walpole inlet cruise

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Walpole wilderness by boat

An entertaining and informative cruise on a small boat through unspoiled coastal inlets.

Fancy an interpretive eco-cruise into the Walpole wilderness area and marine park? That's how the brochure describes this small boat trip in one of the most unspoiled inlets on the Australian coast, and it really is a beauty. The guide is pretty amazing too.

Cruise boat in the channel between the Walpole and Nornalup inlets

The boat trip I refer to is the WOW Wilderness EcoCruise at Walpole, a small town on the south coast of Western Australia. If you've never been to Walpole, just picture vast national parks and wilderness, forests of giant karri and tingle trees reaching right to the edge of secluded inlets, hills and rugged coastline. Walpole is a friendly town plonked neatly into the middle of all this natural goodness.

Wilderness boat tours have been running here since 1910, and the family who began showing off their wilderness by boat are still doing it now. They use a new boat these days, although the original has been restored and is floating nearby.

I did this trip in 1991 and remembered it as being worth doing again - so I did it again more recently, and it is still great. The trip takes you from the town jetty across the Walpole inlet, between two forested knolls and out into the bigger Nornalup inlet. Past secluded beaches and the Deep River - one of Australia's most pristine - to where the inlet flows out into the wild breakers of the southern ocean.

At the jetty for a mid-cruise walk

A stop is made at a tiny jetty near the end of the inlet so that those who want to can hike ten minutes over a hill to a gorgeous beach on the ocean side - windswept, rugged and just as nature intended. Passing whales can sometimes be spotted from here, in season, and on the day I did the trip a few humpbacks were spouting offshore.

Following the hike, morning tea is served before the return ride to Walpole. The entire route is through areas designated as national park, marine park, or wilderness, with all the diversity of plant life and bird life that you would hope for in such protected areas.

Shedding light on what you see is the amazing guide, Gary Muir. The Muir family have lived in the area since it was settled by Europeans, so Gary is a full bottle on the area's history. He previously worked as an environment and conservation officer, giving him a good background to the natural history of the area. Add in some good storytelling skills and an enthusiastic personality, and what you have is a very informative and entertaining tour guide.

Walpole's geological history drawn in sand by Gary Muir

On the trip I did, Gary identified numerous plants and birds (including a bird pair he knew personally), located a rare striped snail from tracks I could barely see, and used sand models to explain how plate tectonics brought about the Walpole environment. Amongst other things. It was no tour guide script; this was based on years of education and work experience, and his passion was obvious.

I'm not big on organised tours or activities you pay for, but the WOW Wilderness EcoCruise is one I was very glad I did, and would happily do again. The cost for the two and a half hour trip seemed reasonable, considering the scenic charm of the area and quality of the guide.

Tours generally run every day at 10am, but it is worth enquiring or booking ahead. Some trips can fill up, or some may not run if numbers are insufficient (possible in the winter low season). There is also a late winter period when trips don’t run at all - typically from after the July school holidays to around the end of August.

Nornalup Inlet from Sandy Beach

More information

WOW Wilderness Ecocruise - all about the boat cruises, the history, etc. Walpole-Nornalup Visitor Centre - for bookings or trip availability

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Wow Wilderness Eco Cruise, Walpole, WA | Review, times & prices

• David Whitley

The Wow Wilderness Eco Cruise is the most memorable thing to do in Walpole, Western Australia. The cruise around the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets is full of nature and stories.

What is the Wow Wilderness Eco Cruise in Walpole, WA?

The Wow Wilderness Eco Cruise is a boat tour around the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets in the Walpole Wilderness Area, Western Australia . It is heavily nature-based, but it also weaves in plenty of historic stories.

What is the Walpole cruise departure time?

The Wow Wilderness Eco Cruise departs at 10am every day from the Walpole Floating Jetty. The tour lasts around two-and-a-half hours. It’s worth doing on the drive from Pemberton to Albany (or Margaret River to Albany).

How much does the Wow Wilderness Eco Cruise cost?

According to the operator website, the Wow Wilderness Eco Cruise in Walpole costs $50. It’s $15 for under 16s, and free for under 5s.

Wow Wilderness Eco Cruise review

A seal rests on the new jetty at Walpole , which was put in at considerable expense, but now seems to have been commandeered. It may be for boats, not seals, but he’s taken a liking to it and he has no intention of moving any time soon.

Gary Muir rocks up in bare feet, but everyone else has to have their shoes sprayed and scrubbed before getting on the boat. It’s to stop dieback – an introduced microscopic plant pathogen – getting any further than it already has done.

Gary turns out to be the star of the Wow Wilderness Cruise, which heads into the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park and becomes as much about the area’s history as the nature on display.

“You probably don’t realise that Lawrence of Arabia had a link to Walpole,” starts Gary as the boat starts chugging across the first inlet. The horses that took Lawrence to Damascus were trained here, on Circus Beach.”

Storytelling on the Wow Wilderness Eco Cruise, Walpole

What follows is a relentless, mind-blowing, convoluted and interlinked magnum opus of a shaggy dog story, which weaves in forgotten letters from naturalist Alfred Russell Wallace, Ted Heath’s yacht and the Pink Lady apple – which was developed in the region. As the rapid fire and somewhat implausible links between Walpole and the world come thick and fast, following the whole web of tales becomes nigh-on impossible – but it’s fabulously entertaining.

