1.5Hr Brisbane River Sightseeing Cruise

From $49

Multiple departures available

  • 1.5-hour guided sightseeing cruise on Brisbane River
  • Morning or afternoon tea – hot beverages, scones, jam and cream
  • Live commentary about the local attractions
  • Views of the Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point Cliffs and Brisbane skyline
  • Souvenir map of the Brisbane River
  • Drinks available for purchase for the licensed bar onboard

About This Experience

The 1.5Hr Brisbane River Sightseeing Cruise is a guided river cruise departing from the Cultural Centre Pontoon, with morning and afternoon departures that pair live commentary and Brisbane's best-known landmarks with a classic morning tea of scones, jam and cream.

The Classic River Sightseeing Experience
With departures at 10:30am and 2:30pm, this Brisbane River sightseeing cruise is an easy way to experience the city from the water, whether you're starting your day or enjoying a relaxed afternoon. As you cruise along the Brisbane River, captain’s live commentary opens your eyes to stories behind many of the city's best-known landmarks, including the Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point Cliffs and the ever-changing riverside skyline.

Not long after departure, you'll be served traditional morning or afternoon tea, featuring freshly baked scones with jam and cream, accompanied by tea or coffee. It's a thoughtful addition that lets you settle in and enjoy the sights as they drift by. You can take in the views from the covered upper deck or relax on the enclosed lower deck, which also has a licensed bar and other amenities.

Landmarks Along the Route
The cruise passes Customs House, dating to 1889, glides beneath the Story Bridge, Australia's longest cantilever bridge, and skirts the green spaces and lagoons of South Bank before turning at Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park, long favoured by local climbers. Together, they offer a glimpse of the city's rich history, modern skyline and relaxed riverside lifestyle. 

Who Is This Cruise Best Suited For
This cruise is well suited to visitors who want an authentic taste of Brisbane hospitality alongside their sightseeing. The two daily departures make it easy to slot into a morning itinerary or an afternoon break, whether travelling solo, as a couple, or with the family.

Cruise Details

Location Cultural Centre Pontoon, South Bank Parklands

Departure Boards Departs Returns Duration
1 10:15 10:30 12:00 1hr 45min
2 14:15 14:30 16:00 1hr 45min
 

  • 1.5-hour guided sightseeing cruise on Brisbane River
  • Morning or afternoon tea – hot beverages, scones, jam and cream
  • Live commentary about the local attractions
  • Views of the Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point Cliffs and Brisbane skyline
  • Souvenir map of the Brisbane River
  • Drinks available for purchase for the licensed bar onboard

  • Two departure times a day, morning and afternoon, for whichever suits your schedule
  •  Live commentary that brings context to every landmark, rather than a self-guided cruise along the water
  • Compact 1.5-hour format that delivers a full Brisbane River experience without eating into a whole day
  • Optional add-ons, from lunch at the Plough Inn to the Brisbane Wheel, for guests keen to extend their outing

Tea and coffee
Scones with jam and cream


A licensed bar is available onboard for separate purchase, offering a selection of beer, wine, spirits, cider and ginger beer

  • Adult Price

    from $49

  • Child (4–15 years)

    from $22

  • Family (2 adults + 2 children)

    from $120

  • Senior

    from $46

Cultural Centre Public Pontoon
The pontoon sits roughly 50m upstream of the Victoria Bridge and 300m upstream of the Wheel of Brisbane, directly in front of the Cultural Centre precinct (home to the Museum and State Library)

Google Map - CLICK HERE

10:15am / 2:15pm: Check in at the Cultural Centre Pontoon.
10:30am / 2:30pm: Depart on your 1.5-hour Brisbane River sightseeing cruise with live commentary and complimentary morning or afternoon tea served onboard.
En Route: Cruise past Brisbane's iconic riverside landmarks, including Customs House, Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point Cliffs and South Bank Parklands.
12:00pm / 4:00pm: Return to the Cultural Centre Pontoon and disembark.

  • Alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages 
  • Lunch at the Plough Inn (available as a paid upgrade)
  • Brisbane Wheel entry (available as a paid upgrade)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

1.5Hr Brisbane River Sightseeing Cruise (this package): The classic Brisbane River sightseeing experience, combining live commentary, traditional morning or afternoon tea and the city's iconic riverside landmarks in a relaxed 90-minute cruise.

