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Lone Star River Boat - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Internationally Famous Bat Watching Tour

Largest urban bat colony in the world

Watch the bats emerge nightly on our Public Bat-Watching Tour, running from March through mid-November. Or customize a private excursion with dinner, cocktails, and more. See dinner cruise and party boat pricing for rates.

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Sightseeing tours, private events, capital cruises fleet.

An experience like no other

Welcome to Capital Cruises

Deep in the heart of Austin, TX, we are proud to offer lunch and dinner cruises, wedding events, internationally famous bat-watching excursions, party boat services, and the ultimate alternative for group and corporate outings.

Where are you located?

We are on the boat dock at the lakeside of the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The Hyatt is located at 208 Barton Springs Road near the intersection of Congress and Barton Springs on the south side of Town Lake. Click here for Map and Directions .

Where can we park?

Unfortunately, there is very little free parking in the area. The Hyatt Regency does have a multi-level parking garage. Parking there should be $25.00 per vehicle for up to 3 hours, after which you may be subject to additional charges. Alternatively, you can typically pay to park at the surface lot adjacent to the hotel, though prices for this and other pay lots in the area may vary depending activities in the surrounding area. Both the Long Center for Performing Arts and Austin City Hall have large pay-parking structures and are a short walk from the dock. Also, One Texas Center off of Riverside Drive typically has available parking. Guests may drop off passengers at the front door of the hotel, but parking there is limited to 5 minutes. Please see map for directions .

When should we arrive?

For PRIVATE CRUISES, boarding time is usually 15 minutes in advance of departure (check with dock personnel for your specific cruise). For larger groups (~20 or more), we suggest telling your group to arrive 30 minutes prior to departure to allow for traffic or other possible delays. If our schedule permits, arrangements can be made for some members of your party to arrive earlier for set-up, decoration, etc. For PUBLIC CRUISES, check-in starts 30 minutes prior to departure. Reservations must be claimed no less than 15 minutes prior to departure, or they are no longer guaranteed, even if they are prepaid. Prepaid reservations are non-refundable unless the reservation was canceled at least 72 hours in advance.

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Donut Boats and Duffy Boats

Show your friends and family the best time on one of our motorized vessels that you can rent and operate yourselves!  First Donut Boats in Texas! The Donut Boat’s unique design seats up to 10 people around a center table, outfitted with a center-post umbrella to shade you while cruising Lady Bird Lake. The quiet […]

Our Brand New Website is Ready to Launch!

We’ve been working behind the scenes for the past few months, poring over every last detail, overhauling our website to best serve you, the customer. Just like the next cruise you book or boat you want to rent, we’re ecstatic to be launching this incarnation of CapitalCruises.com. Throughout the brand new site, you’ll find a […]

Now offering Guided Sunset Tours

Looking to kayak at sunset on the lake? Capital Cruises now offers a Guided Sunset Kayak Tour Thursdays through Saturday evenings. Cost is $40 per person and includes a ~1.5 hour tour. See the striking downtown skyline as well as a great view of the sunset cast against the lake. Thursday – Saturday evenings departing […]

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Lone Star Riverboat Cruise: Best Way to See the Bats in Austin

Please note that this article was written before the pandemic. For full details about limited capacity boat tours and safety precautions due to COVID-19, please visit lonestarriverboat.com .

We all know that Austin is batty for bats. Austin is home to the largest Mexican free-tail bat colony in North America, and we love to celebrate these winged creatures that dwell underneath the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge. Seeing the bats swoop out from under the bridge is quite an amazing site!

But what’s the best way to see the bats? And when?

“Bat Season” takes place every year from March to November, and bats emerge around sunset to feed on a variety of flying insects such as mosquitoes and moths. Typically, late July and early August is considered “peak season” to see a spectacular show.

You can certainly join the crowds and stand along the sidewalk of the bridge to wait for them to take flight, we we think the BEST way to see them is from the water. So we decided to hop aboard the Lone Star Riverboat Sunset Bat Watching Cruise for a special “true Austin” experience.

