Celebrate the festive season aboard the Crusader 1 on a 1.5-hour sunset cruise through Mooloolaba’s river and canals. Enjoy dazzling Christmas lights paired with stunning waterfront views and crisp evening air.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical exertion required; suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Wildlife
History
Mooloolaba has a rich maritime heritage, with its river historically used for fishing and small trading vessels.
Conservation
Cavalier Cruises supports sustainable boating practices to protect the river’s delicate ecosystems, encouraging minimal environmental impact on local waterways.
Cavalier Cruises
Celebrate the festive season aboard the Crusader 1 on a 1.5-hour sunset cruise through Mooloolaba’s river and canals. Enjoy dazzling Christmas lights paired with stunning waterfront views and crisp evening air.
Cavalier Cruises is a family-owned charter operator based in Mooloolaba, Queensland. The company operates Crusader 1, a spacious open-deck vessel used for river and canal cruises, whale watching, holiday lights tours and private charters.
Cavalier Cruises offers a range of scheduled and private trips including 1‑hour, 2‑hour and 3‑hour River & Canal Cruises, a champagne river cruise, a limited-capacity whale watching trip, seasonal Christmas lights and boat parade cruises, a Christmas Eve lights cruise and a Family New Year’s Eve cruise with a pre-cruise four-course meal. The 1‑hour River & Canal Cruise accommodates groups of 15–45 and allows guests to bring their own food and music. The 3‑hour Whale Watching Without the Crowds experience is limited to 22 passengers for closer, less-crowded viewing of humpback whales, dolphins and local marine life. Cavalier Cruises also lists ashes scattering as a respectful service option. Trips depart from Mooloolaba and navigate the local river and canal system as well as nearby coastal waters when applicable. The operator emphasizes comfortable seating, open deck viewing, and small-group experiences aboard Crusader 1. Guests seeking festive outings can choose Christmas Lights and Boat Parade departures, while those after a relaxed celebration may select a Champagne River Cruise with complimentary Chandon on board. With a history of operating seasonal and private charters in Mooloolaba, Cavalier Cruises provides focused, locally based experiences tailored to groups, families and ceremonies. Bookings are available for private events and corporate functions year-round, with flexible departure times and tailored itineraries on request by arrangement.
Location
Mooloolaba, QLD
Explore local river and canals
Group Capacity
15–45 (varies by cruise)
Small to medium groups welcome
Vessel
Crusader 1
Spacious open-deck vessel
Special Events
Christmas & NYE Cruises
Festive seasonal departures
Select a river, canal, whale watching or festive cruise and secure a booking for small-group comfort and scenic views.
Dress for cool evening temperatures
Bring a warm jacket—river breezes after sunset can be chilly on the open deck.
Arrive early for boarding
Ensure you arrive at least 15 minutes before departure to secure your spot and settle in comfortably.
No BYO drinks allowed
The cruise is licensed; only beverages purchased onboard or water provided free of charge are permitted.
Bring a camera or smartphone
Capture the colorful light displays and sunset reflections on the water—perfect for holiday memories.
Warm jacket
Protects against evening chill on the open deck.
fall
Camera or smartphone
Captures the festive lights and sunset views.
Comfortable shoes
Ideal for walking to and from the dock.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated with complimentary water on board.