10 Brisbane River Cruises for Families

If you are looking for the perfect Brisbane River Cruises for your family, we have you covered. Winding its way through outer suburbs and looping around the CBD, the Brisbane River is an iconic focal point of our city and a fabulous vantage point from which to enjoy Brisbane’s amazing sights.

Why You Should Enjoy a Brisbane River Cruise

Cruising on the river, you can see natural features like the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, pass under the landmark Story Bridge, and witness our local flora and fauna, such as the colonies of fruit bats living in the riverbank mangroves.

You can glimpse Brisbane’s past and present, from historic buildings like Customs House and the Treasury Casino to the towering high rises of the ever-growing city centre. A Brisbane cruise can be the perfect way to relax and unwind, discover more about our beautiful city, see the sights or celebrate a special occasion.

Below you will find some of the best Brisbane River Cruises for families. 

Brisbane River Cruises for Families

River City Cruises

River City Cruises is one of the most well-known companies for Brisbane river cruises, offering several cruising options. 

With multiple cruises departing at different times of the day, you can look forward to a Brisbane river cruise with informative commentary providing insight into the history of Brisbane and the river today.

River City Cruises also offer Special Event Cruises (Riverfire and NYE), and a South Bank Combo Pass which includes a Morning Cruise, a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane and lunch with a drink at a local tavern.

Catering to up to 80 passengers, this boat can also be hired for private events. 

Contact: 0428 278 473

Mirimar Cruises

The popular Mirimar Cruises has been taking locals and visitors to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary for over 70 years. The cruise includes a return narrated journey to Lone Pine and entry into the park, the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary and one of the top tourist attractions in Brisbane.

At Lone Pine you will be able to hand-feed kangaroos, feed the rainbow lorikeets, watch various animal shows and see a huge variety of awesome Aussie wildlife. The cruises depart daily from the city (Cultural Centre Pontoon). Miramar also offers charter cruise options for special events or functions. 

Contact: 0412 749 426

Brisbane River CityCats

While the Brisbane River CityCats are technically ferries serviced by Translink, we think they deserve a mention. Families, including those with wheelchairs and prams, can board any of the CityCats and cruise up and down the Brisbane River, from UQ St Lucia, all the way to Northshore, Hamilton. You can hop on and off wherever the CityCats stop, and the best news, fares are only 50 cents! They even have two CityDogs, Bluey and Bingo!

For more information check out How to Catch a Brisbane River CityCat

Riverlife Brisbane

Energetic families (with children over the age of 8) can enjoy a Brisbane River cruise with a difference – by kayak! Riverlife Brisbane offer sunrise, day and twilight cruises of the Brisbane River, taking in the city skyline, iconic sights like the Story Bridge all while getting some exercise. They also offer school holiday programs and event and function bookings. 

Contact: 3517 4954

Brisbane Cruises

There are loads of great scheduled cruises run by Brisbane Cruises. These include the Brisbane to Gold Coast Day Cruise (with return coach to Brisbane), Redcliffe Exploration Day or Lunch Cruise, cruises exploring the Brisbane River, and trips out to Moreton Bay, Bribie Island, St Helena Island and a Bremer Junction Day Cruise. The vessel can also be book for private functions. 

Many of their cruise itineraries include refreshments and/or meals, and most depart from the Recreational Hub, Hamilton. 

Contact: 3630 2666

BrisVegas Cruises

Brisvegas Cruises offer those looking to cruise up and down the Brisbane River with their friends the option of a private charter.  Catering from 30 – 300 guests at once, this company allows you to book a cruise for your special event with only those you invite.  

Contact: 1300 791 180

Brisbane Party Cruises

Brisbane Party Cruises bill themselves as the ultimate party cruise experience – and judging by what they offer, this may be the case. Think catering, a fully licensed bar, DJ music, wait staff and indoor and outdoor entertainment spaces; Brisbane Party Cruises will give you the perfect private Brisbane River cruising experience for your next event. This is a unique birthday party venue idea for 18th and 21st birthday parties! 

Contact: 1800 466 622

Aquarius Charters

Another private charter option on the Brisbane River is Aquarius Charters.  Their vessel can carry up to 60 passengers at once and has a delicious food menu available for those looking to make a booking. 

Contact: 0409 752 784

Aria Cruises

Aria Cruises offer an experience for anyone looking to get out on the water with family and friends and enjoy Brisbane river cruises.

They offer specially curated activities, including boom netting, paddle boarding, beach cricket, island visits, aqua mats, and more.  Delicious food options are included and there are various sailing options to suit everyone -private charters, sunset cruises, island tours, and Moreton Bay and Brisbane River cruises.

Contact: 0487 441 618

Kookaburra Showboat Cruises

Unfortunately, Kookaburra Showboat Cruises are no longer running. 

Whale Watching Cruises

In addition to Brisbane river cruises, during whale season, several whale-watching cruises run from Brisbane to spot the beautiful southern humpback whales on their annual migration up the Queensland coast.

Brisbane Whale Watching offers cruises from Redcliffe, around 30 minutes drive from the CBD. They also offer transfers from many hotels in Brisbane.

South of Brisbane you can access Tangalooma Resort Whale Watching Day Cruise departing from Holt Street Wharf in Pinkenba, and Whales in Paradise, departing from the Gold Coast but with scheduled free transfers from Brisbane.

Check out our article on Whale Watching from Brisbane for more information.

Additional Resources

Our Explore Brisbane section has many ideas for beautiful things to do with your Brisbane Kids to discover more of the wonderful city we live in.

For more water fun, check out Fun on the Brisbane River.

If you are wanting to take cruising to the next level, then perhaps consider hitting th open waters on a family cruise.