The boats available for this Bat Watching Cruise include a large pontoon boat, the Southern Star, that seats up to 60 people and the smaller boat, Little Star, which carries 30. Both are open-air, so you’re sure to get a great view no matter where you’re seated.

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Lone Star Riverboat Sightseeing Tours

4.7 958 votes

208 Barton Springs Road

(512) 327-1388

About Lone Star Riverboat

• 1 hour tour
• Reservations recommended
• Departure time is approximately 30 minutes prior to sunset.
• Departure times may vary, please call for the departure schedule.
• 32' and 35' Electric cruisers
• ADA compliant
• Prices: Adults - $13, Seniors (60 and over) - $13, Children (12 and under) - $8, Children (2 and under) - Free
• Saturday and Sunday - 12:30PM & 3:00PM
• 1 hour narrated tour
• ADA compliant 
• Boarding begins 45 minutes before tour time. 
• Prices: Adults - $13, Seniors (60 and over) - $11, Children (12 and under) - $8, Children (2 and under) - Free
• Friday - 10:30PM
• 1 hour scenic tour
• Boarding begins at 9:45PM
• All Tickets: $13 per ticket
• Friday, Saturday and Sunday - 5:30PM
• Non-alcoholic CASH only beverage service (on the Lone Star) or bring your own beverage of choices
• Boarding begins at 4:45PM until 5:15PM
• Minimum number of people: 30
• Maximum number of people: 130
• $18.00 per person (30 - 80 people)
• $16.00 per person (81 - 130 people)
• Children 2 and under are no charge
• Two hour charter time (plus 30 minutes prior to departure for boarding)
• $200 for each additional hour (may be broken into 1/2 hour increments)
• Catering and beverage service may be arranged at an additional cost (see below)
• Charges are for the number of people guaranteed or on a per person basis, whichever is greater

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The Spectacular Bat Colony of Austin: Unveiling the Nocturnal Marvels

Austin, Texas, often referred to as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” is not just renowned for its vibrant music scene and eclectic culture. It is also home to one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles: the massive bat colony that resides beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge. Every summer evening, this colony takes flight, turning the Austin sky into a swirling canvas of winged wonders. In this article, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of the bats over Austin, an awe-inspiring phenomenon that captures the hearts of residents and visitors alike.

The Mexican Free-Tailed Bats

The colony that graces the skies over Austin is comprised primarily of Mexican free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis). These bats are small, agile, and migratory, with a natural range that extends throughout the southern United States. Each year, they congregate beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin for several months to give birth, raise their young, and ultimately prepare for their long migration to Mexico.

Colossal Numbers

The Austin bat colony is not just your average congregation of bats; it’s colossal. In fact, it’s considered the largest urban bat colony in North America. At its peak, during late summer, the colony can swell to well over a million individuals. Their sheer numbers and nocturnal activities make for a truly mesmerizing sight.

Nocturnal Performance

The real show begins at dusk, when the sky darkens, and the bats start to stir. Like clockwork, they emerge from their daytime roost beneath the bridge, creating a swirling, ever-changing river of bats that floods into the evening sky. The spectacle often lasts for over an hour as the bats set off on their nightly foraging journeys. It’s a natural performance that captivates onlookers who gather to witness the phenomenon from the bridge, nearby parks, and even boat tours on Lady Bird Lake.

Urban Biodiversity

The presence of this immense bat colony isn’t just a visual treat; it also plays a vital role in Austin’s ecosystem. The bats are voracious insect eaters, consuming tons of mosquitoes, moths, and other pests each night. This natural pest control has made the bats invaluable to the city, contributing to Austin’s urban biodiversity while reducing the need for chemical insecticides.

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Conservation and Education

The bats over Austin have become a symbol of the city’s commitment to conservation and environmental education. Local organizations and conservationists actively work to protect the bats and their habitat. Educational programs and bat-viewing events encourage visitors and residents to appreciate and conserve these fascinating creatures.

