brisbane river romantic dinner cruises

Lunch Cruise sailing the Brisbane River

When: Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday departing 1pm • Inclusions: Brisbane River cruise, Seasonal contemporary buffet, Live Entertainment

• Duration: 150 Minutes (approx.)

High Tea Cruise sailing the Brisbane River

When: Every Saturday departing 1:00pm • Inclusions: Brisbane River cruise, 3-tier High Tea stand with sweet & savoury delights to share & Live entertainment

Dinner Cruise sailing the Brisbane River

When: Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday • Departing 6:30pm on Thursday & Sunday and Departing 7pm on Friday & Sunday • Inclusions: Brisbane River cruise, seasonal contemporary buffet & live entertainment

• Duration: 2 Hours (approx.)

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CITY LIGHTS DINNER CRUISE

• Duration: 90 Minutes (approx.)
• Location : South Brisbane, QLD
• Product code: CITYLIGHTS2023

Cancellations within 72 hours of cruise day will incur a 100% cancellation fee due to crew and catering requirements.

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Brisbane River Dinner Cruise

• Cruise on a traditional paddlewheel boat constructed of Queensland timber
• Contemporary buffet dinner of meat, salads, desserts, and drinks
• Unobstructed views and photo ops of the Brisbane skyline at night
• Enjoy an evening of live music and dancing
• Seasonal Contempoary Buffet (with seafood on sundays)
• Live entertainment
• Dance floor
• Classic cocktails (Mojito, Margarita, Fruit Tingle, Strawberry Daquiri & Aperol Spritz), Basic Spirits, Australian wines, Selected Beers, Soft drink, Juice, tea and coffee
• Restroom on board
• Explore the decks, meet the Captain in tne Bridge and steer the vessel
• Brisbane river view and city night light
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• All other alcoholic drinks (available to purchase on board)
• Kookaburra River Queens, Eagle Street Pier, 1 Eagle St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia Departure Point: Eagle Street Pier, Brisbane Address: Eagle Street Pier, 1 Eagle Street, Brisbane Directions: Please exchange voucher for boarding pass at the ticket office Dates: Thursday, Friday and Saturday Return point: Returns to original departure point
• Wheelchair accessible
• Pushchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Infant seats available
• Limited Wheelchair access - if assistance is required, passenger must provide their own carer.
• Mobility issues: The stairs on each of our vessels can be an issue for some people with mobility issues. We can accommodate wheelchairs up to 63cm only. Motorised scooters are prohibited on board any cruise. Please contact our office and advise of any mobility issues prior to your cruise i.e walking frames, cannot navigate stairs, wheelchairs or guide dogs and we will do our best to accommodate you.
• Please advise our office of any dietary requirements prior to your cruise. We can accommodate for Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Halal, Vegetarian and vegan on request. Please advise of any dietary requirements prior to your cruise and we will do our best to accommodate you.
• Most travellers can participate
• Minimum age is 18 years to consume alcohol
• We can cater to Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free and Dairy Free only
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• Please note that no refunds are available
• Changes to your booking:
• 14 days or greater: Date changes or changes in passenger numbers to your booking can be made 14 days or more prior to your travel date (so if you are booked in on Thursday October 1st 2020, changes to your booking can be made up until close of business Thursday September 17th 2020). Should you wish to cancel your booking, we can only offer you a date transfer or credit voucher.
• Less than 14 days: within 14 days of your cruise departure no changes can be made to your booking.
• Missed Departures:
• Unfortunately refunds, transfers or credit vouchers are not permitted due to a missed departure. We strongly recommend that you check travel/traffic conditions on the day of your departure, in particular when there are special events (e.g. public holidays, Marathon, Anzac Day parade) as these can often cause traffic delays.
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travellers
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

