THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Cruise the Brisbane River from Southbank to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary aboard the MV Mirimar. Encounter native wildlife and take in the city’s riverfront history on this unique 75-minute journey.
Cruise the Brisbane River from Southbank to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary aboard the MV Mirimar. Encounter native wildlife and take in the city’s riverfront history on this unique 75-minute journey.
Book with Koala & River Cruises
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Koala & River Cruises · South Brisbane, Queensland
Set along the sparkling Brisbane River, Koala & River Cruises offers a one-way journey aboard the MV Mirimar, ferrying passengers from Southbank’s Cultural Centre Pontoon to the world-famous Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. This trip blends river scenery, local history, and wildlife encounters into an effortless 75-minute experience tailored for outdoor lovers and families alike.
The cruise begins in South Brisbane, an energetic precinct where the river cuts through the city’s cultural heart. As the Mirimar glides past waterside mansions and lush parklands, guests receive an engaging commentary highlighting Brisbane’s evolution from colonial settlement to modern metropolis. The shifting views—from urban skyline to leafy suburbs—provide a striking backdrop that showcases Queensland’s natural charm.
Arriving at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, visitors are greeted by one of the world’s largest collections of koalas, with over 130 residents. Here, you can gently hold a koala, feed a crowd of kangaroos and wallabies roaming free across two hectares, and catch the Flight of the Raptors show where native birds of prey sweep overhead in exhilarating flight. The sanctuary also offers a rare chance to glimpse the elusive platypus in its specially designed habitat.
Koala & River Cruises complements the outdoor adventure landscape around Brisbane by linking iconic wildlife encounters with a scenic river voyage—delivering easy access to nature just minutes from the bustling city. The route and experience are ideal for anyone seeking a relaxed outdoor excursion with rich interpretive insight, a direct connection to native Australian fauna, and immersive views of the river corridor’s diverse ecosystems. This trip truly stands out for combining convenience, education, and up-close wildlife in a single, memorable package.
easy.
1.25 hours.
Minimal physical fitness required; accessible to most guests comfortable with stairs.
Yes, the cruise and sanctuary visits are family-friendly, offering engaging wildlife experiences for all ages.
Return cruises are subject to availability; check onboard with the crew for options and costs.
Yes, snacks and beverages are available for purchase in the on-board café.
The cruise has boarding stairs and the sanctuary has varied terrain; visitors with mobility concerns should plan accordingly.
Koala encounters must be pre-booked through the sanctuary and cannot be guaranteed by the cruise operator.
Visitors often see kangaroos, wallabies, and native birds including eagles, kites, and owls at the sanctuary.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, established in 1927, is the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, dedicated to conservation and education.
The sanctuary plays a key role in protecting native species and educating visitors on habitat preservation along the Brisbane River corridor.
Koala & River Cruises operates from South Brisbane, Queensland, offering scenic river cruises between Brisbane’s South Bank and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. The operator’s trip options include return cruises to Lone Pine without an entry ticket, return cruises that include Lone Pine entry, VIP combo return cruises with entry, and one-way transfers from South Bank to Lone Pine with entry included. Onboard commentary accompanies passages past Brisbane landmarks while passengers travel aboard vessels such as the MV Mirimar on certain departures. At Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, guests can see koalas, feed kangaroos, and attend animal presentations cited in trip descriptions, including a sheepdog show, a Flight Raptor show, and three hours of sanctuary access on selected tickets. The VIP COMBO includes morning tea plus a gourmet cheese board served with wine on the outward or return cruise, depending on the itinerary. Trip descriptions specify whether the sanctuary entry ticket is included or excluded, allowing guests to choose admission options that suit their plans. Departure points are from Southbank in South Brisbane and trips return there unless booked as a one-way transfer. Tours are presented as a combination of river sightseeing and time at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary for wildlife viewing and experiences. Booking details, ticket inclusions, and scheduled departure information are provided for each listed trip so visitors can select return, entry-inclusive, VIP, or one-way options. All trips depart from South Bank and travel on the Brisbane River, combining sightseeing narration with transfers to Lone Pine for wildlife activities daily.
Book with Koala & River Cruises