Brisbane River Sightseeing Cruise with Morning Tea

Start your day with a scenic 1.5-hour morning cruise on the Brisbane River, featuring fresh scones, tea or coffee, and lively guided commentary as you glide past the city’s most iconic sights.

Getting started

Board the MV Neptune at the Cultural Centre Public Pontoon, South Bank. Show your booking voucher, settle into comfortable indoor or outdoor seating, and get ready to explore Brisbane from the water.

What to expect

Relax as the MV Neptune cruises past riverside precincts, historic landmarks, and modern cityscapes. Enjoy a complimentary Devonshire tea–fresh scones with jam, cream, and strawberries, plus your choice of tea or coffee. Listen to fascinating stories and fun facts from your guide about the river’s role in Brisbane’s past and present.

Features

• Kangaroo Point Cliffs: Admire these dramatic cliffs from the water–a favorite for city views and photos.
• Story Bridge: Cruise beneath this iconic structure, a symbol of Brisbane’s engineering and heritage.
• Powerhouse: See the historic Powerhouse, now a vibrant arts and events venue.
• Customs House: Spot this grand riverside landmark nestled among modern skyscrapers.
• Riverside mansions: Marvel at homes of the rich and famous and the transformation of historic buildings into stylish apartments.
• Devonshire tea: Enjoy complimentary scones, jam, cream, strawberries, and tea or coffee as you cruise.
• Live commentary: Entertaining and informative narration reveals Brisbane’s history and river culture.

This cruise is a relaxing, insightful way to discover Brisbane-perfect for first-time visitors and locals alike.

Brisbane River Sightseeing Cruise with Morning Tea

Discover Brisbane's iconic landmarks and historical sites on this 1.5-hour guided sightseeing cruise along the Brisbane River, including a complimentary Devonshire tea service and live commentary in English. The tour takes you past city icons such as Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Story Bridge, the Powerhouse, Customs House, and riverside mansions. You will explore approximately 20 kilometers of riverfront with stops at key locations every half hour for photo opportunities. The tour accommodates up to 50 passengers on the boutique MV Neptune, featuring spacious indoor and outdoor decks, a licensed bar available for extra drinks and snacks, and wheelchair accessibility. The cruise departs from Queen's Wharf Brisbane and covers major heritage sites, modern developments, and natural beauty spots along the river.

Explore Story Bridge Key Feature

Your tour stops at Story Bridge where you can marvel at its impressive 265-meter length and 70-meter height, completed in 1940. This iconic bridge spans the Brisbane River, connecting Kangaroo Point to the city's central business district. As one of Australia’s largest steel arch bridges, it offers unique vantage points for viewing Brisbane’s skyline and riverfront developments. Guests can learn about the engineering challenges faced during its construction, including the innovative use of prefabricated sections that were assembled on-site by hundreds of workers over a period of two years. The bridge also features pedestrian walkways and a lookout platform providing panoramic views of the city. Unlike other bridges in Brisbane, Story Bridge is unique for its historical significance and ongoing role as a symbol of the city’s resilience and progress.

Admire Kangaroo Point Cliffs Key Feature

Your tour takes you to Kangaroo Point Cliffs where you can see their sheer cliffs rising 60 meters above the Brisbane River. Established in the early 19th century, these cliffs are a testament to Brisbane’s geological history and provide dramatic views of the city skyline and riverfront developments. The area is also home to the popular Riverside Park with its walking trails, picnic areas, and barbecue facilities. Guests can spend approximately one hour exploring this natural wonderland while learning about the aboriginal significance and early European settlement in the region. Unlike other urban cliffs around the world, Kangaroo Point Cliffs are unique for their accessibility and integration into recreational activities such as rock climbing and hiking.

Witness Powerhouse Key Feature

Your tour visits the historic Powerhouse where you can see its impressive 20th-century architecture and learn about its transformation from a coal-fired power station to a cultural hub. Built in 1924, this heritage-listed building spans over 5,000 square meters and features distinctive red brickwork and industrial design elements. Guests can spend approximately half an hour exploring the Powerhouse’s exhibitions on Brisbane’s history and energy production, including interactive displays and multimedia presentations. Unlike other power stations turned museums in Australia, the Powerhouse is unique for its ongoing role as a community center hosting events, workshops, and performances.

Tour Highlights

• 1.5-hour guided cruise along Brisbane River
• Complimentary Devonshire tea service at departure point
• Live commentary in English throughout the tour
• Unique vantage points for viewing city icons like Story Bridge
• Photo opportunities every half hour with stops at major landmarks
• Spacious indoor and outdoor decks on MV Neptune cruise boat
• Licensed bar available for extra drinks and snacks during cruise
• Wheelchair accessibility onboard MV Neptune cruise boat

Perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture buffs, and families, this sightseeing tour provides an engaging overview of Brisbane’s rich heritage through guided commentary and live entertainment. The 1.5-hour format allows you to explore Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Story Bridge, Powerhouse, and Customs House, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the city's transformation from its colonial roots to modern developments while enjoying scenic river views.