Stairlight River Cruise, Longreach

Thomson Belle Paddle Wheeler at sunset

The Kinnon Family are graziers who started their outback tourism business in 2006.  What started as a way to diversify to survive the region's crippling droughts quickly became a passion for sharing and preserving their outback way of life and its heritage.

We were picked up by one of their buses driven by Richard (the Dad), and driven through town and out to the billabong on the Thomson River.  He has a very dry wit and we found his commentary hilarious.  Upon arrival we boarded the boats - the Thomson Belle Paddle Wheeler was booked out so we followed in a flat bottom river boat with one of Richard's son Lane as skipper.  His commentary was equally dry like his father as we cruised up the billabong and watched the sunset.  Back at camp we sat around the campfire, was entertained by Scotty reciting bush poetry (brilliant), and enjoyed a 2 course meal.   We watched a sound and light picture show on Captain Starlight and returned to the campfire for billy tea and damper, so went home with a full belly!

An absolutely great 4 hours of entertainment and thoroughly recommend this Cruise Experience.  We do not tend to gravitate to "touristy activities" but this experience was uplifting and utterly enjoyable.  Kinnon and Co offer other experiences so will put them on our bucket list when visiting Longreach next time!

Boading our flat bottom river boat for sunset cruise

The Thomson River

Great nibbles supplied on the boat cruise

Thomson Belle Paddle Wheeler

Sitting around the campfire before the entertainment started.

Lane entertaining the audience before dinner

Lane and his Dad Richard having a bit of fun - their humour is so dry.

Scotty reciting bush poetry - brilliant