The best time to witness the Austin bat colony in all its glory is during the warm months of late spring through early fall, with the peak bat activity typically occurring in July and August. Bat-watching is not only an exciting summer activity but also an excellent way to connect with the natural world and promote bat conservation.

Austin Bats Forever; we hope!

The bats over Austin are more than just a remarkable natural phenomenon; they are an integral part of the city’s identity and ecosystem. They serve as a reminder of the harmony that can exist between urban environments and the natural world. Witnessing the mass exodus of these Mexican free-tailed bats is a truly magical experience, offering a rare opportunity to connect with the wild side of Austin and the marvels of the natural world. For anyone visiting the Live Music Capital of the World, the bats over Austin should undoubtedly be on their list of must-see attractions.

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I Love South Congress is a proud sponsor of Batcon and the Austin Bat Refuge. We make an annual sales donation to support these fine organizations:

Bat Conservation International http://www.batcon.org/

Austin Bat Refuge https://austinbatrefuge.org/

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The Marvel of Nature: Congress Avenue Bridge – Home to Austin’s Largest Urban Bat Colony

In the heart of Austin, Texas, a unique and extraordinary natural spectacle takes place each evening from spring through autumn. The Congress Avenue Bridge, an iconic symbol of the city, becomes the stage for the largest urban bat colony in North America. Hundreds of thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from their daytime roosts beneath the bridge, creating a breathtaking display that captivates locals and visitors alike. This remarkable phenomenon is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of nature and urban life in Austin.

The Bats of Congress Avenue Bridge

The Mexican free-tailed bats, scientifically known as Tadarida brasiliensis, are the stars of the show. These flying mammals are aptly named for their tails, which extend past their tail membranes, giving them a unique appearance. Congress Avenue Bridge, which spans the Colorado River in downtown Austin, has become the favored maternity roosting site for these bats. Every year, around March or April, the colony returns to give birth to their pups, and by late summer, the population of bats swells to an astonishing one and a half million individuals.

The Bat Emergence

Each evening, just before sunset, a curious hush falls over the spectators gathered along the bridge, awaiting the mesmerizing spectacle. As the sun dips below the horizon, the bats stir and begin their exodus. Wave after wave of bats soar into the darkening sky, forming undulating ribbons of black against the backdrop of the Texas twilight. It’s an awe-inspiring sight that leaves onlookers in utter amazement.

The Timing and Migration

The timing of the bat emergence varies with the sunset, but it usually takes place around dusk. As autumn approaches, the bats begin their migration back to Mexico, marking the end of their stay in Austin. This seasonal event has become a symbol of the changing of the seasons in the city and is celebrated by the locals as a unique and unmissable experience.

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The Environmental Impact

While the bat emergence is a remarkable natural spectacle, it also serves a crucial ecological purpose. The bats are voracious insect eaters, and each night, they consume thousands of pounds of insects, including agricultural pests like moths and mosquitoes. This natural pest control service provided by the bats is an invaluable asset to the local ecosystem and farming community.

Preservation and Conservation Efforts

The presence of the bat colony has led to increased awareness of the importance of preserving and protecting this unique natural phenomenon. The city of Austin, along with various conservation organizations, has implemented measures to ensure the bats’ well-being and habitat. These initiatives include the installation of educational signs, maintaining a respectful distance from the bats, and raising awareness about the ecological significance of the colony.

The Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin, Texas, is more than just a transportation landmark; it is the stage for a natural wonder that continues to captivate the hearts and minds of locals and visitors alike. The largest urban bat colony in North America is a testament to the remarkable balance between urban development and nature’s wonders. Witnessing the emergence of hundreds of thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats is an experience that leaves a lasting impression and showcases the beauty of coexistence between city life and the natural world. It is a living reminder that sometimes the most extraordinary moments in nature can be found in the most unexpected places.

