ON THE RIVER · SUNSET RIVER CRUISES IN AUSTRALIA

5 Sunset River Cruises in Australia to Build a Day Around

5 river trips  ·  from $26 a head

This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 5 sunset river cruises in Australia worth the fare, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to check before you book.

Surfers Paradise: Sightseeing Sunset River Cruise - Leaving Cavill Avenue for the canals
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Surfers Paradise: Sightseeing Sunset River Cruise

1.Surfers Paradise: Sightseeing Sunset River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 482 reviews · 1h 30m · from $31Our pick

Set out from 63 Cavill Avenue for a 90-minute sunset cruise through Surfers Paradise, the Nerang River, and Gold Coast waterways. An English-speaking guide shares local stories as you pass waterfront mansions, yachts, Marina Mirage, Sea World, and the Southport Yacht Club. Cheese, crackers, and savoury nibbles are included, with cocktails, beer, wine, and champagne available to buy.

“Captain was great added to whole experience will definitely come again!”

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Sunshine Coast: Mooloolaba River Sunset Cruise - The river mouth, harbour, and canal route
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Sunshine Coast: Mooloolaba River Sunset Cruise

2.Sunshine Coast: Mooloolaba River Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 310 reviews · 1h 30m · from $38

Set out from The Wharf Mooloolaba for a 90-minute sunset cruise with live English commentary from the Coastal Cruises crew. You’ll visit the river mouth, collect fresh seafood, then glide through the Mooloolah River, harbour, and Minyama canals. Order dinner, cocktails, wine, or soft drinks on board as the sky changes colour.

“it was so relaxing and enjoyable, our captain was so friendly, informative and funny.”

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Cairns: Sunset River Cruise with Snack and Drinks - Watching Trinity Inlet change in the evening
Australia River Cruises, River Cruises, Sunset River Cruises, Sunset River Cruises in Australia, Tour Reviews

Cairns: Sunset River Cruise with Snack and Drinks

3.Cairns: Sunset River Cruise with Snack and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 185 reviews · 1h 30m · from $50

Meet your captain at Berth A1, Cairns Marlin Marina, for a 90-minute cruise through Trinity Inlet. Expect calm water, mangroves, local wildlife, Cairns lights, a complimentary beer, wine, or soft drink, and a light snack. Guides such as Bruce, Joe, Jacob, Jack, and Steve are known for friendly local stories.

“Just loved it, Jack the guide was lovely,informative and relaxed.Trinity Inlet with snacks and a drink in the heat of Cairns was a welcomed afternoon.Traveling back at dark seeing Cairns light up was amazing,so good.”

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Noosaville: Noosa River Sunset Cruise - Leaving Noosaville and settling into the river
Australia River Cruises, River Cruises, Sunset River Cruises, Sunset River Cruises in Australia, Tour Reviews

Noosaville: Noosa River Sunset Cruise

4.Noosaville: Noosa River Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 161 reviews · 2 hours · from $26Best value

Set out from Noosaville for a relaxed sunset cruise through Woods Bay, Weyba Creek, the River Mouth, and Noosa Sound Canals. Your English-speaking skipper shares local stories, wildlife notes, and house-price gossip while chilled music plays. Bring snacks, buy drinks at the onboard bar, and allow about 2.5 hours for the full Noosaville round trip.

“Really enjoyable, Jack had a lot of local knowledge and interesting facts. A relaxing interesting cruise”

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Byron Bay: Scenic Sunset River Cruise - Mangroves, creeks, and the search for wildlife
Australia River Cruises, River Cruises, Sunset River Cruises, Sunset River Cruises in Australia, Tour Reviews

Byron Bay: Scenic Sunset River Cruise

5.Byron Bay: Scenic Sunset River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 8 reviews · 2 hours · from $49Top rated

Spend two hours cruising the Richmond River from Ballina with a marine biologist guide. You’ll pass mangroves, creeks, Mobb’s Bay, and Pimlico Island while watching for dolphins and rare birds. Marian has guided some departures, with live commentary, two cold drinks, and locally made sweet and savoury afternoon tea included.

“We had a terrific experience. Even though there was a storm brewing, Marian told us all about the bird life and served us champagne and Chardonnay and muffins. We enjoyed being rained on because it was cool!”

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Other lists on this water

Canal Cruises191Dinner Cruises116Nile Cruises85Sunset River Cruises39Luxury River Cruises53River Sightseeing Cruises52
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