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 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

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

4.75

1,560 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1265

230

Two great experiences and 1st class river cruise experience
Z2392XWjeant,,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great 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
5.00
Lovely 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
5.00
Wonderful 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
5.00
Fun 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
Brisbane River and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Tour
Pamela H,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Informative commentary en route to the Koala Sanctuary. Excellent guides and staff once there. Many different animals to see. Koalas are well cared for. Pre-book an experience. Tour timing is good.
A great half day experience
Relax29760204079,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was very enjoyable. We did the morning trip that left at 9am. We had 75mins or so on the boat which had pre recorded commentary which was interesting. The boat has a bar and hot snacks, we had toasted sandwiches which were really lovely and good value. The Captain and his crew were all very friendly and welcoming. We had 3hrs or so at the Sanctuary before embarking to come back. We loved the Sanctuary where all the animals looked well cared for. The kangaroos had plenty of fenced off areas where they could get away from the people when they had had enough, which was great to see. Can recommend this as a half day trip.
Great and relaxing
PeterDavis2,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a lovely trip up the river (and back) and who does not love a koala? Sadly you are not allowed to take them home
Value for Money
Lyn H,,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Excellent value for money. On board Bar. Bites to eat . Just enough time in the sanctuary. Staff on board friendly and polite . We recommend this as a must do
An excellent trip....
Clare A,,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
An excellent trip. Interesting commentary on the way to the koala sanctuary and pleasant trip back. The Koala Sanctuary is excellent. Lots of koalas but other animals too. Well set out. Cafe excellent too. An experience to recommend.
Amazing trip along the river to lone pine sanctuary.
Jenks55,,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a fab time doing this trip. The cruise was comfortable and the commentary very interesting. The staff member were very helpful and professional. Lone pine sanctuary was amazing. This is a great way of visiting lone pine in a really relaxing way. Thank you for a great day.