Images and Video
Smithy's Sunset Cruise
Highlights
- Glide along the Thomson River as vibrant outback colours illuminate the sky, creating a stunning backdrop for your journey.
- Capture 360-degree views from the top deck while your Skipper shares captivating stories of the river's wildlife and Indigenous heritage.
- Savour icy cold drinks from the licensed bar as you relax and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of the sunset.
- Experience the breathtaking transition from sunset to starlight, making unforgettable memories on this three-hour cruise.
The colours of the outback come alive at sunset as you glide down the Thomson River aboard the Longreach Explorer. After a warm welcome by their experienced crew, take your seat on the top deck, ready to capture 360-degree sweeping, river and floodplain views. Your Skipper will enthral you with captivating stories about the river, its wildlife and Indigenous heritage. Icy cold drinks are available for purchase from the licensed bar.
Photo opportunities are endless, but the stop at Sunset Bend is a hands-down favourite. As you leisurely cruise back to the dock, you will see stunning, vibrant sunset colours as they fade into starlight.
Pickup times are from 4:30 pm, with pickup times adjusted throughout the year for the perfect sunset on the Thomson River. The experience lasts approximately 3 hours.
Tour details
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Available from 10 March 2026 to 20 March 2026
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Available from 23 March 2026 to 31 March 2026
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Available from 1 April 2026 to 3 April 2026
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Available from 16 October 2026 to 31 October 2026
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Available from 1 November 2026 to 30 November 2026
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Available from 1 December 2026 to 13 December 2026
Features
Service facilities
Actively welcomes people with access needs.
General access
- Offers multiple options for booking – web, email, phone is available.
- Offers a range of contact methods for receiving complaints.
- Companion Cards are accepted.
- Accessibility information and photos, including of a bathroom, room and/or floor plan on their website (can be emailed on request).
- Asks all visitors if there are any specific needs to be met.
- Website meets <a href="https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/" target="_blank">WCAG 2.0</a> accessibility standards
Communication
Welcomes and assists people who have challenges with learning, communication, understanding and behaviour. (includes people with autism, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, acquired brain injury (ABI), dyslexia and dementia)
- Uses Plain English / easy read signage and information (includes menus and emergency information)
Allergies and intolerances
Caters for people with allergies and intolerances.
- Modify their cooking and cleaning practices to cater for people with food allergies or chemical intolerances (could include menus with meals free from: nuts, dairy, seafood, eggs, gluten etc).
- Staff are trained to respond to allergic reactions.
Operation information
Outback Aussie Tours – Day Tours
Outback Aussie Tours is a family-owned local operator with over 38 years of experience and unrivalled local Outback Queensland knowledge, passion and connections. Discover Queensland’s heartland, its pioneering legends, Outback stations and the majestic Thomson River.
Drover’s Sunset Cruise: Enjoy 360-degree views of the Thomson River aboard the Longreach Explorer. Enjoy captivating stories and complementary nibbles. Finish with Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show.
Smithy’s Outback Dinner and Show: Enjoy a two-course table service dinner featuring our camp oven-themed modern cuisine under the stars beside the Thomson River. Our talented outback performer will entertain you with songs and stories live on stage.
Smithy’s Sunset Cruise: Take your seat on the top deck of the fully licensed Longreach Explorer as you cruise to Sunset Bend to capture an incredible outback sunset.
Activities
Tags
Accreditations
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ECO Certified (Nature Tourism) by Ecotourism Australia
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Quality Tourism Accreditation
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Savannah Guides
Memberships
- Australian Tourism Export Council
- Queensland Tourism Industry Council
- Regional Tourist/Tourism Association/Organisation
- QLD – Outback Queensland Tourism
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