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Congress Bridge Bats is a proud sponsor of Batcon and the Austin Bat Refuge. We make an annual sales donation to support these fine organizations:

Bat Conservation International http://www.batcon.org/

Austin Bat Refuge https://austinbatrefuge.org/

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Bat Watching Boat Tours in Austin

On my recent trip to Texas, I learned a lot about the bat watching boat tours offered in Austin that take visitors to see the infamous city bats. I had heard the stories of the massive bat colony residing in Austin, and wanted to find a unique way to see them instead of lining up on the bridge with hundreds of others. Taking to the water was the best idea because it gives a unique perspective from below as the bats emerge from their slumber and take off into the night sky. Below are some tips and recommendations for booking your own bat watching boat tour.

This article contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission. For more info, please see my  affiliate disclaimer .

When to take a bat watching boat tour in Austin

Best time of year.

The best time to see the infamous Austin bats fly over Lady Bird Lake is between March and November. If you’re looking to see the bats in full force, however, I recommend aiming for the warm summer months of July and August, with August being peak bat watching season. I still saw some of the bats in Austin in very early March, but there weren’t as many as you can expect later in the year.

Best Time of Day

The bats come out just after sunset. If you walk or boat under Congress Avenue Bridge before the sun goes down, the bats can be heard squeaking in the dark bridge crevices above you, getting ready to leave as soon as it’s dark enough. Be sure to get yourself a good viewing spot before the event begins, or book yourself the ultimate viewing opportunity on one of the bat watching boat tours in Austin.

What kinds of bats live in Austin, Texas?

The type of bats that live in Austin, Texas are Mexican free-tailed bats. They migrate from Mexico in the spring, and return in the fall. Of all the bridges along the Colorado River running through Austin, the entire colony of Mexican free-tailed bats choose to live under Congress Avenue Bridge. Their birthing season is in June, and the peak time for bat watching is in August. In August, the number of bats under the bridge reaches about 1.5 million, according to Visit Texas .

Which companies to use for bat watching boat tours in Austin

Capital cruises.

I used Capital Cruises to book my bat watching boat tour when I was in Austin. The entire experience was very smooth, and I would highly recommend them. The bat watching boats from Capital Cruises can be easily spotted by the iconic giant bat placed at the stern. Their check-in spot and dock is located right along Lady Bird Lake, and we showed up 30 minutes prior to departure and got a good seat on the boats. The tour, which lasted about an hour, took us cruising down the Colorado River for a sunset view of the Austin skyline. I enjoyed the bat facts and history from our tour guide about the building and sights around us.

After the sun went down, we made our way to Congress Avenue Bridge. I could see tons of people lined up on the bride, their dark silhouettes outlined against the night sky. People in kayaks were scattered around in the water as well, parked and waiting with a front row view for the bats to emerge. Our tour guide was prepared with a high powered red light, which had no effect on the bats, and allowed us to catch a good glimpse of them under the bridge and other darker areas. They are small bats and we had overcast skies, so they didn’t show up well in my photos, but I was happy I got to see them in person.

Lone Star Riverboat

The other boat company in Austin that operates bat watching boat tours is Lone Star Riverboat. I didn’t use this company, but I saw their check-in location at Lady Bird Lake and it looked very organized. Their red and blue boats stood out on the lake while we were out bat watching. Their tour seems to last about an hour as well, and they also were staffed with tour guides sharing the history of the bats and downtown Austin.

Tips for bat watching boat tours in Austin

• Show up early to get a good spot on the boat
• Bring a jacket as that breeze shows up on the water at sunset
• Bring a good camera. I prefer the Sony A6000 Mirrorless camera .
• Bring your own beverages and snacks, as there were none sold on the boat or dock
• Consider packing some binoculars if you’d like a closer view of the bats

Pin for Later: Bat Watching Boat Tours in Ausin

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Boats Our Boats

Lone Star Riverboat has three different boats for you to choose from, to host your next Austin adventure. Chose bethween luxurious double-decked, paddle-wheel riverboat, or two smaller boats ideal for sunset/bat watching.

The Lone Star

Our largest boat, the Lone Star, is Austin's newest and most luxurious double-decked, paddle-wheel riverboat

The Little Star

The Little Star was built in 2000 and offers sunset/bat watching cruises and sightseeing cruises March through October.

