Brisbane River Cruise & Lunch at Breakfast Creek Hotel

Summary

Stories on the water, scones for breakfast and a keg tapped at lunch

You’ll float down Brisbane River with locals sharing stories, enjoy morning tea with scones on board, then taste fresh beer and classic pub lunch at Breakfast Creek Hotel. Expect laughter, riverside views, and small moments that linger long after you’ve returned to Southbank.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll want to grab a seat by the window,” our guide grinned as we shuffled onto the MV Neptune. I could smell coffee already — someone ahead of me had gone straight for it. The river was that soft grey-brown, not exactly pretty but kind of honest, you know? We drifted past old timber houses and glassy new towers while our guide pointed out a ferry stop where his dad used to fish. He told us about floods and how the city keeps changing shape — I liked that he didn’t sugarcoat it. Morning tea was scones with jam (the cream was cold, which I weirdly loved) and everyone went quiet for a minute just eating and watching the water flicker outside.

The 45 minutes passed fast — maybe because I kept trying to spot pelicans or maybe because I was half-listening to two locals arguing about rugby behind me. Then we docked at Breakfast Creek Hotel, which looks like it’s been there forever (and sort of smells like old wood and fresh beer). Our group got this little “tapping of the keg” moment — I tried to say cheers in Aussie slang and got laughed at, deservedly so. Lunch was simple pub food but honestly hit the spot after being on the river. There’s this tiny walk over to Newstead House if you want more history, but we mostly just sat around talking with our guide about Brisbane’s weird weather patterns.

The ride back felt slower, maybe because everyone was full or maybe just that afternoon light making everything gold and sleepy. I kept thinking about how cities look different from the water — softer somehow. Not everything lined up perfectly (the commentary mic cut out once), but that made it feel more real. If you’re after a day trip from Southbank that feels both relaxed and full of little stories, this river cruise is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Brisbane river cruise and lunch stop

• Board the boat at Southbank
• Cruise down Brisbane River with commentary
• Enjoy morning tea onboard
• Arrive at Breakfast Creek Hotel
• Visit Newstead House if time allows
• Reboard MV Neptune at 1:15pm
• Return cruise to Southbank

Top questions

How long is the Brisbane River cruise?

The cruise lasts about 1.5 hours round-trip, with each leg taking 45 minutes.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Yes, lunch at The Breakfast Creek Hotel is included in your tour package.

Are drinks provided during the cruise?

You’ll get morning tea with scones onboard; there’s also a licensed bar for other drinks (at extra cost).

Does this day trip include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you depart from Southbank.

Is there commentary during the cruise?

Yes, there’s live commentary sharing history and stories about Brisbane River landmarks.

Are restrooms available onboard?

Yes, restrooms are available on the boat for your convenience.

Can infants join this river cruise?

Infants are welcome; they can ride in prams or strollers but must sit on an adult’s lap.

What’s special about Breakfast Creek Hotel?

The hotel is historic and known for its “tapping of the keg” beer tasting experience included in your tour.

What’s included

Your day includes a 1.5-hour Brisbane River cruise with live commentary from a local guide, morning tea featuring scones with jam and cream plus tea or coffee, access to an onboard café and licensed bar if you want extras, all activities including beer tasting and lunch at Breakfast Creek Hotel — plus time to wander nearby before returning to Southbank.