Brisbane: Island Pub Crawl with Lunch and High-Speed Boat

Planning a day out around Brisbane that combines adventure, scenic views, and a bit of partying? This Island Pub Crawl with Lunch and a High-Speed Boat might catch your eye. We haven’t personally taken this tour, but after digging into the details and reviews, we can give you a thorough picture of what to expect.

What we like about this experience is how it offers a balance of wildlife spotting, island relaxation, and lively bars—all packed into one day. Plus, the thrill of the high-speed boat ride across Moreton Bay sounds like a highlight, giving you a rush of wind and sea spray. The included lunch at Amity Tavern is a bonus, especially if you’re hungry after exploring the islands.

However, it’s not all perfect. Several reviews mention issues like schedule changes, brief island visits, and some communication hiccups, which are worth considering. This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a lively, active day and aren’t fussed about spending long hours on each island. If you’re after a more relaxed, in-depth exploration, this might feel a bit rushed.

If you’re someone who loves a mix of adventure, social vibes, and scenic views—and you’re okay with some unpredictability—you’ll probably enjoy this tour. Just keep in mind the reviews hint at some logistical issues, so staying flexible and patient will help you have a good time.

Key Points

• High-Speed Thrill: The boat ride offers an exciting way to travel between islands with a splash of adventure.
• Wildlife Spotting: Expect to see dolphins, turtles, dugongs, stingrays, and possibly whales in season.
• Island Experience: Visit North Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island — ideal for beaches, wildlife, and a quick escape from city life.
• Bar Hopping: Party at two lively island bars, including the renowned Gutter Bar and Amity Tavern.
• Included Lunch: A delicious meal at Amity Tavern adds value, making it more than just a boat trip.
• Mixed Reviews: Some guests loved the vibe and guides, but others experienced scheduling issues and rushed visits.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Tour

This 8-hour day trip kicks off at the Northshore Public Pontoon in Hamilton, where you’ll meet your group and guide. From there, the real fun begins with the high-speed boat ride across Moreton Bay. Imagine feeling the wind and watching the water rush past as you speed over the bay—definitely a memorable start.

The first island stop is North Stradbroke Island. Here, you’ll get a taste of Australian wildlife in their natural habitat—think koalas and kangaroos. The island’s main highlight is the lunch at Amity Tavern, included in the tour. It’s a casual spot where you can refuel and enjoy some local flavors.

After lunch, the journey continues to Moreton Island, famous for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. You’ll have time to swim and relax on the sand, making this a good chance to unwind or take photos of the scenery. The waters here are known for their vibrant marine life, so keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, turtles, stingrays, and, if it’s the season, whales.

The highlight for many is the party at the island bars. The Gutter Bar is known for its lively atmosphere, while the Amity Tavern offers a more relaxed vibe. Whether you’re into dancing, chatting with fellow travelers, or just soaking up the scenery with a drink in hand, these spots aim to make your day memorable.

The return trip to Hamilton Northshore is a peaceful cruise as the sun sets, ending your energetic day with beautiful views and perhaps a few new friends.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

The boat ride is often praised for its thrill and the chance to see marine life, with reviews like “Great vibes from the moment we boarded the boat” and “Feel the wind in your hair.” Guides seem to be knowledgeable, keeping the energy high and providing useful information.

Lunch at Amity Tavern is frequently highlighted as a solid inclusion, offering good value and tasty food. The island visits, however, are sometimes rushed—one review mentions, “Not enough time on either of the islands, it was all rushed.” If you’re someone who prefers leisurely exploration, this might feel a bit hectic.

Organizational issues appear in some reviews, with complaints about delays and schedule changes. One reviewer shared, “Wasted our time waiting 45 min at the meeting point,” which underscores the importance of patience and flexibility. These hiccups can impact your overall experience, especially if you’re counting on punctuality.

The size of the tour group isn’t specified, but given the nature of the experience, it’s likely a semi-large group. This can be fun for social travelers but might mean less personalized attention.

Age restrictions and suitability are clear—pregnant women and children under 18 aren’t recommended, probably due to safety concerns on the high-speed boat and the nature of the tour.

The Practical Details

Being around 8 hours long, this tour covers a fair chunk of time, which makes it ideal for a full day’s outing. The meeting point at the City Botanic Gardens River Hub is straightforward, and the tour includes live guides speaking English.

What you need to bring is pretty standard: hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothes. Since you’ll be on the water and outdoors, these essentials will keep you comfortable. Be prepared for some motion sickness due to the fast boat ride if you’re sensitive.

The tour is reserve & pay later, giving you flexibility to confirm your plans. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, which is helpful if your plans change suddenly.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This experience is quite well-suited for adventurous travelers who seek a lively day with lots of movement and socializing. If you’re into marine life, beaches, and island bars, you’ll find plenty to enjoy.

It’s also a good pick for those on a budget, as the value for money seems solid, especially with the included lunch and multiple stops. However, if you’re someone who prefers a more relaxed pace or detailed exploration, this tour might feel a little rushed and hectic.

Not ideal for anyone pregnant or traveling with underage children, given the boat’s speed and safety considerations. Also, keep in mind that the experience is dependent on weather and scheduling, so some aspects may vary day-to-day.

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Final Thoughts

The Brisbane Island Pub Crawl with Lunch and High-Speed Boat offers a fun, energetic way to see two of the world’s largest sand islands just outside Brisbane. It’s perfect if you’re after a mix of wildlife, beaches, and lively bar scenes, all wrapped up in a single day. The thrill of the boat ride, combined with good food and social vibes, makes it a memorable experience—though it’s wise to go in with flexible expectations, given some of the logistical issues reported.

If you’re looking for a full-on adventure that combines nature and nightlife, this tour could be just what you need. Just be sure to plan for some potential delays and rushes, and bring your sense of humor along for the ride.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour isn’t recommended for children under 18, mainly because of safety reasons on the high-speed boat and nature of the activities.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

Do I need to bring my own lunch?
No, lunch at Amity Tavern is included in the tour, so you’ll have a meal provided.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes, swimwear, and a hat are advised. Don’t forget sunscreen and a towel if you want to swim.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 8 hours, with plenty of time for boat rides, island visits, and bars.

Will I see marine animals?
There’s a good chance to see dolphins, turtles, dugongs, stingrays, and possibly whales in season.

Is the boat ride safe?
Yes, but be aware that it’s a high-speed vessel, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s best to bring medication or consider your tolerance.

What if the weather isn’t good?
Weather can impact the trip—if conditions are unsafe, the tour might be canceled or modified. Keep an eye on updates and communicate with the provider if you have concerns.

In summary, this tour offers a lively, scenic day that packs wildlife, beaches, and social drinking into one package. It’s most suitable for active travelers eager to enjoy both nature and nightlife, with a good dose of adventure. Just remember, flexibility and patience will help you get the most out of this energetic escapade.

You can check availability for your dates here: