Launceston’s 14 Best Cruises And Boat Tours: Which To Choose?

Launceston is a fantastic city for cruises and boat tours because it offers a mix of stunning natural scenery, historic waterways, and accessible riverfronts. Unlike many other destinations, Launceston’s Cataract Gorge is right in the heart of the city, making it easy to combine a water adventure with sightseeing on land. Whether you want a quick 50-minute cruise or a leisurely four-hour luncheon experience, there’s something here for every traveler. We particularly like the 50-Minute Cataract Gorge Cruise for its quick, scenic overview and lively commentary—perfect if you’re short on time but want a taste of Launceston’s natural beauty.

For a more immersive experience, the 4-Hour Batman Bridge Luncheon Cruise combines scenic waterways with local food and wine, making it ideal for food lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. With options ranging from short sightseeing rides to full-day adventures, Launceston’s boat tours give you a unique perspective of this charming Tasmanian city.

1. Launceston: 50-Minute Cataract Gorge Cruise

At number 1, this 50-minute cruise offers a quick but comprehensive look at Launceston’s stunning Cataract Gorge. You’ll glide along the river on the Lady Launceston, a vessel praised for its silent electric drive that minimizes noise and disturbance. The cruise covers the gorge’s most impressive features, including towering cliffs and lush bushlands, with lively commentary from your skipper about the area’s history. It’s perfect for travelers on a tight schedule who still want a taste of Launceston’s natural beauty. With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 from nearly 800 reviews, it’s clear many find this ride engaging and informative. The highlight for many is the unobstructed view of the gorge and the chance to learn about landmarks like Kings Wharf.

Bottom Line: This short cruise is a fantastic way to see the gorge from the water, especially if you’re looking for an affordable, engaging experience with lively commentary.

2. Launceston: 2.5-Hour Afternoon Discovery Cruise

Next on our list is the 2.5-hour Afternoon Discovery Cruise, which dives deeper into Launceston’s waterways and surrounds. This cruise offers a leisurely journey into the magical Cataract Gorge and along the riverfront, with the chance to pass Tamar Island and explore historic buildings. It’s a great pick for those wanting a more relaxed experience, tasting local wines and enjoying scenic views while cruising past charming river communities, vineyards, and farms. This tour starts from two convenient locations and includes local snacks, marine life viewing, and a guided commentary in English. It is also wheelchair accessible, making it more inclusive.

For a detailed itinerary, expect to see a mix of wine tastings, scenic views, and stories about Tasmania’s history. The guides are knowledgeable and friendly, adding a personal touch. Many reviews mention the informative commentary and the beautiful scenery as highlights.

Bottom Line: This option is ideal for travelers craving a relaxed, scenic cruise with a focus on local flavors and historic sights, all at a reasonable 2.5 hours.

3. Launceston: 4-Hour Batman Bridge Luncheon Cruise

For those wanting to combine scenery, food, and wine, the 4-hour Batman Bridge Luncheon Cruise is a standout. This cruise takes you through Tamar Valley and Cataract Gorge, with the unique experience of sailing under the Batman Bridge. The trip features a delicious lunch paired with local Tasmanian wines, along with scenic views of protected waterbird habitats. It also offers a guided tour, marine life spotting, and a chance to explore inlets that are otherwise inaccessible. The tour is rated highly, with a 4.6 out of 5 from 133 reviews, many of which praise the quality of food and the scenic beauty.

Bottom Line: This cruise is best suited for those who want a full-day experience, combining scenery, wildlife, and fine local food and wine—especially if you enjoy a leisurely, upscale outing.

4. Cataract Gorge Cruise 11:30 am

Starting at number 4, this 11:30 am cruise offers a scenic morning trip into Cataract Gorge. With a rating of 4.5 from nearly 134 reviews, it’s perfect for travelers wanting a mid-morning escape. The cruise features live commentary from your skipper, highlighting landmarks like Kings Wharf and Launceston’s seaport. The Lady Launceston vessel’s electric drive ensures a peaceful ride, with great views of the cliffs and waters. Many find this trip both informative and relaxing, with some noting it’s ideal for short visits or for those who prefer a calm, scenic voyage.

Bottom Line: This morning cruise is a short, scenic, and informative way to see Launceston’s gorge without the need for hiking or driving.

5. Launceston: 4-Hour Batman Bridge Luncheon Cruise including sailing into the Cataract Gorge

This 4-hour luncheon cruise stands out as an all-in-one experience, with a focus on local food, wine, and scenic waterways. It departs from Tamar River Cruises, includes a buffet-style lunch, and features quiet sailing into the Cataract Gorge. Many reviewers mention the professionalism of the crew and the quality of the food, making it an excellent choice for foodies. The tour runs for about four hours and is wheelchair accessible.

Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a relaxed, gourmet experience combined with scenic sailing through Tasmania’s long estuarine river.

6. Cataract Gorge Cruise 2:30 pm

The 2:30 pm cruise is a great pick for an afternoon outing. It’s rated 4.5 from 14 reviews and offers a peaceful, scenic cruise through Launceston’s riverfront and Cataract Gorge. The Lady Launceston’s electric drive makes for a quiet ride, and the informative commentary helps you understand the area’s significance. It’s ideal if you want a mid-afternoon activity that combines sightseeing with relaxation and comfort.

