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Lady Douglas River Cruises

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Pricing: From $50 per personCategory: Wildlife & Nature ExperiencesLocation: 44 Wharf St, Port Douglas QLD 4877

Highlights

  • A classic paddlewheel riverboat can be chartered for groups of 5 to 46 on a 1.5-hour crocodile-spotting cruise up Dickson Inlet
  • A fully licensed bar, an onboard music system and room for live music suit daytime or evening parties on the water
  • Every cruise comes with a drink and snacks, and charters can add catering from a local caterer

About Lady Douglas River Cruises

The Lady Douglas is a traditional paddlewheel riverboat that has carried visitors around Dickson Inlet in Port Douglas since 1989. It is family run by locals Kate and Lucas Agrums, and each cruise heads far up the inlet through the mangroves before turning back towards the harbour mouth. Crocodiles turn up on most trips, especially in the dry months from May to November, and sea eagles, ospreys, kingfishers, herons and mud skippers are regular sightings. The captain keeps up a running commentary on the wildlife, the mangroves and the town's history. Public cruises run for 1.5 hours and include a drink from the onboard bar and a box of snacks. The afternoon departure doubles as a sunset cruise when the weather is clear. For a private event, the whole boat can be chartered for groups of 5 to 46. The operator lists children's birthdays out croc-spotting, hens and bucks nights, corporate events, company Christmas parties and family reunions among the parties it has hosted. The boat holds a full liquor licence, carries a music system and can arrange live music. Extra catering can come from a local caterer, and wedding parties can be collected from the public wharf and dropped at a waterfront reception afterwards.

Inclusions & amenities

Activity type

Wildlife & Nature Experiences

Price range (per person)

$50-100pp

Setting

Outdoor

Ages

Kids Welcome

Pricing

Scheduled river cruises start from $50, with child, family and infant fares also offered. A private charter of the whole boat is priced at $2,300.

Charter catering beyond the included snacks is quoted separately.

Food

Every cruise includes a box of snacks, and charters come with shared snack platters. Extra catering from a local caterer can be arranged when booking a charter.

Beverages

Each guest gets a complimentary drink from the fully licensed onboard bar, which also sells beer, wine and bubbles.

Availability

Monday9AM – 6PM
Tuesday9AM – 6PM
Wednesday9AM – 6PM
Thursday9AM – 6PM
Friday9AM – 6PM
Saturday9AM – 6PM
Sunday9AM – 6PM
Scheduled cruises leave at 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 4.30pm, depending on seasonal demand. Charters can run in the morning, during the day or at night.

What's Included

Each cruise covers a run up Dickson Inlet and out to the inlet entrance with live commentary, plus a drink and snacks. Private charters add exclusive use of the boat and its bar.

Frequently asked questions

How many people can join a private charter?

The Lady Douglas carries up to 46 passengers, and groups booking the whole boat can range from 5 to 46 people. Smaller groups can also book seats on a scheduled cruise.

What does a private charter include?

A 1.5-hour cruise up Dickson Inlet with the captain's commentary, a drink on arrival and shared snack platters. Further catering from a local caterer can be added when booking.

Can we hold a party with drinks and music on board?

Yes. The boat is fully licensed for day and evening events, has a music system on board and can arrange live music for the group.

Will we see crocodiles?

Saltwater crocodiles are spotted on the large majority of cruises, most reliably in the dry season from May to November. Birds of prey, herons, crabs and mud skippers are also common.

Is the cruise suitable for children and guests with limited mobility?

Yes. The Lady Douglas suits supervised children of all ages, and its wide passages and flat flooring allow wheelchair and pram access.

Where we are

Suitable occasions

Knox Cameron

Knox Cameron

3 weeks ago

It was a very pleasant experience puttering up the river, getting a close-up view of the mangroves and the various boats moored along the river. It was nice munching on the little snack box while watching the world pass…

Sunil Raju

Sunil Raju

a month ago

It was just amazing!! A warm welcome, a cold drink and sufficient nibbles for the trip!! Billy was attentive and the Captain was very informative on the history of Port Douglas 🤗! The boat was clean and spacious, lots o…

Jodi D

Jodi D

3 months ago

Captain Dave and Kat (Cat?) are incredible! We had such an amazing trip on the Lady Douglas - very impressed with everything. Food was great, both Dave and Kat had answers for every question. We appreciated the interesti…

Sue Saddington

Sue Saddington

3 months ago

We had a lovely morning today. It was raining and a cooler day so chance of seeing a croc wasn't good. But we did manage to see one in the water, some birdlife also. The mangroves growing on the banks are fascinating. Be…

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