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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
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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. You'll be cruising on the original paddlewheeler, which has riverside seats all around and lets you capture photos of the photogenic river at sunset.
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 bush poet and your Kinnon family host.
Pickup included
353 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Maree S,
Aug 7, 2025
- Viator
Worth the time and money! Relaxed evening, good food and entertainment. Door to door pickup and drop off too!
Glyn P,
Jul 16, 2025
- Viator
enjoy the food and take the bus wil was great, the imformation that was given was good, sad about the other boat
Juan G,
Jul 16, 2025
- Viator
Nice river cruise and info about river thompson. Relaxing and not much walking or climbing. Not so much for start watching at night
Teresa W,
Jul 16, 2025
- Viator
A chance to experience the quiet and serene waters of the Thompson river, from the comfort and steadiness of a vintage steam paddle boat. When back on the dock, you will be whisked away to a stockman's river camp, and a wonderful dinner of beef stew, and a nice piece of damper and golden syrup, and the old hearty cup of tea, for the cold night that it was! Then sit back to see the history of Captain Starlight. All up, a wonderful night for all.
Gavin M,
Jul 9, 2025
- Viator
The cruise was awesome, food and fireside experience was excellent. 2nd time doing it as I enjoyed it so much 9 yrs ago. Definitely put it on the bucket list.
Operated by Outback Pioneers