2 Hours • All ages • Ideal for Families & Couples
Join the Mooloolaba Christmas Boat Parade for a two-hour cruise aboard the Crusader 1 and experience a vibrant display of holiday lights across boats and waterfront homes. Sing carols, enjoy festive cheer, and see Mooloolaba’s waters sparkle like never before.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels; primarily seated excursion
Wildlife
History
Mooloolaba’s maritime culture has long centered around its coastal waterways, with boat parades dating back decades as community celebrations.
Conservation
The parade promotes environmental awareness by encouraging boats to use energy-efficient LED lights and minimize water pollution during the event.
Cavalier Cruises
2 Hours • All ages • Ideal for Families & Couples
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.
Arrive Early to Secure Seating
Boarding begins before sunset; arrive early to get the best seats for viewing the parade.
Dress in Layers for Evening Comfort
Coastal breezes can cool the night; bring a light jacket or sweater for warmth.
Bring a Camera for Night Photography
Capture the colorful vessel lights and reflections on the water, but use a camera with good low-light capability.
Mind the Steps on Board
Watch your footing when boarding and moving around the boat to stay safe on wet surfaces.
Light Jacket
Keeps you warm against the cool coastal evening breeze.
summer
Camera or Smartphone
Essential for capturing the vivid light displays and festive moments.
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during the evening cruise.
Comfortable Footwear
Helps with safe boarding and walking on the boat deck.