The storytelling is partly a kick against the Southern Forests region’s reputation as a place where not an awful lot happens. This, of course, is a key part of its appeal. Between Pemberton and Denmark, it’s a land of farms, forests and surf, with a sleepy at one with nature feel. It’s the wettest and greenest part of Western Australia, and the wholesome simplicity has seen it become a bit of magnet for hippy and alternative lifestyle types.

Black snakes in the Walpole Wilderness Area

The nature, however, has a few less than bucolic twists. Nornalup, Gary informs us, means ‘place of the black snake’ in the local indigenous language. And he points to an island on the eastern side of the inlet which is apparently teeming with snakes.

“My great-grandfather bought the island and put cows on it,” he says. “They were all dead within a week.”

It turned out, however, that the snakes weren’t the culprits. The island had a fair amount of gastrolobium plants, which happen to contain sodium fluoroacetate. This is the key ingredient used in 1080 poison, which is now used to control non-native species – especially foxes.

And so the circle turns… trying to graze non-native species led to the discovery of something that native species could handle but interlopers couldn’t. The poison was used to clear foxes from the area and now native quokkas are enjoying a resurgence. “Most animal tracks you see will be quokkas,” says Gary.

The mouth of the Nornalup Inlet

We get off the boat for a walk by the beach at the mouth of the inlet, a popular surf spot, albeit one where the water takes on a distinctly murky brown tinge. “This was how the inlet was discovered by 19 th century sealers,” says Gary. “There’s a lot of tea tree tannin in the water. It’s a lot bluer on the incoming tide, but the rivers sweep out the tannins.”

It’s on the beach where the true sense of wonder begins to kick in, though. Beyond, thousands of kilometres in the distance, is Casey Station in Antarctica. Apparently Australia drifts away at a rate of 4.6cm a year, but the geology tells of the links.

Gary points at the rocks on the other side of the inlet. “They’re mirrored in Antarctica,” he says.

He then kicks at the sand to reveal something that looks like a rock, but it isn’t. “The sand has only been here since the sea rose,” says Gary. “Beneath it is a 7,000 year old calcified forest.” And the rock we’re looking at is a tree root that has fossilised over thousands of years.

The best places to stay in Walpole

The top Walpole accommodation options are:

• For fantastic beachside location: Coalmine Beach Holiday Park .
• For kangaroos hanging out on the lawns: Tinglewood Cabins .
• For good quality and convenient in-town location: Bayside Villas .

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Tour WOW Wilderness

Tourism Western Australia acknowledges Aboriginal peoples as the traditional custodians of Western Australia and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal West Australians and honour their continuing connection to Country, culture and community. We recognise and appreciate the invaluable contributions made by First Nations peoples across many generations in shaping Western Australia as a premier destination.

WOW Wilderness Ecocruise

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WOW WILDERNESS ECOCRUISE (Walpole) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

WOW Wilderness Ecocruise

After many recommendations we finally booked into the WOW Wilderness Ecocruise.  The cruise leaves daily from just to the left of the Walpole Town Jetty. We boarded at 10am and our Skipper for the day, Leah and tour guide Gary Muir looked after the rest.

The cruise headed towards Rest Point Jetty and the Lady Walpole moored nearby before heading through the channels into the Nornalup Inlet and over to Snake Island. We continued on to the mouth of the inlet and stopped at Nuyts Wilderness for a walk over to Shelly Beach & of course Lemon Drizzle cake and drinks (tea, coffee, milo, etc..).  The commentary never stopped; well until we arrived back in Walpole at 12.30pm.

Gary’s extensive knowledge, passion and commentary on its own would make this a memorable cruise but adding in the sights from the Walpole & Nornalup Inlets and Nuyts Wilderness make this something you cannot miss. We will be going back.

For bookings check out the link below or contact the Walpole Visitor Centre .

www. wow wilderness.com.au/

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WOW Wilderness Tour

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The Stars Descend | Northcliffe to Porongurup

Sailing out on the waters of the Walpole Nornalup Inlets, cradled by the luxuriantly tree-clad hills of Walpole Wilderness Area, you are aware that you are somewhere really special. Local guide Gary Muir likes to call it ‘the belly button of the world’, which may be fanciful but reflects his passion for the area. The Muir family has been running cruises on the Inlets for generations, and Gary’s deeply informed narratives will have you as convinced as he is that all roads lead to Walpole.

The small boat of the WOW Wilderness EcoCruise chugs gently across the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets, surrounded by the Walpole Wilderness and Marine Park. These unspoilt inlets are magnificently serene with giant trees cloaking the hills and fringing the secluded bays. It is a rare miracle that it all remains so splendidly intact.

Boarding the boat from the modest Town Jetty in Walpole, you will meet Gary, who throughout the cruise shares his enthusiasm for the inlets with great humour and an astonishingly diverse knowledge of the area, in stories woven with many strands of science, modern history and pre-history.

The cruise crosses the Walpole Inlet between The Knolls, passing into the larger expanse of the Nornalup Inlet. The boat finally nears Deep River, where the inlet flows out to the Southern Ocean. Pulling into a tiny jetty nestled near the end of the inlet, you disembark to take (an optional) short hike over a sandy bush track, crossing a steepish dune system to reach a windswept bay facing the Southern Ocean. Here you can explore among impressive standing beach rocks, and in season, if you’re lucky, maybe spot some humpback whales.

