2.5-Hour Afternoon Cruise

Noosa: Afternoon Cruise through the Noosa Everglades runs through Discovery Holiday Parks Pty Limited. Rated 4.5 across 1,093 reviews. Runs 2.5 hours. From $69.

Overview

This 2.5-hour afternoon cruise runs from Boreen Point on the upper Noosa River into the Noosa Everglades, which the listing calls one of only two everglade systems on the planet. You board an eco safari vessel with a guide and glide across calm, reflective waters known as the river of mirrors, with commentary on the history of the area and its flora and fauna along the way. A glass of sparkling wine, a beer, or a juice is poured during the cruise.

Wildlife viewing is part of the trip, and after the boat returns there is a chance to spot grey kangaroos that live around the Habitat Ecocamp. Reviewers regularly single out the mirror-like reflections and the guides' knowledge of the environment, with two reviews mentioning the drinks flowing.

It suits travellers who want a relaxed, scenic water trip with a drink in hand and a guide doing the talking. It is less suited to anyone expecting a full day on the water or a guaranteed wildlife encounter, since sightings vary. Note that the vessel departs from Habitat Noosa at Boreen Point; a coach transfer from selected Noosa stops is included, and the provider confirms your pickup time after booking.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Pickup or meeting pointThe starting location depends on the option selected. The cruise itself departs from Boreen Point on the upper Noosa River, and a coach transfer from selected Noosa stops is included in the tour.
2. Coach transfer (50 minutes)The itinerary includes a bus or coach transfer lasting 50 minutes, depending on the selected option.
3. Safety briefing (5 minutes)At the Noosa Everglades you get a short safety briefing before boarding.
4. Everglades cruise (2.5 hours)The guided eco safari vessel cruise covers sightseeing, scenic views on the way, wildlife viewing, and a drink of sparkling wine, beer, or juice, with expert commentary on the area's history, flora, and fauna.
5. Free time (30 minutes)Back on land you get 30 minutes of free time, with a chance to look for the grey kangaroos that inhabit the Habitat Ecocamp.
6. Return coach (50 minutes)The return coach transfer lasts 50 minutes, with drop-off locations including David Low Way at Sunshine Beach Primary, Noosa Heads station, Noosa Pde at Nancy Cato Park, Noosa Pde at Quamby Place, Chinadina, Noosa Marina Coach Parking, and The J Noosa.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this cruise.

• Getting there. The vessel departs from Habitat Noosa at Boreen Point, which the listing places 25 minutes north of Noosa township. A coach transfer from selected Noosa stops is included in the tour, and the provider confirms your pickup time after booking. The tour start time is not the pickup time, and the provider contacts you to confirm arrangements based on your selection at checkout.
• What to bring. The listing recommends a hat and sunscreen for this afternoon on the water. Luggage and large bags are not allowed on board. One reviewer noted wind on the day of their cruise.
• Drinks included. One glass of sparkling wine, beer, or juice is included per traveller, and two reviews describe the drinks flowing, though the listing itself promises one glass. Food is not included, so eat before you go or bring nothing more than a snack, since large bags are off the table.
• Pace and feel. This is a cruise with commentary rather than a hike or paddle. Reviews repeatedly use words like relaxing and informative, and the boat travels calm waters.
• Wildlife sightings. Wildlife viewing is part of the route, and some reviewers reported koalas, eagles, and kangaroos. Others said there was not much wildlife on their trip, so treat sightings as a possibility rather than a promise. The review summary notes some travellers wanted clearer expectations around this.
• Weather and boarding. The tour runs rain or shine, and one reviewer noted wind on the day they went. The listing also warns that at certain times of year boarding the boats may require walking through water, so footwear you do not mind getting wet is a safe choice.

Common issues. The main gripes are minor. Some reviewers saw little wildlife and felt the expectations around sightings could have been clearer, so do not book purely for animals. Wind and weather can affect the experience, and the tour runs rain or shine regardless. Boarding may involve walking through water at certain times of year. Food is not included, and the coach transfer from selected Noosa stops is part of the tour.

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