Sail along the Tweed River on a 2-hour sunset cruise featuring live local music and delicious grazing boards paired with craft brews. Discover why this serene river journey offers a perfect escape in Tweed Heads.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; no physical exertion required
Wildlife
History
The Tweed River area has long been significant to the local Bundjalung people before becoming a hub for fishing and river transport in the 19th century.
Conservation
Operators focus on minimizing environmental impact by following sustainable boating practices and supporting local producers.
Tweed Eco Cruises
Sail along the Tweed River on a 2-hour sunset cruise featuring live local music and delicious grazing boards paired with craft brews. Discover why this serene river journey offers a perfect escape in Tweed Heads.
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.
Book ahead for sunset timing
Sunset times vary seasonally, so check local times and reserve your spot early to enjoy the best views.
Arrive early to secure seating
Arriving 15 minutes before departure helps select the best spot on deck for unobstructed river views.
Dress in layers for evening cool-down
Even in subtropical climates, temperatures can drop after sunset—pack a light jacket or wrap.
Enjoy responsibly with local brews
If sampling alcoholic beverages, ensure you have safe transportation arranged after the cruise.
Light jacket or shawl
Keeps you comfortable as temperatures cool after sunset.
fall
Camera or smartphone
Capture the vibrant colors of the sunset and live performance moments.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin during daylight hours before the sun sets.
summer
Insect repellent
Helps avoid mosquito bites on riverbanks near water at dusk.
spring