Deadly After Dark Sunset Cruise Experience

from A$129

2 hours

Cairns City

Join a 1.5 hour sunset cruise from Cairns across Trinity Inlet to East Trinity Reserve. Experience a Mandingalbay Yidinji welcome to Country, savour local canapés, and visit the Stingray Shelter in the Mandingalbay Indigenous Protected Area before returning by boat.

Key Highlights

1.5 hour experience including exclusive Indigenous Protected Area access
15 minute guided river cruise across Trinity Inlet through mangrove forest
Mandingalbay Yidinji welcome to Country with traditional ochre face painting
Locally sourced tropical canapés served under the night sky
Visit the award-winning, off-grid Stingray Shelter

What’s included

Guided boat cruise from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal to East Trinity Reserve and return
Traditional welcome to Country ceremony
Seasonal and locally sourced canapés
Access to the Mandingalbay Indigenous Protected Area
Visit to the Stingray Shelter

Overview

Experience an immersive sunset cruise in Cairns as you travel by boat across Trinity Inlet to East Trinity Reserve. Enjoy a 15-minute guided cruise through mangrove-lined waters, where you can take in the tranquil surrounds and approaching night.

Upon arrival, participate in a Mandingalbay Yidinji welcome to Country ceremony, featuring the traditional use of ochres to paint ceremonial patterns on your face, inviting you into the region's rich Aboriginal culture.

Relax under the stars and sample delicious, seasonal tropical canapés crafted with local and Indigenous ingredients while enjoying the natural beauty and unique ambiance of the protected area.

This 1.5 hour experience also includes a visit to the award-winning, off-grid Stingray Shelter before your return journey by vessel to Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal.

Commonly asked questions.

The Deadly After Dark Sunset Cruise is a two-hour Indigenous cultural and wildlife experience departing from Cairns Marina. The cruise travels across Trinity Inlet to the East Trinity Reserve, where you’ll learn about Mandingalbay Yidinji culture before cruising back through the mangroves after sunset.

The cruise departs from Finger Wharf C at Cairns Marlin Marina. Guests check in at Mooz Gelato and Juice Bar, 5/2 Pier Point Road, Cairns, before making their way to the vessel.

The cruise travels through Cairns Harbour, Trinity Inlet, East Trinity wetlands and mangrove-lined waterways. Depending on conditions and the time of year, you may see wildlife including crocodiles and birdlife, as well as Cairns' city lights from the water after dark.

Crocodile spotlighting is included as part of the experience while travelling back through the waterways after dark. Crocodiles are generally more active during the warmer summer months, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Yes. The experience is led by Mandingalbay Yidinji guides and includes a Traditional Welcome to Country and cultural presentation at the Yulu (Stingray) Shelter. Guides share knowledge about language, cultural seasons, traditional practices and implements.

Yes. Guests receive exclusive access to the East Trinity Reserve, an Indigenous Protected Area across Trinity Inlet from Cairns.

Yes. Light canapes and cold non-alcoholic beverages are served throughout the evening.

Yes. Mandingalbay's tours are designed to be enjoyed by people of different ages, and children can experience the boat cruise, Indigenous cultural presentation and wildlife spotting.

Yes. The sunset cruise operates aboard a covered river cruise vessel, providing protection from the elements while travelling between Cairns and East Trinity.

Additional info by the operator.

Duration: 1.5 hours Route: Departs and returns to Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal Cruise: 15 minute guided river cruise each way through Trinity Inlet Location: East Trinity Reserve and Mandingalbay Indigenous Protected Area Access: Exclusive site access for guests Facilities: Includes visit to sustainable, award-winning Stingray Shelter