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
1,567 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best way to the Koala Sanctuary
Wendy A,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was such a fun adventure. It is the best way to get to the sanctuary and learn more about Brisbane. We ordered food for the ride up and it was delicious. They served our drinks in real mugs which was so nice vs a paper cup. The koala sanctuary is amazing and it was the perfect amount of time to explore, have lunch then head back. We got pics from the bridge on the way home and the crew were great.
Mist do tour while in Brisbane
Fernando M,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Good tour of the river and the Koala sanctuary is nice with tons of animals to see. At least 100 Koalas in the sanctuary as well as Emus, Kangaroos, Sheep, etc.
Loved seeing all the animals & a nice boat ride too
zgillam,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lovely day despite a few rain showers. Plenty of time to see all exhibits & various shows with knowledgeable staff. Boat ride was comfortable & very informative about the river, locations & history of Brisbane. Gift shops had reasonable prices.
Fantastic cruise and sanctuary experoance
richardjohnw2017,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous well organised and great value for money. Loved every minute
Excellent, fun Koala Sanctuary tour
Eva H,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent Brisbane River tour to arrive at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Very relaxing & informative. Sanctuary was excellent with very close viewing of the Koalas, Cuckatoos, Kangaroos, Wallabys and other Australian mammals. We were able to hear a keeper talk about their crocodile and it was so educational. Great place to visit with a family, partner, or solo. Highly recommend 🤗
Koalas
Monique M,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The sanctuary of Lone Pine Koala is fabulous. You can see Koalas, kangaroos and wallabies in large numbers and even a Tasmanian devil.
Two great experiences and 1st class river cruise experience
Z2392XWjeant,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day out would recommend this is you are coming to Brisbane . The crew on the River cruise were excellent nothing was too much trouble and there knowledge of the river and history was first class. On arrival to the lone park sanctuary they tell you the history of lone pine and we were advised of our departure time and everything was explained regarding entry to park and a map of the park could be downloaded to your phone. The lone park sanctuary was a good experience and the staff take great pride in caring for the animals. There are displays on which give you the background of the various animals . The feeding of kangaroos and being able to get up close with a lot of the animals is a great experience. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff at lone park they are happy to answer your questions and you can see they love taking care of the animals. When it was time to go back on board the river cruise we had a warm welcome back on board and they asked about our day at lone pine. Our cruise back was as enjoyable as the cruise down . Nothing was too much trouble much trouble and our departure from the cruise was excellent . I would recommend this 1st class experience Thank you
Lovely day out
Paul O,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Lovely day - nice tour on the river & then the sanctuary & then lovely tour back. Boat was lovely & clean & had a cafe on board!
Relaxing river boat ride
Marilupc62,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful time on the boat as it sailed along the Brisbane River. We were provided with lots of information about the river and the scenery we were seeing. Many beautiful homes along the river as well. The Koala Sanctuary was awesome. We saw koalas, kangaroos, platypus, dingoes and many other animals native to Australia. They have a few gift shops as well as a food area on the property. Overall great experience just wish it wasn’t so hot that day.
koalas
rebeccamE9313KT,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fun day trip. Lots of koalas. Feeding the kangaroos should be done as early as possible because they are uninterested in the afternoon. This was the highlight of Brisbane as there is not much to do in the city
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