Brisbane River Cruise with entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Brisbane , Australia

Brisbane River Cruise with entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

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(1468 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

See Australia’s amazing animals on a day trip to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary from Brisbane. Your river cruise takes you from the bustling waterfront of Southbank to the lush parklands of Lone Pine, with the chance to see iconic sights as you glide along the water. At the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, you can get up close to koalas, kangaroos and watch platypus, sheepdogs, and birds of prey in action. Animal lovers will not want to miss this experience!

Check-in is required by 8.45 am, departs at 9am sharp, arriving at Lone Pine Sanctuary 10:15- departing Lone Pine at 1:30pm and arriving back in the city at 2:45pm

Available options

Option 1

What's included

General Admission into Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Round-trip cruise

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

You’ll board your boat in Brisbane’s Southbank district and leave the city behind on a relaxing cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Enjoy informative commentary from your captain as you glide along Brisbane’s waterfront, passing from the bustle of the city’s skyscrapers to leafy suburbs with waterside mansions.

Stop 2

At 10:15am you’ll arrive at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary where you’ll be free to explore for 3 hours.
Lone Pine opened in 1927 as a safe refuge for sick, injured, and orphaned koalas, at a time when the species was being culled for the fur trade.

Today, Lone Pine remains as a destination not only see native Australian animals, but to also connect and learn, and to leave feeling inspired to make small, positive changes in your daily lives to help protect native wildlife and habitats.

Along with koalas and kangaroos, Lone Pine hosts a sheepdog show where you see the dogs round up a herd of sheep, responding to their master’s whistles, calls and signals. You can see owls, kites and sea eagles soar above you at the Birds of Prey show, or marvel at the colorful feathers of the wild lorikeets that fly in twice daily for feedings. Other bird species and a population of Eastern Water Dragons, a lizard that grows up to 3 feet (90cm) long also like to visit Lone Pine’s natural parkland.

After an action packed exploration of the Sanctuary we start boarding for those of you with tired feet at 12:45pm until 1:30pm when you will embark on a relaxing cruise back to the city.
Enjoy the full service of our Cafe/Bar with a chessboard and wine (to purchase on board) or just sit back and listen to the music.

What's not included

Food and drinks (available to purchase)

Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Koala Moments (Touch a Koala)bookings online

Available languages

Audio guide

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

766 reviews

5★

623

4★

111

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

702 reviews

5★

560

4★

110

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Wheelchair: Cruise is accessible however Lone Pine has a set of 28 steps to climb from the jetty to the entrance

No health restrictions apply to this tour

Meeting point

Check in 8:30 am
The pontoon is located on the riverside boardwalk, just outside the Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art Cultural precinct, Southbank.

Important notes

Please note the cruise needs to leave promptly at 9am, please ensure you arrive 10 mins prior to departure.

Cruise arrives at Lone Pine Sanctuary at 10:15am and must depart promptly at 1:30pm to return back to Brisbane.

About Brisbane

Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is known for its vibrant culture, lush green spaces, and subtropical climate. It offers a perfect blend of urban lifestyle and outdoor adventures, with the South Bank Parklands and the iconic Story Bridge being major attractions.

Top Attractions

South Bank Parklands

South Bank Parklands is a beautiful urban park located along the Brisbane River. It features lush gardens, walking paths, a beach, and various dining and entertainment options.

Nature/Entertainment Half day to full day Free (some attractions may have fees)

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world's first and largest koala sanctuary, offering visitors the opportunity to hold a koala and interact with other Australian wildlife.

Nature/Wildlife Half day $42.50 (adult), $25.50 (child)

Story Bridge Adventure Climb

The Story Bridge Adventure Climb offers a unique opportunity to climb the iconic Story Bridge and enjoy breathtaking views of Brisbane and the river.

Adventure 2.5 hours $99 (adult), $89 (child)

Mount Coot-tha Lookout

Mount Coot-tha Lookout offers panoramic views of Brisbane and its surrounding areas. It is a popular spot for sunrise and sunset, as well as stargazing.

Nature/Scenic 1-2 hours Free (parking fees apply)

Queen Street Mall

Queen Street Mall is Brisbane's premier shopping destination, featuring a wide range of retail stores, dining options, and street performers.

Shopping Half day to full day Free to browse (shopping and dining costs vary)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Moreton Bay Bugs

Moreton Bay Bugs are a type of lobster found in the waters around Brisbane. They are often grilled or served in a creamy sauce.

Main Course Gluten-free options available

Brisbane's Best Burgers

Brisbane is known for its gourmet burgers, featuring high-quality ingredients and creative toppings.

Main Course Vegetarian and vegan options available

Lamingtons

Lamingtons are a classic Australian dessert made from sponge cake coated in chocolate and coconut.

Dessert Gluten-free and vegan options available

Pavlova

Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, often served at celebrations and gatherings.

Dessert Gluten-free and vegan options available

Popular Activities

Story Bridge Adventure Climb Whitewater rafting Kayaking South Bank Parklands Spa treatments Wine tasting Queen Street Mall West End Markets

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Autumn) and September to November (Spring)

These months offer pleasant weather with lower humidity and rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

18-28°C 64-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Korean
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Australian Dollar (AUD)

Time Zone

AEST (GMT+10)

Electricity

240VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Brisbane is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a friendly atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
• Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid using them at night

Getting there

By air

Brisbane Airport • 13 km from city center

By train

Brisbane Roma Street Station

By bus

Brisbane Transit Centre

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most extensive form of public transport in Brisbane, with frequent services and a go card for easy fare payment.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Fortitude Valley New Farm West End Bulimba

Day trips

Gold Coast

70 km • Half day to full day

The Gold Coast is a popular destination known for its beautiful beaches, theme parks, and vibrant nightlife. It is easily accessible from Brisbane by car or public transport.

Sunshine Coast

100 km • Full day

The Sunshine Coast is a beautiful coastal region known for its stunning beaches, national parks, and relaxed atmosphere. It is easily accessible from Brisbane by car or public transport.

Moreton Island

75 km • Full day

Moreton Island is a beautiful island located off the coast of Brisbane. It is known for its stunning beaches, sand dunes, and wildlife. It is easily accessible from Brisbane by ferry.

Festivals

Brisbane Festival • September Ekka (Royal Queensland Exhibition) • August Riverfire • September

Pro tips

Visit the South Bank Parklands for a relaxing day by the river, with beautiful gardens, a beach, and various dining and entertainment options.
Explore the vibrant arts and cultural scene in Fortitude Valley, with numerous galleries, museums, and live music venues.
Take a day trip to the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast for beautiful beaches, theme parks, and outdoor adventures.
Try the local cuisine, with a focus on fresh, local produce and diverse international influences.
Use public transport or walk whenever possible, as Brisbane is a walkable city with an extensive public transport network.