There’s nothing more relaxing than getting out on the water on a boat cruise, especially when the sun is shining and the commentary is entertaining. But just because you have a dog, doesn’t mean that you should miss out. I’ve uncovered a long list of dog-friendly boat cruises around Australia, many that I’ve personally taken with my dog.
If you’re also interested in other types of boat trips that you can take with your dog in Australia, I’ve included details of pet-friendly ferries that you can catch to Queensland islands, plus dog-friendly boats available for rent in Australia.
1. Board a Paddlesteamer in Echuca
One of the most iconic boat cruises in Australia is riding on an historic paddlesteamer on the Murray River. Echuca in particular is famous for its paddlesteamer cruises, and luckily some of the paddlesteamers are dog-friendly, with your pup welcome to join you for the trip.
I recommend booking a one-hour cruise with Echuca Paddlesteamers. They operate multiple cruises operate daily, on board various paddlesteamers, including some built right on site. We cruised on board the PS Alexander Arbuthnot.
Dogs are welcome to join you for free (they just need to be with a responsible adult) and receive their own cute ‘K9 Cargo Ticket’. On board our boat there were no restrictions on where dogs could go, with a resident dog occupying the warm spot next to the engine.
Note that dogs are not allowed onboard any of the lunch or dinner paddlesteamer cruises, although they are allowed onboard the Wharf to Winery Cruise, which visits Morrisons Winery for lunch.
2. Go Dolphin or Whale Watching at Jervis Bay
One of my fondest memories as a teenager was going on a dolphin watching cruise on the magical waters of Jervis Bay, south of Sydney, dolphins riding next to the bow beneath me. Until recently, I thought that the cruises were off limits to dogs, but I’ve now discovered that Jervis Bay Wild allows small dogs on board, in addition to support dogs.
The 90-minute long dolphin watch cruises depart year round, from the cruise terminal to the west of the Huskisson public wharf. Alternatively, between May and November you can instead choose to enjoy a longer 2-hour whale watching cruise, also on the pet-friendly Port Venture.
The same company operates Shellharbour Wild, departing from the Shellharbour Marina further up the coast. Small pets are also permitted on their Whale Watching and Eco-Scenic Cruises.
3. Spot Crocs on the Daintree River
For a different kind of wildlife experience, take your dog onboard a crocodile-spotting cruise on the Daintree River. I was surprised to discover that its traditional for many of the local boat owners to bring along their dogs, and at least one company, the Daintree River Cruise Centre, offers dog-friendly cruises.
The cruises depart from the southern bank of the Daintree River, a 90-minute drive north of Cairns, with no need to board the Daintree Ferry across to Cape Tribulation. The cruises operated by the Daintree River Cruise Centre last about 60-90 minutes, depending on the weather conditions, with the chance to spot a variety of local birdlife, as well as crocodiles.
If you’re interested in bringing your dog along, it’s important that you call up the cruise centre and advise them in advance, so that your dog can be accommodated.
4. Cruise on Sydney Harbour
I’ve longed wanted to go on a cruise on Sydney Harbour with my dog, but up until recently none of the many cruise companies allowed dogs on their cruises. However, that’s now changed with the launch of Dogs on Deck Harbour Cruises by Sea Sydney Harbour.
I was lucky enough to join Sea Sydney Harbour on their very first dog-friendly cruise. The cruises are a one hour voyage departing from the Man O’War Steps next to the Opera House, heading underneath the harbour bridge and into the calmer waters near Kings Street Wharf, before returning to the starting point.
Onboard there’s treats for both dogs and humans (some delicious grazing platters), with soft drinks supplied or the option to BYO drinks. The cruises take place in one of their catamarans, with capacity for up to 20 humans and eight dogs. Due to the compact size of the vessel, only small to medium dogs up to 25kg are permitted.
The cruises are currently operating on most Sunday evenings over the upcoming summer months. I expect that the cruises will rest over the chilly winter months, before returning in future summers.
