All Aboard these must-do cruises at SOuth Bank
Mirimar Cruises
Brisbane River, known as Maiwar to the Turrbal people, is part of what makes South Bank such an irresistible attraction. So then hopping aboard a cruise at South Bank just makes sense. It wouldn’t be a complete visit to the precinct without seeing the sights from the placid waters and getting a different view of the city’s landmarks.
Plus, with so much sunshine beaming down, what’s not to love about a day on the water?
Get on board and float your boat with these must-do cruises that take off from the various jetties dotted along the river banks from River Quay to the cultural precinct.
Mirimar Cruises
Did you know you can see a koala at South Bank? Okay, you’ll have to hop on a boat for it, but since it departs South Bank, it’s a mere technicality. The popular Koala and River Cruise has been taking wildlife lovers to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary for more than 70 years so you know you’re in for a good time. Gliding up the river on the modern Mirimar vessel, you’ll hear facts and history from in-the-know guides and see sights not visible from land. Sail past a unique (and noisy) inner-city colony of fruit bats, spy breathtaking modern mansions and see how the historic set lived in sprawling Queenslander homes along the river. The voyage takes just over an hour and you can sip and sup from the onboard cafe while you go. Once you reach Lone Pine, you’ll have three hours to get cosy with the koalas, feed emus and kangaroos plus plenty more. Don’t forget to book your koala cuddle and photo opp separately through Lone Pine though.
River City Cruises
Aptly named, River City Cruises’ vessel MV Neptune is kitted out with its very own onboard bar and cafe so it feels more like a personal floating tour of the city than a stock standard cruise. Brisbane’s best sights (including the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Riverside precinct and the Story Bridge) will be front and centre as the knowledgeable guides share interesting stories and facts. And whether you’re up with the first rays or you’ve been sampling South Bank’s best bars until the wee hours, there’s a cruise for you. Choose from a morning or afternoon cruise, a lunch time cruise (with a meal and kegging experience at the iconic Breakfast Creek Hotel) or a seniors cruise (complete with morning tea). If you’re a sundowner fan, then why not hop on the sunset cruise for a pastel-washed skyline to add to the charm? For something more interactive, keen anglers should get their hooks into River City Cruises fishing tours – held at various times throughout the year. All you have to do is book and then get yourself to South Bank’s Jetty A, which is in front of The Wheel of Brisbane. Cruise prices, departure times and lengths vary so head to River City Cruise’s website for details.
CityHopper
CityHopper
The only thing better than gliding down the Brisbane River is doing so for free! Brisbane City Council’s CityHopper allows you to rediscover Brisbane for free with ferries running every 30 minutes between 6am and midnight, seven days a week. There’s no need to book, just head along and hop on. Ferries leave from South Bank’s Terminal 3. Head to Translink’s website for departure times.
Can’t make it to South Bank? Scenic cruises depart from other areas around Brisbane too with operators like Brisbane Cruises and YOT Club.
