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The view from the water is always the better one. RedBalloon scenic cruises take you around Sydney Harbour, through the Whitsundays, along the coastline of Western Australia, and onto inlets, bays, and waterways across the country. Some include lunch, some include wine, some just give you the deck and the view. Browse by location and find a cruise that gives you a reason to be on the water.
Scenic Cruises Australia
Australia's coastline and rivers are made for slow, unhurried exploring. Our scenic cruises range from short sightseeing trips to full day tours, so there's something for a quiet afternoon or a proper celebration. A scenic cruise makes a fitting gift for an anniversary, a birthday, or simply because someone deserves a good view.
Top Scenic Cruise Experiences
Sydney Harbour cruises
Nothing beats watching the Opera House and Harbour Bridge light up from the water. Book a Twilight Dinner Cruise on the Coral Trekker for a hot dinner and a front row seat as the city lights come on.
Great Barrier Reef cruises
One of the world's great natural wonders deserves more than a quick look. A Full Day Great Barrier Reef Tour with Lunch and Snorkelling gets you into the water among the coral and marine life. For something bigger, the Great Barrier Reef Cruise with snorkel and helicopter flight pairs the reef with a scenic helicopter flight, so you get the view from above and below.
Brisbane scenic river cruises
The Brisbane River shows off the city's old and new sides at once, from Kangaroo Point cliffs to the Story Bridge. The Dolphin and Tangalooma Wrecks Cruise with Brisbane transfers takes it further, out to Moreton Bay to spot dolphins around the wrecks.
Perth and Rottnest Island cruises
Western Australia's coastline is built for a slow cruise, whether that's the Swan River in the afternoon or a sunset run past the city skyline. Seafood lovers should look at the Mandurah Wild Seafood Experience with Lunch, where you help catch part of your own lunch before it's cooked up fresh.
Cruises in Melbourne
Melbourne's waterways come with history built in. Step aboard a 19th century replica for the Evening Tall Ship Cruise from Williamstown, or gather six people for a Private Yarra River City Lights Cruise, complete with a cheese platter and a front row view of the Crown flame show.
Adelaide river cruises
For a gentler pace, the Adelaide City Walk and River Cruise Tour combines a stroll through the city with time on the water, a good pick for anyone exploring Adelaide for the first time.
Day and sightseeing cruises
Not every cruise needs to be a quiet one. The 3-Course Dinner and Drinks Cruise on Sydney Harbour brings a sunset view and live music on weekend sailings, with a kids' menu for family bookings. For something the kids will actually ask to do again, the Live-Action Pirate Tall Ship Cruise has them hoisting sails and singing sea shanties, with mast climbing available as an add-on.
Prefer something more active on the water?
If sitting back and taking in the view isn't quite the brief, our water sports range has plenty more to get into. Try jet boating for something faster, kayaking and canoeing for a quieter paddle, or scenic sailing if you'd rather hoist the sails yourself. Parasailing and jet ski tours and hire are there too for anyone who wants their time on the water with a bit more speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a scenic cruise?
A scenic cruise is a boat trip focused on the view rather than a destination, taking in landmarks, coastline, or waterways at a relaxed pace. They range from short sightseeing runs to full day tours with meals included.
How long do scenic cruises usually run for?
Most sit somewhere between 60 minutes and a full day. A short Sydney sightseeing run like the Comedy and Harbour Cruise takes an hour, while a reef trip such as the Great Barrier Reef Cruise with Lunch and Snorkelling runs closer to four.
What's the difference between a scenic cruise and a dinner cruise?
A scenic cruise centres on the view and the journey. A dinner cruise adds a full meal service as part of the experience, often timed around sunset. Some cruises blend both, so read the inclusions carefully.
What should I bring on a scenic cruise?
Sun protection, a light jacket for the breeze, and comfortable shoes for the deck. Anything specific, like BYO drinks or dress codes, will be listed on the individual product page.