Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
An evening of outback tradition and legend.
Cruise down the splendid Thomson River at sunset on one of our heritage boats. Watch the birds come home to roost on the riverbanks and learn about the local flora, fauna and history. (Nibbles provided, BYO alcohol)
As darkness falls, the boat moors at Outback Pioneers' river camp for a 2-course stockman’s dinner around the campfire. Our bush poet charms the crowd. After dinner watch the ‘Starlight’s Spectacular Sound & Light Picture Show’ – a movie in the open-air riverbank theatre. This exclusive movie was commissioned by the Kinnon family to celebrate the tale of Captain Starlight. Finally, enjoy tea, damper and golden syrup by the campfire under a million stars.
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Dietary requirements? Please provide details in NOTES
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Hearty GF beef stockman's stew with mash potatoes and vegetables, followed by dessert. Please contact Outback Pioneers in advance if you have dietary requirements
Billy tea with damper.
You are welcome to BYO alcoholic beverages
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.)
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.
Pickup included
333 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Gregory T,
Jun 16, 2025
- Viator
Beautiful cruise along Thomson river and excellent commentary. Great bush poetry and meals around campfire followed by starlight show and Billy tea and damper. Highly recommend 👍
Diane L,
May 2, 2025
- Viator
Do it when in longreach. What an amazing way to end the day. Sunset was beautiful. Staff were friendly and amazing. Food was out of this world. The poems were really good (i was not really a lover of poems but that has changed now)
Janette W,
Oct 20, 2024
- Viator
Great fun . I felt that I was family and had known everyone involved for a long time. Good communications. Enjoyed every minute.
Melissa B,
Oct 17, 2024
- Viator
It was great to hear good old Aussie jokes, pulling the leg. Interesting commentary, fabulous guides and staff. Delicious meal and completely satisfied. Great night!
Rose A,
Oct 12, 2024
- Viator
Boat ride up the Thomson. The paddleboat is so old and made the experience authentic. There was the joy of seeing people with their pets in the river and a good variety of wildlife.
Operated by Outback Pioneers