1.5Hr Brisbane River Midday Sightseeing Cruise (see alternate package): A midday sightseeing option with complimentary tea or coffee, mini muffins and Biscoff biscuits, ideal for fitting a scenic river cruise into the middle of your day.

1.5Hr Brisbane Sunset River Cruise (see alternate package): Experience Brisbane as the sun sets, with a complimentary charcuterie platter, easy listening music and illuminated city views replacing daytime commentary.

1.5Hr Sunset Cruise & Plough Inn Dinner Combo (see alternate package): Extend your evening with a Brisbane River sunset cruise followed by a seated dinner at the historic Plough Inn, creating a complete night out.

3.5Hr Brisbane River Cruise & Breakfast Creek Lunch Combo (see alternate package): Enjoy a longer, more leisurely Brisbane River cruise with Devonshire tea, an exclusive Beer off the Wood tasting and a two-hour lunch stop at the iconic Breakfast Creek Hotel.

1.5Hr Sightseeing Cruise & Plough Inn Lunch Combo (see alternate package): Pair a guided Brisbane River sightseeing cruise with a relaxed set lunch at the historic Plough Inn, offering sightseeing and dining in one convenient experience.

  • Cancellation requests must be submitted via email to help@australiancruisegroup.com.au
  • Refunds, where applicable, will be processed to the original payment method.
  • No correspondence will be entertained for cancellations made after the free-cancellation period.
  • A ‘no-show’ refers to any confirmed passenger who fails to board the vessel prior to scheduled departure. Please note, we make every effort to ensure our cruises depart on time. It is highly recommended that all passengers are ready for boarding 15 minutes prior to the stated time.
  • An individual booking is defined as all bookings having less than 10 passengers on a single E-ticket. Individual bookings require full payment at time of booking.
  • Up to 4 days prior: Full refund
  • Within 3 days: 100% cancellation fee
  • Group bookings are defined as all bookings for 10 or more passengers on a single E-ticket. Group bookings can be made with a partial payment of 20% as deposit. The balance amount must be paid 7 days before the cruise date. 
  • Up to 7 days prior: Full refund
  • Within 6 days: 100% cancellation fee

  • The vessel accommodates folding wheelchairs onboard, and both the pontoon and surrounding pathways are wheelchair accessible.

What time does the Brisbane River sightseeing cruise depart?
There are two daily departures: a morning cruise departing at 10:30am (check-in 10:15am, returning 12:00pm) and an afternoon cruise departing at 2:30pm (check-in 2:15pm, returning 4:00pm).

What food is served on this cruise?
Guests are served tea or coffee alongside freshly made scones with jam and cream during the 1.5-hour cruise.

Is commentary provided during the cruise?
Yes. Live commentary runs through the experience, covering the history of Brisbane's landmarks including the Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point Cliffs.

Which departure time has better views, morning or afternoon?
Both departures follow the same scenic route, so the choice comes down to convenience. The morning cruise suits an early start, while the afternoon cruise pairs well with a full morning of sightseeing beforehand.

Can I upgrade this cruise with lunch or other extras?
Yes. You can add lunch at the Plough Inn, a welcome drink on boarding, or entry to the Brisbane Wheel as optional upgrades.

  • Departure from Cultural Centre Pontoon, roughly 50m upstream of the Victoria Bridge and 300m upstream of the Wheel of Brisbane, directly in front of the Cultural Centre
  • The vessel carries up to 65 guests, with 42 seats in the sheltered indoor area
  • Morning cruise: Check-in 10:15am, departs 10:30am, returns 12:00pm
  • Afternoon cruise: Check-in 2:15pm, departs 2:30pm, returns 4:00pm
  • Recommended to bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses

Please refer to our full passengers terms and conditions on the following link;

https://www.australiancruisegroup.com.au/national-terms-of-services

From $49

Multiple departures available

  • 1.5-hour guided sightseeing cruise on Brisbane River
  • Morning or afternoon tea – hot beverages, scones, jam and cream
  • Live commentary about the local attractions
  • Views of the Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point Cliffs and Brisbane skyline
  • Souvenir map of the Brisbane River
  • Drinks available for purchase for the licensed bar onboard

Explore Brisbane Brisbane River Cruises