Who hasn’t watched the Discovery Channel at one point and wished to go on a wildlife safari, play with crocodiles, kickback while looking at wild landscapes? If you are in Australia, you can do just that! This curated list of cruises takes you through the best of wetland wildlife through Australia. If that is not up your alley, take any of the luxury cruises that offer a different perspective of all the iconic Australian cities. Sip on complimentary beverages and snacks, soak in the sun and just relax as the waters take you on a journey to be remembered and let Australia’s rivers surprise you. Here’s a rundown of the best river cruises in Australia.
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1. Cruise along Perth on Swan River
Coast along the magnificent coastline of the picturesque Swan River on this cruise. Settle down on the sun deck or in an air-conditioned comfort with unlimited refilling of tea and coffee. On some departures from Fremantle, you can even partake in complimentary wine tasting. Learn more about Perth and its skyline as the cruise captain chronicles the history and offers insider tips. Admire the scenery of Perth’s downtown skyline with its upscale suburbs and yacht clubs. Appreciate the beautiful cliff faces of Black Wall Reach, the famous Point Walter “Spit” and Perth’s iconic ‘Blue Boat House’. There are multiple timings and disembarking points available to suit your needs and ease of access.
2. Get up-close to the wildlife of Australia
This guided tour over the Daintree River is the perfect one to get close to the wildlife of Australia. The company provides cruises multiple times during the day to make it easier to plan your trip. You can choose from a morning trip that offers free coffee and slushies. Or, you can choose the lunch excursion that comes with a meat pie and a cold drink. The afternoon adventure cruise includes a glass of wine, beer, and snacks. Since the Daintree has a complex ecosystem, the guide on board keeps guests informed of all that they will be seeing. You can expect to see crocodiles resting in their watery homes, tree snakes and many kinds of birds that live in the area. However, be careful to not reach out to the dangerous creatures you will be seeing.
Book Tours : 1-Hour Daintree River wildlife cruise
3. Nature tour through the wetlands of Adelaide River
Go on a ride in this open-top boat that takes you through the wetlands of the Adelaide River. The ride is an exciting one, where guests will be able to experience the dangers of the river creatures lying dormant in the river. These creatures are saltwater crocodiles, who are enticed by the guide on board to jump out and show off the terrifying power of their jaws. The cruise starts at Darwin and continues on to the Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre, which is the highest point on the lower Adelaide River floodplain. Here, treat yourself to magnificent panoramic views of the Marrakai Plains. Next on the cruise is the Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve and uncover the magic of the local wildlife. Look on at the open scrubland, melaleuca woodland and the great eucalyptus forest.
Book Tours : Darwin: Adelaide River Half-Day Jumping Crocs Cruise
4. Cruise through the wetlands
This two-and-a half hour cruise in the wetlands takes you to the Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve. Set up in the 1950s, this location today is home to a great amount of wetland flora and fauna. You will spend your time cruising around in these waters. Look out for crocodiles and the large number of birds that visit the forest. A delicious cold lunch is set up for the guests that includes fresh salad, and a selection of cold sliced meats and bread. Enjoy your lunch surrounded by wildlife and nature!
5. A scenic night cruise on the Murray River
This long journey is a cruise through Australia’s longest river. Get on board the PS Murray Princess and jet set on an adventure! You will cruise by looming gorges, historic towns and spot plenty of native wildlife. Look out for wombats, turtles and even kangaroos. You can also get down along the way to see the local sites and enjoy a small safari around the backwaters. An expert guide will be accompanying you all along and talking to you about all that you see. The three-night cruise includes on-board accommodation, meals and transfers from Adelaide.
6. Wine-tasting luxury cruise
Go on this five-and-a-half hour unique wine-tasting cruise and sample the local fare of Swan Valley. From Perth, guests will board a bus that drives through the gorgeous landscape of Western Australia to reach unique boutique wineries. Here, visitors can sample a selection of local wines served with different kinds of cheese to complement the wine. Going forward, a visit to the Margaret River Chocoloate Company is on the cards to enjoy delicious chocolates with a side of truffles. The return journey is spent on a single-level luxury cruiser. Kick back and unwind with wine and on-board entertainment. Watch the sea-front landscape change as the cruiser glides back to Barrack Square.
Book Tours : Swan Valley Wineries Tasting Tour and River Cruise
7. Cruise down the Yarra River and enjoy the beautiful sights of Melbourne
Cruise down the Yarra River on this tranquil pleasure boat with a sundeck that offers a different perspective of Melbourne. As the various landmarks of Melbourne cruise by, learn about the city and its fascinating history through the on-board commentary. The pleasure boat allows guests to enjoy the fascinating views of Melbourne either from inside the cabin or while sunbathing on the deck. Watch river landmarks such as princes bridge, Melbourne cricket ground, the Royal Botanical gardens and much more go by on this two-hour cruise. To make the experience even more relaxing, you can get along your very own mix of snacks and beverages to enjoy on board.
Book Tours : Melbourne: 2-Hour City Highlights River Cruise
8. Sightseeing cruise through Melbourne
Delight yourself on-board as you cruise by the Princess bridge and other top attractions such as Herring Island, the Governer’s residence, the Melbourne cricket garden, and more. Relax with complimentary beverages as you take in the beautiful views of the Yarra river. Sit out on the deck or in the luxury of the cabin fitted with panoramic windows, as you watch the landscape go by on this narrated tour.
9. Gold coast cruise with complimentary drinks and snacks
Get on-board for the one-and-a-half hour cruise with spectacular coastal views of Australia’s Gold Coast skyline. Relax on the sunny deck and enjoy an entertaining cruise while watching the city, yachts, canals and priceless mansions glide by. Treat yourself to delicious and refreshing cocktails as well as complimentary snacks from the bar on-board as you enjoy the wonderful views. It is also possible to do all this from the comfort of the cabin, if the midday sun gets too hot. The smooth water cruise will take guests through the main channel of the Nerang River before reveling in the sights of Marina Mirage.
Book Tours : Surfers Paradise and Gold Coast: Midday River Cruise
10. Sunset cruise over Swan River
On this cruise, relax as the seafront views of Perth come alive with lights as the sun sets over the majestic Swan River. Enjoy complimentary drinks from the bar on board as you cruise by Perth’s iconic landmarks. Look out for Elizabeth Quay, Kings Park, the Old Swan Brewery, the Burswood Peninsula, and Claisebrook Cove. The cruise is narrated, so don’t miss out on the Captain’s commentary and soak up some knowledge about Perth and its history. For a more luxurious experience, it is possible to upgrade to a premium package when booking. It includes a complimentary cheese board along with seasonal fruits and crackers and one extra drink.
Book Tours : Swan River Twilight Cruise from Perth
Luxuriating on Australia's waterways
Learn about the country as you river cruise in Australia. Discover the beauty of the land’s many rivers and the diverse flora and fauna that you will encounter on these majestic riverfront journeys.
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