Starlight’s Cruise Experience

Be inspired, learn and laugh on this Thomson River sunset cruise with stockman’s campfire dinner.

Board the only paddlewheeler west of the Great Divide or the historic Thomson Princess Riverboat and enjoy an adventure to the heart of outback tradition and legend.

Enjoy a gentle sunset cruise down the majestic Thomson River, where birds flock home to roost on the riverbanks. This is Longreach’s original Thomson River Cruise and still a must-do for every visitor to Longreach.

There are endless photo opportunities and an insightful commentary as you pass natural features before we go ashore for a traditional stockman’s camp-fire dinner. This is the real outback experience with inspiring and humorous traditional entertainment featuring our barefoot bush poet and your Kinnon family host.

Next, the bush is illuminated by the Starlight’s Spectacular Sound & Light Picture Show – a unique big-screen presentation featuring the Kinnon family and locals in the amazing adventures of the notorious cattle thief known as ‘Captain Starlight’.

Finally, in the atmospheric surroundings of the bush at night, enjoy the timeless favourite – billy tea and damper.

Subject to availability, you may be cruising on the original paddlewheeler or on the Thomson Princess, which has riverside seats all around and lets you capture photos of the photogenic paddlewheeler at sunset. (In the quieter season, we only use the paddlewheeler.)

The cruise departs Monday to Saturday with coach pick-up from 4.30pm. During April, May, September and October the cruise schedule runs on alternate days. Bookings essential. Please let us know when you book if you have any special dietary requirements.

Minimum numbers required.

Our 2022 tour season is from 4 April – 31 October.

Your evening experience includes:

THOMSON RIVER SUNSET CRUISE (Nibbles included, BYO drinks)
TRADITIONAL STOCKMAN’S DINNER (2 courses around campfire)
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
STARLIGHT’S SPECTACULAR SOUND AND LIGHT PICTURE SHOW
PICK UP AND DROP OFF AT TOWN ACCOMMODATION

FROM OUR GUESTS
Highly recommend the cruise and show. Very entertaining and food was great as well. Haven’t laughed that much for ages. Good value. Chris (Toowoomba)

Book your experience:

You can book online but always call our reservations crew on 07 4658 1776 if your choice is fully booked. Sometimes there are other options and we’ll do our best to fit you in.

When, where and what you need to know

Departure times and prices

DEPARTURE DAYS & TIMES:

Monday to Saturday from 4.30pm

DURATION:

4 hours

PRICES:

Adult: $125

Concession: $120
(Australian Govt pension cardholders only)

Child 5-14: $95

Infant 0-4: Free

Family (2A + 2C): $396

Location

FAQs

Can I choose which boat I’m on?

The boat you travel on depends on availability. Normally we fill the paddlewheeler first and then the Thomson Princess historic riverboat. You can tell which boat from the time in the booking window. If the time is 4.30pm or 4.45pm, you will be boarding the Thomson Belle Paddlewheeler. If the time is 4.31pm or 4.46pm you will be boarding the Thomson Princess Riverboat. This time will also be shown in your booking confirmation. Please call our reservations crew if you are not sure or have a special request (we may be able find a cancellation or suggest an alternative day).

What to wear for the cruise?

We’re not formal around here and the winter evenings can be cold so definitely bring a jumper and jacket.

BYO

We don’t sell alcohol but feel free to take advantage of local bottle shop prices and bring your own. Soft drinks are available on board.

Dietary options

If you let us know when you book, we can cater for vegetarian, gluten-free and other diets.

Pick ups

We pick up from accommodation in Longreach town from around 4.30pm and drop you back at the end of the evening (around 9.15pm). Please check your itinerary to confirm details. Please note we do not offer pick-up from Mitchell Grass Retreat (situated outside Longreach).