Hiking back across the dunes, there’s tea and fresh cake at the jetty, before reboarding for the return ride to Walpole. The whole journey is 2.5 hours, full of interest and wonder and the privilege of seeing nature at its absolute best.

Note the WOW cruise boat takes only 33 people. The tours book out well in advance, especially in the summer season – so book ahead to avoid disappointment. If you do miss out – put it on your list for next time.

Banner photo: WOW Walpole Wilderness Tour.

Practical Information

LOCATION: Walpole Town Jetty, end of Jones St.

TIME: Daily, 10am to 12.30pm

COST: Adults $60; Under 16’s $20; Under 6’s Free

BOOKINGS: Walpole Nornalup Visitor Centre | Email | (08) 9840 1111

CHARTERS AND GROUPS: Email | 0403 697 587

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Nornalup Inlet, Walpole

The Nornalup Inlet is serene. Fed from the Deep and Frankland Rivers as well as the Walpole Inlet by which is it connected via a natural deep water channel, it is one of the most beautiful waterways on the south coast.

You can see the channel passing south from the Walpole Inlet to the Nornalup Inlet in the Map below .

From The Knoll , the Nornalup Inlet is easily viewed from the platforms along the way. Picnic areas and toilets are available at "The Channels" parking area, about half way around the scenic drive.

If you've got the time, we recommend the Walpole Wilderness Eco Cruise for an amazing and informative time on the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets. A beautiful cruise across the Inlets and through The Channels.

The Channels looking towards the Nornalup Inlet from the edge of the Walpole Inlet at The Channels.

Thelymitra, sun orchid along the Nornalup Inlet. View more Wildflowers of the South Coast .

Fishing is a common recreational activity along the Nornalup Inlet. Details from the visitors centre.

Walpole and surrounds:

Other attractions in the Walpole-Nornalup National Park:

Accommodation in Walpole?

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Website Design and photography by our family of five living in Denmark WA , in the heart of the Rainbow Coast . This website is for informational purposes only and is a travelogue, weblog and a resource for visitors to the South Coast of WA in the Albany Region , Denmark Region & Walpole Region .

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Contact Us or advertise your Accommodation, Tour, Winery or Service

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The Albany is the oldest settlement in Western Australia. Filled with history, surrounded by beaches and waterways, and a great place to visit while on holiday on the south coast of WA. Visit Albany today.

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WOW Wilderness

Things to do walpole , manjimup , western australia.

WOW Wilderness EcoCruises are nationally recognised as one of the most entertaining and educational ecotourism experiences.

WOW primarily operates a daily two-and-a-half hour guided wilderness cruise through the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park to the heart of the Walpole Wilderness. This tour is available for individual travellers and groups, incorporating a boat cruise and an interpretive walk into the Nuyts Wilderness Area. Morning tea is provided.

WOW Wilderness EcoCruises also offer afternoon cruises for tours, clubs and groups. Please contact WOW direct for these bookings.

Cruises are held aboard the fully-enclosed 36-seat Rainbow Lady.

From $15 to $50

WOW Wilderness EcoCruises are renowned for their interpretive tours. The daily cruises are based in the wilderness areas and waterways of Walpole’s National Parks 120 kilometres west of Albany in the south west of Western Australia.

This daily tour cruises through the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park experiencing Western Australia’s first designated Wilderness Area – the Nuyts Wilderness Peninsular. For those who are keen, a walk across the peninsular to a secluded beach is available while morning tea (including the legendary tingle cake) is prepared.

Disabled Access

Nearby Things to Do

Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park

Walpole, Manjimup

Walpole-Nornalup National Park

Walpole-Nornalup Inlet

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Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park

We recognise and acknowledge Menang people as the traditional owners of Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park.

Enjoy the best of both worlds in a park where the karri meets the sea. Two inlets provide boat loads of opportunities for water-based fun!

No park entry fee

• Need to know

About this park

Attractions, maps and brochures.

This marine park covers the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets. It also includes the tidal parts of the Frankland, Deep and Walpole rivers. These rivers also feed into the estuary system.   

Come and explore these connected inlets. They have their own character and feel. Walpole Inlet is shallow (at most 1m deep) while Nornalup Inlet is larger and deeper (up to 5m). The estuaries are joined by a natural 1km long and 2m deep channel, bordered by steep granite hills and rocky shores. These are known locally as ‘The Knolls’. They look pretty as a picture cloaked with dense karri, marri and tingle forest. 

The park’s  nature, wildlife and scenery offer a wealth of opportunities for canoeing, boating, windsurfing, fishing and other water-based activities. You can launch your boat or canoe at Rest Point, Coalmine Beach boat ramp, Walpole town jetty, Isle Road and Nornalup.   Lots of options to start exploring the inlets and rivers!  

A major highlight of this connected inlet system is its remote wilderness feel. There’s an untouched beauty about the place that’s easy on the eye.  

It’s great to picnic and chill along the shores of the marine park. Make use of the picnic tables and barbeques at Coalmine Beach, The Channels and Sandy Beach. There is a lookout at The Knolls and the Bibbulmun Track runs alongside the edge of the marine park for a short distance.  

While you’re here try your hand at fishing. There are loads of good spots to cast your line. Know the latest size, season and bag limits ( www.fish.wa.gov.au ) and obtain any licences that may be needed.    Review – Peaceful  Very, very beautiful area. Very peaceful and easy on the eye. I could just sit all day and enjoy this space.  H7342JAkathym – Trip Advisor 

Safety information

Plan  when to visit . Read this safety information about  swimming ,  fishing ,  paddling and kayaking . Consider travelling with a personal location beacon (PLB). In the event you need to be rescued it could save your life!  

