Noosa Queen Sunset Cruise: Makepeace Island and Lake Cooroibah

Kangaroos and native birds appear along the riverbanks as the sun drops behind the local mountains.

The Noosa Queen Sunset Cruise is a 90-minute river tour departing from Noosa Marina that takes you past Makepeace Island, the Noosa North Shore, and out to Lake Cooroibah as daylight fades. A live English-speaking guide shares Noosa stories and local knowledge while you watch for kangaroos and birdlife; the fully licensed bar serves wine, beer and soft drinks throughout the cruise.

Step-by-step itinerary

Noosa Queen Sunset Cruise Experience

• Board Noosa Queen at Noosa Marina
• Cruise past Makepeace Island
• Pass Noosa North Shore houses
• See Noosa North Shore ferry crossing
• Spot kangaroos and native birds
• Enjoy sunset over Lake Cooroibah

The Experience

The boat leaves Noosa Marina and heads upriver past Makepeace Island, the heart-shaped property owned by Sir Richard Branson, then moves along the Noosa North Shore where you can see the houses built into the riverbank. The North Shore ferry crossing comes next — a working service that runs every day of the year — before the route opens into Lake Cooroibah's wider, calmer water. The whole run takes 90 minutes, timed so the sunset happens over the local mountains as you're out on the water.

Bring binoculars if you want to spot kangaroos and native birds; they're common along this stretch of river, especially as the light softens. The crew keeps things relaxed with laid-back music and Noosa stories, and you can move around the boat to catch the light from different angles. A fully licensed bar means you can order wine, beer, or soft drinks while you watch — the choice of what to drink is yours, and snacks are available for purchase if you want them.

The boat has a toilet onboard, though it's not wheelchair-accessible. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, and service animals are welcome. Public transport options are nearby if you need them to reach the marina.

What’s included

• 90-minute river cruise departing from Noosa Marina.
• live guide sharing local stories and Noosa knowledge.
• passage past Makepeace Island, the Noosa North Shore, and the North Shore ferry crossing.
• access to Lake Cooroibah at sunset.
• fully licensed bar with wine, beer and soft drinks available.
• onboard toilet facilities.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Noosa Queen

Is this one for you?Book this shared cruise if you want a set departure time and the social atmosphere of traveling with other passengers; choose a private charter if you'd rather control the schedule or prefer to travel alone.

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Top questions

What wildlife might I see on the Noosa Queen Sunset Cruise?

Kangaroos and native birdlife are common along the Noosa River and Lake Cooroibah, especially in the late afternoon light. Bringing binoculars gives you a better chance of spotting them as the boat moves through the water.

Where does the Noosa Queen depart from?

The boat leaves from Noosa Marina and heads upriver toward Lake Cooroibah, passing Makepeace Island and the Noosa North Shore along the way.

Can I buy drinks and food on the boat?

The Noosa Queen has a fully licensed bar serving wine and beer, plus soft drinks available throughout the cruise. Snacks are also available for purchase from the bar.

How long is the sunset cruise?

The cruise runs for 90 minutes, departing Noosa Marina and returning as the sun sets over the local mountains.

Is the boat accessible for people with mobility concerns?

The Noosa Queen has a toilet onboard, but it is not wheelchair-accessible. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, and service animals are allowed.

What is Makepeace Island?

Makepeace Island is a small heart-shaped island in the Noosa River owned by Sir Richard Branson. The boat passes it early in the cruise as you head upriver.