The Southern Star

The Southern Star was built in 2006 and offers sunset/bat watching cruises March through October.

The Northern Star

The Northern Star was built in 2017 and offers sunset/bat watching cruises March through October.

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Experience Austin’s Bats take Flight with one of our many Austin Bat Tours Excursions!

When you book one of our many Austin Bat Tours, you’ll experience the phenomenal experience of watching 1.5 million bats take flight from the most unique and relaxing perspective, the water! Join us as we paddle to the Congress Avenue Bridge and learn about Austin most famous tourist attraction and watch this spectacle of bat flight and many other tours to choose from!

See the city in a new light on a Party Bike Tour! PubCrawler of Austin

Welcome to the ultimate Austin pub crawl! Explore Austin Texas on a party bike built for 15 adventure lovers just like you. This is no ordinary pub crawl. Our PubCrawlers travel through the beautiful streets of downtown Austin with a local driver leading the way. Our Austin party bikes are easy to pedal with an electric pedal assist motor. We offer private bike bar crawls on two routes, Downtown Austin and Riverside.

Public PubCrawl Tours individual seats are great for single riders, date nights, and small groups celebrating any fun occasion.

Private PubCrawl Tours are great for birthday parties, bachelor and bachelorette parties, reunions, graduations, and company outings.

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Book your outdoor event with us today! E-mail: [email protected] 512.345.5220

-->Welcome to Lake Austin Riverboats

For parties, weddings, rehearsal dinners and corporate events, Lake Austin Riverboats has been an Austin institution for more than 50 years

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-->featuring the beauty of lake austin, -->weddings, parties, rehearsal dinners, corporate events, and more, about us celebrating over 70 years.

As the longest running riverboat operation in Texas and an official boat of the Texas Navy, Lake Austin Riverboats provides a party venue as unique as Austin itself. Our full crew and captain will do everything to make your birthday, company party, meeting, group event, banquet, rehearsal dinner or wedding memorable. We offer catering, bar service, linen service, theme parties and live music. Whatever you need for your event, we bring it all together at Lake Austin Riverboats. And we're located just five minutes from downtown Austin.

About Our Boats

Hand built on Lake Austin, our authentic stern-wheel riverboats are designed to host your large party, wedding, company meeting, club luncheon or other group event. The Commodore, with its vintage twin smoke stacks, can entertain up to 250 guests and has two dining rooms. The Commodore’s Pup, with its open upper deck, can accommodate up to 125 guests. Both boats have A/C and heating for your comfort.

The Beauty of Lake Austin

Lake Austin is one of the seven highland lakes in Central Texas. Your chartered course begins at the LCRA dock next to the Tom Miller Dam where free parking is readily available. As we meander up Lake Austin, you’ll enjoy the beauty of the natural limestone cliffs, Mt. Bonnell, some amazing lakefront mansions and spectacular views of the picturesque Pennybacker Bridge. The beauty of Lake Austin and the leisurely pace of our authentic stern wheel boat provide the perfect setting for your event or party. But don't take our word for it. Check out the video below for a bird's eye view of the scenary you'll see when you enjoy an event with Lake Austin Riverboats.

Contact Us Parking and Boarding Info

Parking: Weekends and Weekdays after 5pm in the LCRA visitor parking at 3700 Lake Austin Blvd or any time in the City of Austin metered lot at 1501 Scenic Drive .

Boarding: Two different locations depending on your event. Please contact your event host for location details: (1) The Hula Hut boat dock, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd 78703 (between Hula Hut and Quince Lakehouse), or the LCRA landing behind the LCRA's Jack Miller building, 3701 Lake Austin Blvd 78703 (between Hula Hut and the Tom Miller Dam.).

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We sincerely appreciate your interest in Lake Austin Riverboats. Use the form below for general questions. If you're looking for a price qoute on your next event, please fill out the form on the Request a Quote page so we can gather all the necessary details. We look forward to hearing from you and promise to respond as quickly as possible.

