What are the best river cruises in Australia?

The best river cruises in Australia include the Riverboat Postman on the Hawkesbury River, Daintree River crocodile cruises and Murray River paddlesteamer tours in Echuca.

River cruises in Australia can be a great way of seeing the country’s nature, wildlife and geographical wonders. Some are better than others, but whether you want to play at being postman, watch crocodiles or pass through towering gorges, there’s probably an Australian riverboat trip that’ll suit your tastes.

River cruises in Sydney

The most famous cruises in Sydney are on Sydney Harbour. Taking the Manly ferry from Circular Quay is generally seen as the cheap option, but you can go the other way and take the Parramatta River Ferry to Parramatta instead.

Sydney has other rivers, however. The Hawkesbury River marks the city’s northern boundary. Here, the Riverboat Postman hops between small Hawkesbury River communities, delivering the mail. Passengers are invited along for the ride.

The Nepean River marks Sydney’s western boundary, and this is where the Nepean Belle paddlewheeler plies its trade from Penrith. A variety of cruises are available, but the lunchtime cruise through Nepean Gorge is the best bet.

Elsewhere in New South Wales, the River Lady heads along the Darling River and Menindee Lakes, offering insight into outback life.

Murray River cruises in Australia

The Murray River is Australia’s longest river, and there are cruise options most of the way along it before the Mouth of the Murray empties out from the Coorong. The best spot for Murray River cruises, however, is Echuca. Here, the historic wharf at the Port of Echuca is the departure point for several Murray River paddlesteamer cruises. Hour-long pootles along the river are available on the cheap if you’ve got a tight budget.

Australian river cruises in Tasmania

Australia’s smallest state, Tasmania, has several river cruise options. From Hobart, Iron Pot Cruises heads down the Derwent River to the Iron Pot lighthouse. In the wild west of the state, the Arcadia II ventures through rainforest along the Pieman River from the former goldrush settlement of Corinna.

River cruises in Australia: Brisbane and Queensland

2032 Olympic host city Brisbane is based around the Brisbane River, with several ferry services linking the banks. The best value for money ferry trip is from central Brisbane to Eat Street Northshore. But the smart move is probably taking the Miramar cruise to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in the riverside suburb of Fig Tree Pocket.

Further north in Queensland on the Sunshine Coast in Noosa, the Noosa River passes through the Noosa Everglades. Everglades Ecosafaris runs idyllic cruises up the Noosa River, focusing on the nature. Expect plenty of birdlife and big goannas on the banks.

There are even bigger reptiles to spot in northern Queensland. This is crocodile country, and most river tours here understandably focus on deadly saltwater crocodiles. The Proserpine River near Airlie Beach supposedly has the highest concentration of crocodiles in Australia. Whitsunday Crocodile Safari heads out along the river to see as many big crocs as possible.

Alternative crocodile cruises are available on the Daintree River north of Cairns. The Daintree River cruises depart from near the Daintree ferry, and make a logical addition to the drive from Cairns to Cape Tribulation.

Australian river cruises in the Northern Territory

There are also several crocodile cruises in the Northern Territory. Technically, the Yellow Water cruise in World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park and the Corroboree Billabong cruise just outside are on billabongs that are part of river systems, rather than rivers themselves.

But a little further south in Nitmiluk National Park near Katherine, the Katherine River offers distinctly different cruises. Here, towering sandstone gorges rise up steeply from the river banks. Katherine Gorge cruises take in the national park’s rugged, dramatic splendour, although Katherine Gorge canoe tours are arguably more satisfying.

River cruises in Western Australia

Perth is based around the Swan River. Several cruises head up into the Swan Valley – the oldest wine region in Western Australia. But if all you want to do is explore Perth, the delightful little solar powered boats of the Little Ferry Co are a great bet. They depart from Elizabeth Quay.

Alternatively you can take the Rottnest Express ferry the other way down the Swan River. You’ll hopefully spot dolphins and black swans on the way past Fremantle to quokka-heavy Rottnest Island.