See the highlights of Brisbane from the water on a dinner cruise aboard a majestic wooden paddlewheeler. Enjoy live entertainment and a contemporary buffet menu that features fresh produce, then stroll along the deck for unobstructed views of the waterfront as it twinkles at night. It's the perfect way to spend a night out with a romantic partner, loved ones, or friends visiting from afar.
Admire the fine craftsmanship of the multi-level paddlewheeler as you step aboard for your evening cruise. Friendly staff show you to your table and inform you of the evening's schedule.
Once aboard, feel free to stroll around the deck to watch as the waterfront lights up for the night. Enjoy top live entertainers performing all the classics and favorites, guaranteed to get you up on the dance floor making this a truly memorable experience.
As your paddlewheeler sets off along the river, your contemporary buffet menu is served. Choose your meal from an extensive selection of delicious hot and cold dishes or see the sample contemporary buffet menu below. The menu features great Australian produce and mouth-watering desserts
When you have finished your meal, enjoy unobstructed views from the dining room or deck. Relax as you take in the sights of Brisbane from your vantage point on the water.
The legendary paddle boats of the Mississippi River inspired the design of this vessel. The Brisbane River boats have been carefully crafted from Queensland timber, including ironbark, spotted gum and white beech. They have become iconic on the Brisbane River, enjoyed by visitors and locals alike.
After a 3-hour cruise, your tour ends when the paddlewheeler returns you to the dock after a magical evening on the river.
First trip to Brisbane and thought this would be a great idea to meet up with family friends for a nice night on the river... Turns out you couldn't have a conversation due to the hens party on the cruise... It could be the 'oldie' coming out in me, but for anyone who was trying to enjoy the evening wouldn't have due to the excessive amount of noise from the said party. And whilst I'm all for everyone having a good time, I think the company should give paying customers options to move at least to the second floor which was not in use at all so you could have a decent conversation. Whilst you can walk about the boat, and the man who was the entertainment for the evening had a great voice and did a good selection of songs, the rowdy women were an absolute turn off. Our family friends didn't truly enjoy themselves, and it was their first time on the cruise as well. We had to escape to the very top of the boat to have a decent conversation as we'd not seen each other for over a year. I wasn't overly impressed with the food and wonder why everyone seems to have issues with cooking steamed veg...they were very hard. I will admit the pasta was delicious, but I didn't think much of the dessert. Some of the crew were good, but I can't comment on service as we are not heavy drinkers and therefore did not require a lot of drink service from the crew. Everyone seemed happy except for the incident at the beginning when checking in where the man seemed really put out that we booked for 4 people but only 3 were written down on their list. And whilst the issue was resolved, he lacked professionalism during that bit which was not a good start at all. We will return to Brisbane, but would not return to the dinner cruise as we have done dinner cruises in Sydney and much prefer an a la carte menu on that cruise then buffet as we didn't find the buffet here overly impressive... I wouldn't recommend this at all...
Review by: Gay, February 2018
Had a great time with the family celebrating my 70th birthday. Staff were very good. Would recommend this experience highly and fully intend to do it again next time I am in Brisbane.
Review by: Eileen B, January 2018
On the night we could not use the top deck as they had a private party booked which meant this did not give us much room to move around. Food was excellent but could have done with more entertainment as we only had one person singing and no room to dance.
Review by: Jody P, January 2018
The cruise on the Brisbane River was just beautiful. The meal was excellent and the views of Brisbane at night were spectacular. Would definitely recommend and will be going again!
Review by: gandlchapman, December 2017
We booked the paddle steamer because we only had 1 night in Brisbane. But was disappointed because_br/_ it didn't go that night so we had to go on another boat. Not what we expected. We had just finished a 16 day cruise_br/_ so the boa twasn't what we wanted. It was the experience of the Paddle Steamer._br/_ Lucy and George._br/_ W A
Review by: Eva L, December 2017
The food was amazing. the place was crowded which is a good thing, but they should've opened up the second floor, because the tables are rather close to each other.
