Discover Brisbane from the water with a scenic river cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, featuring wildlife shows and stunning city views. Perfect for families and nature lovers alike!
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels, mostly seated while cruising
Wildlife
History
Brisbane’s river has served as a vital trade route since the early 1800s, shaping the city’s development.
Conservation
The sanctuary actively participates in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation programs, emphasizing sustainable practices.
Koala & River Cruises
Discover Brisbane from the water with a scenic river cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, featuring wildlife shows and stunning city views. Perfect for families and nature lovers alike!
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
Get to the cruise departure point at least 15 minutes early to secure a good seat and avoid missing commentary and wildlife shows.
Bring a Camera
Capture scenic riverviews, wildlife encounters, and the Brisbane skyline at sunset during the return journey.
Dress Comfortably
Wear layers and sun protection, especially if you plan to explore the sanctuary after the cruise.
Stay Hydrated
Bring water and light snacks for the cruise and time at the sanctuary to stay energized.
Camera or Smartphone
Ideal for capturing river and wildlife scenes during the cruise.
Sun Protection
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to stay comfortable during sunny outdoor portions.
summer
Light Jacket
A layer for cooler evenings or windy parts of the boat.
Binoculars
Useful for wildlife viewing from the boat.