It's the perfect way to start a night out in Cairns whether you're a local or a visitor. The Sunset Cruise is pre-dinner drinks with the added bonus of cruising Trinity Inlet.

Though we've fished around the many creeks and offshoots over the years it was a whole different experience to cruise while relaxing on the top deck of the Big Cat M.V. Habitat Explorer.

If you're not a good sailor, rest easy, you'll be travelling over relatively still waters in a modern 14m catamaran - so it's all smooth sailing.

As with the other Big Cat Cruises you depart from Reef Fleet Terminal, however, this time it will be with a complimentary drink in hand at a very civilised 5.30pm.

There's an introductory welcome and a brochure provides the map of the voyage and history of the sights along the way.

The birdlife and complex mangroves will keep your interest, not to mention the boats and the waterside dwellings you'll spot along the way.

You could also sit in airconditioned comfort on the lower deck dividing your attention between the sights and Michael Buble swaying on the screen, but for my money the open back deck was the best place to be.

There was an air of being at someone's party with nibbles also supplied as part of the ticket price.

A surprising number of visitors had discovered the tour and some of the trip was spent taking photos of people from Sweden, Korea and closer to home, Townsville, against the green of the mangroves or the Cairns skyline backlit by the sunset.

The Sunset Cruise from Cairns Habitat Cruises costs $19 per person. To book call +61 7 4031 4007.

For more information about various cruises in the Cairns region, check out our Cruises Section.

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