LEMON TREE PASSAGE BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
A Quiet Crossing: Morning Memorials Aboard the Heritage Wangi Queen
A private two-hour morning memorial cruise departing Lemon Tree Passage or Taylors Beach — this guide lays out the logistics, capacity and on-board options for a respectful, waterside commemoration.
A Quiet Crossing: Morning Memorials Aboard the Heritage Wangi Queen.
Set against the calm waters of Port Stephens and the protected Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park, the 2‑hour Private Morning Memorial Cruise offers a restrained, reflective space aboard the heritage‑listed timber ferry Wangi Queen. The operator provides two decks for viewing and a crew experienced in facilitating commemorative ceremonies and the scattering of ashes.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Wangi Queen — a 1922 timber ferry
The Wangi Queen is a 1922 heritage‑listed timber ferry, built by the Beattie Brothers from hand‑cut Watagans timber, offering two decks and the atmosphere of a classic Australian vessel for a dignified ceremony.
A private, two‑hour morning memorial
A serene 2‑hour morning cruise—typically 9am to 11am—designed to provide a private setting to commemorate a life, with on‑board amenities and a crew to support scattering ashes and a personalised service.
Flexible pick‑up and catering options
Departures are from Lemon Tree Passage or Taylors Beach, with optional pick‑up from Nelson Bay or Karuah for an additional fee; morning‑tea memorial catering can be arranged to suit dietary needs for an added cost.
What the day feels like
How the two hours feel
The cruise unfolds as a calm, contained morning passage: guests board 15 minutes before the 9am departure, gather on one of the Wangi Queen’s two decks, and are guided by a caring crew through a short, private ceremony and the scattering of ashes while the vessel navigates Port Stephens. The operator aims to create a seamless, respectful environment so families can focus on remembrance.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this cruise suits — and when it’s not necessary to compromise.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Morning memorial cruises run daily from 9am to 11am; the charter is a minimum two‑hour cruise and boarding begins 15 minutes before departure.
When booking, nominate guest numbers and catering preferences; if you choose operator catering, specify dietary requirements such as gluten‑free or vegetarian options.
Default pickup is Lemon Tree Passage or Taylors Beach; pickup from Nelson Bay or Karuah is possible for an additional fee (specified in operator details).
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the memorial cruise?
The Private Morning Memorial Cruise is a two‑hour charter; typical morning departures run 9am to 11am.
Where does the cruise depart from?
Departures are available from Lemon Tree Passage or Taylors Beach; pickup from Nelson Bay or Karuah is available for an additional fee.
How many guests can attend?
There is no minimum number of guests and the vessel can accommodate up to 100 guests.
Is catering provided?
Morning‑tea memorial catering is available for an additional cost; you may nominate a per‑head budget and the operator can provide sandwiches, wraps, pastries and cheese/fruit platters with gluten‑free and vegetarian options.
When should we arrive to board?
Boarding commences 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Who do we contact to enquire or book?
For enquiries contact Teresa Charchalis on 0411 388 380.