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Duration: 5 hours (approx.)
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Meeting point: Cultural Centre Pontoon
Overview
Cruise along the mighty Brisbane River from the CBD to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to meet Australia’s most famous native animal. The renowned wildlife park is also home to kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and many other iconic species. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxed cruise back to Brisbane.
- Cruise along the mighty Brisbane River from the CBD to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
- Enjoy the live commentary from your captain
- Spend three hours exploring the sanctuary, which is home to more than 130 koalas
- Learn more about these fascinating animals at a keeper presentation
- Meet kangaroos and wallabies, and perhaps hold a python
- See owls, kites and sea eagles soar during the popular Free Flight Raptor show.
Brisbane River Cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
5
452robynd (via TripAdvisor)
‘We had a wonderful day at Lone Pine! The boat ride there was great and I’d highly recommend it, especially if visitors are on a tight schedule. The staff were very helpful and friendly and we had plenty of time there.’
Featured guest review
'We had a wonderful day at Lone Pine! The boat ride there was great and I’d highly recommend it, especially if visitors are on a tight schedule. The staff were very helpful and friendly and we had plenty of time there.'- 452robynd (via TripAdvisor)
- Return cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
- Informative commentary during the cruise
- Entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
- Daily keeper talks and presentations.
This Brisbane River Cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is one of the River City’s most popular tourist activities, and has been for many decades. The experience begins with a cruise on board the MV Mirimar from the South Bank precinct to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary — a journey of around 45 minutes. You’ll board the cruise at the Cultural Centre Public Pontoon, which is located on the boardwalk in front of the Queensland State Library. Boarding commences at 8.30am for a 9am departure.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is located on the Brisbane River at Fig Tree Pocket. It was established in 1927 to house orphaned, sick and injured koalas, and holds the Guinness Book of World Records title as the oldest koala sanctuary in existence.
As well as introducing visitors to these amazing animals, Lone Pine is home to the Brisbane Koala Science Institute. There are plenty of other native critters to meet, including kangaroos, wallabies, emus, dingoes, and the highly elusive platypus.
On arrival at the sanctuary, you’ll have three hours to explore at your own pace. You may like to:
- Hold a koala under keeper supervision (additional cost applies)
- Learn more about these amazing animals at one of the daily keeper talks
- Visit the Platypus House and try and spot this highly elusive animal
- Watch magnificent birds of prey perform in the Free Flight Raptor show
- Hand feed gentle kangaroos and wallabies
- See the amazing Sheepdog Show
- Purchase lunch from one of the sanctuary’s food outlets.
On your return cruise to the CBD departs Lone Pine at 1.30pm sharp. Relax on board as the scenery drifts by, and perhaps enjoy a glass of Australian wine or beer during the trip (additional cost applies).
This Brisbane River Cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary arrives back in the city at 2.45pm.
Cover image: Tourism and Events Queensland
- Once your booking has been completed, an order confirmation will be sent automatically to your email address. You will also receive a booking confirmation with hotel pick-up details and operator contact information for the day. Please print the confirmation or have it available on your smart phone.
- Children must be accompanied on this activity by a parent or guardian.
- Senior and student concession bookings must be validated at the time of boarding with a valid student card or proof of age (65 years and older).
- There are 28 stairs to climb from the boat mooring to the entry gates at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
- Koala holds can only be booked in person at the Lone Pine Sanctuary Experience Hut on the day of your visit. They cannot be pre-booked. Availability varies each day and depends on animal welfare requirements.
- The itinerary provided is a guide only and may change due to operational requirements.
- This activity operates in all weather conditions.
- To purchase a gift voucher, please click here.
- Do you have a group enquiry? Please contact us.
- View our booking terms and conditions here.
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Your Cart
Virginia
Great excursion. Terrific staff, good friendly service. Interesting commentary. A very good day out.
JC4At l(via Tripadvisor)
If actually being able to hold a Koala is important to you, I recommend checking the time you can do that because I was super disappointed when I found out our boat arrives after the first holding and before the last holding so I didn’t get to do it. Double check and choose the right departure time. The boat crew were friendly and seeing the animals was a cool experience after a chill boat ride.
DawieVilj (via Tripadvisor)
It is a must do when visiting the city and recommended. The staff are great and the service is also. We had a great morning and will be back.
KGeddes65 (via Tripadvisor)
Great day out and fantastic way to travel to and from the Koala sanctuary. Comfortable! Enjoyable! Great views! A great experience not to be missed!
Frequent_traveler200 (via Tripadvisor)
We took the cruise to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and it was an enjoyable excursion. Left Brisbane at 10:30 and returned around 3:30. Commentary on way to the Sanctuary was informative and it was nice to see the different neighborhoods along the river. The sanctuary is well worth the visit. We didn’t bother with lines for holding or photos with koalas; it was special enough to see them up close–adorable! Fun to be able to get so close (to feed) the kangaroos and huge ostriches too. Lots of pretty birds.
452robynd (via Tripadvisor)
We had a wonderful day at Lone Pine! The boat ride there was great and I’d highly recommend it, especially if visitors are on a tight schedule. The staff were very helpful and friendly and we had plenty of time there.