Lady Douglas River Cruises Lady Douglas Private Charter

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Have the whole Lady Douglas to yourselves for a 1.5 hour private cruise on Dickson Inlet in Port Douglas, for anywhere from 5 to 46 guests. Croc spotting, sunset drinks from the licensed bar, a birthday, a wedding transfer or a work party: the crew shape the cruise around your group.

Days

1.5 hours

Age

All ages

Group size

Private charter, 5 to 46 guests

Start / finish

Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, Port Douglas / same marina

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Private covered riverboat

Meals

Drink on arrival and shared snack platters

Route

Map of Lady Douglas River Cruises Lady Douglas Private Charter

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Included experiences

Dickson Inlet — croc spotting in the mangrove channels
Inlet entrance — sunset views of the ranges and islands
Licensed bar — drinks and music for your own event
Weddings — ceremony on board or guest transfers to the reception

Lady Douglas River Cruises Lady Douglas Private Charter

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

YOUR GROUP CLIMBS ABOARD

Your private cruise starts at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina in the middle of Port Douglas, a town founded in 1877 as the port for the Hodgkinson River goldfield. Follow the main boardwalk to the boats in front of Lure Restaurant and look for the big red umbrella: that's the Lady Douglas, which has run cruises on this inlet since 1989. Boarding opens 15 minutes before you sail, and everyone gets a drink on arrival. With 5 to 46 of you and no one else aboard, the boat is yours: the covered back deck, the licensed bar and the sound system for your own music.

UP DICKSON INLET

The standard route passes the waterfront and harbour, then heads up the calm, sheltered water of Dickson Inlet into the mangrove channels. The captain searches the banks for wild saltwater crocodiles, the largest living reptile, with big males passing 5 metres. They're seen on more than 90% of trips, best from May to November. Sea eagles, ospreys and kingfishers work the channels, and crabs and mudskippers crowd the mud. The commentary covers the wildlife, the history of Port Douglas and the Daintree rainforest just to the north, part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Shared snack platters are passed round.

YOUR CRUISE, YOUR WAY

Beyond that, the crew shape the 1.5 hours around what your group wants. A children's birthday might spend longest croc-spotting, while a work party might prefer drinks at the inlet mouth with the ranges and islands turning gold at sunset. Morning, daytime, sunset and night cruises are possible, live music can be arranged, and fuller catering from a local caterer can be added when you book, for an extra cost. For a wedding the boat can be the venue itself, or ferry guests from the public wharf to a reception at the Sugar Wharf, on the waterfront or at a marina restaurant.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Berth C16, Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, 44 Wharf Street, Port Douglas: the boats in front of Lure Restaurant, under the large red umbrella.
Departure time: Chosen with you when you book: morning, daytime, sunset or night. Boarding starts 15 minutes before departure.
Duration: 1.5 hours.
Suits: Groups of 5 to 46: families, friends, clubs, corporate teams and wedding parties. Smaller groups can join a scheduled river cruise instead.
Please note: Flat floors and wide passageways make the boat wheelchair and pram friendly, and there is a toilet on board. The inlet is sheltered, calm water, suitable for all ages.

What is included

Private use of the Lady Douglas for 1.5 hours
Captain and crew, with commentary
A drink on arrival
Shared snack platters

Not included

Extra catering from a local caterer (can be requested when you book)
Further drinks from the licensed bar
Live music (can be arranged)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 1 review

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

We hired the boat privately for a pre-wedding girls' night, a lovely hour and a half with music, drinks and snacks.

Dee Verified· Travelled 24th August 2026

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