Set sail on a 3-hour journey through Tweed River’s lush rainforest fringes with Tweed Eco Cruises. Enjoy gourmet local fare, lively bird feeding, and abundant wildlife sightings on the upgraded MV Golden Swan.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; no physical exertion required beyond boarding and disembarking.
Wildlife
History
The Tweed River region has long been home to the Bundjalung people, with rich cultural ties to its waterways and forests.
Conservation
Tweed Eco Cruises promotes low-impact tourism, educating visitors on the importance of preserving river habitats and local biodiversity.
Tweed Eco Cruises
Set sail on a 3-hour journey through Tweed River’s lush rainforest fringes with Tweed Eco Cruises. Enjoy gourmet local fare, lively bird feeding, and abundant wildlife sightings on the upgraded MV Golden Swan.
Tweed Eco Cruises operates from Tweed Heads, New South Wales, offering eco-focused river and lake cruises on the Tweed River, Terranora Lakes and surrounding waterways. The company runs a range of guided experiences designed for wildlife viewing, relaxation and local food tasting. Popular departures include the Sunset Cruise — a two-hour evening trip with grazing boards, live music, local brews and house cocktails — and the Tweed River and Rainforest Lunch Cruise, a three-hour daytime cruise featuring morning tea, a gourmet grazing board lunch, guided commentary and a bird feeding session.
Shorter options include the Fishermen’s Friend, a 90-minute eco-cruise from Tweed Marina through Terranora Lakes with morning tea and optional fresh prawn and oyster tastings. Family-friendly adventures include the Bush Tucker and Crab Catching Adventure Cruise, a two-hour cruise with morning tea, fishing, pelican feeding and bush tucker tasting led by knowledgeable guides. For private celebrations, Picnics Afloat offers a 2.5-hour VIP cruise with an experienced skipper, a Lighthouse Menu picnic lunch, table settings and a bottle of sparkling wine. A BBQ Pontoon Boat is also available as a flexible option for groups.
All cruises emphasize local produce, wildlife encounters and informative commentary. Vessels are described as upgraded and suited for comfortable sightseeing. Guests can expect hands-on experiences, scenic river and hinterland views, and curated food and drink options sourced from the region. Onboard storytelling and natural history insights highlight birdlife, mangroves and river ecology while crew prioritise responsible, low-impact cruising and guest safety throughout each trip, ensuring comfort.
Location
Tweed Heads, NSW
Departures on Tweed River and Marina
Typical Duration
90–180 min
Short cruises to half-day trips
Tours Offered
6
Variety for all ages
Local Food
Locally sourced
Grazing boards and Lighthouse Menu
Reserve a seat for sunset, lunch, family fun or a VIP picnic—departures operate from Tweed Heads and Tweed Marina.
Arrive Early
Be sure to arrive 20 minutes before departure to avoid missing the cruise, as the boat leaves promptly on schedule.
Dress in Layers
Weather can shift on the river; bring a light jacket or layers to stay comfortable, especially on the upper deck.
Sun Protection Needed
Apply sunscreen and bring a hat and sunglasses since parts of the cruise are exposed to sun and glare off the water.
Bring Your Camera
Wildlife and river vistas offer excellent photo opportunities, especially during the bird feeding session and dolphin sightings.
Sunscreen
Protects your skin during sun-exposed sections of the cruise.
summer
Light Jacket or Layered Clothing
Keeps you comfortable against river breezes and changing temperatures.
spring|fall|winter
Camera or Smartphone
Capture wildlife and river scenery throughout the cruise.
Hat and Sunglasses
Essential for reducing glare and protecting eyes under bright sunlight.
summer