Free Spirit Cruises
Free Spirit Cruises
5
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
The Free Spirit Cruises the aquamarine waters of Wallis Lake at Forster, NSW. Lunch is freshly prepared on board and served to your table. Wildlife is abundant, including frequent sighting of pelicans, black swans, oyster catchers and sea eagles to name but a few. Dolphins are frequently sighted in Wallis Lake and the occasional sea turtle. There have been rarer sightings of dugong and even a fur seal in the lake. Take in lunch and be part of the conversation, perhaps partaking in a beverage from the fully licensed bar. Learn a little of the areas history, both aboriginal and european, the commercial fishing and aquaculture industries and about our unique environment. The Free Spirit makes the perfect venue for a get together with family and friends. Book today...you'll love it!
Forster, New South Wales, Australia
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
252 reviews
Excellent
217
Very good
31
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
1
5260kevinH
Newcastle, Australia87 contributions
Feb 2023
There were six of us that booked the lunch cruise (2.5 hours) on a Sunday. The weather was perfect and that matched our experience onboard. We boarded a little early and took up residence on the upper deck. The deck was covered from the sun while the windows were open to allow the air to circulate. As there were only 14 pax on board, the first mate (Tess) provided us with table service from the bar below. The drink prices were very reasonable and a good selection of drinks available.
Lunch was a ploughmans lunch. The bread roll was fresh and the ham was off the bone. It was a good size serving and one of the best I have experienced on any river boat. Tea and coffee was offered. The dessert was home-made apple pie with ice cream - it was excellent.
Captain Joel delivered an excellent commentary during the cruise with 'off the cuff' comments, observations and opinions. Joel noticed a pod of dolphins and maneuvered the boat to obtain the best view (without disturbing them).
I would highly recommend this cruise to anyone and everyone.
Lunch was a ploughmans lunch. The bread roll was fresh and the ham was off the bone. It was a good size serving and one of the best I have experienced on any river boat. Tea and coffee was offered. The dessert was home-made apple pie with ice cream - it was excellent.
Captain Joel delivered an excellent commentary during the cruise with 'off the cuff' comments, observations and opinions. Joel noticed a pod of dolphins and maneuvered the boat to obtain the best view (without disturbing them).
I would highly recommend this cruise to anyone and everyone.
Written February 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lil T
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Family
WOW! Absolutely one of the best Christmas Days ever.
I took my elderly parents and a friend on the Christmas Day Lunch Cruise. As a family, we have always had our Christmas Day at home. Being elderly and with some special needs, most people I told about our adventure replied firstly about it being such a great idea. Soon followed by how do you think it will go, referring to concerns it could be a little tricky.
With this in mind I emailed Free-spirit Cruises to make them aware. I quickly received an email back from Tessa responding that it would be no problem. And it wasn't.
The whole experience was perfect. From the boarding the vessel, to the limited narrative of the lake, its wildlife, etc. The crew that were both on and off the boat were warm and friendly, professional and eager to help at anytime.
For those that have elderly parents, you know how hard it can be to please them when it comes to any meal. The meal was faultless, even by their standards.
We will definitely be returning next year, as will many of the other guests if their remarks on the day have anything to go by.
Thank you Tessa and Joel, and the team you have for an AMAZING day!
I took my elderly parents and a friend on the Christmas Day Lunch Cruise. As a family, we have always had our Christmas Day at home. Being elderly and with some special needs, most people I told about our adventure replied firstly about it being such a great idea. Soon followed by how do you think it will go, referring to concerns it could be a little tricky.
With this in mind I emailed Free-spirit Cruises to make them aware. I quickly received an email back from Tessa responding that it would be no problem. And it wasn't.
The whole experience was perfect. From the boarding the vessel, to the limited narrative of the lake, its wildlife, etc. The crew that were both on and off the boat were warm and friendly, professional and eager to help at anytime.
For those that have elderly parents, you know how hard it can be to please them when it comes to any meal. The meal was faultless, even by their standards.
We will definitely be returning next year, as will many of the other guests if their remarks on the day have anything to go by.
Thank you Tessa and Joel, and the team you have for an AMAZING day!
Written December 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gene B
Sydney, Australia26 contributions
Oct 2020
No trip to Forster is complete without getting out onto the water. The 2.1/2 hour cruise is the most economical to view the Lake, the ships Captain Peter has been doing these cruises for 27 years, and clearly loves showing people the lake, educating guests about oyster growing, the 94 fish varieties found in the lake, the local inhabitants, history and geographical landmarks whilst leaving plenty of time for quiet reflection on the purity of the water and the natural beauty. Then there's lunch made with all fresh ingredients, a delicious salad dressing and fresh damper, followed by cake, tea and coffee....filling and nutritious. Beer, wine juice, water all available from the bar. Covid rules adhered to ....here's somewhere you can take the whole family and relax. Wheelchairs are fully accommodated and welcome, hubby had a wonderful cruise and as a result the family wants to thank Peter for all it takes behind the scenes to provide this experience.
