1.5 Hours • All Ages • Sunset Cruise
Celebrate the holidays aboard the Crusader 1 on a 1.5-hour Christmas Eve Lights Cruise through Mooloolaba’s festive canals. Enjoy sunset views of the Glasshouse Mountains alongside sparkling Christmas displays — perfect for an unforgettable family outing.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; suitable for all ages and abilities
Wildlife
History
The Glasshouse Mountains hold cultural significance for the Gubbi Gubbi people and feature prominently in Indigenous stories.
Conservation
Operators encourage environmentally responsible tourism to preserve the canal ecosystem and reduce light pollution during the cruise.
Cavalier Cruises
1.5 Hours • All Ages • Sunset Cruise
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 Evening Comfort
Evenings on the water can be cool despite summer weather; bring a light jacket or wrap to stay comfortable.
Arrive Early to Board
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early to ensure smooth boarding and settle in before departure.
Respect Private Property
While admiring the light displays, remember to stay aboard the boat and avoid disturbing waterfront homes.
Secure Parking Nearby
Public parking near the marina can fill up quickly on busy evenings; consider carpooling or arriving early.
Light Jacket or Wrap
Keeps you warm during the cooler evening air on the water.
summer
Camera or Smartphone
Capture the stunning light displays and sunset views over the Glasshouse Mountains.
Sunscreen
Apply earlier in the day to protect against daytime sun exposure before the cruise.
summer
Comfortable Footwear
Wear shoes that are easy to walk in while boarding and disembarking the boat.