A BIG CAT, a spectacular sunset and wildlife on the banks of an outback river ... it all adds up to a superb way to end a day in Longreach.

The big cat is the MV Longreach Explorer, which cruises the length of the Thomson River right to the top weir nightly from April to October.

You have two cruising options - the one-way Thomson River nibblies cruise which takes you to the top end of the river (there is a coach transfer back) or the extended three-course onboard dinner and entertainment package.

Sunset on the Thomson River has never looked so good. Everyone gathers on the top deck to enjoy delicious nibblies and see the wildlife coming down to the Thomson to drink. You also come across everything from yabbies to a turtle rookery.

For those who choose the dinner option, the meal continues in the saloon where you tuck into rib steak or fish in lemon butter, followed by fruit crumble with cream and hot custard.

Entertainment in the form of bush poetry is a reminder that you are in the outback.

One of the very special moments on this cruise is when you see the Zenon spotlight light up the banks for the first time. It casts a pale blue, other worldly light on the surroundings and the brilliant reflections will amaze you. Even if you’ve been on a cruise of the river in the past, this is seeing the Thomson as you’ve never seen it before.

Recognition for the MV Longreach Explorer cruise has not been slow in coming, for the operation won the Outback Queensland Tourism Awards for the Best New Tourism Development.

Special packages are available for those staying at the Longreach Motor Inn as well as taking the cruise. If you’re staying a couple of nights, you’ll adore dinner on the other night at the motel’s Vita Bella Ristorante Bar - a little piece of the Mediterranean in the outback!

Enquire with Destination Longreach on a range of superb options. For more information, check the website, destinationlongreach.com.au.