River Cruise with Morning Tea

1. 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 Cultural Centre Public Pontoon, South Brisbane QLD 4101. 100m upstream from the Victoria Bridge and 300m upstream from the Brisbane Wheel. 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: Evening River Cruise at Sunset

2. Brisbane: Evening River Cruise at Sunset

Board your boat for the evening at 5:15 PM and set off along the scenic Brisbane River at 5:30 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 7:00 PM, back at the dock.

Brisbane: Midday River Sightseeing Cruise

3. 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: 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 65 minutes until you reach your first port of call. After a short walk from the landing dock, arrive at the Brisbane Powerhouse where you can enjoy a delicious meal at Mary Maes restaurant. From here, you will once again board the boat to cruise back to the dock at South Bank within the luscious Parklands.

Brisbane: Guided River Kayak Tour

5. Brisbane: Guided River Kayak Tour

Discover the city of Brisbane from the water with a river kayaking tour, no matter if you are a first-timer or an experienced kayaker. Get to grips with your kayak with a full instructive introduction by staff before heading out onto the water with your guide. Then explore the city for 1.5 hours with a local guide leading the way down the Brisbane River. Pilot your own kayak and paddle your way past landmarks such as the Story Bridge or South Bank while listening to all sorts of anecdotes about the city. With sunscreen and all equipment included, all you will need to worry about is taking in the sights and enjoying the adventure with your kayaking group.

Brisbane: Electric Picnic Boat Rental from Breakfast Creek

6. Brisbane: Electric Picnic Boat Rental from Breakfast Creek

Be your own captain aboard Australia's best private picnic boat experience. See Brisbane like never before with up to eight people aboard your very own environmentally-friendly, self-drive picnic boat. With no boat licence required, the electric boats are easy and fun to drive with virtually no noise and no fumes. Communal recycled timber picnic table included, so bring your own picnic and drinks. Perfect for couples, families and groups of friends. GoBoat is pet friendly too, so all fur babies are welcome. Gather your crew and jump aboard.

Brisbane: 2-Hour Kayak Hire on Brisbane River

7. Brisbane: 2-Hour Kayak Hire on Brisbane River

Grab a buddy and start exploring Brisbane City from the water. Paddle at your own pace under the impressive Story Bridge or to picturesque South Bank. See the city from a unique angle, and get the perfect Instagram shot. Enjoy the perfect summer activity for large groups with a refreshing paddle along the river under the Queensland sun. Experienced kayak instructors will give you an overview before you paddle off on your 2-hour kayak hire adventure. It's recommended to hire with a least one other person to share in the fun of kayaking in Brisbane. This option is best enjoyed by adventurers with prior kayaking experience. You don’t need to be of Olympic standard, but you do need to be confident on the water (or kayak with someone who is!).

Brisbane: South Bank Combo Pass

8. Brisbane: South Bank Combo Pass

Enjoy a fun day out for all the family with the Brisbane South Bank Combo Pass. Start the day with a leisurely morning cruise on the Brisbane River complete with morning tea. See Brisbane from the water during your cruise and learn all about the attractions along the riverbed from the commentary and souvenir map provided. After your river tour, you can either enjoy a private gondola ride on the Wheel of Brisbane and then enjoy lunch at the local-favorite Plough Inn Tavern or vice versa. Lunch is a set menu and includes a complimentary beverage.

Brisbane: City Lights Dinner Cruise with Buffet

9. Brisbane: City Lights Dinner Cruise with Buffet

Discover the best of Brisbane and sail past Kangaroo Point Cliffs and the Story Bridge. Relax with music aboard, and dine in style with a delicious buffet dinner included. Purchase some drinks at the fully stocked bar, and take as many memorable photos as you like during the cruise. Come directly to the meeting point to begin your experience. Then, board the boat and start sailing on the Brisbane River. Listen to music aboard, and sail past some of Brisbane's most iconic sights, such as Kangaroo Point Cliffs, City Center, and the Story Bridge. Take photos along the way. Next, savor a luxurious buffet dinner for each guest, which caters to most dietary requirements. Buy drinks at the bar if you like. Enjoy the pleasant atmosphere aboard with friends or family. Finally, return to the Cultural Centre Public Pontoon and get off the boat to finish up your experience.

Brisbane: Sunset Rapid River Ride - Short 2 Hour Cruise

10. Brisbane: Sunset Rapid River Ride - Short 2 Hour Cruise

Kick back as we cruise the magnificent Brisbane River on this action packed sunset cruise. The trip will take us downstream to the Gateway Bridges, then upstream to West End of the river and finish off where it all began at Howard Smith Wharves in time for dinner! A treat for this trip is a “drink on the beach” stop at one the few sandy beaches on the Brisbane River and an opportunity to capture an iconic “insta” moment in the shadow of the Story Bridge. This is not your typical boring river cruise, get ready to be entertained!

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Things to do in
Brisbane River
Discover Brisbane’s fascinating history and iconic sights from a different perspective, as you glide along its sparkling waterfront.

Brisbane River

Other Sightseeing Options in Brisbane River

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What people are saying about Brisbane River

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 627 reviews

Very good trip with excellent information whilst on board. Complementary tea , coffee & cakes on the cruise. Nice lunch at t the half way point with plenty of free time to enjoy the lunch. Short walk back to catch the boat for the return leg.

Very courteous. Good explanations. Thoroughly enjoyed by all my team of 4 people.

Was the best way to see a lot of brisbane and the commentary was very informative

Great trip down the river. Beautiful pub for lunch. Well organised.

Enjoyable chilling river cruise with some spectacular views