Top 5 Longreach Cruises: Tours, Prices & Reviews
Longreach, right there in the heart of Queensland’s outback, very much offers some unique experiences for those who want to get a feel for true Australia. Forget crowded beaches; this place is almost about wide open spaces and big skies. To make it very plain, Longreach is an adventure waiting to happen. So, if you’re someone considering a cruise, I’ve looked closely at five that appear worth your time and money. So, lets find out about Longreach outback tours.
1. Thomson River Cruise by Outback Pioneers
The Thomson River Cruise is nearly a flagship experience for Outback Pioneers, apparently offering a good taste of the outback lifestyle. That’s so important. Picture this: a late afternoon cruise along the Thomson River. I think it’s really relaxing. It usually finishes with a campfire dinner right there on the riverbank. I feel that sounds pretty amazing, am I right? The scenery could be incredible, it’s very peaceful out there, and chances are good that the food is pretty decent, just like your old granny makes it! The sunset view is almost magical and sets the atmosphere right, it turns the whole experience into gold.
Then again, there is so much more: entertainment after dark is what sets it apart. What usually happens is that there’s live music with storytelling, and you get this sense of what life may be like back in the pioneer days. You are actually a participant, maybe not as a main actor, but you begin to understand, even on a basic level, the life of a pioneer and are entertained at the same time! The Thomson River cruise is really a very easy going experience that gives you time to recharge.
What to expect:
- A serene cruise at sundown on the Thomson River
- A campfire dinner right there on the riverbank
- Stories and music about pioneer times
2. Drover’s Sunset Cruise
The Drover’s Sunset Cruise is something that aims for a comfy atmosphere and a good look at nature, apparently. You will, in a way, experience the beauty as the sun goes down. Imagine the sky displaying vivid shades while on the water. So that is quite tempting. Plus, it’s not just seeing things, is that right? They very much offer nibbles and drinks on the cruise. Having something to sip on makes it even better, and you might meet new people on the tour, as it promotes a very communal outback spirit.
And if you like wildlife, well it can give you chances to get very close to Australian species as the cruise continues. As a matter of fact, if you’re into birds, you’re really in luck, apparently the area is visited by local bird species, as this spot is very quiet and natural, ideal to watch them. Also it could be a great way to wind down and admire nature if you’re coming from city life!
What to expect:
- Very pretty scenery during sunset
- Snacks with beverages
- Opportunities to get very close to local wildlife.
3. Starlight Cruise Experience
Next we have the Starlight Cruise, this one provides a pretty cool approach, almost like you’re going into a movie. You may be thinking why I’m saying this, is that right? Well the experience happens as soon as dusk hits. Then what usually happens is a big outdoor movie screen shows a short documentary about the area’s background. How neat! This documentary usually includes how Captain Starlight impacted the region.
While you’re watching this film, you might as well enjoy dinner as you sail along the water and stars above! Food, views and films is nearly the whole package! One thing about it that makes it special is the stargazing experience: because of where it’s positioned, far from city lights, the Outback lets you see thousands of stars and the Milky Way if you’re fortunate. With this Starlight Cruise, it becomes a stellar occasion for everybody to remember!
What to expect:
- Dinner cruises that provide a movie regarding Captain Starlight’s impact on the local area
- Good views of the open night sky
4. Longreach Explorer River Cruise
If you really like investigating more about the Outback’s ecosystem, and more about Longreach, you may appreciate what the Explorer River Cruise offers. Apparently, the tour directs people who appreciate that sort of thing! The expedition itself is led by locals who grew up near or along the river. They generally discuss flora, fauna, local folklore and anything they know about life in Longreach. Very impressive!
During the day expedition you get rare access to areas that aren’t easily viewable from ground or road. So in this case you get a chance to take many shots or videos that otherwise would never be available. Not only that but the boats typically have wide viewing decks, where there’s no obstruction for views and make moving around easily.
What to expect:
- Examine wildlife with clear river perspectives
- Discussions of flora/fauna from very experienced locals.
- Access that usually cannot be reached from roadways.
5. River Run Cruises – Sunset Dinner Cruise
So we are getting to our final point in this article, are we? What usually sets apart the River Run Cruises Sunset Dinner Cruise, it’s very unique offering, as this one mixes entertainment with food. Live bands, often playing pretty famous Aussie songs and sometimes pop tunes, are what entertain as dinner is happening and the boat cruises into dusk. Typically, their cuisine focuses on traditional Aussie foods as well, such as BBQ. Amazing!
That and it doesn’t just offer food! Also some local wines and brews. You are experiencing pretty famous regional cuisine as it slowly passes you! Lastly it tends to become interactive where the crowd requests songs and dances, that makes it a fun evening for everyone. This choice becomes fantastic when hoping for social moments or looking at mingling. But either way it’s fun for just yourself too.
What to expect:
- Live Australian songs and dinner included
- Aussie drinks available at all times
- Interactive music, everyone can partake