Brisbane River Cruise with entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Overview

Available languages

English

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‘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

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.

1 hour 15 minutes•Admission Included

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.

3 hours•Admission Included

Options

Option 1

Reviews

4.73

1,356 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1082

212

Koalas and Kangaroos
Jackie F,
Jul 10, 2025
- Viator
5.00
This was a great day trip from Brisbane. The boat ride was pleasant and the time st the sanctuary was wonderful.
Precision animals and lovely boat ride!
Michele V,
Jul 8, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Koalas Oh MY! Wow. You must pay the extra for the koala petting and photos. I suggest getting your ticket in advance. I LOVE LOVE LOVED this excursion. The sanctuary is a go to for koalsa (and other animals) but I went just for the koalas. Saw probably 100! So worth it. Also on the boat, sit in the back on the way back where the back engine is and turn your chair around to see the beautiful views with no wind!
Best Experience in Brisbane!
Jennie G,
Jul 6, 2025
- Viator
5.00
The cruise was comfortable and had a nice commentary during the trip to the sanctuary. The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary cannot be missed. The most amazing experience with kangaroos and koalas. I would go back each day!
River cruise and Lone Pine Koala
IRENE C,
Jul 3, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Definitely worth it . This is our first time in Brisbane. The staff are all very nice and very organized . The cruise was very informative . Saw many koalas in one place was amazing .
Great outing!
Roger G,
Jun 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00
The river cruise and the visit to the animal sanctuary were both top notch. The crew, the staff are the sanctuary were extremely friendly and helpful. Highly recommend this outing!