Nornalup Inlet viewed from Delaney Lookout near Coalmine Beach

Nornalup Inlet at Sandy Beach

A pelican on the water in the channel that connects the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets

The channel connecting the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets

Forests on the shores

One of the two forested headlands known as "The Knolls"

Near the sandbar where the Nornalup Inlet meets the ocean

Skippy Rock Channel

Canoeing and kayaking

Plants, wildlife and fungi.

Visit the Atlas of Living Australia for a list of species recorded in Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park.

Traditional Owners

Town Jetty Walpole

Fishing spot with facilities to launch larger boats into the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park adjacent to the town of Walpole.

Sandy Beach

A beautiful beach for a picnic, a spot of fishing and a safe place for swimming. Perfect for a family day out.

Coalmine Beach

Popular picnic spot on the shores of Nornalup Inlet, and a great place to launch a small boat, canoe or kayak to explore the marine park's waters.

Picnic spot and an area to launch small boats, great for fishing and kayaking. 

The Channels

Attractive picnic spot surrounded by towering karri, marri and tingle forest overlooking the channel between the Walpole and Nornalup inlets along The Knolls Scenic Drive.

An historic gazebo at the end of a jetty is a well known landmark at this popular fishing spot and boat launching site, adjacent to a privately operated caravan park.

Giant Tingle Tree to Coalmine Beach

This Bibbulmun Track day walk from the Giant Tingle Tree to Coalmine Beach is 6.1 km one way or 12.2 km return. The walk is in the Walpole Wilderness area, which boasts some of Western Australia’s most spectacular landscapes, coasts, habitats and vegetation.

Nornalup to Monastery Landing

This paddle takes you to what is arguably one of the most beautiful places in the Walpole Wilderness. Monastery Landing is known as the birthplace of Walpole Nornalup National Park.

Walpole Town Jetty To Coalmine Beach

Coalmine Beach is on the northern shore of the Nornalup Inlet and the calm, shallow water is perfect for swimming. it was named for the shallow seam of coal in the nearby cliffs.

Walpole Town Jetty to Deep River

Set aside a day to paddle up the Deep River - a pristine waterway with ‘Wild River’ status. The river narrows as you paddle upstream through the Walpole Nornalup National Park. This area is home to many native species such as possums, quokkas and rakali.

Walpole Town Jetty To Walpole River

This is the smallest of the three rivers that flow into the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park. It has lush riparian vegetation and its sheltered waters provides safe, easy paddling for beginners and excellent opportunities for bird spotting.

Coalmine Beach to Nornalup

Paddle from the tranquil Coalmine Beach on the Nornalup Inlet up Kwakoorillup Beela (the Frankland River) to the sleepy hamlet of Nornalup. You’ll paddle past low lying areas of melaleucas and rushes before feeling dwarfed by the towering karri trees of the Walpole Nornalup National Park as you get closer to Nornalup.

Coalmine Beach To Rest Point

Paddle from Coalmine Beach on the northern shore of the Nornalup Inlet, through the channel between the inlets to the Walpole Inlet and Rest Point. Along the way, you’ll pass the karri clad Knolls that stand on either side of the channel.

Rest Point to Deep River

Set aside a day to paddle up the Deep River - a pristine waterway with ‘Wild River’ status. The Deep River is an untouched waterway that shelters a wide range of plant and animal life. It runs at least 90km from its source and empties into the Nornalup Inlet.

Rest Point to Sealers Cove

Why not combine a paddle with a walk? Paddle through the channel between the Knolls, past Newdegate Island to Sealers Cove. Follow the walk trail for 1.5 kilometres through peppermint groves and jarrah forest to the rugged beauty of Circus Beach.

Rest Point to Walpole River

This is a short, easy paddle that is perfect for beginners. The Walpole River is the smallest of the three rivers that flow into the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park and has lush riparian vegetation.

Swarbrick Jetty To Walpole River

Set out on an easy paddle across the Walpole Inlet and up the Walpole River. This is a great place to go bird spotting or to enjoy the lush, riverine scenery.

Isle Road to Deep River Suspension Bridge

An untouched waterway that shelters a wide range of plant and animal life, the Deep River runs at least 90 kilometres from its source and empties into the Nornalup Inlet.From Isle Road, you’ll paddle upstream through the pristine forests of the Walpole Nornalup National Park.

Isle Road To Sealers Cove Paddle Trail

Why not combine a paddle with a walk? Paddle through the delta of the Deep River, past Newdegate Island to Sealers Cove. Follow the walk trail for 1.5 kilometres through peppermint groves and jarrah forest to the rugged beauty of Circus Beach.

Isle Road to Walpole Town Jetty

Follow the Deep River downstream to its delta at the Nornalup Inlet. Turn left and paddle along the shoreline of the Walpole Nornalup National Park, through the Channel to the shallow Walpole Inlet.

Accommodation

Coalmine beach holiday park.

There is a variety of accommodation to choose from including luxury glamping tents, fully equipped en-suite chalets, cosy cabins with shared amenities or powered and unpowered sites. It is the ideal location to get away from it all, whether it’s a couple of night’s stay or two weeks of play. 

