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NOVA Cruises - Newcastle
4.7
274 reviewsAbout
NOVA Cruises is a locally owned and operated business. offering ocean, harbour and river cruises from right in the heart of Newcastle. Their vessels, 'Bay Connections 1' and 'NOVA Spirit', offer a wide range of scheduled cruises including Newcastle Whale Watching Cruises, Newcastle Harbour Lunch and Dinner Cruises, Hunter River Discovery Cruises, and voyages to the historic inland shipping port of Morpeth and Raymond Terrace.
Nova Cruises also offers a range of exclusive cruises that allow private groups the opportunity to enjoy their private functions on the harbour or journey up the Hunter River to Raymond Terrace or Morpeth. Cruises for small groups, birthday parties, business functions, family functions, karaoke nights, or relaxing and exploring Newcastle Harbour with family and friends.
Nova Cruises also offer private functions and events - please contact them direct for further information.
What's Available
5 featuresVisitor Information Centre
Available Tours
Hunter River Discovery Cruise
Explore the mighty Hunter River on a return journey from Newcastle to Raymond Terrace stopping at the Junction Inn Hotel for your choice of a hot plated lunch. Marvel at the changing landscape from the city hustle along Newcastle's foreshore through to the serenity of the Kooragang Wetlands. The experienced crew provide up to date and Informative commentary, a home style Devonshire Tea is served en route while cruising past farmlands adjoining the river. You will witness the opening of Historic Hexham bridge and enjoy a hot roast lunch at the Junction Inn Hotel.
Bingo Afloat Cruise
Departs the first Wednesday of each month, boarding at Lee Wharf Pontoon, No 5 Honeysuckle Drive, Lee Wharf Newcastle (next to Maritime Museum). Your cruise includes the three-hour cruise, Devonshire morning tea, plated lunch, desserts, games of bingo, trivia, 'Name that Tune', prize giveaways, table waiter service and Captain's commentary. Private charters available for groups of 50 or more.
Historic Morpeth Cruise
Return cruise to Morpeth with Nova Cruises. An eight hour tour including a 1.5 hour stopover in Morpeth to explore, shop and dine. Includes an informative commentary by the captain. You will witness the opening of Historic Hexham lift span bridge, enjoy Devonshire morning tea en route to Morpeth, includes admission to Morpeth Museum, a Morpeth Heritage Walk guide booklet and township map, and a local produce tasting served onboard (Morpeth fudge and sourdough). Wine tasting for Inner City Wines with cheese and crackers on return.
Whale Watching
A three hour Newcastle Whale Watch Cruise and Wildlife Expedition including bonus Newcastle Harbour and outer beach cruise. Excellent humpback whale and dolphin sighting rate (whale sightings from May to November). Oceangoing cruise including spectacular views of Stockton Beach, Sygna Wreck, Nobbys Headland, and Newcastle Beaches. Morning or afternoon tea, free fact sheets and live commentary are included.
Newcastle Harbour Dinner Cruise
Cruise, dine and dance aboard their new vessel 'NOVA Spirit' whilst taking in the stunning back drop of Newcastle Harbour by night. Whether its for an intimate evening for two or a larger group they guarantee to provide an evening to remember. Enjoy a three-course meal accompanied by live entertainment with licensed bar available on board. Bookings are essential.
Newcastle Harbour Lunch Cruise
Enjoy all the sights Newcastle Harbour has to offer as we cruise the worlds largest coal export port and one of the most diverse regional ports in Australia. Discover Newcastle's renewed picturesque foreshore, venture to the mouth of the Kooragang wetlands, and see the ports coal loading facilities, tug boats and big ships up-close. Indulge in our freshly prepared buffet lunch, enjoy a selection of light sweets for dessert with complimentary tea & coffee or select from a full range of drinks available from our fully licensed bar.
