Lady Douglas River Cruises
ProHighlights
- 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
Price range (per person)
Setting
Ages
Pricing
Charter catering beyond the included snacks is quoted separately.
Food
Beverages
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What's Included
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
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
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
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
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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