Please note that other impacts such as phone and agent bookings, weather and other unforeseen things could impact on the availability at the same time as you are requesting the charter online. Our Terms and conditions are available on this webpage ( Click here to view them now ) and will also be emailed to you as part of the booking confirmation.

Come and actually be part of the famous annual Mooloolaba Christmas Boat Parade.

Key Details:

What to expect;

Every year, during the month of  December only, a large number of the people living in the the waterfront properties of Mooloolaba, Minyama, and Buddina create a wonderful Christmas lights spectacle.  And it is designed to be viewable only from the water. 

All properties actually compete for the prize of best presented display.  And to win the award, each year they clearly pull out all stops to have a shot at first prize! The atmosphere it creates truly brings Christmas to the Sunshine Coast!

To add to the festive feel, many boats operating on the Mooloolah river and canals are also adorned with Christmas lights during this time. But… for the boat parade not only the commercial operators but also many recreational boat owners pull out all stops and create an on-water spectacle that has to be seen to be believed! With up to 100 boats draped in all manner of Christmas lights and decorations, they parade for up to 2 hours in the local waters and are judged on their displays by the local waterfront home owners!

You can not only enjoy but be an actual part of this parade aboard Crusader 1.  Crusader 1 actually won the best display in 2020 and in 2021!

Each year we try to outdo the previous year with new light displays designed to impress and delight. 2023 will be no exception!

Come relax and have fun on this fun, gentle cruise, which takes you through the river and main canals of Mooloolaba, Minyama and Buddina.  You will experience firsthand the wonderful Christmas Lights on offer by many of the waterfront properties as well as all the other vessels up close firsthand! All while you relax in a fun and comfortable atmosphere aboard one of the largest river cruise vessels on the Sunshine Coast.

With no more than 45 passengers at any time, you will always enjoy total visibility of the lights. This trip last approximately 2 1/2 hours! and sets off just before sunset so that we can all get into the allocated positions in the parade before we head off to take part in the lights spectacle.

This cruise really does offer a very special and personal experience on the protected, and always calm, inland waters. With perfect views of the absolutely amazing efforts made by the property owners, we guarantee you will enjoy a delightful and fun time.  This cruise is also ideal for families with young children!

This year food can be brought on a BYO basis, and drinks available from our onboard fully licenced bar.

This cruise continues to grow in popularity each year and is always fully booked well in advance, so please book early to avoid missing out!  Come and join us for a wonderful evening of Christmas fun and cheer!

Once we have finished the tour, we will make our way back to our departure point. When we do arrive back at the dock it’s time to disembark and make your way back home (or to another party!?). Luckily our home dock is on the outskirts of Mooloolaba so if you are needing an Uber or taxi, it’s usually not a long wait for one!

Why we think you should join us;

Well frankly, we can think of no better way to enjoy taking in the Christmas lights as well as being an actual part of the boat parade anywhere else! Who wouldn’t like to be looked after, like royalty, on a large quality boat. And while you are taking in the sights and sounds of the festive season (It really does get you into the Christmas mood!) you are assured the best vantage point from which to get the complete visual experience.  With awesome music playing, plenty of beer, wine and bubbles (even cocktails!) and of course soft drinks for the little ones or those driving afterward, it is hard to imagine this cruise would do anything other than be an awesome way to spend an evening.

We look forward to having you onboard and celebrating the festive season in style. The Sunshine Coast way! It’s simply the perfect way to celebrate all things Christmas!

Additional Key Details to note:

This tour operates once a year only on the date set by the Mooloolaba Yacht club during the month of December only! 

Discounted rates for Children UNDER the age of 14 for this cruise are available. 

NO BYO of DRINKS is permitted on these cruises (light snacks are ok).

COVID Safe Cruising – for detailed information on how we’ve adjusted our tour to be COVID Safe and for updated terms click here.

Sunshine Coast Afloat (Now Cavalier Cruises) is located within Tank Bathhouse, and operates from the Pontoon located at the rear of the premises at 209 Brisbane Road Mooloolaba Qld.

For a GPS use “Sunshine Coast Afloat” or “209 Brisbane Road Mooloolaba Qld”.    In iPhone Maps “Sunshine Coast Afloat” is far more accurate.

Please DO NOT park your car here on the service Road, but rather in the FREE public car-park next to the BP service station across the road. 

The location is the corner of Incana Court and Brisbane Road. This parking is free and unlimited in time, and only a 2 minute stroll (100m) from the departure point.

Once parked please wait near the top of the ramp until instructed by the skipper that it is safe to come down the ramp and board the vessel.