Book your Accommodation and Tours online with  Walpole Nornalup Visitor Centre Mail Enquiries: Walpole Visitor Centre PO Box 196 WALPOLE WA 6398 Tel: (08) 9840 1111 | Email:  [email protected] Site Map  |  Terms and Conditions  |  Disclaimer | Legal

Copyright © Walpole Nornalup Visitor Centre 2021

WOW Wilderness Ecocruise - Walpole

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WOW Wilderness Ecocruise - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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• Volga River Cruises

Our Best Volga River Cruises of 2022

Imagine visiting beautiful, ancient Russian cities as you cruise along the beautiful Volga River. Our cruises are the most relaxing and also the most budget friendly way to visit Russia. Some of our most popular Russian river cruises are listed below. Please click on the details to learn more or contact us for more information using the form at the bottom of the page.

This Volga cruise covers many cities. You will admire the vibrancy of Moscow, enjoy the quiet atmosphere of ancient Vladimir. You will visit Nizhny Novgorod, the old center of the Volga region as well as Kazan and Astrakhan which occupy the former territory of the Golden Horde.

• Route Moscow - Uglich - Yaroslavl - Kostoma - Nizhny Novgorod - Cheboksary - Kazan - Samara - Saratov - Volgograd - Astrakhan
• Languages English-speaking guide is guaranteed. Other languages are on request.
• Cruise Ship 4-star cruise ships: MS Nizhny Novgorod, MS Nikolay Chernyshevsky
• Group Tour This is a group tour. There will be other people in your group.

With this cruise, you will get a feeling for both the south-eastern Russia with its link to the Asia and the Orient and the European, imperial Russia. You will start your trip in Astrakhan and sail practically the whole length of the Volga River from the edge of the Caspian Sea to Moscow.

• Route Astrakhan - Volgograd - Saratov - Samara - Kazan - Cheboksary - Nizhny Novgorod - Kostroma - Yaroslavl - Uglich - Moscow

This Volga cruise starts in Moscow and goes all the way down the Volga river through ancient town of Vladimir, Nizhny Novgorod, the old center of the Volga region, as well as Kazan which occupies the former territory of the Golden Horde. The cruise finishes in Rostov-on-Don city.

• Route Moscow - Uglich - Yaroslavl - Kostoma - Nizhny Novgorod - Cheboksary - Kazan - Samara - Saratov - Volgograd - Rostov-on-Don
• Cruise Ship MS Korotkov

I LOVED THE CRUISE!!!!! It was amazing and I had the best time. The food/service/cabin were all great and the price was FANTASTIC!!!!! I have mentioned this to my sister and her husband and they are considering going next year. LOVED it. I don't have ONE complaint :). THANKS for an amazing experience.

Thank you for arranging such a wonderful trip for us. we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and found your services to be excellent. the connections and transfers were timely and professional and the apartment was a delight. Everything you said it would be.

Our Volga river cruises give you an excellent opportunity to visit a wide range of Russia’s different regions and to experience first-hand the link between European Russia with its imperial, old world atmosphere and the Asian part of Russia with its Eastern, oriental feel. Express to Russia offers plenty of Volga River cruise routes to fit any taste and budget: from our 8-day Moscow to Kazan cruise to the 20-day St. Petersburg to Rosov-on-Don cruise . Experience the vibrant city life and historical heritage of Moscow , enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of medieval Yaroslavl and delve into Russian village life in the beautiful towns of Kostroma and Uglich. On your all-inclusive Russian river cruise you will see Nizhny Novgorod , the stunning, historical center of the Volga region. The boat will dock at the Eastern cities of Kazan and Astrakhan that occupy the former territory of the Golden Horde . Every city visited on our Volga cruises is of historical significance and full of outstanding sights and monuments. This cruise will take you down practically the entire length of the Volga River and end at the Caspian Sea. This Volga river cruise will leave you with unforgettable memories and truly be a journey of a lifetime!

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

A russian land tour or a river cruise - which is better.

This decision completely depends on your preferred way of travelling. During the Russian river cruise you will not only visit the two largest cities of Russia, but also small towns and villages along the route and you will have a chance to participate in master classes, learn a little Russian language and dive into local Russian culture and hospitality. For those who prefer custom-made programs and more free time in the cities of their choice we recommend a land tour, both are excellent options. To find out more about the differences click here .

Do I need a visa for a Russian River Cruise?

If your citizenship is not on the list of countries with visa-free access to Russia, you will need a valid Russian visa. Please make sure to start the process in a timely manner, so as to avoid any last-minute pressure. More details on Russian Visas can be found here .

What currency and types of the payment are used on Russian river cruises?

The official currency in Russia is the Russian Ruble. You can either pay cash or use your credit card, we always recommend to have both. You can find more information about money and currency in Russia here .

Do you tip on river cruises?

Tips are not included in the cruise price and tipping is at your discretion. If you would like to tip the staff at the end of your cruise, or any local guides/bus drivers then please feel free to do so and bring a little extra cash to cover this. To find out more about tipping in Russia click here .

What type of food is served during on a Russian river cruise? What if I have dietary restrictions?

Russian river cruises include full board: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The meals consist of European and Russian cuisine. Breakfast and lunch on board are served buffet style. Depending on the ship, dinners are either served buffet style or with a special Chef's menu. In case you have any allergies or food restrictions, please provide your reservation specialist with this information, and we will pass the details on to the cruise company. You can learn more about Russian cuisine here .

Is it safe to take a Russian river cruises?

