Tray of scones with jam and cream served on a Brisbane River cruise
Back Highly recommendedVerified as Loop's Top 10Last reviewed October 2026

City Sightseeing Cruise

from A$49
1 hour 30 mins
Brisbane
All Ages (0+)
Free Cancellation (24 hours prior)

Cruise the Brisbane River on the boutique MV Neptune with live commentary and a Devonshire tea of scones, jam, cream and strawberries. Departing South Bank at 10:30am daily, this 90 minute trip takes in Kangaroo Point, the Story Bridge, the Powerhouse and the old Customs House.

  • Tray of scones with jam and cream served on a Brisbane River cruise
  • Friends enjoying coffee and cake on a Brisbane River sightseeing cruise
  • Tray of scones with jam and cream served on a Brisbane River cruise
  • Friends enjoying coffee and cake on a Brisbane River sightseeing cruise

Quick read before you book.

  • Departs daily from South Bank at 10:30am
  • Scones with jam and cream as the city slides by
  • Kangaroo Point, the Story Bridge and the Powerhouse from the water
  • Spot the original Customs House among the high rises
  • Back at South Bank by midday, ready for lunch

What people say about this operator.

Google Reviews
4.7 Stars|482 reviews

What could be better?

Honestly, not much. Seating isn't allocated, so arrive early for a good spot and double check your departure point.

Summarised by AI, verify on Google Business Profile before booking

Included in this tour.

  • 90 minute Brisbane River cruise on the MV Neptune
  • Guided commentary on Brisbane's history and landmarks
  • Devonshire tea with scones, jam, cream and strawberries
  • Tea and coffee
  • Souvenir map

Commonly asked questions.

Boarding opens at 10:15am for the 10:30am departure, and you're back on the pontoon by 12pm. Aim to arrive a few minutes early so you can grab a good seat on the upper deck.

You board at the Cultural Centre Public Pontoon in South Brisbane, on the river in front of the Cultural Centre, about 100 metres upstream from Victoria Bridge and 300 metres from the Wheel of Brisbane. Staying longer? Browse more things to do in Brisbane within easy reach of South Bank.

Cancellations, refunds and reschedules need at least 24 hours' notice. Late arrivals and no shows forfeit the full ticket price, so plan your trip to South Bank with a little breathing room.

The operator may cancel the cruise when severe weather warnings are issued. For everyday showers, the fully covered upper deck and indoor cabin keep you comfortable, and our Australia packing list covers what to throw in your day bag.

Absolutely. Child fares cover ages 5 to 14, infant tickets are free, and a family pass covers two adults and two children. The live commentary and souvenir map keep curious little minds busy the whole way.

MV Neptune is a classic 1966 timber cruiser and isn't equipped for wheelchair access. If you have mobility needs, contact River City Cruises before booking to talk through what will work for you.

Devonshire tea with scones, tea and coffee is included. There's also a coffee shop and licensed bar on board, with purchases by card only, and you can't bring your own alcohol onto the vessel.

Over 90 minutes you'll glide past the Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, South Bank Parklands, New Farm Park, the Powerhouse and grand riverside homes, with a local guide sharing the stories behind them. Keen to see the city up close afterwards? The Introduction to Brisbane walking tour makes a great follow up on foot.

More about this tour.

The MV Neptune is a boutique timber vessel rather than a big commuter ferry, and this morning run pairs proper guided commentary with a Devonshire tea of fresh scones, jam, cream and strawberries. It's an easy, unhurried way to get your bearings in Brisbane from the river that shaped it.Board at the Cultural Centre public pontoon at South Bank from 10:15am for the 10:30am departure. Over the next 90 minutes your guide shares the history behind the city's riverside precincts, Kangaroo Point, the Story Bridge and the Powerhouse, and points out the original Customs House still standing proudly among the high rises. You'll also cruise past some of the river's grandest homes and old buildings reborn as apartments.Tea and coffee come with your scones, and there's a bar on board if you'd rather a cold beer or a glass of wine. You're back at South Bank by midday, right on time for lunch by the river.Want to see the same river after dark? The Sunset City Lights Cruise on the Brisbane River swaps commentary for music and charcuterie. Or explore the city on foot with the Best of Brisbane Walking Tour.Explore the cruise, then check availability for your morning.

Additional info.

  • Departs daily at 10:30am and returns at 12pm, with boarding from 10:15am
  • Departs from and returns to the Cultural Centre public pontoon on the river at South Bank
  • Child tickets cover ages 5 to 14, senior tickets need a Senior Card, and a family ticket covers 2 adults and 2 children
  • Drinks from the bar are at your own cost; you can't bring your own alcohol on board
  • Cancellations, refunds and reschedules need 24 hours' notice; late arrivals and no shows forfeit full payment
  • The operator may cancel during severe weather warnings