Brisbane River Cruise & Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Entry
Cruise Past Brisbane's Skyline, Then Spend Three Hours With Koalas
You board at Southbank, cruise downriver for an hour, then have three unscheduled hours at Lone Pine to see koalas, kangaroos, sheepdog and bird of prey shows, and wild lorikeets. The return cruise leaves at 1:30pm and gets you back to the city by 2:45pm. Entry to the sanctuary and both boat trips are included.
Step-by-step itinerary
Brisbane river cruise and sanctuary visit
- Check in by 8:45 am
- Board boat at Southbank
- Cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
- Arrive at sanctuary at 10:15 am
- Explore sanctuary for 3 hours
- See koalas, kangaroos, and platypus
- Watch sheepdog and birds of prey shows
- Feed wild lorikeets
- Board boat from 12:45 pm to 1:30 pm
- Cruise back to Brisbane city
- Brisbane River Entry included 1h 15m
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Entry included 3h
What’s included
- Your day includes round-trip river cruise from Southbank to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, general admission to the sanctuary, and captain's commentary during both boat journeys.
- Café and bar are available on board for food and drinks (at your own cost).
- Strollers are permitted for small children, and the cruise itself is wheelchair accessible, though the sanctuary entrance requires climbing 28 steps from the jetty.
Times
- Every day 09:00
Before you book
Operated by Koala and River Cruises
Prices and times updated today
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The experience
You're at Southbank by 8:45am, boarding a boat that leaves the city's glass towers behind and takes you downriver toward the trees. The captain talks as you move (pointing out waterside mansions and the shift from concrete to leafy suburbs), and by 10:15am you're stepping onto the jetty at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Three hours to walk the parkland, stand in front of koalas, watch kangaroos, and catch the sheepdog show where the dogs respond to whistles and hand signals. The birds of prey fly overhead. Lorikeets come in twice a day for feeding, and if you're patient, you might spot the Eastern Water Dragons (lizards that grow up to three feet long) moving through the grass.
Lone Pine opened in 1927 as a refuge for sick and orphaned koalas when the species was being hunted for fur. That history sits with you as you walk. The sanctuary isn't just a place to see animals. It's built around the idea that watching them changes how you think about protecting them. The sheepdog show runs on a schedule, the Birds of Prey display has set times, so you'll want to check what's on during your three hours and plan which ones matter to you. Some people spend most of their time with the koalas. Others split time between the shows and the walking trails.
At 12:45pm, boarding starts for the return cruise. You can grab something from the café or bar on the boat (wine and other drinks are for purchase), or just sit on deck and watch the city come back into view as you head back to Southbank, arriving around 2:45pm. The whole day is five and a half hours from check-in to return, which means you're back in the city by mid-afternoon with the rest of your day still open.
Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Australian wildlife without arranging separate transport and entry: the fixed schedule and included boat ride mean you show up at one place and the day unfolds on its own. It works well for families with young children and anyone who'd rather not navigate getting to Lone Pine by car.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 13 years); Infant (under 3): free.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What time do I need to arrive?
Check-in is 8:45am at Southbank. The boat departs at 9am sharp.
How long do I have at Lone Pine?
Three hours, from 10:15am to 1:30pm when boarding for the return cruise begins.
What animals will I see?
Koalas, kangaroos, platypus, lorikeets, owls, kites, sea eagles, and Eastern Water Dragons. There are also scheduled sheepdog and Birds of Prey shows.
Is food included?
No. There's a café and bar on the boat where you can purchase food and drinks, but nothing is included in the ticket price.
Can I bring a stroller or wheelchair?
Strollers are fine for infants and small children. The cruise is wheelchair accessible, but Lone Pine has 28 steps from the jetty to the entrance.
What's the total time for the day?
From 8:45am check-in to 2:45pm return to Southbank. About five and a half hours total.
Is there commentary on the cruise?
Yes. The captain provides informative commentary as you travel along the Brisbane River.
Can service animals come?
Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.
Brisbane River Cruise & Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Entry
5h 30m · EN
from AU$ 138 per person
≈ US$ 98 in your currency
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