nahood
We arrived in driving rain to start the day but quickly the weather improved to enjoy sites along the river with the captain giving an excellent comentry of the district. Morning tea included fruit cake and drinks were available for purchase at the bar. Interesting to note that the sugar plantation that we passed was the last of many in this district. All thoroughly enjoyed the feeding of birds and whilst there were numerous Pelicans we were privileged to see an eagle join in activity. The highlight was the delicious fresh seafood lunch and no one was disappointed. My daughter in law had ordered the steak that was satisfactory. The variety and quality of seafood was impossible to beat. A fabulous family day out. Wonderful to have delicious seafood that hasn't been destroyed by deep frying. Fresh is always best bugs, crab, prawns, oysters and mussels yummmm.
jonk860
Whilst not a participant on the Captain Bill's Explorer Crab Cruise, we hired a houseboat and witnessed the cruise from close hand. The skipper of the boat obviously thinks he owns the waterways and a number of times we witnessed the vessel perform unacceptable and unsafe acts. Back at the harbour another couple also complained about their antics. The actual yabby catching, crab catching 'demonstrations' and bird feeding are also questionable practices. I think this is one to stay away from.
55jackieb
We have just returned (15/10) from a lunch cruise with this company. We were collected by a little bus from the Beach House and transported to the marina where our boat was docked. We could sit at tables on the lower deck, or sit on the top deck, and come down to the lower deck for lunch. On booking, we were asked if we wanted surf and turf, or seafood lunch. We cannot comment about the quality of the steak. We opted for the more expensive seafood lunch, and because we were booking through the Beach House, we would get a bottle of wine thrown in. The cruise, in wonderful weather, was very relaxing. Stewart gave a commentary along the way pointing out various points of interest. Celeste organised morning tea, which included fruit cake and biscuits. People who just paid for the morning tea part of the cruise departed the boat at Tumbulgum. After we left Tumbulgum lunch was served. Celeste did a wonderful job of organising the food (Stewart cooked the steaks). The seafood was served buffet style, and it included various salads and bread. The seafood, crabs, prawns, oysters, mussels, were fresh and delicious, as were the salads. We had a bottle of Sauvignon blanc, which turned out to be a NZ clean skin. Not a great drop but ok. On the whole, we enjoyed a wonderful relaxing half day, with a very enjoyable seafood meal, and ok wine. We would recommend this trip. Thank you Stewart and Celeste for a truly relaxing lovely day.
TravellingTrippers
The Endeavour lunch cruise is a lovely way to spend a half day on the Tweed. The harbour can be reached on foot from Coolangatta town, or via their own pick-up shuttle. The captain gives a good commentary on the local history and wildlife, and seating is at tables in the enclosed deck below or open upper deck. The morning tea/fruit cake/biscuit is served shortly after departure and then a bar is available for purchasing drinks if required. The pelican feeding is a delight to watch. Some passengers leave the cruise at Tumbelgum, for bussing back to Tweed and the rest re-board after about 50 minutes for the buffet lunch. There isn't much to look at in the village, but pleasant along the riverbank, or visiting the historic pub. The Surf and Turf buffet lunch comprised of a BBQ'd steak, sausages, king prawns, salad, bread, followed by some fruit, served during the return trip. The all seafood option (supplement) also looked very good. Totally relaxing and enjoyable, good value at AUD55 for a senior, which we needed to book beforehand.
caran275
Relaxation was paramount during the Morning Tea Cruise, with almost two hours on the boat going up river from Tweed Heads on “Golden Swan” to the village of Tumbulgum, then bussed back to the Tweed Heads. Those on the lunch cruise were given an hour in Tumbulgum to look around. I would have liked a little more time there, too: it seemed such a quaint, historic place.Stewart, the captain, provided an informative commentary - explaining locations, the importance past and present, and some other pertinent history. The history of the Tweed River Valley is fascinating: passengers were told highlights associated with timber cutting, cane farming, banana growing, etc. The river has an abundance of fish species. Some prominent people were also mentioned.The river and its surrounds are extremely scenic, the riverbanks clothed with a huge variety of plant species. Birds, too, are in abundance. One of the arranged, very interesting activities was the bird feeding. Large numbers of pelicans glided, almost skated, along the water to catch food thrown from the boat. Scores of gulls and occasionally others also vied for food. The mountain range, including Mt. Warning, is clearly visible at times and is part of the natural beauty seen on this cruise.I’ve been on morning tea cruises before and I have certain expectations. The morning tea was minimal - bought fruit cake, instant coffee or tea - not quite what was expected! One person asked if there was any alternative to the fruit cake and was offered biscuits.The map provided was excellent so passengers were in no doubt as to their location. Apart from the morning tea itself, the rest of the cruise was thoroughly enjoyable and totally relaxing. The cruise is recommended while visiting the Gold Coast.
523kyleep
the cruise was very informative and relaxed. the bird feeding very exciting and the lunch of surf and turf was cooked to perfection with yummy salads on the side. we would definitely go on this cruise again.
415andreah
Headed out today for a 3 Hour cruise.Absolutely magical day.I took my parents along and we all really enjoyed it.We had the reef and beef for lunch, cooked by the captain on board at his barbie on the upper deck.We would totally recommend this cruise to anyone.!!!Andrea
MumTheOrganiser
We ventured out on the majestic Tweed River for a lovely cruise on Tweed Endeavour's Captain Bill cruiser. It was a lovely afternoon spent enjoying the area from a totally different perspective. Well worth going.