Review by: Robyn C, November 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed the cruise - met new people and the staff were really great and also very discreet. The food was average and perhaps could be a little better, however great fun.
Review by: sarah_fisher_888, November 2017
Nice evening however not how the trip was originally advertised. We were sold a 3 course dinner with live jazz band entertainment while cruising the river. However we were greeted with a dinner buffet and karaoke cabaret style singer. Management had changed since booking. Disappointing.
Review by: Peter B, October 2017
What a lovely evening on the Brisbane River aboard a beautiful paddle boat. We had great weather, smooth seas, superb food, got to listen to good songs being crooned by a wonderful singer, enjoyed the company of the other guests and the crew were friendly and attentive. Couldn't have asked for a better evening, so relaxing.
Review by: Janine D, October 2017
we were celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary and were on holiday from New Zealand. We had a very enjoyable evening. The buffet dinner was excellent and the entertainment was good. Cruising down the river seeing the city lite up at night was lovely.
Review by: juliane-55, October 2017
I took my daughter up to Brisbane to spoil her for 2 nights and booked this deal. She was so excited. We had a table at the front of the boat outdoors. It had the best views. The food was excellent. Very tasty and 4 varieties of meat. The only criticism I have is that the table hadn't been set before we got on the boat and when I ordered a bottle of wine, it took about 20 minutes before it was delivered to us and we were already half way through our meal. Otherwise we both enjoyed it immensely.
Review by: Richard D, October 2017
Loved this cruise, Staff were friendly and welcoming, Food was Great! Beautiful City, Beautiful weather. Only thing I was disappointed about was there was very little commentary, as a first time visitor to Brisbane I would have loved to have heard about the history behind the buildings, bridges and the city itself etc. I have been on similar cruises where there was a lot of commentary.... had a great time though, and would recommend this cruise
Review by: Kristina P, September 2017
It's always nice to get out on the water. This was a fun way to see the city at night. Dinner was okay but you're really there for the experience. They also had entertainment on each level of the ship.
Review by: stephanie s, August 2017
From the moment we boarded to leaving the trip was faultless._br/_ A big shout out to poppa, she was amazing. To the MC who was very entertaining. _br/_ Food was really nice._br/_ Definitely recommend this cruise.
Review by: Doc Nice, June 2017
It was our first time in Brisbane. We had a good meal while enjoying the sights.
Review by: Tim M, April 2017
had a good evening
Review by: jaybee17, April 2017
A lovely old paddle steamer with a great buffet and atmosphere. Seating and meal was well organized and not too regimented. You can decide to buy the drink tickets from the kiosk before you board if you are not sure at time of booking on viator.
Review by: hollyinmaui, March 2017
Our last night in Australia . It was a great way to end a three week holiday . Food was good . A great way to see Brisbane.
Review by: Leonie K, March 2017
Really disappointing, poorly organised, getting aboard was delayed and problematic, the food was of a poor standard late being served and the hot buffet items were mostly cold and resembled a 70's buffet without the carvery. We were crammed in and couldn't wait to get off._br/_ In comparison the two hour City Cat ride for under 5.00 was incredible value for money.
Review by: Stacy H, February 2017
We had a table that did not have any view to outside the boat. Food was decent and area on the top level of the boat is nice for pictures. It wasn't bad but wouldn't go again and only recommend if there isn't something else for you to do in Brisbane.
