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5 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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
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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
General Admission into Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Round-trip cruise
Food and drinks (available to purchase)
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Koala Moments (Touch a Koala)bookings online
The Brisbane River
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.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
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.
1,401 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Debra L,
Sep 16, 2025
- Viator
This was a perfect way to see parts of the city and visit the Koala Sanctuary! The commentary was humorous and informative! Our time at the sanctuary was well spent and we were able to see everything we wanted to. The boat was clean and comfortable. Food and drinks were also available. I appreciated the staff putting out blankets as the cruise on the river was a bit breezy and chilly. Staff also reminded folks to chat quietly so others could hear the commentary. Much appreciated!
John R,
Sep 14, 2025
- Viator
As first time visitors to Brisbane, it was an excellent opportunity to learn more about the history, culture, and visual beauty of Brisbane. The staff were great!
CHANNAPATNA M,
Sep 11, 2025
- Viator
It was all well and great arrangements perfectly timed. The booking process and the well come by the Captain and the tour story
Sue T,
Sep 10, 2025
- Viator
It was an awesome experience! Beautiful River Cruise and plenty of time to explore Koala park. Do not hesitate to book this tour.
Mark S,
Sep 10, 2025
- Viator
Walk up to the koala preserve is up a steep stairway about 300 feet up. Not for the ambulatory challenged
Operated by Koala and River Cruises