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.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.25 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical fitness required; accessible to most guests comfortable with stairs.
Wildlife
History
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, established in 1927, is the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, dedicated to conservation and education.
Conservation
The sanctuary plays a key role in protecting native species and educating visitors on habitat preservation along the Brisbane River corridor.
Koala & River Cruises
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.
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.
Departure
South Bank
South Brisbane departure point
Trips Available
4 options
Return, entry, VIP, one-way
Sanctuary
Lone Pine (World’s largest)
Koalas, kangaroos, raptor shows
Vessel
MV Mirimar on some trips
MV Mirimar on selected departures
Choose a return, entry-inclusive, VIP or one-way trip and secure tickets for the next available departure.
Arrive Early for Boarding
Check in at least 15 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth boarding process at the Cultural Centre Pontoon.
Prepare for Stairs
There are 28 stairs from the boat to Lone Pine Sanctuary’s entry gate; plan accordingly if mobility is a concern.
Bring Cash or Card for Snacks
Onboard the MV Mirimar, light refreshments and snacks are available for purchase; carry suitable payment methods.
Book Animal Encounters in Advance
Koala touching and other animal experiences at the sanctuary book out quickly—reserve online early to avoid disappointment.
Light Jacket
Protects against cool winds on the river cruise.
fall
Sunscreen
Necessary for sun protection during open-air cruising.
summer
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Helpful for navigating the sanctuary grounds and boarding stairs.
Camera or Smartphone
Capture wildlife moments and river scenery.