Hens Party Boats in Sunshine Coast

Choosing the Right Hens Party Cruise

A hens cruise gives the bride-to-be a private deck and a few hours away from the crowds, without anyone juggling a venue, transport and entertainment separately. On the Sunshine Coast there are two rivers to choose from: the Mooloolah River from the wharf area at Mooloolaba, or the Noosa River from the marina at Tewantin.

The size of the hens group usually settles which one makes sense.

Run through these with the crew when you enquire:

Head count, as the Mooloolah River boats run from 2 up to 45 guests and the Noosa riverboat takes up to 65.
Drinks service: both carry a licensed bar, and the Mooloolah River cruises also offer BYO options.
Food, whether that's a catered spread arranged with the operator or platters you carry on yourself.
Styling the deck with sashes, a banner or flowers, and what the crew allows in the way of confetti or glitter.
Playing your own playlist through the sound system, plus a microphone for the toasts.
Shade and seating for older relatives on a warm afternoon.

The cruise can be the main event or one stop on a longer day, so look at the hens party page for activities ashore and hens party venues for somewhere to continue afterwards.

Mooloolaba puts the group near the restaurants and bars of Mooloolaba and Maroochydore, handy if the night carries on after the boat docks.
Noosa suits a weekend away, with the riverboat leaving from Tewantin and accommodation spread around Noosaville and Noosa Heads.
A large group may need the multi-deck Noosa boat, while a smaller circle of friends fits comfortably on a Mooloolah River vessel.

Planning the hours on board

A lunch cruise suits a group mixing ages, while an evening sailing leans towards dancing.
Keep games short so there is time to chat and take in the river.
Flat shoes are safer on a wet deck and boarding ramp than heels.
Hand the timekeeping to one bridesmaid so the organiser can relax on board too.

Before the deposit goes in

Confirm the charter is private and how long it runs.
Ask how a summer storm would change the departure time.
Check whether weekend and school holiday dates cost more.
Sort transport home in advance for guests staying further along the coast or up in the hinterland.

Common Questions About Hens Cruises

Which Sunshine Coast rivers host hens cruises?

Hens charters run on the Mooloolah River, leaving from the wharf area at Mooloolaba, and on the Noosa River, leaving from the marina at Tewantin. Both are sheltered rivers rather than open ocean.

How big can a hens group be on a river boat here?

Up to 45 on the Mooloolah River boats, which also suit groups as small as two, and up to 65 on the multi-deck Noosa riverboat.

Can the hens bring their own drinks on board?

Both boats run a licensed bar. The Mooloolah River cruises also list BYO food and drinks options, while the Noosa riverboat lets you bring food but sells drinks on board.

What sort of food suits a hens cruise?

Finger food and grazing platters are easy to manage standing up on a moving deck. Catering can be arranged on the Mooloolah River cruises, and groups on the Noosa riverboat can bring their own.

Is a hens boat trip on the Sunshine Coast comfortable in summer?

Summer is humid and storms often build in the afternoon, so a morning or early evening sailing gives more margin. The mild, dry winter suits a daytime cruise with a light layer.

Will nervous guests feel seasick on a hens cruise?

Both rivers are sheltered, so the ride is far calmer than open water, although wind and tide can still add a little movement.

Hens Party Boats Sunshine Coast