Morpeth to Newcastle Cruise with Coach Return
Start your day in the charming heritage village of Morpeth, where you'll have free time to explore at your own pace before boarding your cruise. Wander through the historic streets, browse boutique shops, enjoy a coffee at one of the local cafés, or simply soak up the relaxed riverside atmosphere. After your time in Morpeth, board your vessel for a scenic cruise along the Hunter River to Newcastle aboard Bay Connections 1. Sit back and enjoy the peaceful journey downstream, taking in beautiful river views, wetlands, and local wildlife along the way. On arrival into Newcastle Harbour, enjoy a brief opportunity to take in the waterfront surroundings before continuing your journey. From there, relax as you are transferred directly back to Morpeth via included coach return—making it a seamless, easy day out with no need for arranging your own transport.
Newcastle to Morpeth Cruise with Coach Return
Enjoy a relaxing day out as you cruise from Newcastle to the charming riverside village of Morpeth aboard Bay Connections 1. Departing from Newcastle Harbour, sit back and take in the ever-changing scenery as you travel along the beautiful Hunter River, passing wetlands, riverbanks and local wildlife along the way. During your scenic 3-hour cruise, enjoy a delicious Devonshire Tea served onboard while you unwind and take in the views. Upon arrival in historic Morpeth, enjoy 2 hours to explore at your own pace. Wander through the boutique shops, local cafés, galleries and heritage streets, or enjoy lunch at one of the many local eateries (at your own expense). After your visit, relax on a comfortable coach transfer returning you to Newcastle, making for an easy and enjoyable day trip without the hassle of driving.
Nearby places
Reviews & Ratings
Sheree Hodge
Google review
This is the first experience in Newcastle I have rated 5 stars. I will be recommending the Princess Cruise to all Newcastle visitors looking for a great day out. Christmas in July on the Princess Cruise @novacruises The entire day was perfectly planned for a Christmas in July lunch on Newcastle Harbour. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the captain in his Santa hat and cheerfully directed to our private, Christmas-decorated table—complete with Christmas crackers and candy canes. We enjoyed three joyful hours filled with festive cheer, live-sung carols, Christmas trivia, and a lucky prize draw (which I won! 😃😃😃). I felt so blessed to indulge in fresh prawns and a long, relaxing lunch under the beautiful Newcastle sunshine. Lunch and a Christmas dessert was served by staff that were friendly and happy to be there to. Not one person left the cruise without a smile on their face. The views of the Harbour are seen from a whole other view when travelling on this lovely indoor boat. Thank you so much, @novacruises—this is definitely a day out I’ll be recommending to everyone as an annual must-do. Merry Australian Christmas in July! This tour can also be experienced for lunch and dinner and would be a fabulous two person date night. Dress up and have fun experiencing Newcastle by water with Novo cruises
Diane Watt
Google review
We were on this cruise last night and hated every minute. Too noisy, too packed. Idiots drunk and out of control, damaging the boat, acting indecently in the toilets, foul mouthed. Really really disappointed. This was suppose to be a family Xmas dinner and it was disgusting. Food and drinks hurriedly taken away. Just rude. Never again.
Cecelia Collier
Google review
Red Hatters Maitland had a fabulous day celebrating Christmas in july with Nova Cruises. Nova cruises certainly did a fantastic job looking after our ladies on their cruise . The staff were all so friendly and helpful and it was great to see how well they all worked together to make our day so enjoyable. We even had a few of our ladies with mobility issues and the staff were so patient with them . The food was delicious, you've got to love a baked dinner with prawns and the cranberry pie served with warm custard melted in your mouth. Thank you Nova to all your amazing crew who made our day so enjoyable. We would highly recommend Nova Cruises.
Fitness YinYang
Google review
On behalf of the Fitness YinYang ladies, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for accommodating and entertaining us during our recent Christmas party in the 13th of December 2025. We truly appreciated the wonderful service and the fantastic tables you provided.
Peter Haggarty
Google review
We used a red ballon voucher from our daughter and her family. Very pleasantly surprised. A great cruise up to Raymond Terrace , with jam and cream scones on the way and desert on the return trip. We stopped for lunch at the Raymond Terrace pub. Great food. Highly recommend this trip
Get in touch
Where you'll be
5 Honeysuckle Drive
Newcastle NSW 2300