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Man arrested for allegedly taking a decommissioned NYC fireboat for an overnight cruise

FILE - The fireboat John J. Harvey passes the Statue of Liberty, Oct. 28, 2011, in New York Harbor. A man was arrested Thursday, April 11, 2024, for allegedly taking the decommissioned New York City fire boat for an overnight cruise on the Hudson River, before becoming stuck and jumping ship. He then boarded a second stolen vessel, police said, which he sailed roughly one nautical mile (1.8 kilometers) south until he was taken into custody on its deck. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)

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NEW YORK (AP) — A man was arrested Thursday for allegedly taking a decommissioned New York City fireboat for an overnight cruise on the Hudson River, before becoming stuck, jumping ship and stealing another vessel, police said.

He was charged with two counts of grand larceny, officials said. He had not been arraigned as of Thursday afternoon and it was not immediately clear if he had a lawyer.

The man commandeered the fireboat, known as the John J. Harvey, by untying it from its mooring at Pier 66 off the west side of Manhattan, according to authorities. The 130 foot (40 meter) long vessel, which now serves as a museum, earned local acclaim after it was used to evacuate survivors of 9/11.

Once aboard the fireboat, the man was able to drift a short distance into the Hudson River, police said, but quickly got stuck. He leapt overboard, plunging into the frigid waters and later emerging on a second stolen vessel, according to police.

He navigated that sailboat toward Pier 51, roughly 15 blocks south of the original location, police said. The department’s Harbor Unit responded to a 2:30 a.m. call about a stolen boat and arrested the man on the sailboat’s deck.

A spokesperson for the Hudson River Park Trust, which oversees Pier 66, said the fireboat is secure and being assessed for damage.

Built in 1931, the Harvey assisted in several dramatic marine rescues, helping to put out a potentially catastrophic fire aboard the El Estero, a munitions ship docked in the New York Harbor during World War II.

It was retired in 1994, but was called back into service on the morning of 9/11 to help pick up survivors and to pump water onto the site.

The boat’s caretakers offer occasional free public cruises along the Hudson River.

Man arrested for allegedly taking a decommissioned NYC fireboat for an overnight cruise

NEW YORK — A man was arrested Thursday for allegedly taking a decommissioned New York City fireboat for an overnight cruise on the Hudson River, before becoming stuck, jumping ship and stealing another vessel, police said.

He was charged with two counts of grand larceny, officials said. He had not been arraigned as of Thursday afternoon and it was not immediately clear if he had a lawyer.

The man commandeered the fireboat, known as the John J. Harvey, by untying it from its mooring at Pier 66 off the west side of Manhattan, according to authorities. The 130 foot (40 meter) long vessel, which now serves as a museum, earned local acclaim after it was used to evacuate survivors of 9/11.

Once aboard the fireboat, the man was able to drift a short distance into the Hudson River, police said, but quickly got stuck. He leapt overboard, plunging into the frigid waters and later emerging on a second stolen vessel, according to police.

He navigated that sailboat toward Pier 51, roughly 15 blocks south of the original location, police said. The department’s Harbor Unit responded to a 2:30 a.m. call about a stolen boat and arrested the man on the sailboat’s deck.

A spokesperson for the Hudson River Park Trust, which oversees Pier 66, said the fireboat is secure and being assessed for damage.

Built in 1931, the Harvey assisted in several dramatic marine rescues, helping to put out a potentially catastrophic fire aboard the El Estero, a munitions ship docked in the New York Harbor during World War II.

It was retired in 1994, but was called back into service on the morning of 9/11 to help pick up survivors and to pump water onto the site.

The boat’s caretakers offer occasional free public cruises along the Hudson River.