• C6662QTmarinak 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Total disappointment My experience dates back to June 2021 when my husband and I booked a Cucubarra cruise with dinner for my birthday. It was a gift from my husband for my birthday. It was my 60th birthday. We live in South Australia and were supposed to fly to Brisbane to celebrate. But unfortunately there was a pandemic and a few days before the flight, the interstate borders were closed. I wrote to Cucabarra Cruises for a refund, but they sent me an open-ended voucher that we wanted to use after a year. But then the flooding happened and Cucabarra closed due to flood losses. We again could not get our service (dinner cruise). We asked for a refund again, but were told we could not get a refund and the voucher was perpetual. Since then it has been another 2 years and we only have the voucher and total disappointment. Read more Written 17 March 2024
• chilvers59 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles The worst company I have dealt with. 18th January 2022 I booked and paid in full for 9 adults and 2 children to celebrate a mile stone birthday for my wife (60th), who was having her birthday early March. We had a number of interstate friends and family coming up for the day and the cruise was a surprise to my wife. Unfortunately, the floods hit and we were left without a cruise or venue. I had to try to make urgent alternate plans for the group two days out. I then had to rebook and pay in full for the new venue. I am now thousands out of pocket. So I emailed the Kookaburra cruises expecting a refund as they were unable to provide the service I had booked and paid for. (Afterall, we were not at fault, and we did not cancel). They stated that their refunds policy clearly states no refunds. So I copied their policy and stated we did not cancel you did and we were still willing to attend ? 1.2.2. Refunds Please note that this experience is non-refundable so prior to making a booking, please ensure that all parties are willing to proceed. Please check that the date selected is correct prior to making your booking. Deposits/final balances paid are non-refundable To which they stated they were not allowed on the river due to the floods. So they refused to offer a refund and gave me coupons, which half the guests are unable to use as they are interstate. Now Feb 23, these also appear to be useless as they have gone into receivership ? I have now heard the boss is in court for indecent assault... So if anybody hears of a class action, can they please add me to the list. Thank you. The worst company I have ever dealt with for fair play or empathy. Read more Written 24 February 2023
• DFandLR 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles TOTAL THIEVERY Utterly shameful and appalling treatment by Kookaburra Queen. April 2022. Won't ever book with this company and strongly advise all others not to either. We also had a dinner cruise booked & paid for which was cancelled due to the floods, and although they would be insured, Kookaburra Queen obviously feel that it's ok for their well-intentioned customers to be left out of pocket while they profiteer from the circumstances. Disgraceful behaviour and absolute theft. Going off other reviews this is clearly a common practice by them. (Refer to the Office of Fair Trading Queensland for information regarding ‘no refund policies’. Attempting to use this statement within ‘terms & conditions’ is illegal as Consumer Rights apply.) Read more Written 5 May 2022
• natalie c 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Kookaburra cruises, Brisbane, shameful service, non refund policy is theft We had a cruise booked for Saturday 5 March, which we were expected to pay up front for and were asked to accept a no refund clause aimed at people not turning up, fair enough.Unfortunately, a storm resulted in the river being closed and the cruise being called off by the company. For some reason, their no refund policy appears to still apply despite us being in Brisbane at that time and available for the cruise. We are not from Brisbane and it is incredibly difficult for us to accept and use a credit voucher. Despite putting this forward to the Kookaburra Cruise management team, we have been given an adamant no, you will not get your money back and if you have a problem with that please complain through ACCC. This us very stressful and feels like being robbed, imagine being asked to pay up front for your meal in a restaurant and then told sorry, chef is not available, not our fault but come back another time and we are prepared to serve you. In the meantime we will keep your money even though we cannot provide you with the promised service, we commented on Facebook, all comments have been removed, shame on you, Kookaburra cruises .😔😔😔 Read more Written 6 March 2022
• Jacqueline L 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Total rip-off from Kookaburra Queen We were booked for a dinner cruise on the Kookaburra Queen, unfortunately it was cancelled because of flooding. When we asked for a refund we were given a categorical no as they had a no refund policy. This would be understandable if we had cancelled but surely not when they cancel. As this was a one off trip of 4 friends the offer of a credit was not acceptable. When asked for management contacts were asked for we were refused and told to go through ACCC. I can't believe the arrogance of this company. The hotel we are staying in had problems with the lifts and immediately offered a full refund if we wanted to go elsewhere. Total difference in attitude. Read more Written 5 March 2022