Yes, the cruise operating companies take full responsibility about for the safety of their guests, staff, and fleet. Before every season, the ships are thoroughly inspected. The staff is well trained for any emergency scenario. There is a doctor on each ship. The guests undertake a comprehensive briefing before any of the ships start the cruise.

Our travel brands include

Express to Russia

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Where to stay

Take a look at these places to stay when planning your next visit to Australia’s South West.

Houseboat Holidays

Summerstar walpole rest point caravan park, peaceful bay chalets.

Vast, natural landscapes await in Walpole and surrounds, with the ecologically significant Walpole Wilderness area protecting more than 363,000 hectares of national parks, nature reserves and forest conservation; that’s roughly the size of countries such as Luxembourg and Samoa.

The small township of Walpole offers a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors including swimming, boating, sailing, inlet cruises, fishing, bush walking, and climbing. The town is located on the Walpole Inlet; a small estuary connected through a narrow channel with the bigger and deeper Nornalup Inlet.

The Walpole area is best known for the Valley of the Giants; red tingle trees which are endemic to this small region of Western Australia. At the  Tree Top Walk , a 600-metre walkway rises 40 metres above the forest floor and provides a birds eye view of the forest. Below, a meandering boardwalk takes visitors through a grove of veteran tingle trees called the Ancient Empire. This walk shows at close hand, some of the unique shapes of the giant trees. You can even walk through the hollowed-out butt of one tree.

This tingle forest is also home to a community of cute quokkas; a creature dubbed the world’s happiest animal that rose to internet fame after the recent episodes of #quokkaselfies. Many believe that you can only meet quokkas on  Rottnest Island , off the coast of Perth, however there’s a community that live in this forest too. If you head here close to sunset, you’ll up your chances of seeing them!

Walpole Wilderness Discovery Centre

The Walpole area features three sites which are collectively called the Walpole Wilderness Discovery Centre. The aim of these sites is to educate visitors about this protected area and provide opportunities to interact with nature. The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, mentioned above is one such site. The other two are at Swarbrick and Mount Frankland.

Travelling 8km along North Walpole road, heading towards Mount Frankland, you will find Swarbrick. It is home to some of the oldest trees in Australia, specifically Western Australia’s famous old growth karri forest. It features forest art exhibits and a giant 39-metre long ‘Wilderness Wall of Perceptions’ which encourages people to explore perspectives of the forest and wilderness.

Mount Frankland, dominated by an impressive peak is 29 kilometres north of Walpole, is an adventurer’s playground and provides a range of walking and viewing opportunities. Follow the Summit Walk or take the ‘round the rock’ trail at the base of the granite outcrop. It is also a popular spot to abseil the 150 metres drop (permit required).

Walpole is in the Southern Forests and Valleys .

Don’t miss out on these great events happening in the region.

Wildflower Season

Things to do.

Looking for some inspiration on what to do in the South West? Here are some of our top picks!

Peaceful Bay Caravan Park & Fish and Chips

Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk

Off The Beaten Track WA

Other ideas for your trip.

Looking for some inspiration on what to do in the South West? Read up on the different experiences and trips for the holiday of your dreams.

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Where to stay...

Nannup is a place to relax and recharge, get close to nature, discover our heritage or have an adventure.

Here you can easily enjoy natural beaches beautiful vineyards, forests, caves and more, all in a single day. More than 23,000km make up the south west corner of Western Australia, with 1000 of those kilometres consisting of awe-inspiring coastline just waiting to be explored.

Cruise Routes (Interactive Map)

Request a quote download brochure

Russian River Cruises

• Find your cruise
• Moscow — St. Petersburg
• Moscow — Astrakhan
• Astrakhan — St. Petersburg
• St. Petersburg
• Cruise Highlights
• News & Travel Tips

Russia is again welcoming travelers!

• A negative PCR test is all that's needed to enter Russia
• Regular flights are now operating to / from Russia
• Visas can be issues quickly (Volga Dream provides your invitation)
• All Volga Dream personnel and guides are fully vacinated
• Bookings are transferable without penalty for 12 months
• Volga Dream arranges PCR-tests if needed for your outbound flight

Check our COVID-19 Policy page to learn more.

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Luxurious river cruises in russia.

Explore authentic Russian cities. Enjoy premium service and engaging activities as you sail the Volga River.

2022 Cruise Season

Join our signature small group journeys and cruise in luxury along the Russian Volga river!

The Russian Odyssey

An extended 'South to North' view of Russia from Astrakhan to St. Petersburg through Moscow.

Explore Moscow, St. Petersburg and Russia’s Golden Ring in greater depth. Stay at gorgeous Four Seasons hotels. Enjoy special access to iconic cultural sites.

Lower Volga

Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience cruising the Volga river from Moscow to Astrakhan. The tour includes 2 nights in Moscow.

Find Your Cruise

Select destination Moscow — St. Petersburg Moscow — Astrakhan Astrakhan — St. Petersburg

View all months

A Volga river cruise is more than a geographical voyage; it’s also a journey through Russia’s rich and captivating history. No other experience takes you so completely to another place and time. The Volga is Europe’s longest and largest river; it meanders through the stories of Ivan the Terrible and his rise to power, the two historic ‘Greats’ Peter and Catherine, and then on into today. It’s a unique opportunity to see modern Russia in the context of its intriguing history, ably assisted by friendly and professional academics and tour guides. A Volga Dream Russian river tour promises to leave you with an unforgettable afterglow of fond memories.