Note: The author was a guest of Sea Sydney Harbour
5. Ride the Brisbane River Ferries
While the above cruises have a set itinerary, with everyone boarding and disembarking at the same time, it’s also possible to put together your own dog-friendly cruise on the Brisbane River thanks to the Brisbane River ferries and CityCats permitting dogs on board.
The Brisbane River ferries are a great way to see the city, taking in the main sights of inner city Brisbane. The ferries are also currently very affordable, thanks to the flat 50 cent fares currently offered across public transport.
There’s a variety of ferry routes that you can choose from. It’s fun to combine a ferry trip with a walk along the New Farm Riverwalk or a stroll through the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens.
Note that there are some restrictions that apply for dogs. Firstly, dogs are only permitted outside of peak hours, between 6:00am and 8:30am then 3:30pm and 7:00pm on weekdays. It’s best to go for a ferry ride with your dog between 8:30am and 3:30pm, or anytime on the weekend.
Your dog will also need to be leashed and muzzled, unless they’re in an enclosed carrier, and sit on the outside deck.
In Sydney, it was also possible up until recently to board the city’s ferries with your dog. However, during 2021, the ferries started to crack down on pets on board, enforcing the rule that only pets in carrier bags are permitted, with no larger dogs outside of carriers allowed, even if wearing a muzzle.
6. Head Out on Port Stephens
While dogs outside of carrier bags may no longer be allowed on Sydney ferries, there’s no such restrictions on the Original Tea Gardens Ferry up the coast. Well-behaved dogs are allowed on these ferries that cross Port Stephens in between Nelson Bay and Tea Gardens, with no charge for dogs.
The ferry journey takes about an hour each way, with 30 minutes spent crossing the bay, then 30 minutes up the Myall River. Dolphins are frequently spotted, with a 95% success rate.
With the timetable varying depending on the time of year, most ferry trips from Nelson Bay will involve a stop at Tea Gardens. Perhaps head to the dog-friendly Tea Gardens Hotel for lunch. The final trip back from Tea Gardens is usually timed to coincide with sunset. The ferry runs daily, except during bad weather.
Recently, the original ferry has been joined by a second operation, the YNOT Catamaran. This ferry also allows well-behaved dogs onboard.
7. Cross the Clarence River
If staying on the North Coast of NSW, a popular dog-friendly outing is taking one of the Clarence River Ferries in between the sleepy town of Yamba and the even sleepier hamlet of Iluka.
Situated on either bank of the Clarence River, there are multiple crossing daily, that take around 30 minute in either direction. Check the latest timetable online, with only a few crossing daily. Dogs need to be leashed on the ferry.
In Yamba, the ferry departs from the new wharf facility at the end of River Street (not the marina!) In Iluka, the ferry arrives and departs from the Iluka Boatshed.
If you’d like to spend some time in Iluka, next to the boatshed is the Chez Basho Boatshed Cafe. This cafe serves up Japanese fusion food (including sushi) and some highly praised coffee. Dogs are likely allowed at the outdoor tables, otherwise grab some takeaway. Double check the opening hours online, as it’s not open everyday.
8. Cruise Along the Noosa River
The best way to experience the pretty Noosa River on the Sunshine Coast is to get out on a boat, and the easiest option is boarding the Noosa Ferry. Luckily, recently the rules changed to allow dogs of all sizes, except if it’s busy in which case dogs need to fit on your lap. Although note the sunset cruises are excluded.
The ferry runs approximately every half an hour between Tewantin and Noosa Heads. It’s $28 for an all day pass along the entire length (or $22 if bought after 1pm) , or $16.50 for a return trip between Noosaville and Noosa Heads. There’s also a number of other ticket options. There is no charge for dogs.
On a sunny day, it’s glorious sitting up on the open-air top deck. When the ferry arrives at Noosa Heads or Tewantin, it’s possible to remain on board for the return journey, or alternatively disembark and stretch your legs for awhile.
At Noosa Heads I recommend getting off and walking over to Noosa Spit and the popular off-leash dog exercise area and beach.
