Noosa River eco cruises, Mooloolaba canal tours, Maroochy River sunset cruises, and Pumicestone Passage dolphin spotting — the Sunshine Coast's waterways from the water, with return transport from Brisbane.
Most visitors see the Sunshine Coast from the beach. The waterways tell a different story — tidal rivers winding through mangrove-lined banks, canal systems opening into the Coral Sea, and passages where bottlenose dolphins feed in the shallows. The Noosa River alone stretches 60 kilometres from its source in the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park to the open ocean at Noosa Heads, passing through the Noosa Everglades — one of only two everglades systems on the planet.
Our Sunshine Coast cruise tours pair on-water experiences with return coach transport from Brisbane, so you get the waterway without the driving. We work with established local operators who know the tides, the wildlife habits, and the hidden stretches of river that larger tour companies miss. Every cruise includes commentary from a qualified guide — marine biologists on the eco cruises, local skippers on the canal tours.
The Sunshine Coast's waterways are navigable year-round. Winter (June–August) brings calm, clear conditions and migrating humpback whales offshore. Summer (December–February) means warmer water, active birdlife, and dramatic afternoon light for sunset cruises. There's no bad season for getting on the water here.
Each Sunshine Coast waterway has its own character — from the mirror-still Everglades to the open-ocean passages. Here's what makes each one worth the trip.
The headline waterway — 60 km from the Great Sandy National Park to Noosa Heads. The upper reaches form the Noosa Everglades, where mirror-still water reflects ancient melaleuca forests. Eco cruises run upstream through the Everglades, spotting white-bellied sea eagles, azure kingfishers, and freshwater turtles. The lower river around Gympie Terrace is calmer — pontoon boats, kayak hire, and riverside dining.
The Sunshine Coast's most popular waterfront — Mooloolaba's canal system opens into the harbour and the Coral Sea beyond. Canal cruises pass luxury waterfront homes, fishing trawlers, and the Mooloolaba Spit. The harbour is home to a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins, and afternoon cruises often catch them feeding around the trawler fleet at the fish markets.
Quieter and more estuarine than Mooloolaba — the Maroochy River winds through mangrove-lined banks from Maroochydore to Bli Bli and beyond. Sunset cruises here are the standout, with the Blackall Range catching golden light as the river turns glassy. In winter, migratory shorebirds feed on the mudflats. The river mouth at Cotton Tree is a popular swimming and paddleboarding spot.
The 35-kilometre tidal channel between Bribie Island and the mainland — sheltered, shallow, and rich in marine life. Bottlenose dolphins, dugongs, sea turtles, and pelicans are all regulars. Caloundra sits at the southern end, and the passage extends north to the Glass House Mountains coastline. Eco cruises here focus on the Ramsar-listed wetlands and seagrass meadows that support the dugong population.
All tours include return coach transport from Brisbane, the cruise itself, and a qualified guide. Lunch or refreshments included on full-day tours.
Full-day trip to the Noosa Everglades — coach to Noosa, then upstream by boat through mirror-still waterways into one of only two everglades systems on Earth. Marine biologist guide, morning tea on board, lunch at a riverside stop, and wildlife spotting throughout.
Afternoon departure from Brisbane — arrive in time for a sunset cruise up the Maroochy River from Cotton Tree. Watch the Blackall Range catch golden light as the river turns glassy. Sparkling wine, local cheese platter, and commentary from a local skipper.
Full-day Sunshine Coast trip — morning canal cruise through Mooloolaba's waterfront, past the harbour and spit to the Coral Sea. Dolphin spotting at the trawler fleet. Afternoon free time for Mooloolaba Esplanade, seafood lunch at the fish markets, and beach walking.
Caloundra-based cruise through the Pumicestone Passage — a Ramsar-listed tidal channel between Bribie Island and the mainland. Dugong, dolphin, and turtle spotting in seagrass meadows. Guided commentary on the wetland ecosystem, shorebird migration, and Indigenous Kabi Kabi connection to the passage.
Lower Noosa River cruise from Gympie Terrace — pontoon-style boat past riverfront homes and pelican colonies. Then free time for Hastings Street shopping, Noosa Main Beach, and lunch at one of Noosa's restaurant strips. A relaxed day rather than an adventure.
Custom cruise for groups of 10–24. Choose your waterway (Noosa River, Mooloolaba, Maroochy, or Pumicestone), your style (eco tour, sunset cruise, or seafood-focused), and your pace. We handle transport, the boat booking, and catering. Popular for birthdays, corporate events, and family reunions.
No driving to the coast. No searching for parking at Noosa. No navigating unfamiliar boat ramps. We handle the logistics — you get on the water.
Hotel pickup in Brisbane, 90-minute scenic drive to the Sunshine Coast, and return drop-off. No car hire, no tolls, no parking stress at the coast.
We partner with established Sunshine Coast boat operators — skippers who know the tides, the wildlife patterns, and the hidden stretches of river tourists don't find.
Eco-certified guides on nature cruises. Marine biologists on the Everglades tour. We don't chase wildlife — we know where they are and let the encounters happen.
Maximum 24 on the coach, smaller on the boats. Personal enough for questions, flexible enough to pause when something extraordinary appears in the water.
Full-day tours include lunch — seafood at Mooloolaba, riverside at Noosa, or on-board during the Everglades cruise. Not a packed sandwich; a proper meal.
Cruises run all year. Winter is calm and clear with humpback whales offshore. Summer is warm and active with dramatic sunset light. No off-season here.
The Sunshine Coast's waterways support a remarkable diversity of marine and estuarine life. Here's what our guides regularly spot.
Resident pods in Mooloolaba Harbour and Pumicestone Passage. Feeding around trawler fleets most afternoons.
Green and loggerhead turtles in Pumicestone's seagrass meadows. Surface regularly in calm conditions.
Nesting pairs along the Noosa River and Everglades. Often seen fishing from high perches above the water.
Pumicestone Passage supports a small resident population. Gentle grazers in the seagrass beds — rare and special to spot.
Flash of electric blue along the Noosa Everglades banks. Patient watchers are rewarded.
Mary River and Noosa River upper reaches. Basking on logs in the Everglades morning sun.
June–November migration past the coast. Visible from elevated boats at Mooloolaba and the Noosa headlands.
Pumicestone Passage Ramsar wetlands. Eastern curlews, bar-tailed godwits, and red-necked stints — September to March.
Noosa Everglades, Mooloolaba dolphins, Maroochy River sunsets, and Pumicestone Passage wildlife — with return transport from Brisbane.