Written October 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jaf224
Tuncurry, Australia8 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Usually have unstinting praise for this lunch cruise and much of it was still very good, i.e. the lake, the cruise direction, the dolphins, the lunch and the service. However, we were so disappointed in the commentary this time - there was about one-third of what there used to be, nothing to speak of about the lake & its cleanliness and the local industries, plus we had dumped on us the dreadful woke commentary about not being able to comment on an island we passed because some people might find it offensive, presumably a tiny minority of a minority who is being allowed to impose their wishes on any number of other people who might want to find out more about their environment, some of whom have definitely been offended by the selective erosion of freedom of speech. A key positive characteristic of this cruise has been its commentary, suggest you have another think about how you keep that competitive advantage.
Written December 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer W
Chinderah, Australia1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Friends
First impressions of boat shed 1 unfortunately is a reflection of how they seem to run there business messy and unorganised. We were informed of time change at 00.43am the morning before which I feel should have been mentioned at time of booking . When we arrived it seemed to be a lot of chaos no one was sure where to go and no clear indication of who the staff were. There needed to be more constant flow of information of the wildlife and their habitat as in any tour in comparison the crew on the Amaroo is a professional informatitive experience. In saying that we can’t take away the beautiful waterways and it’s amazing and wonderful habitat
Written March 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beverly B
Sydney, Australia7 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
The Lunch cruise was recommended by a local friend & didn’t disappoint. Exceeded our expectations in every way.
Never realised how expansive the Wallis Lake system was & Skipper Tim was very friendly & informative. A delicious lunch incl dessert was served by the lovely Petu. Very professional with email/text updates.
Never realised how expansive the Wallis Lake system was & Skipper Tim was very friendly & informative. A delicious lunch incl dessert was served by the lovely Petu. Very professional with email/text updates.
Written March 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen P
Broken Hill, Australia29 contributions
Mar 2023
This was my third time on the Free Spirit - this time I was taking an overseas visitor out on the lake. She was thrilled when she saw a pod of dolphins & commented on the space & sense of freedom she experienced - very different from the crowded city where she comes from. The lunch was simple, fresh & tasty. Tim's commentary was excellent - I learn something new about the area each time I experience the Free Spirit. This is a 'must do' for both locals & visitors.
Written April 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denis S
Newcastle, Australia3 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
A truly fantastic morning/afternoon touring Wallis Lake - boat Captain Peter and his crew are fantastic. Peter has a great knowledge of the Lake and shared this knowledge with a great narrative . A great lunch is provide in a very relaxed atmosphere - strongly recommend this cruise
Written June 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
brisvegas1954
Brisbane, Australia247 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
We had the most magical day today on the lunch cruise on Wallis Lake. We saw three dolphins splashing about and our wonderful boat captain Tim made sure we all got to see them. Tim gave us a great commentary on the areas we could see and as he grew up in the area his knowledge was exceptional. Lunch was very tasty with turkey slices and freshly sliced ham off the bone along with salad and a fresh bread roll. We would have been happy with that but then apple pie and cream came out for dessert. Coffee and tea were provided and other drinks were available for purchase at very reasonable prices. I would have rated it more if I could as it was fabulous value for money and the most enjoyable several hours on the water. Thank you Tim (boat captain extraordinaire), Peter (who I booked through and answered all my questions) and Peta (who delivered our lunch and served at the bar).
Written October 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
iangC8256RX
Erina, Australia72 contributions
Jun 2022
What a very relaxing enjoyable cruise around the Lake with a very informative commentary by Skipper Peter, it told a lot about the lake and the industries on it, it also included references to the wildlife etc. On top of this we were blessed with absolutely beautiful weather. During the voyage we were served a scrumptious meat salad which could not be faulted. The staff were extremely friendly which added to an enjoyable time. Will certainly be back for another trip next time.
Written June 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Good evening, Was wondering if we need to book for the lunch time cruise on Sat 6th May, for 2 people. Celebrating birthday and wedding anniversary. cheers Helen
Written March 26, 2017
Hi Helen,
I received your email too and have booked you in Many thanks and I look forward to seeing you then
Written March 29, 2017
I will be visiting family in Forster for 10 days in August and would like to know the length of your cruises, how much they cost and if you have an overnighter please?
Thanks
Di
Written June 10, 2016
Hi Di
In August we will be running our Wallis Lake lunch cruises Departing at 1130am Duration is 2.5 hours Cost is $55 adults $50 concession Thanks so much
Written June 11, 2016
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.