Moscow to St. Petersburg River Cruise

Moscow and St. Petersburg are Russia’s best-known cities, but the towns of Russia’s historic Golden Ring are delightful too. The luxurious Volga Dream offers a unique opportunity to visit these Russian gems by sailing gently along the Volga River on an unforgettable cruising experience. In small, exclusive groups you’ll enjoy preferential access to some of Russia’s most significant cultural sites.

Moscow to Astrakhan River Cruise

Your River Cruise on the luxurious MS Volga Dream takes you from Moscow along Russia’s grand Volga River to the legend that is Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad) and Astrakhan on the Caspian Sea. Along the way, you’ll discover the treasures of Yaroslavl, the oldest city on the Volga, medieval Nizhniy Novgorod and beautiful Kazan, the ancient Tatar capital. We plan our tour carefully to combine the very best of Moscow with a world-class Volga River cruise.

Discover Russia with MS Volga Dream - Click-through map

We love hearing from guests about their time in Russia and one comment often hear is how surprised people are by the Russian capital. We can’t say for certain what people expected but we do know that it’s always far removed from what they imagined! It’s been called a modern metropolis, a cosmopolitan city, an historic gem, an architectural treasure and a cultural powerhouse, among other descriptions. Majestic Moscow has always surprised our guests and left them with lasting and fond memories.

Russia’s famous Golden Ring is an archipelago of historic towns surrounding Moscow. Uglich is one of the oldest and was founded under Igor, the last Varangian prince. It once resisted the Mongol invasion and its ancient walls saw the grisly murder of young Dmitri, son of Ivan the Terrible. The impressive Church of St. Dmitri on the Blood, with its classic onion domes and blood red walls, is a fine example of classic Russian architecture. The tour ends with an enchanting choral concert.

This, the oldest city on the Volga River, and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts a wealth of ancient orthodox treasures. The impressive Transfiguration of the Savior, adorned with murals depicting St. John’s apocalyptic visions can be seen in the Spassky Monastery. The Church of St. Elijah the Prophet is decorated with an awe-inspiring selection of rich frescoes. For a real taste of pre-revolutionary Russia, visitors are entertained by a costumed reception at the Governor’s House.

Close to the shores of White Lake once were the ‘tsar’s fishing grounds’. It lies in a place so serene that ancient monks chose to build no fewer than three holy sites here, including the Ferapontov Monastery. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, its chapels boast magnificent frescoes by Dionysius, one of Russia’s most renowned icon painters. The Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery was a refuge for many nobles during tumultuous times and later a fortress that successfully repelled invading armies.

The Karelia region is a vast and naturally beautiful wilderness that spreads all the way from St. Petersburg to the Arctic Circle. The glorious island village of Kizhi consists almost entirely of the traditionally styled wooden buildings of ‘Old Russia’. Among them is the famous Transfiguration Church built in 1714. Remarkably, and in testament to the craftsmen of the time, not a single nail was used in its construction! Kizhi is one of the favorite stops on the river cruise to St. Petersburg.

A typical rural hamlet brought to life by warm and welcoming villagers. Volga Dream guests are invited into local homes to enjoy classic Russian fare, tea with jam and ‘pirozhki’ (pies). Enthusiastic hosts share Russian traditions and the appeal of village life while proudly showing off their scrupulously kept homes and kitchen gardens. The tour continues with a brief bus ride to see a unique World War II memorial and then, for a real glimpse of Russian life, a visit to a local primary school.

Nizhny Novgorod

This was once a wealthy city thanks to its proximity to rich eastern trading routes. During the Soviet era, the city was closed to outsiders because of its military importance. It’s also where many political prisoners were sent to live out their days in exile. The 16th-century Kremlin ramparts offer spectacular views and the city is known for its elaborately decorated churches. For Volga Dream cruise guests, the highlight of the day is an evening folk concert performed by local children.

Sailing along the Volga river, the riverbank gradually ceases to be dominated by Orthodox churches. Instead, beautiful mosques appear as the river crosses into Tatarstan where the first stop is scenic Kazan, the region’s capital. Inside the white walls of the citadel, the famous Kul Sharif mosque and the old Cathedral of Peter and Paul stand side-by-side symbolizing the two faiths’ long and peaceful coexistence in the region. A concert of traditional Tatar music ends the Volga Dream tour in Kazan.

Passing the Zhigulevskie Mountains offers wonderful views from the sundeck before touring the city. One of the key attractions is the fascinating Space Museum, which offers a revealing glimpse of how the Soviet Union pursued its ambitious journey to the cosmos. The town is also noted for its beautiful esplanade, perfect for a relaxed stroll beside the Volga river. This in turn leads to the Samara State Art Museum. Founded in 1897, it is home to a collection of more than 16,000 works of art.

This city is best known for its close associations with cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin. The Russian hero who achieved worldwide fame as the first man in space lived and studied here. Saratov used to be home to a large German community, a heritage that can still be seen in the local architecture. The Volga Dream tour visits the Radishchev State Art Museum, the first picture gallery in Russia outside Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Originally called Tsaritsyn, the city was renamed Stalingrad from 1925 to 1961 in honor of the USSR’s leader. During World War II, the city’s residents put up a heroic defense, repelling an advancing Nazi invasion. The battle for Stalingrad has gone down in history as a pivotal moment in the bloody conflict on the eastern front. The most ferocious and deadly fighting took place on Mamayev Hill, where an imposing memorial now stands close to the excellent Battle of Stalingrad Panorama Museum.