9. Or Around Mooloolaba
The Noosa Ferry isn’t the only pet-friendly ferry on the Sunshine Coast. Another ferry that I’ve recently discovered is pet-friendly is the Mooloolaba Ferry. This ferry operates between five stops on either side of the Mooloolah River, including a stop at La Balsa Park near Point Cartwright.
Pets are welcome aboard the ferries all day long for free. It’s requested that dogs be both restrained and muzzled, like on the ferries in Brisbane. (I’ve heard reports that muzzles are not enforced, but it’s best to be prepared in case.)
For humans, choose between a one-way, one-day, four-day or simple river hop ticket. Note that the ferry only operates between Thursday and Sunday over the winter months.
10. Explore the Tamar River
Tamar River cruises operates multiple cruises on the river of the same name in Launceston, Tasmania, including a Cataract Gorge Adventure Cruise. This short 50-minute cruise features historical commentary giving insight into Launceston’s historic Seaport precinct, plus a scenic cruise up into the beautiful Cataract Gorge.
Best of all, this specific cruise is dog-friendly, with well-behaved pups welcome to join you onboard. Considering dogs are otherwise not permitted in the Cataract Gorge Reserve, it’s a great way to see this part of Launceston with your dog by your side. There’s multiple departures daily, year round; just double check before booking that they are still dog-friendly.
11. Go Cruising at Port Macquarie
Port Macquarie lies on the southern side of the wide and winding Hastings River. Enjoy a fun time out on the river on a cruise, including with your dog, on one of the cruises offered by Port AdVenture Cruises (previously Cruise Port Macquarie).
Dogs are allowed on their regular cruises, as long as they are not too large, due to space constraints. It’s best to advise the company when you make a booking that you’ll be bringing along a dog, as there is a limit on the number allowed on each cruise. And once on board, they need to stay leashed and next to you.
River cruises operate multiple times per week, depending on the time of year, both in the morning and around sunset. Minimum numbers are required, so it’s best to book in advance.
12. Take the Ferry to Bundeena
On the southern edge of Sydney, a regular ferry crosses Port Hacking between Cronulla and Bundeena, a small village on the northern edge of the Royal National Park. While the ferry is intended to get people to and from the isolated village, without the long detour by road, you can also enjoy the ferry crossing as a short cruise.
Run by Cronulla Ferries, dogs are allowed on the ferry, as long as they are leashed, for no extra charge. When I’ve caught the ferry, I’ve seen dogs onboard it multiple times.
The ferries operate roughly hourly, although note that there is a break over lunch on weekdays. The journey takes about 25 minutes each direction, so along about an hour for a return cruise, without disembarking in Bundeena.
Alternatively, hop off in Bundeena for a visit. Dogs are allowed on-leash on Gunyah Beach right next to the ferry wharf between May and August, plus before 8:30am and after 4:30pm between September and April.
Or walk a little further to Hordern Beach, where dogs are allowed off-leash between May and August, although they are prohibited from the beach on weekends over the summer. There’s a few cafes to choose between in Bundeena.
13. Catch a Ferry at Palm Beach
At the other end of Sydney, it’s also possible to take your dog onboard the ferries run by Palm Beach Ferries departing the Palm Beach ferry wharf. There’s no charge for dogs, who are allowed onboard as long as they remain leashed and on the outside deck.
There are two cruise options available. Firstly, you can take a cruise around the upper reaches of Pittwater, on the Basin Ferry Service. This ferry operates roughly hourly and takes 45 minutes to return to Palm Beach.
Alternatively, hop onboard the ferry to Ettalong and Wagstaffe on the Central Coast. This scenic journey crosses Broken Bay, passing Barrenjoey Headland and Lion Island, taking about 30 minutes in each direction. In Ettalong, go for a walk along the beach, with a large section allowing off-leash dogs, before catching a return ferry to Palm Beach.