Review by: moreighn H, February 2017
really lovely night out especially after the heat of day.Entertainment covering different eras and even a bit of polynesian which somehow echoed the modd .Food was good and for someone who has been using Kookaburra for 19 yeras this night was up with the best
Review by: Dirk K, January 2017
This was the worst experience we've ever had._br/_ We were told to be at the pier, ready to go at 6:15pm, with departure at 6:30pm. Boarding only started close to 7pm._br/_ When we were pointed to our table, instead of having some personal space, we were packed in like sardines, allowing for very intimate moments with strangers seated at the table next to us. Certainly seems like quantity is more important to allowing your guests to actually enjoy the experience._br/_ The carpets were disgustingly dirty. The waiting staff were uninterested and certainly not dressed for the part, with bra straps hanging from shoulders._br/_ Ordering drinks was another disaster, it took forever to actually get to place an order, only to eventually receive an alcoholic drink in a what appeared to be a glass that you would use for kids at a party. Drink order were forgotten about as well as some drink orders just never got to the bar._br/_ My wife is allergic to dairy, and I requested a vegan option for her and specified it had to be dairy free. When her food arrived, it looked exactly the same as what was ordered by the people next to us. We called the waitress over and asked her to please verify with the chef that her food did not contain any dairy as it appeared to be the standard option from the menu which included cheese. The waitress rolled her eyes at us and stomped off. Returning close to 20 minutes later with a no, it does not and left._br/_ When dessert arrived, my wife's was inedible. It tasted revolting and looked the part._br/_ My food was no better, I would've had better value for money at MacDonalds._br/_ Overall service was running late and by the time dessert was served, we were back at the pier. By the time we left the boat, there were still people waiting for their desserts._br/_ An air conditioner would have made a huge difference as the evening was incredibly hot and the few fans inside really made no difference._br/_ I would most definitely never use this service again and I would go out of my way to inform as many people as possible to avoid this.
Review by: Jacqueline G, January 2017
We absolutely loved our Kookaburra Queen Dinner Cruise. The service was fantastic, the meal was delicious and the entertainment was great. We highly recommend this short cruise to others
Review by: crswinson, December 2016
Overall, it was a good experience. It dragged along at the end. It could probably be 1/2 hour shorter.
Review by: pharlap, December 2016
the drink waiter was too slow
Review by: Andrew H, November 2016
Having just reviewed the cruising experience on the Kookaburra Queen 2, I believe they also rate a specific mention for their menu.
Review by: Andrew H, November 2016
The idea of river crousing is always seductive, but usually ends up , for me, with beconig bored with the tedium of the river, the the terminal dullness of the ancient fellow passengers and the entertainment which usually comprises a series of Elvis songs sung with mega-decibels and off-key!
Review by: Grant and Rachael W, October 2016
We loved the dinner cruise! Tui Peter? was a perfect host/entertainer with a beautiful voice and sense of humour! The staff were friendly and professional, captain was very friendly and the boat had an ambience about it that was quite unique. Lovely dining as we cruised the river. We hope to do it again next trip to Brisbane :
Review by: JAYNE R, October 2016
The cruise the food the drink the host and entertainer was fantastic. We had a great night.
Review by: Lorna K, September 2016
Great cruise...very relaxing. Food was not over fancy but very nicely done and tasty. Would definitely do it again and even try some of the other cruises, like lunch and high tea..
Review by: reg c, September 2016
nice relaxing night great food and met some nice people we loved the sights along the river and would do it again in daylight hours
Review by: Holly S, September 2016
really good evening! good food, only moan was that there was no room to get up and dance due to a hen party taking over but other than that great night would do again!
Review by: Marie M, August 2016
Stunning this was our first night in Brisbane and a wonderful way to start our first ever trip to Australia 5 stars out of 5 for the friendly service and lovely experience.
Review by: tksulvtas, August 2016
Well organised with very good three course dinner. Unfortunately we were sat a broken table and then moved to the very end of the boat. We were given a free drink for the error. Good activity for groups but not a lot of atmosphere for singles or couples. Plenty of staff to look after those on board but getting a second drink or glass of water was very slow or forgotten altogether. No commentary on were we were or sites of interest along the river for those who were not from Brisbane.
Review by: Glenys Mary C, July 2016
excellent - very much enjoyed-_br/_ a little bit disappointed children not taken into consideration with meal times- or maybe better to offer something for little children - anything at all to eat- some parents forget to pack snacks- children generally eat early- but loved the cruise- will book again and recommend to others
Review by: Richard W, June 2016
Great views from the boat at night seeing the city lit up was an experience _br/_ Only down side was choice of food more choices would and #39;ve been better but overall recommend
Review by: John O, June 2016
A very enjoyable experience well worth the cost. Would highly recommend this Trip to anyone looking for a Top Time in Brisbane.
