Starlights Cruise: An Evening of Outback Tradition and Thomson River Legend
4.8
273 Ratings
Longreach
Experience an evening of outback tradition and legend on the Starlights Cruise. Cruise down the Thomson River, enjoy a stockman's dinner, watch a spectacular sound and light show, and end the night with tea and damper under the stars.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Thomson River - 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.

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.)

What's Included
  • Dinner
  • Tea and coffee
What's Not Included
  • You are welcome to BYO alcoholic beverages
Additional Information

Experience the authentic charm of the outback evening.

Embark on a magnificent sunset cruise along the Thomson River aboard our historic vessels. Observe the birds as they return to their nests on the river’s edge and gain insights about the regional wildlife, plants, and history. (We provide snacks, but feel free to bring your own drinks)

As night descends, our boat anchors at the Outback Pioneers’ riverside campsite for a two-course meal of traditional stockman’s fare enjoyed around a bonfire. Our resident bush poet adds to the atmosphere with his captivating performance. After your meal, witness the ‘Starlight’s Spectacular Sound & Light Picture Show’ – a unique open-air cinema experience by the river. This exclusive film, produced by the Kinnon family, pays tribute to the legend of Captain Starlight. The evening ends with traditional tea, damper, and golden syrup served by the campfire under a sky filled with stars.

  • Dietary requirements? Please provide details in NOTES
Location
Thomson River
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(273 Ratings)
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Janine_s
May 20, 2024
Well done Kinnon family and staff - The whole experience was wonderful. The staff were fabulous, and great characters. The boat cruise, meal and entertainment was really great. The stage coach, morning tea, entertainment, lunch and station shop are all outstanding. We have had a very memorable outback experience.
Review provided by Viator
Pajeroexceed
May 17, 2024
Entertaining and Relaxing - Commentary was excellent on the cruise, the views are great so be sure to take your camera. We thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment especially the poetry. From pick up to drop off this is a great experience, would recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Peter_b
May 15, 2024
Three or four activities in one. - Everything about the tour was professionally done. They looked after my wife who was on a Wheely Walker. The cruise was very pleasant. The poetry good. The meal excellent. Keep it up.
Review provided by Viator
Karenki9078ry
May 12, 2024
Not to be missed! - This was a wonderful experience, starting with a sunset cruise with interesting commentary, but also time for quiet reflection. An added bonus was the send off by a group of turtles! The campfire dinner was delicious, and they happily catered for dietary requirements. The poet was great to listen to, and the movie quite entertaining. One of our group had quite limited mobility, and Lane and his team were just amazing in making provision for that and helping us out. Lane was hilarious, and the kids are still chuckling at some of his stories!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yrenam2024
May 9, 2024
Great evening - Amazing night. Boat cruise was lovely despite BYO drinks rule. Snacks yummy. Dinner and bush poetry great, very entertaining. Movie very well done .
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rod_j
May 8, 2024
Excellent - Sitting around the camp fire, food, stories & great atmosphere. All our hosts for the evening where very entertaining, Thanks for a great night.
Review provided by Viator
Debbie_h
Apr 30, 2024
Up the river without a care. - The goose that followed the boat for food. The sunset. Then the food and show. Whole experience was well planned.
Review provided by Viator
Chatncappuccino
Apr 24, 2024
Fun night experience bush tucker and entertainment - Fun night starting with bus pickup at Apex Park, followed by leisurely sunset cruise aboard the paddleboat. The meal of hearty stew for the carnivores and a delicious vegie curry for the herbivores. Dietary preferences were well catered. The bus poetry was well done and very professional. All the staff were very friendly. Movie was interesting, although acting medicore. Good story. Fully satiated from the hearty main meal followed by apple slice and custard, I had no room for tea and damper but heard lots of positive comments that it was delicious. Great night.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Steve
Apr 14, 2024
Fabulous - Wonderful time, well organised, enjoyable for the whole family the staff were great very friendly and knowledgeable
Review provided by Viator
Shebbard
May 14, 2024
Great night on the Thomson - We found the cruise humorously enlightening, the food was very tasty, the yarns and poetry most entertaining, and the movie a good laugh with a bit of history. All up a great night
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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