Brisbane River: Morning Tea Cruise & Story Bridge Views

Summary

Brisbane river cruise with tea scones city legends and local color

You’ll glide down Brisbane River past landmarks like Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point Cliffs while sipping tea and tasting fresh scones. Listen as your local guide shares city legends and small surprises you might miss on foot. There’s time for photos, laughter, and quiet moments by the rail—leaving you with a softer view of Brisbane.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the boat just as the sun started to hit the water — that kind of yellow light that makes everything look softer, even the city buildings. The Brisbane River felt quiet at first, but then you start noticing little things: a jogger waving from Kangaroo Point Cliffs, some laughter echoing from a kayak below us. Our guide, I think her name was Julie, started pointing out bits of history as we drifted past Customs House — honestly, I’d walked by it before but never realized how old it was or that it used to collect customs duty. It’s funny what you miss on foot.

The scones came out warm (I burned my tongue a bit because I got impatient — classic me), with proper jam and cream. There’s something about eating morning tea on a boat that just feels… slower? Maybe it’s the way the air smells slightly sweet from the river mixed with coffee. We passed under Story Bridge and Julie told us about when it was tolled — someone behind me muttered “glad that’s over,” which made a few people laugh. The bridge is huge up close; you can see every bolt if you squint.

We looped around Southbank where families were already setting up for the day at those manmade beaches (I didn’t expect actual sand in the middle of Brisbane). The guide kept things light — she slipped in some local slang and teased us about our pronunciation of “arvo.” At one point I just leaned on the rail and watched sunlight flicker off the water near Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park, trying to imagine what it looked like before all these skyscrapers went up. Time goes weirdly fast on this kind of cruise; I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic downtown.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Brisbane River Morning Tea Cruise

• Board river cruise vessel
• Enjoy morning tea onboard
• View Customs House from river
• Pass under Story Bridge
• See Kangaroo Point Cliffs
• Cruise through Brisbane city landmarks
• Pass Southbank parklands
• Disembark at cruise end

Top questions

How long is the Brisbane River morning tea cruise?

The river cruise lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

Is morning tea included on the Brisbane River cruise?

Yes, morning tea with scones, jam & cream plus tea or coffee is included.

What sights will I see during the cruise?

You’ll see Customs House, Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park, Southbank, and city landmarks along Brisbane River.

Is there live commentary during the tour?

Yes, live commentary is provided throughout the cruise sharing history and local stories.

Are restrooms available on board?

Yes, restrooms are available onboard for passenger use.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap or in a stroller; service animals are also allowed.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; public transport options are nearby for easy access.

What’s included

Your day includes a 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise along Brisbane River with live commentary from a local guide, morning tea featuring scones with jam and cream plus tea or coffee (for morning departures), access to an onboard coffee shop and licensed bar, restrooms onboard, and a souvenir map to help you follow along as you pass each landmark.