Review by: Theresa T, June 2016
We loved this River Cruise. The staff were awesome. We enjoyed the food and the entertainment. And the views were wonderful. The boat left on time and got back on time. Thank you
Review by: Jennifer F, June 2016
This was a most enjoyable evening. The food was great and the staff really did everything to make the experience memorable. The singer even kept the volume down so people could talk. A lovely warm evening watching Brisbane come to life with sparkling lights in a lovely, friendly setting. I would certainly recommend. _br/_ Jenni, Melbourne
Review by: Anthony D, June 2016
great a must do when visiting BB
Review by: Kim B, May 2016
Not great
Review by: Pam B, April 2016
This was everything and more. Absolutely a 5 from us. The crew were magnificent, the entertainment was good the food was to die for. I would recommend this trip to everyone. We did the dinner trip, also I think it was value for money.
Review by: sulabha m, April 2016
Sitting arrangement was bad,too crowded._br/_ We had table outside along with five more couples._br/_ It rained even before the cruise started._br/_ We managed to get table shifted inside,but they were not co- operative._br/_ Very disappointed with staff._br/_ At the end manager came and apologised.
Review by: Samantha C, March 2016
Food great, a very enjoyable night, would recommend it any one. Must return for the daylight tour.
Review by: R.P. v, March 2016
We had a wonderful evening. The cruise was fantastic, stunning views, _br/_ the food was good and the entertainment was ok. _br/_ One point of improvement was that we had to wait 20 minutes for our drinks . _br/_ However we had a very pleasant evening. We are now back in the Netherlands, but with pleasure we think back to that night
Review by: Andrew H, March 2016
All aspects of this trip were wonderful, so much so that we will book again given the next available opportunity...they rate 5/5. Comprehensive reviews on Trip Advisor.
Review by: shaun s, February 2016
when I purchased the voucher I had googled it and the website I got said it was a buffet meal all good but when I got to the kookaburra queen they said it was a set menu on tray was cold meat olives bread if I wonted cold cuts I would of stayed home and 4 choices for main 3 for dessert the food was good but its the sort of food designed for those people who love any sort of food luckily how ever there was one I possibly liked and did but when I told the waiter about this the girl in charge offered me the seafood platter instead witch I considered a good thing to do but I said I was happy to get what I had picked and asked if I could just have a reduction in drink bill that would make me happy and to that they offered to let my wife's wine choice be free so all good and they sent out our mains first as we did not have the cold cuts that were on tray all good but some time in the course of the night we were being ignored so my coke and my daughters coke glasses were left empty and not one waiter would come near us to see if we needed more drinks and at the end they put the bill pouch on table and I sew that they had charged us for the wine I commented to waiter when I gave him the pouch money and he want up to the girl in charge and she made her way to the table and unceremoniously put my change on the table with out any care or communication all with out stoping _br/_ at witch I thought was rather rude and on inspection I saw that they had gone back on there word.so my wife and my daughter and me self left very annoyed after we got in the car and started to drive home my wife said to me that all that nasty stuff happened because they decided we were lying at witch I said that is very possible I guess so thanks to the google search and the attitude of the girl in charge thanks for stuffing up our 25th wedding anniversary the boat was good the food was good just not to my taste the trip was good girl in charge good but get ride of attitude
Review by: Gordon F, February 2016
The boat trip itself was dry nice ,but that's as far as it goes I'm afraid ....._br/_ The singer was too cheesy in fact he put me off my food which I must say was awful too ,fish was overlooked and not pleasant . Desert was ok could have been better . Certainly not worth the money
Review by: Gloria C, January 2016
Our evening to celebrate two Birthdays was fantastic. Fabulous service and the food was delicious and the staff catered to our requests for our special cakes and even took photos for us. I would recommend this cruise and we will be back.
Review by: Julie W, January 2016
Very Slow boarding the boat but once on board we were looked after quiet well, food was nice ,music loud, but overall a lovely night
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