Brisbane River Cruise with entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Overview
Available languages
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
Additional Info
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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.
What‘s Included
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
Options
Option 1
Reviews
1,508 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lone pine koala sanctuary with cruise visited solo
Lesley M,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Lovely trip lots to see .captain and crew friendly and caring .animals really cared for and best fed kangaroos with all the food bags .the rangers take photos meeting koala s and lovely menthol small
Great fun
Barbara S,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fun, relaxing, informative history of Brisbane River The ferry ride was cool and smooth and the crew were helpful and fruendly
Great Tour!
dionneborn2winyahooc,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I loved this tour! The sanctuary and boat ride are great! Koalas are the cutest thing! Loved the complimentary photo.
Our Brisbane trip jan26
Sarat D,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Well organized tour.River cruise is very enjoyable.Able to see beautiful homes.Narration of historical places was good.Koala sanctuary was very good-Sarat.
5 star tour!
Carly Y,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I loved it! What a great tour. Plenty of free time to explore, pet kangaroos, see tons of wildlife, and watch amazing animal shows. The boat ride was pleasant too--all of the staff were really friendly and kind.
Great half day out
Wendy N,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The boat was clean and the crew were friendly and helpful. The onboard cafe bar was well stocked with good service. The commentary for the outward journey was clear and interesting. Plenty of time was allowed to walk around the sanctuary and buy refreshments. The sanctuary staff were also friendly and knowledgeable. The return journey had no commentary (same route in reverse so unnecessary) and the cruise was leisurely and relaxing. We all enjoyed this trip
Koalas and Kangaroos!
Michelle L,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Relaxing cruise on the river with the highlight being the sanctuary stop. Plenty of time to fully explore and have lunch. Snacks and drinks available on the boat were reasonably priced and crew was personable. Sanctuary visit up close to koalas and kangaroos checked off a bucket list item!
cruise with Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
auntyris21,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00crew on board were very friendly and helpful. front or back of boat needs a little more cover due to going in summer very hot. Koala Sanctuary was great to see all the different areas for all Koalas and all their friends. Cafe was great had a big variety to cover all tastes and a great under cover area to enjoy your purchase
Koala sanctuary
Faith S,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Perfect day just enough time at the sanctuary. Sign up for koala experience as soon as you get there.
This was a great...
Jennifer V,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great experience. The staff is amazing. Remember to bring sunscreen and plenty of water!!
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Operated by Koala and River Cruises