Cheese board and drinks on a cruise table with the Story Bridge outside
Back Highly recommendedVerified as Loop's Top 10Last reviewed October 2026

Sunset City Lights Cruise on the Brisbane River

from A$59
1 hour 30 mins
Brisbane
All Ages (4+)
Free Cancellation (24 hours prior)

Watch Brisbane light up from the water on this relaxed 90 minute evening cruise from South Bank. A charcuterie board is included, the bar's open, and there's easy listening music instead of commentary as you glide past the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the CBD and the Story Bridge.

  • Cheese board and drinks on a cruise table with the Story Bridge outside
  • Sunset over the Brisbane River framed by a cruise boat window
  • Brisbane skyline at twilight seen from the deck of a river cruise
  • Wheel of Brisbane lit up at night at South Bank
  • Brisbane skyline glowing at night from the river
  • Kangaroo Point Cliffs lit up at night across the Brisbane River
  • Brisbane city lights and the Story Bridge reflected on the river at night
  • Story Bridge lit up in purple over the Brisbane River at night
  • Brisbane city skyline reflected in the river at dusk
  • Indoor seating area on board a Brisbane River cruise boat
  • Cheese board and drinks on a cruise table with the Story Bridge outside
  • Sunset over the Brisbane River framed by a cruise boat window
  • Brisbane skyline at twilight seen from the deck of a river cruise
  • Wheel of Brisbane lit up at night at South Bank
  • Brisbane skyline glowing at night from the river
  • Kangaroo Point Cliffs lit up at night across the Brisbane River
  • Brisbane city lights and the Story Bridge reflected on the river at night
  • Story Bridge lit up in purple over the Brisbane River at night
  • Brisbane city skyline reflected in the river at dusk
  • Indoor seating area on board a Brisbane River cruise boat

Quick read before you book.

  • Catch the sunset and the city lights in one trip
  • Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the CBD and the Story Bridge from the water
  • No commentary, just music, conversation and the view
  • Fully licensed bar with reasonably priced drinks
  • Finish steps from South Bank's restaurants

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 evening cruise on the MV Neptune
  • Complimentary charcuterie boards
  • Easy listening music on board
  • Departure and return at the Cultural Centre pontoon, South Bank

Commonly asked questions.

From 1 October to 31 March the cruise departs at 6pm and returns at 7:30pm. From 1 April to 30 September it departs at 5:30pm and returns at 7pm. Boarding opens 15 minutes before departure, so time your arrival to catch the sunset from the deck.

You board at the Cultural Centre Public Pontoon in South Brisbane, on the river in front of the Cultural Centre and a short walk from Victoria Bridge. Arriving early? Browse more things to do in Brisbane around South Bank before you sail.

Complimentary charcuterie boards are served on board, and the fully licensed bar pours reasonably priced drinks. Queensland liquor laws mean you can't bring your own alcohol onto the vessel or take any off it.

No, this one is all about the atmosphere. Instead of commentary you get relaxed background music, so it's easy to chat with friends as the city lights come on. Keen on the stories behind the landmarks? The Best of Brisbane walking tour fills in the history by day.

Yes. Child fares cover ages 4 to 14, and a family pass is available, while seniors with a valid card get a reduced fare. It's a laid back, social evening, so it suits families who are happy to relax and take in the views.

Cancellations, refunds and reschedules need at least 24 hours' notice. Late arrivals and no shows forfeit the full ticket price, so allow plenty of time to reach South Bank.

The operator may cancel the cruise when severe weather warnings are issued, so keep an eye on the forecast on the day and check your booking details if a storm rolls in.

The Sunset City Lights Cruise runs on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Check availability for your date before you lock in your Brisbane plans.

Over 90 minutes you'll glide past the Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point Cliffs and the Powerhouse as they light up after dark, with the city skyline reflected across the water. Want the skyline from above too? The Brisbane City Sights and Mount Coot-tha private tour heads up the mountain for the big picture view.

More about this tour.

This isn't a commentary cruise. River City Cruises swaps the microphone for easy listening music on its evening run, so your 90 minutes on the Brisbane River are all about the view, the company and the charcuterie board that comes with your ticket.You'll board the MV Neptune at the Cultural Centre public pontoon at South Bank, arriving 15 minutes before departure. From October to March the cruise leaves at 6pm and returns at 7:30pm; from April to September it leaves at 5:30pm and returns at 7pm. Either way you're on the water as the sun drops and the city lights come on, cruising past the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the CBD and the Story Bridge.There's a fully licensed bar on board with reasonably priced wine and beer, and the crew are happy to fill you in on any landmark you're curious about. Back at South Bank you're a short stroll from plenty of restaurants, or you can add the Plough Inn dinner and drink option when you book and wander straight there along the river.Prefer to see the river by day? Try the Brisbane River sightseeing cruise. Or take the same stretch of water at full throttle on the Brisbane River Jet Ski Tour.Explore the cruise, then check availability for a Thursday, Friday or Saturday evening.

Additional info.

  • Runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday
  • Summer (1 October to 31 March): departs 6pm, returns 7:30pm
  • Winter (1 April to 30 September): departs 5:30pm, returns 7pm
  • Arrive 15 minutes before departure to board at the Cultural Centre public pontoon, South Bank
  • Drinks are available from the bar at your own cost; you can't bring your own alcohol on board
  • Child tickets cover ages 4 to 14, senior tickets need a Senior Card, and a family ticket covers 2 adults and 2 children
  • Add the Plough Inn dinner and drink option when you book if you'd like dinner after the cruise
  • Cancellations, refunds and reschedules need 24 hours' notice; late arrivals and no shows forfeit full payment
  • The operator may cancel during severe weather warnings