• noelanic2014 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Theft by refusing a refund when also refusing to give the service paid for. I would NEVER encourage my family or friends to book with these people. They refused a refund for a service they also couldn't honor. We were only given an option of "credit" after they cancelled the cruise, then they told us to take it up with senior management, then refused to give us their details saying "go straight to ACCC. THIS is called Theft. We will be taking this further, what a disgusting way to treat out of town people. Also inferred they" lost everything ", meaning that they wouldn't be able to" honor "the future so called credit, however they will be claiming insurance not like us small people, we just get robbed by them. Read more Written 5 March 2022
• tangimetuam 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Beautiful lunch with amazing views Was a beautiful day and cruise was very relaxing. Food was great and the service by the staff was exceptional. Read more Written 8 February 2022
• W3615VDrayc 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Not acceptable Whilst the cruise was enjoyable and the lunch nice the desserts were terrible. All the cakes were as dry as a desert. They tasted like they were left overs from a week before. Read more Written 23 January 2022
• debgE3411WG 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A delightfully delicious afternoon. I love high teas and have been to several. The food today was exceptional. So much nicer than the finger sandwiches traditionally served and the cinnamon butter was a high tea highlight. Read more Written 21 January 2022
• AngelaS111 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Must do in Brisbane even for locals Fantastic way to see Brisbane - the service was above & beyond from moment checked in to the merry Christmas when we stepped off. Food was plentiful & fresh so much choice & if buffet not what you wanted other options to order & pay are available. Great selection of mocktails for those who aren’t drinking. Couldn’t recommend enough this is great for tourists & locals Read more Written 19 December 2021
• jewest61 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Thoroughly enjoyable cruise and highly recommend the experience We are from SA visiting our daughter in Brisbane. We had a wonderful time on the river cruise. Our daughter booked online. The website was easy to navigate. We took advantage of the discounted parking, which made the journey worry free. From the time we arrived to wait for boarding, our time on the boat and to disembarking, customer service and interactions with all the staff was excellent. They were happy & friendly and this definitely contributed to our experience. The entertainment was great, the boat was decorated beautifully with Christmas tree, decorations and fairy lights etc. The boat was spacious, which made it easy to move about. The facilities were clean. The food was delicious, lots of choice to cater to different tastes and there was plenty to eat. We had a window seat on the 2nd level, perfect spot to observe the scenery along the cruise route, including city views, bridges, parks etc, which also presented great photo opportunities, it was lovely. The roof top deck provided another option of enjoying the scenic views. The cruise was definitely one of the highlights of our visit. When we visit again, we would like to try the dinner cruise. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and thought it was a lovely way to spend an afternoon and enjoy the Brisbane sights on the water. We would highly recommend the experience. Read more Written 3 December 2021
• ronaldkW7514NQ 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Kookaburra Queen lunch cruise We had a lovely time. The food/buffet was very tasteful. There were a huge variety of food to choose from. Everything was very well organised. We enjoyed it a lot and will recommend any kookaburra cruise to anybody. It is the most relaxing way to enjoy a meal with a loved one. We felt save at all times too. While the music is playing you can enjoy the lunch as the moving Kookaburra made no noisy sound while going up and down the Brisbane river. We also felt safe at all times. Read more Written 28 November 2021
• L9167GEsuzannec 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Day Out Superb. We all enjoyed it. The staff were very efficient but really friendly, the food was great and there was enough variety that all palates were satisfied. The music was good and not too loud. Read more Written 28 November 2021
• manuelaP9754TW 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The lived expirience enjoyed to the fullest. On this occasion we were celebrating my fife Gloria's birthday, we had a wonderful time, what a competent staff, all very kind and very, very helpful and attentive, the trip was very pleasant and well organized, we have already traveled with you several times., and there is no doubt that we will do it again, I will gladly recommend it to my family and friends, I wish you many successes, a hug to all staff. Read more Written 28 November 2021
• Julie H 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A wonderful lunch with beautiful views. Went on the lunch cruise (table of 9) & had the best time. Food was great & lots of it. Entertainment enjoyable. Beautiful views of the river. Definitely would go again. Special mention to Curtis, Vladimir & Vonnie who went above & beyond with their wonderful service, a credit to the Kookaburra Queen. Read more Written 21 November 2021

