LEMON TREE PASSAGE BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
A private morning aboard the 1922 Wangi Queen: tea, timber decks and wide Port Stephens light
A privately chartered morning tea cruise (bookable as a 2.5‑hour cruise) offering heritage vessel atmosphere, catered or self‑catered buffets, and views across Port Stephens.
A private morning aboard the 1922 Wangi Queen: tea, timber decks and wide Port Stephens light.
Step aboard the heritage timber ferry Wangi Queen for a private morning tea cruise around Port Stephens. The experience pairs the boat’s 1922 shipbuilding charm with freshly brewed coffee, supplied catering options or BYO buffets, and panoramic water views across the marine park.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Wangi Queen — a 1922 timber showboat
The cruise runs aboard the heritage‑listed Wangi Queen, a 1922 timber ferry built by the Beattie Brothers and offering two decks and a saloon bar—an atmospheric platform for morning gatherings on the water.
Morning tea your way: catered or self‑catered
You can choose operator catering (priced from $15–$20 per person) or bring your own food and set up on the vessel’s fold‑out buffet tables; the operator provides space and can assist with non‑disposable setup on request.
Port Stephens in fresh morning light
The cruise takes in the calm morning waters and sweeping views of Port Stephens, with optional commentary on local history and a PA/sound system available for speeches, music and presentations.
What the day feels like
What the morning feels like
This is a relaxed private charter: guests board before departure, settle on either deck for coffee and tea around a buffet, and drift through Port Stephens while staff serve or guests help themselves. The vessel’s two decks and enclosed saloon let small groups circulate and gather for conversation, speeches or music through the boat’s PA system.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this private morning tea best suits—and who to flag to the operator.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Private Morning Tea Cruise options include a 2.5‑hour private cruise (example advertised 9:00–11:30). Charters are available seven days a week; a 25% deposit is required on booking and the balance is payable seven days before the charter.
If self‑catering, BYO bowls, platters, plates, napkins and serving cutlery. The vessel has two fold‑out buffet tables (3m × 780mm), plus ten 1m × 500mm tables and three 2m collapsible bench seats that can be set up on either deck.
Access from 8:00am on the day is provided for bump‑in and setup; half an hour is allocated after the cruise for bump‑out. The operator can assist with non‑disposable items on request.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Private Morning Tea Cruise?
The offering is described as a 2.5‑hour private morning tea cruise (for example 9:00–11:30) while one advertised departure runs 9:30–11:30 as a 2‑hour cruise; confirm the booked departure time with the operator.
How much does a private charter cost?
Charter cost is quoted at $575 (ex GST) per hour with a minimum two‑hour charter. Catering is additional (from $15–$20 per person) if you choose operator catering.
When do guests board and when can we set up?
Private charters board 15 minutes before departure; access to the vessel for bump‑in and event setup is provided from 8:00am on the morning of the cruise.
What is the deposit and cancellation policy?
A 25% deposit is due on booking and the balance is payable seven days before the charter. Cancellations and refunds are accepted up to seven days prior; a full refund is provided on the day if strong winds exceed 20 knots.
Can we board at Nelson Bay or Karuah?
Boardings at Nelson Bay or Karuah are available for an additional fee of $250.
Is the vessel affected by rain and is it accessible?
The vessel is fully enclosed and is not affected by rain. Boarding is easy for people with a walker or small wheelchair—advise the operator when booking if guests will need assistance.
Can we use the PA system and play music or give speeches?
Yes. The Wangi Queen has an excellent PA and sound system daisy‑chained across both decks for music, speeches and presentations.