Brisbane River Cruise, Ferris Wheel & Lunch: South Bank Combo

Three South Bank landmarks in one afternoon, nothing left to arrange

The South Bank Combo pairs a morning river cruise on the Brisbane River with a private gondola ride on the Wheel of Brisbane and lunch at the Plough Inn Tavern. The cruise departs at 10:30am from the Cultural Centre Public Pontoon, includes morning tea and commentary, and returns by noon; you then ride the Wheel and sit down to a set menu lunch with a complimentary beverage. All three are booked together, so the timing and transport between stops are already set.

Step-by-step itinerary

South Bank cruise, Wheel ride, and lunch

• Depart on River City Cruises at 10:30am
• Enjoy morning tea and river tour
• Return to Cultural Centre Pontoon at 12:00pm
• Ride the Wheel of Brisbane in private gondola
• Have lunch and beverage at the Plough Inn Tavern

The Experience

Your afternoon starts with a river cruise that leaves the Cultural Centre Public Pontoon at 10:30am. The boat stays on the water for 90 minutes, and the guide talks through Brisbane's landmarks and history while you settle in with morning tea — tea, coffee, scones, jam and cream included. By noon you're back at the pontoon, which puts you at the Plough Inn by 12:30pm for lunch. The set menu comes with one drink; the licensed bar onboard the cruise and at the tavern lets you add more if you want.

Between the cruise and lunch, you ride the Wheel of Brisbane in a private gondola. It's a 360-degree view of the city from the top, and the timing is yours to choose — book it for whenever works between the cruise return and your lunch reservation. The Wheel sits at South Bank, so it's a short walk from where the cruise docks.

The whole package runs from 10:30am to around 2pm. Restrooms are onboard the cruise, and you get a souvenir map of the Brisbane River to take home. Children from age 5 are welcome; infants can ride in a pram or stroller, though they'll need to sit on an adult's lap during the cruise itself. Public transport is nearby if you need it to reach the Cultural Centre Pontoon.

What’s included

• Morning tea with tea, coffee, scones, jam and cream.
• 90-minute river cruise with live commentary and a souvenir Brisbane River map.
• private gondola ride on the Wheel of Brisbane.
• set menu lunch with one complimentary beverage at the Plough Inn.
• access to the onboard coffee shop and licensed bar.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by River City Cruises

Is this one for you?The 3.5-hour window from 10:30am to 2pm fits a free afternoon without eating into the rest of your day — the cruise, Wheel ride and lunch are timed to flow one into the next, so you're not waiting between stops or figuring out how to connect them.

Traveler reviews

4.59★★★★★★★★★★

49 verified traveler reviews

5 ★35

4 ★10

3 ★3

2 ★0

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What's included in the river cruise part of this combo?

The river cruise includes 90 minutes on the water with live commentary about Brisbane, morning tea with tea, coffee, scones, jam and cream, and a souvenir map of the Brisbane River. The cruise departs at 10:30am from the Cultural Centre Public Pontoon and returns by noon.

Do I have to ride the Wheel of Brisbane at a set time, or can I choose when?

You choose when to ride the Wheel between the cruise return at noon and your lunch reservation at 12:30pm. It's a private gondola ride, so you'll have your own cabin for the 360-degree views of Brisbane.

What does the lunch at the Plough Inn include?

Lunch is a set menu with one complimentary beverage included. The reservation is booked for 12:30pm, and the licensed bar is available if you want to order additional drinks.

Where do I start, and how do I get between the three parts of this combo?

You start at the Cultural Centre Public Pontoon at South Bank, where the river cruise departs at 10:30am. After the cruise returns at noon, you walk to the Wheel of Brisbane (also at South Bank) to ride before heading to the Plough Inn for lunch at 12:30pm. Public transport options are nearby if needed.

Can children do this combo, and are there any age limits?

Children are welcome from age 5. Infants can come along in a pram or stroller, but they'll need to sit on an adult's lap during the cruise itself. The combo is suitable for all fitness levels.