Saint Petersburg

If Moscow surprises, then St Petersburg delights. Peter the Great founded the city to showcase Russia’s newfound enlightenment. He wanted to show the modern world a cultured and advanced society. In short, he built the city to impress and in that he succeeded splendidly! The striking buildings were designed by some of the finest architects Europe had to offer and even now, the ‘Venice of the North’ never fails to enchant with its spectacular buildings and impressive canal network. It is a city of true grandeur.

Cocktails with the Captain

Commanding any ship is a complex role that calls for a long list of skills. Captains know their vessels inside out as well as well as the routes they sail and when things don’t go to plan, they have to make instant decisions. Above all though, the most important part of the job, underpinning everything they do, is to keep the ship and everyone aboard safe. The Captain’s cocktail party is a great and a wonderful opportunity for passengers and crew to get acquainted as the gets underway.

Matryoshka doll painting

There is nothing more typically Russian than a Matryoshka. It embodies the fact that there’s always something deeper to be found in every aspect of Russian life. Learning the traditional designs and techniques used to decorate these iconic dolls offers a pleasant diversion and some cathartic creativity!

Superb Service & Dining

Our restaurant serves the highest standard of international cuisine, freshly made by our Cordon Bleu Chef. Choose either a sumptuous buffet or set menu for lunch while dinner is always four or five courses with full service. High praise for the exquisite quality of meals is yet another constantly recurring feature in feedback from our guests.

Meet the Professor

From the Mongol hordes to Soviet times, Russia’s history is, like all of Europe’s, a complex web of political intrigue, war and peace, trade and treaties, as well as heroes and villains. Academics devote whole lifetimes to studying Russia’s long past and one of them presents a series of lectures shedding light on everything from Gorbachev to Chekhov, Khrushchev to Ivan the Terrible and of course, contemporary Russia. Our Professor is on board throughout the river cruise for informal conversation.

Beginner’s Russian

The Russian language can be rather beautiful and poetic and we know that many seasoned travelers enjoy trying their hand at different languages. Our onboard teachers provide an introduction to the riches of Russian, so guests can try out a few useful words and phrases on real Russians during the exciting river tours from Moscow to St. Petersburg or from Moscow to Volgograd!

Russian tea tasting

The drink we tend to associate with Russia is vodka, but tea, in fact, is the much more universal beverage of choice throughout the country. Guests will get acquainted with the Russian tea etiquette, a fundamental component of the country's social culture, and enjoy the traditional tea ceremony while cruising from St. Petersburg to Moscow or taking a Grand Volga river tour.

Russian Dinner & Vodka Tasting

All our dining is international but for Russian Dining night, the Chef includes a selection of traditional Russian dishes: Chicken Kiev, Kulebyaka and no Russian table is complete without Borsch. To add to the ‘Taste of Russia’ optional Russian dress, or at least a touch of Russian style, is provided along with enthusiastic help from our staff!

Russian Cooking Class

A plate of pelmeni might not look like much to the untrained eye, but it forms the heart of Russian cuisine and culture. Basically, it's a type of dumpling: small portions of meat and onion wrapped in a thin sheet of unleavened dough and boiled, a little like ravioli. Guests can join a Russian cooking class onboard the MS Volga Dream to learn how to cook this delicious Russian dish.

Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov Piano Recital

Some of the greatest classical music ever written comes from Russia. It’s hard to imagine a more fitting stage for a virtuoso solo recital by our resident concert pianist than the mighty Volga or a better backdrop than the heart of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov’s own serene homeland.

Russian River Cruise Aboard Volga Dream

Moscow to St. Petersburg

Why Volga Dream

Family Owned & Operated

MS Volga Dream is Russia’s only family-owned river cruise ship. She can accommodate up to 100 guests, far fewer than most other cruise ships on the river making for a uniquely friendly and intimate atmosphere aboard.

Five-Star Central Hotels

We at Volga Dream are completely convinced that, our guests should stay in great 5-star hotels in Moscow and St. Petersburg within comfortable walking distance of all the major attractions, theaters and restaurants, rather than having to waste time in traffic.

Luxurious Accommodation

The MS Volga Dream is the most intimate and elegant 5-star cruise vessel in Russia. She boasts 56 cabins, all river facing, ranging from comfortable Standard Cabins to spacious Junior Suites and the luxurious forward facing Owner's Suite.

Russian Cultural Experience

Explore Russia's past with the help of professional tour guides. Our on-board program includes fascinating talks on Russian history and politics, Russian language lessons, a festival of Russian cuisine (including vodka tasting!), and much more.

Gourmet Dining

Our on board restaurant serves international cuisine to the highest standard, all freshly made by our Cordon Bleu Chef. For Russian Dining night, he prepares a selection of traditional Russian dishes: Chicken Kiev, Kulebyaka and Borsch.

Tailored Service

All our service crew members are native Russians who are fluent in English and handpicked by the Owner. Proudly, the Volga Dream is famous for her hard working and very hospitable personnel who take care of every aspect of your life aboard.

Download Our Brochure

It's never been easier to plan your next holiday in Russia. Download our free brochure to learn more about authentic Russian river cruises.

Escape the hassle and bustle and add a satisfyingly informative element to your trip and bring together a colorful mosaic of people, history, traditions,  religion, music and art. These are the many strands that time has woven into what is known today as Russia.

What people are saying

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United States

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