Longreach: Thomson River Sunset Cruise & Outback Dinner Show

Summary

Thomson River sunset cruise with dinner and live music in Longreach

You’ll float down the Thomson River at sunset with locals sharing stories and laughter, then dine under starry skies at Smithy’s with hearty camp oven dishes and live music. Expect genuine moments—from riverside silence to shared jokes—that make this Longreach evening feel personal long after it ends.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely stepped onto the Longreach Explorer when a wiry guy with a sun-faded hat grinned at us and said, “You picked the best night for it — sky’s gonna put on a show.” I believed him. The air was still warm, that dusty outback kind of warm, and someone nearby was already laughing over something our captain had said about old drovers and river ghosts. I ordered a cold beer from the bar (they’ve got credit card facilities, which honestly saved me), and tried not to spill it as we found seats up top. The river looked bronze in the late light, birds darting low across the water. There was this platter of nibbles—salty damper bread, cheese, little bites you pass around—and I ended up talking to a couple from Brisbane who’d driven all day just for this.

The captain started telling stories—some about local wildlife, some about Indigenous history along the Thomson River. His voice carried over the hum of the boat’s engine and you could hear kids giggling somewhere behind us. At Sunset Bend we stopped; everyone went quiet for a second because honestly, those colors don’t look real in photos. Pink, orange, something almost purple right at the edge. I tried to take a picture but mostly just sat there with my drink sweating in my hand. It felt like time stretched out for a bit.

After docking we walked over to Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show—tables set out under string lights, smells of campfire and roasting meat drifting through the air. Our server brought out plates (the camp oven thing is legit—meat so tender you barely need your knife) and someone tuned up a guitar on stage. The musicians played songs I half-recognized; one woman told stories between sets that made everyone laugh or nod along. At some point I caught myself just staring up at all those stars above Longreach—no city glow here—and thinking how rare it is to feel that relaxed around strangers. We lingered longer than planned because nobody wanted to leave first.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Outback sunset cruise and dinner show

• Board Longreach Explorer top deck
• Enjoy 360-degree river views
• Listen to Captain's stories
• Purchase drinks from licensed bar
• Sample complimentary savoury nibbles
• Stop at Sunset Bend for photos
• Dock at Smithy's Outback Dinner & Show
• Dine under stars with camp oven meal
• Watch live musical performance

Top questions

Is there a bar onboard during the Thomson River sunset cruise?

Yes, there’s a fully licensed bar onboard both during the cruise and at Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show.

Are credit cards accepted for drinks or extras?

Yes, credit card facilities are available on both the cruise and at dinner.

Is dinner included after the river cruise?

Yes, your booking includes a two-course camp oven dinner at Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show after docking.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Yes, infants can join; they may sit on an adult's lap or ride in a pram or stroller.

Does this experience include live entertainment?

Yes, there is live musical entertainment during Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show.

How long does the sunset cruise last before dinner?

The exact duration isn’t specified but you’ll have time for sunset views before heading to dinner under the stars.

Are special dietary needs accommodated?

Please advise of any food allergies or mobility concerns when booking so arrangements can be made.

What’s included

Your evening includes top-deck cruising down the Thomson River with shared savory platters and access to an onboard bar, followed by table-service dining under the stars at Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show featuring live musical performances—all with wheelchair access and options for families or service animals.