LEMON TREE PASSAGE BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Sunset Aboard the Wangi Queen: A Private 3‑Hour Cruise Through Port Stephens
A three‑hour private charter aboard the heritage Wangi Queen Showboat to watch the sun drop over the western horizon of Port Stephens, with practical guidance on booking, onboard amenities and event planning.
Sunset Aboard the Wangi Queen: A Private 3‑Hour Cruise Through Port Stephens.
The Private Sunset Cruise aboard the Wangi Queen Showboat is a three‑hour, private charter that runs seven days a week and carries you out into the waterways of Port Stephens and the Great Lakes Marine Park to watch the sun sink toward the western horizon. The experience pairs two viewing decks on an iconic 1922 timber ferry with a fully licensed bar, onboard PA and sound system, and facilities designed for private events from intimate celebrations to 100‑guest charters.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A 1922 timber showboat with two viewing decks
Wangi Queen is a heritage timber ferry with two decks that provide panoramic lines of sight over the waterways. The vessel’s saloon bar and dual‑deck layout make it both a viewing platform and an event space.
West‑facing Port Stephens sunsets
The cruise is timed to place guests on the water as the sun drops toward the western horizon of Port Stephens, turning the marine park’s channels and shorelines into a low‑light panorama best viewed from either deck.
Private charters with sound, bar and a dance floor
Designed for private events—weddings, milestone birthdays, corporate gatherings and more—the charter includes three qualified crew and a fully licensed bar, plus a capable PA/sound system, TV screens and a lower‑deck dance floor to support speeches, DJs or small live acts.
What the day feels like
How the three hours unfold
You board at the midship saloon on the lower deck, settle in across two viewing levels and head out into Port Stephens for three hours of private cruising timed to the sunset. The vessel is staffed with a captain and two deckhands who operate the charter while guests use the PA, bar and cabin spaces to dine, toast and celebrate as the western horizon darkens.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this private cruise suits—and when to think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Private Sunset Cruises run for three hours: from 3:30pm to 6:30pm during non‑daylight savings and from 6:00pm to 9:00pm during daylight savings. Access to the vessel for bump‑in and setup is provided from 2:30pm (non‑DST) or 5:00pm (DST).
You may bring decorations, serving bowls, platters, plates, napkins and cutlery. Wax candles are permitted for celebration cakes; no sparklers. Shell the prawns before bringing them (no prawn heads or shell casings). BYO alcohol is not permitted.
Catering is excluded from the charter fee — you may self‑cater or request suggested per‑head menus (examples given at roughly $25–$35 per person). DJs and small live acts can board and soundcheck one hour prior to departure; the vessel is not suitable for a full drum kit.
The vessel offers two 3m buffet tables, ten 1m tables and collapsible bench seats for event layouts. A fully licensed bar, espresso coffee and loose‑leaf tea are available on board.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Private Sunset Cruise?
The private charter is three hours long.
When do the sunset cruises run?
During non‑daylight savings the cruise runs from 3:30pm to 6:30pm; during daylight savings it runs from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.
How many guests can I have on board?
There is no minimum number of guests; the maximum is 100 guests.
Is catering included and can I bring my own alcohol?
Catering is excluded from the charter fee — you may self‑cater or request suggested per‑head menus. BYO alcohol is not permitted because of Responsible Service of Alcohol laws; a fully licensed bar is available on board.
What does the charter fee and deposit cost?
The charter fee is $1,725 (ex GST) for a three‑hour private charter; a $575 (ex GST) deposit is payable when booking. For events boarding at Nelson Bay or Karuah, an additional $250 fee applies.
Is the vessel suitable for DJs or live music?
Yes—there is an excellent PA and sound system and TV screens on both levels; DJs and small live bands can board and soundcheck one hour prior to departure. The vessel is not suitable for a full drum kit; a two‑ or three‑piece band or drum box is recommended.
What is the cancellation policy if the weather turns bad?
If strong winds exceed 22 knots on the day of the event the operator provides a full refund. The vessel is fully enclosed and rain does not normally affect operations; other cancellation and deposit refund rules apply depending on timing before the event.