Starlight’s Cruise Experience, Longreach

Did you know that you can take a riverboat cruise in Outback Queensland?

Starlight’s Cruise Experience is more than just a unique boat ride down the Thomson River near Longreach. The 4 hour experience includes a stockman’s dinner around the campfire, a light and sound movie about the Outback, traditional bush poetry, and more.

You can watch the sunset on the river before enjoying evening activities around the campfire in beautiful Outback Queensland.

Keep reading to find out what to expect on your Starlight Cruise Experience from Longreach.

Outback Pioneers Coach Ride

The Outback Pioneers Coach picks up passengers at their hotels and tourist parks in the main areas of Longreach.

As we were staying at The Staging Post, we were picked up at the front desk of the hotel, which was just across the street from The Stables where we stayed.

The bus was pretty full when we boarded, and there was just one more stop, at a caravan park outside of town, before we arrived at the destination for the riverboat cruise.

Riverboat Ride on the Thomson River

Our group boarded the boat, Thomson Belle, around 5:20 p.m. We could see turtles in the water as we boarded.

As the Thomson Belle Paddlewheeler is much smaller than the Pride of the Murray, which is no longer in service, we had to board side by side to keep the weight distributed properly.

We were near the back of the group, and our group of 6 didn’t get to sit together. There are 4 sections of the boat, 2 in the front and 2 in the back.

Guests are welcome to climb the ladder to the top deck, but only 3 people are allowed up there at a time, excluding the driver and the tour guide.

To guarantee only 3 people are up there at a time, there are 3 necklaces that must be worn to climb up. If they aren’t available on the hook by the ladder, that means you can not climb up.

Once the boat starts moving, snacks are served. Each section of the boat has its own snack board that includes cheese, meat, veggies, dip, grapes, and crackers. Gluten-free crackers are available upon request.

Soft drinks are available to purchase on board, and alcohol is BYO.

The boat ride lasts about an hour.

Stockman’s Dinner

After the boat ride, everyone takes a seat around the campfire and learns about the Stockman’s gear while dinner is being set up.

They also tell you where the bathrooms are, how to get a cup of water, and where to borrow a wine glass if you brought your own wine.

Dinner is stockman’s stew with mashed potatoes and bread with butter. A vegetarian stew is available for those who request a vegetarian meal in advance. A gluten-free option is available as well.

Everyone lines up to get dinner, and after everyone is served, they announce what is left over if anyone wants another helping.

After the dinner plates are collected, dessert is served. During our visit, the dessert was a cake with custard sauce.

Bush Poetry

After dinner, there is a performance of Bush Poetry, which is apparently what the stockman used to do at night.

Each poem is a story and takes a few minutes to tell. We listened to about 5 different poems.

Light and Sound Show Movie

A movie screen is set up on the water next to the boat, and there are bleachers on the shore.

After an introduction by the owners, there is a story about a notorious cattle thief known as Captain Starlight.

The show was entertaining for all ages.

Damper and Billy Tea

When the movie is over, everyone gets in line for Billy Tea and damper, which is made during the movie.

Everyone can grab a tin cup and choose between coffee and tea. Damper with golden syrup is available to take as well.

As everyone is finishing up, the bus is loaded, and everyone is driven back to their hotel in Longreach.

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Starlight’s Cruise Experience Wrap Up

From start to finish, Outback Pioneers thought of everything to make Starlight’s Cruise Experience a fun night out for everyone.

Unfortunately, with the larger boat out of service, our boat did feel crowded when we first sat down, but once the boat was moving, it was better. Definitely bring a hat and sunglasses as it is very sunny before the sun goes down.

Many of the groups on board brought drinks with them or ordered soft drinks on board. We brought water with us.

The snacks were nice to have, and there was plenty for everyone. Most people had seconds, and some had thirds or more. Everyone got their own tongs for the snack board so that they weren’t touching the same tongs.

I regret not ordering a vegetarian meal as I do not eat beef, though to be honest, there was enough food so that I felt full. While it was mainly carbs, I did eat the veggies on board.

If you have a special diet, let them know in advance. I did see the vegetarian stew, and it looked delicious.

There are plenty of activities throughout the night, and it feels like there is always something new happening. I was expecting a dinner cruise, and that is not all that Starlight’s Cruise Experience is like.

Our kids were the only kids in the group, but we were visiting Longreach before the school holidays, plus this activity had us out late at night. Either way, the kids had a great time and enjoyed the food and entertainment. They are still talking about the Billy Tea.

If you are looking for something fun to do at night in Longreach, we recommend Starlight’s Cruise Experience.

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