OUR PICKS · SUNSET CRUISES IN AUSTRALIA
Good sunset cruises in Australia fill up weeks ahead and the best cabins go first. Below: the 13 to book early, what each fare includes and how they differ.
Cruise from Hervey Bay into the Great Sandy Marine Park for two peaceful hours, with a glass of bubbles, local wildlife and history commentary, and sunset views. Guides such as Phil, Katie, and Glenn have added warm service and good humour, while dolphins, whales, turtles, and dugong may appear.
“We were kept informed all the way. Phil, our guide was easy to talk to.”
Board near the Sydney Opera House for a one-hour sunset cruise on a 10.5-meter catamaran carrying up to 26 people. Expect 360-degree harbour views, a grazing platter, one soft drink or water, and crew members such as Phil, Adam, Jacob, or Johana helping with photos.
“Fun harbor cruise. Skyline is fun at sunset. Entertaining crew Friendly atmosphere. Comfortable boat.”
From Stokes Hill Wharf, you cruise Darwin Harbour with an English-speaking guide, fresh wild fish and chips, and one complimentary drink. Expect local stories, sunset views and possibly a sandbar visit or a short burst of speed. Guides have included Penny, Gavin, Lydia, Linda and Adrian.
“Beautiful sunset cruise over the Darwin harbor. Our guide was knowledgeable about the area and the fish and chips were delicious!”
Board HEAVEN at Aquarium Wharf for a 90-minute sunset cruise past the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Luna Park, and Barangaroo. You get a grazing platter, one beer, wine, soft drink, or juice, plus access to a licensed bar. The small group holds 40 to 45 people.
“Absolutely enjoyed the sunset cruise well worth the money and enjoyable. The only way it could be improved was the picking up of the passengers as it wasn’t that clear where we had to get boat but it was all sorted in the end and caused a lot of happy laughter with the other passengers, a good ice breaker”
Cruise the Sandy Straits from the Hervey Bay Boat Club for about two hours, with a welcome drink, light snacks, sunset views, and live commentary. Captain Phil and crew may alter the route for tides and weather, with possible views of Urangan Pier, Great Sandy Marine Park, K’gari, dolphins, or whales.
“Lovely evening out on the ocean. Crew were friendly and informative regarding the area and the islands we saw.”
Join an English-speaking guide for a relaxed two-hour pontoon cruise from Huskisson Wharf along the Currambene River. Bring your own food and drinks, watch for pelicans, kingfishers, stingrays, kangaroos, and perhaps dolphins, then enjoy sunset on the return.
“Great fun - helped by the fact there was a 60th party on board and we were asked to join. Great bunch of people. Saw Kangaroos and various birds”
Cruise Hervey Bay for about 90 minutes between the mainland and Fraser Island, with seafood and non-seafood finger food, one beer, wine, or soda, and sunset views near Urangan Pier. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, weather permitting.
“You definitely get your money’s worth. Staff were friendly, helpful and fantastic. Enough room to move around & be with our group and the food was delicious. The view was amazing.”
Cruise the Great Sandy Marine Park aboard the Milbi with hosts who share Butchulla place names and local stories. Enjoy king prawns, a grazing platter, and Champagne, beer, or soft drink before watching the sun set near Urangan Pier and Weenandin, Round Island.
“It was such a relaxed atmosphere, really enjoyed it. it's a must to do.”
Spend three hours cruising from Broome past Gantheaume Point, Reddell Beach, Entrance Point, and Roebuck Bay. A marine biologist provides commentary on local wildlife, history, and habitats while you look for snubfin dolphins, turtles, sea snakes, and birds. Snacks, tea, coffee, and sunset views are included.
“The information that was given by Molly and the amazing sunset. All the staff were very helpful and friendly”
Take a two-hour sunset cruise on the Richmond River near Ballina, about 30 minutes south of Byron Bay. A marine biologist guide explains local wildlife and history while you pass mangroves, watch for dolphins and native birds, and enjoy snacks plus two complimentary drinks.
“Great experience overall. Dolphins were cute and air was so clean. It’s nice to do this cruise amazing!!”
Cruise the Richmond River from Lance Ferris Wharf with a Marine Biologist guide, watching for dolphins, rare birds, mangroves, and sunset views. Your $49 ticket includes two cold drinks and locally made sweet and savoury treats. The boat is wheelchair accessible, and commentary is in English.
“Kjedelig. Lite informasjon om natur, dyr, fugler og livet i og langs elven. Det ble bare en kjedelig 2 timers båttur. Solnedgangen var fin og serveringen ombord var god. Dyrt. Ikke verdt pengene.”
Set out from Nelson Bay on Moonshadow V for a relaxed two-hour Port Stephens sunset cruise. Watch the bay turn gold from wide viewing decks, buy wine or cocktails at the licensed bar, and enjoy an easy evening on the water. Bring warm clothes and closed-toe shoes.
Set out from the Hervey Bay Boat Club at 4:00 pm aboard the stable AMAROO for a calm two-hour sunset cruise. Enjoy a glass of bubbles, small-plate nibbles, three viewing areas, and possible sightings of dolphins, turtles, or dugongs, with K’gari as your backdrop.
“The staff were nice and friendly. The music was great and it was really nice watching the sunset from the boat. Would have loved to see some wildlife but overall it was an enjoyable experience.”
An hour around a harbour, a full day with a swim stop, or a cabin and a sunrise.
