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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.
1,394 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Susanne F,
Aug 30, 2025
- Viator
The cruise was fun and informative. We had a fabulous time at the Koala sanctuary. Would recommend for everyone.
Neal K,
Aug 16, 2025
- Viator
Friendly welcome with knowledgeable staff on the boat Koala sanctuary a good 3 hours experience with really friendly staff Efficient booking
Gary M,
Aug 12, 2025
- Viator
A great and relaxing way to get to the koala sanctuary and enough time to visit the center. However, can't see the lorikeet feeding due to timing
Robert M,
Aug 11, 2025
- Viator
Wonderful immersion experience with kangaroos and other animals. The entire park was clean and well maintained with clear views and illustrations of wildlife, including descriptions for each species.
Sneha R,
Aug 10, 2025
- Viator
Beautiful experience on the cruise I’m so glad we did this instead of going on the bus. The sanctuary is amazing to explore with kids. Be sure to book ahead if you want to get up close and pet a koala.
Operated by Koala and River Cruises