It’s also possible to start and end this cruise in Ettalong or Wagstaffe, instead heading to Palm Beach. Enjoy lunch at one of the dog-friendly cafes in Palm Beach. There are currently no off-leash dog beaches nearby, although there are plans for a trial at Palm Beach North.
An additional dog-friendly ferry company also operates from Palm Beach ferry wharf, the Boathouse Ferry Co. Part of the same group that operates the up-market but dog-friendly Boathouse Patonga pub, you can catch the ferry across to Patonga and the pub on selected days. Double check the timetable online.
14. Enjoy a River Cruise in St George
For a different kind of river cruise in Queensland, head 500km west of Brisbane to St George. There you can take a dog-friendly cruise with Sandytown River Cruises on the Balonne River.
Their 2-hour cruises generally depart daily at 11am and 4pm, from April to September. You’re welcome to bring your own drinks and nibbles, the perfect accompaniment for a relaxing sunset cruise.
There’s no additional charge for pets, who are usually quite content on the stable, comfortable boat. Just keep them leashed.
15. Cruise on the Swan River
The city of Perth is situated on the banks of the Swan River. To view the city from a different perspective, hop onboard the petite solar electric ferries operated by the Little Ferry Company.
The company operates multiple ferry trips between Elizabeth Quay, On the Point and Optus Stadium on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday between October and May. A one-way trip takes 45 minutes. Alternatively, make a booking for their Twilight Cruises or you can book the whole boat – available year-round.
Just note that the ferries are quite small, so only small “lap” dogs are permitted. Dogs should also be leashed, clean and dry. The ferries generally close down over the winter months.
BONUS: Catch a Ferry to a Queensland Island
There’s no shortage of dog-friendly boat cruises available in Queensland, but there’s also another type of boat trip that you can take with your pup in Queensland: the ferries out to dog-friendly islands. While the main focus of these trips is getting to the island, it’s still a scenic ride along the way.
Three of the best dog-friendly island trips by ferry in Queensland are to Magnetic Island, Great Keppel Island and North Stradbroke Island.
For the 20-minute trip to Magnetic Island from Townsville, there’s the option of both a car barge and passenger-only ferry. Muzzles are required on dogs outside of cars.
North Stradbroke Island also offers both passenger-only and car ferries. The passenger ferry, also known as a water taxi, takes only 25 minutes, while the car barge is a 50-minute trip. Muzzles are also required on the Sealink ferries outside of cars.
The ferries across to Great Keppel Island are a more relaxed affair, with no muzzle required on our 30-minute ferry trip. Both ferries charge a small fee for dogs, depending on size.
Read my guide to visiting these dog-friendly islands in Queensland, with further details of the ferries to the islands.
BONUS: Hire Your Own Boat
If you’d prefer to be behind the steering wheel of the boat and set your own itinerary, instead consider hiring a dog-friendly boat.
Many companies that hire out small boats permit dogs to join you on board; after all, they’ll probably be cleaned out after being used for fishing or swimming. Some companies state on their websites that pets are allowed on their boats or contact them directly to find out.
GoBoat hires out electric picnic boats in Brisbane, Canberra, Gold Coast, Melbourne and Sydney, with no boat license required. Dogs are allowed on all boats, except any Luxe boats operating. Book a boat for between one and three hours, then BYO picnic!
Note: The author was a guest of GoBoat
Another option in Sydney is Sydney Boat Hire, who offer various options depending on whether or not you have a boat license. Along the Noosa River on the Sunshine Coast there’s multiple dog-friendly boat hire companies including O Boat Hire, who also hire out kayaks and SUPs.
If you’d prefer to spend a longer time on your boat, including sleeping on board, look into hiring a pet-friendly houseboat. While not all houseboat companies permit pets on board, and usually only selected vessels are pet-friendly, there are options available across South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales. Check out my guide to dog-friendly houseboats in Australia.
You May Also Like
- 5 Top Dog-Friendly Islands in Queensland to Visit
- Hiring a Dog-Friendly Houseboat in Australia
- 6 Dog-Friendly Historic Train Rides in Australia
About the Author
Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.