Bottom Line: This cruise suits travelers seeking a quiet, scenic escape later in the day, with comfort and education combined.

7. Launceston: Cataract Gorge Adventure Cruise Open Ticket

For travelers with flexible schedules, the Cataract Gorge Adventure Cruise Open Ticket offers a full day of exploration. This 50-minute cruise allows you to enjoy the gorge at your own pace, with lively commentary and excellent views. It’s rated 4.7 out of 5 from 38 reviews, reflecting its popularity among repeat visitors who value the ease of a single ticket that grants flexible access.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting the freedom to cruise at different times throughout the day, with a reliable, engaging experience.

8. Cataract Gorge Cruise 10:30 am

The morning 10:30 am cruise is rated 4.5 and offers another excellent way to start your day with a scenic boat trip. It features accessible boats, live commentary, and views of Kings Wharf and the gorge. Many reviews mention the friendly staff and engaging storytelling, making it a solid choice for early risers or those wanting a peaceful start.

Bottom Line: This cruise offers a relaxed morning outing suitable for all mobility levels, with insightful commentary and scenic highlights.

9. Cataract Gorge Cruise 12:30 pm

At number 9, the 12:30 pm cruise is a perfect midday option. Rated 5 out of 5 from 6 reviews, it offers an intimate experience with stunning cliffs and water views. The electric boat’s quiet operation means you won’t miss the commentary, which covers local landmarks and history. It’s suitable for travelers who want a quick but high-quality water experience.

Bottom Line: Small-group, midday cruise that combines rich scenery with detailed local stories—great for those with limited time.

10. Cataract Gorge Cruise 1:30 pm

The 1:30 pm cruise is another highly-rated option for an early afternoon cruise. It features engaging commentary and views of the riverfront, Kings Wharf, and the gorge cliffs. Many say it’s an informative trip that offers an interesting perspective of Launceston’s waterway system.

Bottom Line: A good choice for early afternoon sightseeing with a focus on local history and scenic comfort.

11. Cataract Gorge Cruise 3:30 pm

For a late-afternoon option, the 3:30 pm cruise offers a peaceful ride with beautiful views of the gorge and riverfront. Rated 4.5 from 22 reviews, it’s appreciated for its scenic beauty and informative commentary. Perfect if you want to enjoy the landscape before sunset.

Bottom Line: A relaxing late-afternoon cruise with excellent scenery and storytelling—ideal for winding down your day.

12. Cataract Gorge Cruise 1:30 pm

The 1:30 pm cruise offers an economical way to see Launceston from the water, with local wildlife and historical landmarks highlighted by the skipper. It’s perfect for families and solo travelers wanting a shorter, informative trip. The vessel’s classic style adds charm to the experience.

Bottom Line: Budget-friendly, scenic, and fun—great for casual visitors wanting a quick yet meaningful water tour.

13. 2.50 hour Afternoon Discovery Cruise including Cataract Gorge

This afternoon discovery cruise combines scenic cruising with on-board snacks, wine, and a relaxing atmosphere. It departs at 3 pm and lasts about 2.5 hours, offering views of Tamar River, Tamar Island, and the surrounding vineyards and farms. The included afternoon tea and unlimited coffee make it a very comfortable and indulgent choice, and many reviewers mention the friendly crew and the stunning scenery.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a laid-back, social afternoon cruise with good food, drinks, and scenic water views.

14. Cataract Gorge Cruise 4:30 pm

Our final pick is the 4:30 pm cruise, rated 4.5 from 8 reviews. It offers a peaceful, scenic journey along Launceston’s riverfront, passing King’s Wharf and Seaport. The electric-powered Lady Launceston ensures a quiet, relaxing experience, and the engaging commentary makes it both fun and educational. It’s an excellent way to end the day on the water.

Bottom Line: A calm, scenic late-afternoon ride suited for those who prefer to wind down with good views and storytelling.

How to Choose Your Launceston Water Adventure

When selecting the right cruise or boat tour, consider your budget, time available, and what exactly interests you. If you’re pressed for time, the 50-minute Cataract Gorge Cruise provides a quick, scenic overview. For food and wine lovers, the Luncheon Cruise offers a full experience with local flavors. Active travelers might appreciate the full-day open ticket that allows flexible water exploration. Think about accessibility—most tours list wheelchair-friendly options, but check specifics if needed.

Booking early is recommended, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred time slot and ensure a smooth trip. If you want to combine water tours with land visits, look at the timing—many cruises operate during daylight hours, and some, like the afternoon discovery, are perfect for a relaxed, scenic wind-down.

In summary, Launceston’s water-based tours offer a unique way to experience this city’s natural beauty, historic waterways, and local culture. Whether you choose a quick scenic cruise, a leisurely luncheon, or a flexible full-day pass, you’ll gain a new appreciation for Tasmania’s northern jewel. For a memorable trip, consider booking early and selecting a tour that aligns with your interests and schedule—these experiences tend to fill up quickly, especially during the warmer months. Whatever your choice, Launceston’s waters are ready to show you a different side of this charming city.