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‘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.
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.
Options
Option 1
Reviews
1,453 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The river cruise to the...
Greg C,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The river cruise to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary near Brisbane was a great experience from start to finish. Upon arrival at the sanctuary, the staff greeted us warmly and provided insightful information about the koalas and other native animals. The sanctuary is well maintained, with ample space for the animals to roam comfortably. Petting a koala was a magical moment—gentle, serene, and unique. The cruise itself was smooth and relaxing, with a knowledgeable guide sharing fascinating stories about the region’s ecology and history. The combination of scenic water travel and up-close wildlife encounters made this tour a perfect blend of nature, education, and recreation.
The crew of the Koala...
Sue S,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The crew of the Koala vessel are really friendly, helpful and welcoming. The boat ride to Lone Pines was informative as certain river bank sights were explained with local information. Arriving at Lone Pines there are 28 steps to climb, and they are quite steep. The steps are not direct, but weave up the river bank in batches, plus there is a sort of seat half way up….Climbing with an arthritic knee was quite painful though. When you are at Lone Pines these is a lot to see, although the koalas and kangaroos were my go to animals. There were lots of lizards darting around and it was difficult not to accidentally tread on them. Grabbing a coffee, the birdlife tried to drink it by landing on the table, so if you are scared of birds, just beware. Definitely worth the day out.
Amazing must do experience
Dean G,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00What a super fun day cruising down the Brisbane river to the koala sanctuary, it was all great! Seeing the koalas, the joeys, and petting kangaroos were top highlights! Absolutely worth it!
Fun day out😃👍
Global30004206805,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a really good time. It was a really fun day out on the river and at the coals center. 😃👍 Lovely crue, tending for al our needs. Thank you!
Trip to Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane
Dave C,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Cruise up the river was pleasant, and the captain talked about the history of the different areas we passed on the way to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary which we found very informative. Would recommend this trip very highly.
Superb
William L,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Enjoyable boat trip with commentary and koala sanctuary well worth it Would go again when I'm in brisbane William from Scotland
Let the river take you
Bernadette B,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Relaxing and informative. The crew are friendly and they make excellent egg and bacon muffins! The information about the things we were passing on either side of the river was really interesting. Who doesn't love koalas! Lone Pine is just great for seeing them up close.
Excuse me
Laetitia P,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Impeccable organization very kind staff and park to do absolutely we see the koalas less than 2 meters on the contrary pity we caress the kangaroos but for the other animals since it was hot we did not see them at all
A Peaceful Day
Anthony E,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A nice peaceful cruise up the river set the scene for a leisurely walk through the park. Plenty of kangaroos to feed and lots of koalas to see. There’s an upcharge though to have an up close look at the koalas.
Absolutely lovely...
Phillip G,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely lovely experience. The cruise down the river has a ton of cool views and seeing the Koala sanctuary was magnificent. Friendly crew.
From A$115.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Chat with us on social
Related Experiences
Operated by Koala and River Cruises