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Brisbane River Dinner Cruise provided by Kookaburra Showboat Cruises

0428 278 473

UPCOMING Riverfire 2025!

Be part of brisbane’s most anticipated event.

Adults 18+ Event

(ID Required)

More About the MV Neptune

what's on board >>

Riverfire 2025

• Saturday 30th of August
• boarding 5:45 pm

Get the best seat in the house to watch the 2025 Riverfire!

Be part of Brisbane’s most anticipated event – Riverfire!

Join us on this evening cruise on the stunning Brisbane river taking in the spectacular night views and lights that Brisbane offers up. View the fireworks from a great advantage point on MV Neptune.

Boarding the MV Neptune at 5:45pm for a 6.00pm departure and receive a complimentary welcome drink of your selection. Additional drinks are available for purchase at the bar on board.

During the evening you will be served a hot/cold buffet with dessert.

The river is spectacular at night. View the 8:30pm fireworks at Southbank from the Brisbane River. We will return for disembarking at 9.30pm.

Numbers are limited so get in quick! Lets get the party started!

Please note, this is an over 18yrs event and passengers may be subject to ID checks. Times are subject to Council confirming the time of the fireworks.

Your Entertainment

perfectly located to see the Riverfire display

what's included

3.5hrs Cruise

Drink on arrival

Selection of delicious hot and cold food

Fully Licenced bar

Reasonably priced drinks

Great Music

(Note, no commentary on board this trip)

buy tickets online

Brisbane’s Best Tour

Hop on board the MV Neptune for a magnificent tour of Brisbane by water. This remains Brisbane’s best value tour. During the cruise you will be entertained by an informative commentary that provides insight into the history of Brisbane and the River today. Enjoy an ice cold beer or wine from bar as you marvel at the historical landmarks and the homes of the rich and famous. Perfect for both locals and visitors!

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Departure/Return Point:

Cultural centre public pontoon at southbank on the river in front of the cultural centre., [email protected].

If you’ve cruised with us in the past we’d love to hear your feedback!

River city cruises is a family-owned queensland business proudly operating since 2002., copyright © 2023 – river city cruises, policy's and terms & conditions of bookings, fill in your details & we will notifiy you when tickets for the event become available, our cancellation policy, privacy policy, responsible service of alcohol.

As the licensee, the Operator is bound by the QLD Liquor Act and must abide by the guidelines for the responsible service of alcohol. Please note that it is an offence for individuals to either carry liquor onto the vessel on arrival or from the vessel on disembarkation

Functions Terms and Conditions

DEPOSITS & PAYMENT – Confirmation of a booking is not until a deposit has been paid. A deposit of $500 is payable upon booking, with the balance to be paid 3 weeks prior to travel. If a booking is made less than 21 days from cruise date, full payment is required on confirmation.

The MV Neptune

Crafted in 1966, the m v neptune is a classic timber cruiser that embodies a timeless charm..

With a capacity to accommodate up to 65 guests, this boutique-style vessel is a local gem, proudly owned and operated within the community. The Neptune boasts not only inviting indoor spaces but also expansive outdoor deck areas that provide ample room for relaxation and enjoyment.

