LEMON TREE PASSAGE BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Golden Hour on a 1922 Timber Ferry: Sunset Cruise Departing Lemon Tree Passage
A 2.5-hour Saturday-evening sunset dinner cruise from Lemon Tree Passage aboard the heritage Wangi Queen, useful for planning boarding, provisioning and what to expect on the western harbour of Port Stephens.
Golden Hour on a 1922 Timber Ferry: Sunset Cruise Departing Lemon Tree Passage.
Each Saturday evening Wangi Cruises runs a 2.5-hour Sunset Dinner Cruise from Lemon Tree Passage, slipping the Wangi Queen — a 1922, heritage-listed timber ferry with two viewing decks — into the calm western harbour of Port Stephens. The trip pairs low-slung evening light with a cheese-and-fruit grazing buffet on board, a licensed bar and a course that takes the vessel past Soldiers Point, Fame Cove and North Arm Cove.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Wangi Queen: a 1922 timber showboat
The cruise runs aboard Wangi Queen, a 1922 heritage-listed timber ferry built by the Beattie Brothers from Watagans Forest timber. The vessel offers two decks for viewing the harbour and is an intact example of early Australian shipbuilding.
Cheese, fruit and a licensed bar
A cheese-and-fruit grazing buffet is included; a light hot-food menu is available to purchase onboard. The vessel operates a licensed bar serving cocktails, beers, spirits and sparkling wine, with soft drinks and non-alcoholic options also available.
Sunset through Port Stephens’ western harbour
The cruise charts Port Stephens’ western harbour at dusk, gliding past local landmarks including Soldiers Point, Fame Cove and North Arm Cove — ideal for shoreline views as daylight fades.
What the day feels like
What the cruise feels like
Board in early evening and settle into the Wangi Queen for a relaxed 2.5-hour passage across the western arm of Port Stephens. Guests can graze on a curated cheese-and-fruit platter, order from a light hot-food menu or choose from a full range of bar drinks while the ferry passes Soldiers Point, Fame Cove and North Arm Cove, watching the light soften across the water.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this cruise suits — and what the operator notes about participant limits.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The cruise is a 2.5-hour Sunset Dinner Cruise that departs Lemon Tree Passage at 6:00pm (boarding from the wharf at 54 Cook Parade begins 15 minutes prior). Some sailings also board at Taylors Beach at 6:15pm.
Board at the public wharf, 54 Cook Parade, Lemon Tree Passage; please wait at the top of the wharf until the crew signals it is safe to board. Free all-day off-street parking is available at 54 Cook Parade. For the Taylors Beach boarding option, use the public wharf at the end of Taylors Beach Road and free parking along Taylors Beach Road.
A cheese-and-fruit grazing buffet is included in the cruise fare; a light hot-food menu is available to purchase onboard. A licensed bar serves cocktails, beers, spirits and sparkling wine; soft drinks and alcohol-free beverages are also available.
Bring an umbrella or raincoat in case of weather, a warm cardigan in cooler months, sunscreen, a cap or hat and a camera. Bringing your own bottled water is permitted.
The cruise is operated by Wangi Cruises Pty Ltd aboard the Wangi Queen, a heritage-listed timber ferry built in 1922 with two decks for viewing.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Sunset Cruise?
The cruise runs for 2.5 hours.
When does the cruise depart?
The Lemon Tree Passage departure is at 6:00pm; boarding commences 15 minutes before departure. There is also a Taylors Beach boarding at 6:15pm.
What food and drink are available on board?
A cheese-and-fruit grazing buffet is provided. A light hot-food menu is available for purchase. A licensed bar serves cocktails, beers, spirits and sparkling wine; soft drinks and non-alcoholic beverages are also offered.
Where do I board and is there parking?
Board at the public wharf at 54 Cook Parade, Lemon Tree Passage; free all-day off-street parking is available at that address. For Taylors Beach boarding, use the public wharf at the end of Taylors Beach Road, with free parking along Taylors Beach Road.
Can I bring my own bottled water or other supplies?
You are permitted to bring your own bottled water; the operator also sells soft drinks and other beverages on board.
How often does the cruise run?
The 2.5-hour Sunset Cruise is available every Saturday evening.