Getting out on the water in Tweed Heads is a must-do, with three standout boat tours worth your time and money.
The practical 3-hour Tweed River and Rainforest Cruise hits all the right notes – good morning tea, tasty grazing lunch, and excellent bird watching, especially for Brahminy Kites.
For hands-on fun, we love the 2.5-hour Crab Catching Experience Cruise, where you’ll pull up crab pots and feed local pelicans.
The Tweed River and Rainforest Lunch Cruise rounds out the top picks, combining scenic views with a locally-sourced lunch that’s consistently good.
Let’s examine these water adventures in detail.
Key Points
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The Tweed River and Rainforest Cruise with Lunch offers a 3-hour excursion showcasing excellent birdwatching and a grazing board lunch featuring local produce.
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The Tweed/Gold Coast Crab Catching Experience Cruise is a 2.5-hour interactive tour that includes crab trapping, fishing, and hand-feeding of wild pelicans.
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The Tweed River and Rainforest Lunch Cruise provides a scenic boat trip along the Tweed River with opportunities to spot dolphins, birds of prey, and pelicans, accompanied by a delightful local grazing board.
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All the cruises offer wheelchair accessibility and live English-speaking guides, ensuring an inclusive and informative experience.
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The tours have received high overall ratings from previous guests, with the Tweed/Gold Coast Crab Catching Experience Cruise being multi-award winning for its educational crab show.
Tweed Heads: Tweed River and Rainforest Cruise With Lunch
Quite often, visitors to Tweed Heads embark on the Tweed River and Rainforest Cruise with Lunch, a captivating 3-hour excursion that immerses you in the region’s natural wonders.
Priced from $63.98 per person, this cruise takes you along the Tweed River to the Riparian Rainforest, where you’ll enjoy morning tea and a grazing board lunch featuring fresh local produce.
The tour offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, including sightings of the Brahminy Kite, and provides insightful commentary on the area’s history, flora, fauna, and Indigenous culture.
With a high overall rating of 4.9/5 from past guests, this cruise is a must-do experience for those seeking to explore Tweed Heads’ scenic and biodiverse landscape.
Read our full review: Tweed Heads: Tweed River and Rainforest Cruise With Lunch Review
Book now: Check availability
Tweed/Gold Coast: Crab Catching Experience Cruise
Embarking on the Tweed/Gold Coast Crab Catching Experience Cruise, you’ll learn about the region’s captivating natural wonders.
Over 2.5 hours, you’ll witness the art of trapping live crabs, try your hand at fishing on the Tweed River, and hand-feed wild pelicans.
Weather permitting, you’ll also have the opportunity to pump for yabbies and gain insights into working oyster farms.
This multi-award winning tour offers an educational crab show and scenic views of the Tweed area.
Casual attire is recommended, and a change of clothes is suggested for the yabbie pumping activity.
With wheelchair accessibility and a live English-speaking guide, this cruise is a must-do for the whole family.
Read our full review: Tweed/Gold Coast: Crab Catching Experience Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
Tweed River and Rainforest Lunch Cruise
Although the Tweed/Gold Coast Crab Catching Experience Cruise offers an interactive and educational journey, the Tweed River and Rainforest Lunch Cruise provides a more relaxing and immersive experience.
Set out on a scenic boat trip along the Tweed River, with opportunities to spot dolphins, birds of prey, and pelicans.
Savor a delightful lunch grazing board featuring local delicacies, complemented by fresh plunger coffee, teas, and even alcoholic beverages.
The captain’s informative commentary on the region’s Indigenous history, river wetlands, and wildlife further enhances the experience.
This half-day cruise, accommodating up to 46 travelers, is wheelchair accessible and perfect for those seeking a leisurely day on the water.
Read our full review: Tweed River and Rainforest Lunch Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Safety Procedures for the Cruises?
The cruises have detailed safety procedures to ensure your well-being. You’ll receive a safety briefing, wear a life jacket, and follow the crew’s instructions. Emergency equipment is readily available, and the vessels adhere to rigorous safety standards.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruises?
You can typically bring your own food and drinks on the cruises, but it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand. Some may have restrictions or offer on-board catering options you can purchase instead.
Are the Cruises Wheelchair Accessible?
Most cruises and boat tours are designed to be wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators to accommodate guests. You’ll want to check with the specific operator to confirm accessibility details and make any necessary arrangements prior to your visit.
Do the Cruises Offer Any Discounts or Packages?
Many cruises and boat tours offer discounts or packages to make your experience more affordable. You may find deals for seniors, families, students, or even bundle packages that include meals and activities. Be sure to inquire about any available discounts when booking your trip.
How Do I Get to the Cruise Departure Locations?
To get to the cruise departure locations, you can take public transportation like buses or taxis. Many cruise operators also offer shuttle services from nearby hotels or parking lots. Check with the specific cruise company for detailed directions and transportation options.
The Sum Up
Tweed Heads offers a range of exciting cruise and boat tour options. You can explore the Tweed River and surrounding rainforest on a relaxing lunch cruise, or try your hand at crab catching. With picturesque scenery and opportunities to learn about the local environment, these tours provide a unique and memorable way to experience the beauty of the Tweed Heads region.