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Party Boats Sunshine Coast

Take the Party to the Harbour

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Category: BoatsLocation: Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast Boat Suppliers, Compared

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What to Ask Before Booking a Boat

Two rivers carry most of the party cruising on the Sunshine Coast. The Mooloolah River runs out past the wharf area at Mooloolaba, while the Noosa River winds past Tewantin and Noosaville, and both give a calmer ride than the open sea.

Picking between them usually starts with where your guests are staying, then how many are coming.

Weigh these points side by side:

  • Group size: Mooloolah River boats cover anything from a couple to 45 guests, a multi-deck Noosa riverboat holds up to 65, and the smallest Noosa charters seat about 12.
  • Bar arrangements, since some vessels pour from a licensed bar while others are set up for BYO drinks with ice on hand.
  • Whether you can carry on your own platters or should order catering through the operator.
  • Boarding point: a marina departure, a wharf departure or a pick-up from a waterfront home or jetty.
  • Sound system, microphone and space for a DJ if dancing is on the cards.
  • How the crew handles a late-afternoon storm in the humid months.

Planning a hens or bucks celebration? See hens party boats or bucks party boats. For a party that stays ashore, the venues page covers function rooms across the coast.

Sunshine Coast Boats
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Mooloolah River or Noosa River

  • The Mooloolah River keeps the party close to the restaurants and nightlife of Mooloolaba and Maroochydore, which helps if dinner follows the cruise.
  • The Noosa River suits groups staying around Noosa Heads, Noosaville or Tewantin, and it hosts both the large riverboat and the smaller private charters.
  • Both rivers are sheltered, though wind and the run of the tide still change how a trip feels and where a boat can tie up.
  • The coast is spread out, so pick the river nearer most guests' accommodation and arrange a ride home for everyone else.

Matching the boat to the event

  • Mooloolah River cruises take birthdays, engagements, Christmas parties and work functions, and can be set up for a sit-down banquet.
  • The Noosa riverboat leans towards standing parties with room to move between decks, for birthdays, anniversaries and wedding receptions.
  • A small covered pontoon or gondola charter fits an anniversary, a wedding party or a client outing for a dozen guests.
  • Swimming is possible on some smaller charters, so ask whether the day's conditions allow it.

Questions before you pay a deposit

  • Does the quote include crew and the bar set-up, or are those added later?
  • What is the minimum charter length, and can the night be extended on the water?
  • Are BYO drinks allowed, and is ice supplied?
  • If storms roll in, can the date or departure time move without a fee?

Everything You Need to Know About Boat Hire

Which rivers do Sunshine Coast party cruises use?

Private cruises run on the Mooloolah River, departing from the wharf area at Mooloolaba, and on the Noosa River, with departures around Tewantin and waterfront pick-ups on some smaller charters. Both rivers are sheltered rather than open ocean.

What group sizes suit a private boat charter on the coast?

Mooloolah River boats take from 2 to 45 guests across three vessels, the multi-deck Noosa riverboat takes up to 65, and the smallest Noosa charters suit about a dozen.

Is BYO allowed on Sunshine Coast party boats?

It depends on the vessel. The Mooloolah River cruises offer BYO food and drinks options alongside a licensed bar, the large Noosa riverboat sells drinks on board but lets you bring food, and the small Noosa charters are BYO with ice supplied.

Do guests who dislike open water cope on a river cruise here?

Usually, as both rivers are sheltered. Wind and tide can still add some movement, so a calm morning or early evening slot is a sensible choice for nervous guests.

Can catering be arranged for a cruise on the Sunshine Coast?

Catering is available on the Mooloolah River cruises and on the small Noosa charters, and groups can bring their own food on the larger Noosa riverboat. Mention dietary needs when you enquire.

When is the most comfortable time of year for a party on the water?

The mild, dry winter months make for settled daytime cruises. Summer is humid with afternoon storms, and school holidays are the busiest period on both rivers.