A day cruise to Peel Island – Moreton Bay

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While in Australia I was invited to join a half day cruise to Peel Island in Moreton Bay, and jumped at the chance to spend some time on a boat. There is much to see on a cruise from Brisbane, Gold Coast, and the Moreton Bay area, and I highly recommend it! Moreton Bay is a large bay near Brisbane and includes the larger Moreton Island and North Stradbroke Island, as well as Mud Island, Peel Island and St. Helena Island. We joined our day cruise to Peel Island from Cleveland, and couldn’t have had a better time.

This was my second cruise with Aria Cruises, as I actually joined them on a trip to Peel Island on my visit to Australia back in 2016! I couldn’t wait to join them on another cruise and was as excited as ever. Peel Island is a Heritage Listed National Park, and we were heading straight for Horseshoe Bay.

This activity is one of my recommendations for the best things to do in the Gold Coast area. Head this way for the full guide!

Sail Moreton Bay – To Peel Island with Aria Cruises

We chose the early departure (leaving Cleveland at 08:00) and were happily informed that alcohol was allowed, there would be lunch and a glass of wine included in the trip, and that the boat had trampolines in the front. They also sell additional soft drinks, beer and wine on board, and I didn’t hesitate to start on my first glass of wine at 11:00.

The Moreton Bay cruise from Cleveland to Peel Island takes approximately 1,5 hours. We spent this time relaxing and reading in the trampoline the front of the boat (currently reading this book, love the whole series!). During the sailing to Peel Island the crew would share the history of the area and the island, as well as make sure everyone on board had everything they needed.

Peel Island soon came into view, and so we took advantage of the empty boat for a quick photoshoot before jumping into the tender and heading ashore.

After some sun soaking in the water and relaxing on the beach we headed back to the boat (appropriately named Dream On!) to grab a drink and have some lunch. We were challenged by the captain in a prawn peeling contest, and since the winner was promised another free glass of wine, I gladly nominated Sunshine to participate in the contest, and myself to get the glass of wine if she won (best friend ever, I know). She lost, and Captain Rob revealed that he had only ever been beaten twice.

Lunch was great, with the above-mentioned prawns, grilled chicken, salad, pasta salad and bread rolls. Just what you need after a few hours in the sun!

I spent the entire journey back to Cleveland (Brisbane) in the exact position you see below – because my #1 priority for my last weeks in Australia is to develop a tan that will last me through the European summer. And before you call, Mamma, yes I put sunscreen on.

I would recommend a trip with Dream On and Aria Cruises to anyone visiting the Gold Coast/Brisbane or Moreton Bay area. It was an ideal way to relax and enjoy the sun, while at the same time getting to explore the area of Moreton Bay. The hosts were great and incredibly accommodating, and I know we couldn’t have had a better time. I only wish they offered a full day cruise because half a day is not enough when you’re enjoying yourself that much!

If you want to look at their cruises and make a booking yourself, you can visit Aria Cruises’ website here!

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