River City Pops: The Decades Tour

• Presented By: River City Pops
• Dates: May 17, 2024 - May 18, 2024
• Recurrence: Recurring daily
• Location: Dougherty Arts Center
• Time: 7:00 PM
• Price: $15-$20

Get ready for 40 years of musical magic with River City Pops: The Decades Tour! Join us for a spectacular journey spanning the past forty years of music as we celebrate our 40th anniversary in style. River City Pops: The Decades Tour is more than a concert; it’s a musical time machine that will transport you through the iconic sounds that have defined each era from the electrifying beats of Dua Lipa’s Dance the Night to Queen’s timeless anthem I Want to Break Free. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable night filled with joy, nostalgia, and an incredible celebration of 40 years as Austin’s Premier Show Choir. Get your tickets now and be a part of the magic! This project has been financed in whole, or in part, by the City of Austin’s Elevate Grant Program. About River City Pops: River City Pops (RCP), under the artistic and musical direction of Abigale Archey, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit vocal and dance performance organization that’s been entertaining family audiences in Austin, TX, since 1984. The group was originally founded by University of Texas Longhorn Singers Alumni, but the current membership comes from all over. RCP is proud to be a diverse group of adults who love to sing and dance. Each year RCP puts on a combination of family-friendly mainstage shows and performances in the community. You can find them performing for local Austin businesses in the fall, caroling in the winter, and putting on a full-scale production in the spring. The group is uniquely collaborative, working together to create a brand new show that is 100% River City Pops every time. River City Pops, a 501(c)(3) organization, has been financed and supported in part by the City of Austin’s Elevate Grant Program. Visit us at http://www.rivercitypops.org/ to know more about River City Pops.

Far North Queensland tour operators wait to reopen after ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper flooded Barron River

Warren Clinton stands on a muddy riverbank where his jetty and pontoon once stood.

He recounts his recent tribulations while they are still fresh in his mind but is frequently interrupted by the sound of his mobile phone ringing.

Each caller wants to take the riverboat tour of the mighty Barron River in Far North Queensland's rainforest mountain village of Kuranda.

Each time, Mr Clinton disappoints his caller — he does not know when he will be able to get back on the water.

"It's been very mentally draining, that's the most difficult part of it," he said.

Operators still waiting

More than three months have passed since the ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper caused Barron's largest flood in more than a century.

Far North Queensland is heavily reliant on the tourist dollar, with one in five people employed in the industry, according to Tourism Tropical North Queensland.

But some tourism operators, including Warren and Melissa Clinton, are still not back on their feet.

The business owners managed to save their boat from destruction in the flood, but the sheer deluge of water washed away their pontoon and a nearby weir.

"I've blocked out [tours] on our online booking system into May," Ms Clinton said.

"Because it's just taking so long and the weather is against you, getting the riverbank fixed and the weir fixed."

Peak season approaching

Governments have been encouraging tourists to go to far north Queensland ever since tropical cyclone Jasper struck in December, with discounted flights and accommodation packages .

Almost a three-hour drive north of Cairns is Cape Tribulation, a spot world famous for being the juncture of the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.

Businesses there only opened to visitors in March for the first time since December, in time for the Easter weekend.

Café owner Lawrence Mason could not hide his relief at being able to work again.

But he is realistic about the "massive amount of repair work" still to be done on the road into his northern community.

A $10 million grant program to rebuild infrastructure will close mid-April.

Applicants are also waiting to find out whether they will receive a share of money set aside to support those who've lost income.

Tourism Minister Michael Healy said he hoped to advise all 119 applications of the outcome "in coming days".

Wildlife recovering

Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive Mark Olsen said it had been a "very stressful time".

"This is typically the launch pad for our main season but many of these businesses are coming in with very little cash flow," he said.

"So, we're hoping that in the next couple of days, we start to see those grant announcements coming through."

The Clintons expect it wil be at least five or six weeks before they can show people the wonders of the Barron again.

The visitors who make it there will see a very different landscape but the wildlife has shown signs of recovery.

"It's sort of helped clean the river, bring it back to its original wild state, I think," Mr Clinton said.

"The wildlife has been here longer than us, so they're used to this river flooding.

"It's amazing every year we go back after a flood, and the same fish are still there and the same crocodiles are still there."

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