How long is the trip?

The overall excursion is approximately 4.5 hours, including the boat crossing and the long lunch at Tillermans.

Where does the cruise depart from?

Departures begin in Nelson Bay; exact boarding location and time are provided at booking confirmation.

Can children join the lunch cruise?

Children are welcome but check the operator’s age policies and let them know when booking to arrange appropriate seating and portions.

What if I suffer from seasickness?

Take preventative medication or natural remedies before boarding and choose a midship seat where motion is least noticeable.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?

Yes—notify the operator or Tillermans when you book so the kitchen can prepare suitable alternatives.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility varies by vessel and dock; contact the operator ahead of time to confirm facilities and boarding assistance.

Port Stephens Cruise and Tillermans Long Lunch from Nelson Bay | Sailing | Boat Tour

Leave Nelson Bay's marina behind and let the harbor do the work. The Tillermans Long Lunch is a 4.5-hour cruise that carries diners across Port Stephens from Nelson Bay to Tillermans, a waterfront restaurant celebrated for Modern Australian cooking with elegant French influence. You’ll step aboard a comfortable charter in the morning, sip a coffee as the shoreline opens, and watch the town recede while the bay’s broad, sheltered waters and low islands come into view.

Port Stephens is one of Australia’s larger natural harbors, a mix of open blue water, intertidal flats and high sand dunes borne of coastal winds. Marine life is part of the scenery—pods of bottlenose dolphins are regular visitors, and seasonal whale migrations pass offshore—so keep binoculars handy. The surrounding coastal bush supports native eucalypts and banksia that frame the headlands; the area lies on the lands of the Worimi people, whose connection to this coastline predates European settlement.

What sets this outing apart is the combination of a short sea passage and a long, unrushed meal. Tillermans offers dishes that balance local produce with French technique: think seafood that’s been landed nearby, supple desserts, and composed plates built for sharing. With seating on the water and views across the inlet, the meal feels like a private coastal event even when the group is large. It’s an exceptional option for celebrations, couples seeking a relaxed gourmet escape, or visitors who want a taste of local life without driving.

Practical notes: the excursion runs approximately 4.5 hours and counts boat time and dockside dining. Groups are capped around 50; book ahead for weekends and holiday seasons. Dress is smart-casual with a wind layer for the boat; shoes with good grip are wise on deck. The pace is slow—the emphasis is on savoring flavors, conversation and salt-air scenery rather than hiking or strenuous activity.

This cruise-and-dine stands out in Nelson Bay because it links two strong local draws: Port Stephens’ easy marine access and a standout waterfront restaurant. Rather than just eating ashore, travelers arrive by water, which changes the rhythm of the day and puts the coastal setting front and center. For anyone who wants to pair a gentle ocean ride with a memorable long lunch, the Tillermans Long Lunch is an elegant, accessible way to experience Port Stephens.

Booking is typically done through local operators in Nelson Bay; groups may include mixed-age diners and the crew will brief you on boarding and safety. If you have dietary restrictions, notify the operator when reserving so the kitchen can prepare alternatives. Consider pairing the lunch with a morning walk along nearby Tomaree Headland or a post-lunch stroll through Nelson Bay’s waterfront shops to stretch your legs comfortably.

About TG Ferry Service

TG Ferry Service operates scenic ferry cruises and private charters across the Myall River, Port Stephens and surrounding waterways. Based on scheduled departures from Tea Gardens and Nelson Bay, the company runs a range of experiences including afternoon Arvos cruises, sunrise First Light & Flat White runs, sunset cruises, a two-hour History Cruise guided by local legend John “Stinker” Clarke, High Tea on the Myall River, and special event sailings such as New Year’s Eve.
The fleet includes the MV Wallamba, available for private charter for groups up to 25 guests; charters can be self-catered or arranged with catering options. Dinner cruises link ferry transfers with riverside dining — for example, cruise-and-dine trips to Mumms on the Myall and Restaurant 2317 feature docked meals paired to sunset ferry travel.
TG Ferry Service emphasizes local storytelling and wildlife viewing, with crew-led commentary on marine life, the lobster industry, Worimi cultural connections and coastal suburbs. Passengers can expect opportunities to see dolphins, seabirds and coastal scenery while onboard.
Cruises accommodate casual passengers bringing their own food and drinks on select sailings, while curated experiences provide complimentary beverages or grazing boards as indicated. The operator serves leisure visitors, private groups and visitors seeking guided history or dining-focused outings.
Safety and clear onboarding are provided through standard passenger procedures and crew guidance. TG Ferry Service combines regional knowledge, a varied schedule of 11 experiences, and private charter capacity to deliver accessible, scenic ferry travel and event-focused river cruises. Bookings and details are available online.