The 14 Best Brisbane River Cruises

1.Brisbane River Cruise with entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,522 reviews · from $82Our pick

Cruise from Southbank to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary with river commentary, then spend three hours among koalas, kangaroos, platypus, birds, and reptiles. The boat has a cafe, and crew members such as Dennis are praised for friendly service. Koala-touch bookings cost extra.

“This was a great experience. The staff is amazing. Remember to bring sunscreen and plenty of water!!”

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2.Brisbane River Cruise and Koala Sanctuary Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,397 reviews · 5h 30m · from $81

Cruise from South Bank aboard Mirimar II with live commentary, then spend three hours at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. See more than 130 koalas, feed kangaroos and wallabies, and visit the platypus house, raptor show, and sheepdog display. Food and optional koala encounters cost extra.

“excellent day out value for money & the commentary was good”

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3.Morning Sightseeing Cruise: 10:30am-12pm (90min)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 973 reviews · from $37

From the Cultural Centre pontoon, this 10:30am cruise follows the Brisbane River past Customs House, Story Bridge, South Bank, the city centre, and Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Expect onboard commentary, tea or coffee with scones, restrooms, and a licensed bar, with the boat returning to its starting point.

“The worse experience. I missed the boathouse due to bad advertising the meeting point. The company has not reimbursed anything!!!”

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4.Morning Sightseeing Cruise: 10:30am-12pm (90min)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 521 reviews · 1h 30m · from $34Best value

Board the MV Neptune at South Bank for a relaxed 10:30am cruise past Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the city centre and Story Bridge. Your English-speaking guide adds Brisbane history and future plans, while morning tea, a licensed bar and covered viewing decks keep the ride comfortable.

“What a fantastic way to see Brisbane. Very relaxing. Thank you so much, loved it.”

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5.Midday 1.5-Hour Sightseeing Cruise 12.30pm-2.00pm

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 384 reviews · 1h 30m · from $34

Cruise Brisbane’s river from South Bank for 90 minutes, passing the city centre, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, New Farm Park, and Story Bridge. A live English-speaking guide provides history and local context, while tea, coffee, and small cakes are included. Buy wine, beer, or other drinks at the bar.

“I just enjoyed this midday river sightseeing cruise in Brisbane, and it was a delightful experience. The cruise was cozy and relaxing, with a warm and friendly welcome from the crew. We started with a quick safety briefing, ensuring everyone felt secure and informed. Throughout the journey, we were provided with plenty of insightful information about the various sights along the river. This made the cruise not just relaxing but also educational. Complimentary water and tea were available, and for those who preferred something stronger, beer could be purchased on board. The boat tour offered a fantastic overview of Brisbane, showcasing the city's beauty from a unique vantage point. Considerin...”

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6.Cruise to Lunch Package: 10:30am-2pm (3.5hr)

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 326 reviews · 3h 30m · from $63

Spend 3.5 hours cruising Brisbane River from South Bank to Breakfast Creek Hotel and back. Hear live English commentary, enjoy scones with jam and cream, choose from a hearty lunch menu, and watch the traditional keg tapping before returning through the city.

“An excellent lunch cruise with an brilliant lunch. I'm giving it 5 stars but I think it's about time they ditch that trite and annoying welcome to country.”

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7.Guided River Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 175 reviews · 1h 30m · from $46

You paddle your own kayak along the Brisbane River for 90 minutes with a local English-speaking guide. After a safety briefing, look for Story Bridge and South Bank, hear Brisbane stories, and use the supplied equipment, sunscreen, and showers. No kayaking experience is required.

“A great activity ,good to see Brisbane from a different perspective . Guide spread self around all the group .Hardest probably getting in the kayak but once in the water was ok . Good briefing prior to kayaking would recommend”

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8.Midday Sightseeing Cruise: 12.30pm-2pm (90min)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 132 reviews · from $35

Cruise Brisbane River from the Cultural Centre Public Pontoon for 90 minutes, passing South Bank, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Story Bridge, and the old shipping docks. Live commentary, tea, coffee, light afternoon treats, a Brisbane map, restrooms, and a licensed bar are included or available onboard.

“As I had to postpone my trip due to unforeseen circumstances I was able to defer it for a future date, as per the confirmation email received. This I found a relieving experience and it is very good that it was honoured. Looking forward to the little cruise I am sure we will enjoy it!”

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9.2-Hour Kayak Hire on Brisbane River

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 29 reviews · 1 day · from $36

You’ll collect a single kayak at Riverlife in Kangaroo Point, receive a safety briefing, then set your own route for two hours. Paddle beneath the Story Bridge or toward South Bank, with instructors nearby before you head out. This suits confident paddlers more than complete beginners.

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10.Brisbane Bus Tour: Max 10 people | Half Day | Morning tea inc.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 28 reviews · from $85Top rated

Spend four hours with a local guide such as Guy or Cheryl, visiting Brisbane’s key city sights, Mount Coot-tha, the Botanic Gardens, Kangaroo Point, New Farm Park and Brisbane Powerhouse. Groups are limited to 10, with pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, coffee, tea, snacks and a small gift included.

“Comprehensive tour of Brisbane city sights including Mountain Coot-tha lookout. Our local Queensland guide, Guy was helpful and knowledgeable. We were pleasantly surprised to see a large native goanna casually strolling in the sun in the Read more”

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11.Illuminated River Night Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 25 reviews · 1h 30m · from $70

Set out with Riverlife for a 90-minute guided night kayak on Brisbane River. After a short lesson, you paddle your own single kayak past South Bank or beneath the Story Bridge, with city lights, bridge views, and local stories along the way. Tara is one guide praised for her lively instruction.

“I booked this for myself and 2 others. Our group was 11 people and 2 guides. 2 people in our group couldn’t kayak so rather than one guide staying behind with these people so everyone else can go on we all had to wait for them. At one point the group had to wait 20 minutes for them to catch up. This then did not allow us enough time to get to Brisbane story bridge and time to enjoy the view. We got to the bridge and within 2 minutes we were told we needed to turn back around. All the pictures show pictures of the story bridge with the…”

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12.Brisbane River Jet Ski Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 1h 10m

Join Poseidon Jet Ski Tours for a guided 70-minute ride from Breakfast Creek to South Bank and back. You will pass Brisbane Powerhouse, Story Bridge, the Pink Mansion, and the Wheel of Brisbane. Each jet ski carries up to two people, with English guidance, safety gear, and photo opportunities included.

“Excellent and well run tour on a modern JetSki. Visited many of the major Brisbane river landmarks. The JetSki was easy to drive even for a beginner. Thoroughly recommend it for the exciting experience.”

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13.Sunset Jetski Tour on the Brisbane River

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 16 reviews · 2 hours

Meet Trident Jetskis at Rivergate Marina for a safety briefing, then follow your English-speaking guide, including Luke, along Brisbane River. Ride a Sea-Doo past South Bank, the CBD, Story Bridge, mansions, marinas, and major bridges as daylight fades. Drivers must be 16 or older.

“It was really nice, good activity to visit Brisbane from the river. The monitor explain everything! I recommend it! Thank you very much”

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14.2 Hour Brisbane River Jetski Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · from $114

Meet at Rivergate Marina for a two-hour guided Sea-Doo ride with no licence or prior experience needed. Luke and the Trident Jetskis team take you past riverside mansions, South Bank, the Story Bridge, Gateway Bridges, and Brisbane’s skyline as evening arrives.

“A fab sunset ski through the city. Only way to travel through brissy. Luke is also a gent and we got to open them up”

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