Today the Neptune continues to gracefully navigate the waters of the Brisbane River

Its spacious fully sheltered upper deck, you'll discover an expansive space offering uninterrupted vistas of the breath-taking surroundings, presenting excellent vantage points for absorbing the scenery. on the upper level, inside, the galley provides comfortable seating for up to 30 guests. on the enclosed lower deck, you'll find excellent viewing spots and convenient accessibility. complete with necessary amenities such as restrooms and a licensed bar offering reasonably priced drinks, the boat ensures your comfort throughout the voyage..

• the MV Neptune, can host up to 80 guests .
• unobstructed views of the passing scenery
• The indoor area provides seating for 42 guests
• a comfortable and spacious experience.
• coffee shop serving light lunches and refreshments
• fully licensed bar  
• well-maintained bathroom facilities.

Experience the allure of the M V Neptune – where classic elegance meets modern comfort, and each journey becomes a cherished memory.

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Romantic Gift Idea

Looking for a romantic gift idea?

Imagine arranging a cruise for your loved one an anniversary, birthday, Valentine’s Day, Bride and Groom arrival and departures. Cruising along beautiful Brisbane river will proved to be the best romantic gift for your partner. 

From marriage proposal to engagement ceremony and birthday celebrations or family reunions Golden Gondola caters for all special occasions on our spectacular Brisbane River Cruises. 

The Gondola a traditional symbol of love, and a romantic Brisbane river cruise makes the perfect setting for a marriage proposal. It also makes the perfect way to celebrate a birthday, honeymoon, anniversary or any other special occasion.

To view a range of our special packages to suit any occasion visit our  Golden Gondola Special Occasions Brisbane River Cruises  page.

So whether you are looking for the ultimate romantic interlude magic or merely wanting to sit back and celebrate your special occasion in style with lasting memories, nothing will come close to the luxury, privacy and ambiance of our cruise packages.

• Bookings are essential.
• Due to popular demand, our cruises are often fully booked well in advance. In order to avoid disappointment, you are advised to book ahead of time, particularly if you have a special date to celebrate.

Book now: 0419400944

Enjoy our delicious foods, information.

40 Ross Street, Newstead, Brisbane QLD 4006.

© 2021 by Golden Gondola Brisbane. All Rights Reserved.

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• Scenic cruises

Brisbane River Scenic Evening Cruise - 90 Minutes

• A delightful evening cruise along the Brisbane River
• Soak up the stunning sights that come to life at night
• Enjoy complimentary nibbles as you cruise along

Experience the magic of Brisbane city at sundown as you gracefully cruise along the beautiful Brisbane River. Soak up all the iconic highlights that are illuminated by the twinkling city lights, and enjoy complimentary nibbles as you hum along.

What's Included?

• 1.5 hour evening cruise
• Background music

The thousands of twinkling lights and the starry night sky create an amazing ambience and perfect backdrop for this evening cruise along the Brisbane River. Your captain will gently cruise downstream, allowing you to admire the lavish waterfront homes and iconic highlights like Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the city centre and Story Bridge take on a new form of life at night. It's the perfect way to farewell a day spent in Brisbane.

Session Length

• This experience is 90 minutes in duration
• Departs at 5.30pm and returns at 7.00pm
• Boarding commences at 5:15pm
• Cruises operate Friday and Saturday evenings

Important Information

• There is a licensed bar on board. Participants must be 18 years and over to consume alcohol; photo ID may be required
• Not suitable for wheelchairs. Access may be difficult for individuals with mobility issues. Please contact the provider for more information

Cancellation

• Change your booking up to 24 hours before the start time of your experience
• Changes are not permitted within 24 hours of your experience
• Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience
• Changes to group bookings, 10+ pax, require 14 days notice from experience

This experience departs from the Cultural Centre Public Pontoon, South Bank on the river in front of the Cultural Centre

Available dates

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NSW Parent Vouchers

Get $50 to $250 off NSW experiences when you combine and use your Parents vouchers at check-out.

Available to NSW residents only.