Tweed Eco Cruises Bushtucker + Crab Catching Tour Review
Are you considering taking Tweed Eco Cruises’ Bushtucker and Crab Catching Tour and want to know what to expect or determine if it is worth it?
My family joined the tour along with our friends. Our kids were 10 and 11 at the time, and our friends brought their 3-year-old along.
We chose this tour as our friends were staying nearby in Tweed Heads, and we wanted something fun, family-friendly, and interactive to do together.
Keep reading to find out what to expect on the Tweed Eco Cruises Bushtuker + Crab Catching Tour leaving from Tweed Heads.
Purchasing Tickets
Tickets for Tweed Eco Cruises can be purchased in advance, online.
They offer a variety of tours, from a 1.5-hour long Fishermans Friend Morning Tea to an 8-hour-long BBQ pontoon boat ride.
We opted for the 2-hour Bushtucker and Crab Catching Tour that includes yabby pumping, crab catching, pelican feeding, fishing, and morning tea.
Another option we looked at is the Tweed River and Rainforest Lunch Cruise.
Joining the Tour
One thing to note is that Tweed Eco Cruises run on Queensland time year-round. This made a difference for us, as we were visiting during the summer. We live in Queensland, but our friends were staying in Tweed Heads, which is in New South Wales.
The Bushtucker and Crab Catching Tour leaves from Pioneer Park. There is free all-day parking as well as toilets nearby.
The park has picnic tables and swings.
They ask everyone to arrive 20 minutes before the tour is scheduled to begin. Everyone on our tour arrived early, and we were all checked in and able to depart before the scheduled 9 am time.
Our boat was set up with 3 long tables. 3 groups were joining the tour, with various numbers in each group.
My group included 4 adults and 3 kids.
Morning Tea
As soon as we got on the boat and sat down, morning tea was served.
Orange slices and shortbread cookies were already on the table when we arrived. They came around and poured lemon myrtle tea for those who wanted some.
A container of water, along with glasses, was available throughout the morning for those who wanted to help themselves.
Yabby Pumping
While we enjoyed the tea, the boat drove to a spot to try yabby pumping. As it was high tide, we had to go to a second spot so that we could stand in the water.
We were taught how to catch yabbies using a pump. First, you look down to find small holes in the sand. Then you put the pump down as far as you can, take the sand out, and put it on a filter. You repeat this 5x at the same spot.
As we walked off the boat and into the water, pairs were given a pump or a filter.
The tide was high where we were, and it was hard to find yabbies. Each of my kids found one, so they were happy about that.
Pelican Feeding
While we were out searching for yabbies, they got out fish to feed the pelicans.
Anyone who wanted to feed the pelicans could stand at the back of the boat, reach their hand into a bucket, and pull out a fish to throw.
The pelicans seemed to know what was going on, and they were ready to eat. They appeared to be hostile to each other, trying to bite each other to get them out of the way.
Mud Crab Traps
After hunting for yabbies and feeding the pelicans, we got back on the boat. The morning tea had been cleared, and there was a plate and a long stick-like fork at each place setting.
The boat took off to find 3 crab traps that had been set up the day before. Each group was able to get 1 of the traps out of the water.
The first group had 2 crabs in their trap, and the other groups each had one.
We learned about mud crabs and were able to hold them after they were tied up so that they couldn’t hurt us.
Apparently, their claws are so sharp that they can cut a carrot.
Fishing
While the crabs were being prepared, we were taught how to fish.
As we hadn’t caught many yabbies, prawns were used as bait.
No one in our group caught a fish.
Looking for a fun place to stay nearby? Check out Hosanna Farmstay.
Morning Tea, Again
While we fished, the crab was prepared and brought to each table, along with a basket of bread and butter.
We had enough time to eat before returning to shore.
Tips + What to Bring
Though they don’t tell you to wear swimsuits, as you won’t be swimming, we did get wet.
It was high tide during our boat cruise, and even though we were all wearing shorts, the bottoms got wet. At one point, I wanted to walk further into the water, but didn’t want to be soaked.
At the very least, bring a change of clothes (in the car). Wear clothes that you do not mind getting wet.
Wear shoes that are easy to get on and off. You can leave your shoes on the boat while you are searching for yabbies.
You do not need to bring anything else, except maybe sunscreen if you haven’t already applied it before the tour.
Bushtucker and Crab Catching Tour Wrap-Up
We were busy throughout the entire 2-hour Bushtucker and Crab Catching Boat Cruise.
They include plenty of activities to keep you entertained, and most of them were new to the majority of the guests. We had never used pumps to find yabbies before, nor had we fed pelicans or pulled up mud crab traps.
Even though we did not catch a fish, it was relaxing and kept the kids busy.
Plus, they fed us twice, even though the tour was only two hours long.
There were 2 staff members on board, and both were knowledgeable and helpful.
Things to Do Nearby
- Tropical Fruit World
- Rainbow Bay Beach
- Snorkel with Turtles
- Husk Farm Distillery Tour
- River Cruise
- Catch-A-Crab
- Tweed Regional Museum
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