Koala Hugs & River Views: Brisbane's Ultimate Day Out
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
Reviews
Reviews and Rating (Tripadvisor)
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Reviews by Tripadvisor travelers
Caryn_S, 10/25/2025 4:10:47 AM
Lovely and easy way to travel from Brisbane to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. River cruise is informative and crew helpful. Koalas and other animals plentiful at the Sanctuary. Great way to spend a day.
J7589AQstephenp, 10/24/2025 7:26:57 PM
The river cruise was fantastic. The captain was friendly and welcoming and very knowledgeable. The cruise was very informative and extremely scenic. There was a cafe and bar on board and the staff are wonderful. The Koala Sanctuary is amazing, I have never seen so many Koalas up close and active. You can also feed the roos. This trip is highly recommended
keithrussell98, 10/20/2025 6:02:00 AM
Brilliant day out. Friendly crew, informative commentary, useful cafe on board. The Sanctuary is great. The cruise allowed us about three hours there, which was enough, including a raptor demonstration.
Christopher_S, 10/20/2025 1:11:47 AM
Very good boat & trip through centre of Brisbane with excellent commentary. Sanctuary was well run with ~100 koalas. Interaction with content koalas, kangaroos, emus, wallaby’s was unstressed ( as animals had own space to retreat to whenever they wanted to). Crocs, dingos, snakes etc didn’t mingle! But had decent compounds. Interesting talks & demos. Staff all enthused. A really great experience.
Susan_W, 10/17/2025 9:42:23 PM
River cruise was very informative. Weather was pretty cold but blankets were provided and snacks were available to purchase. The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary was a super fun experience. Lots of koalas (including baby koalas), kangaroos, sheep herding demonstration (unique), a platypus, and lots more.
Mercedes_W, 10/16/2025 3:32:28 PM
Can get pretty hot, we found that standing at the front of the boat was better once you got going. The Koala Sanctuary was great. If you book the Koala experience you are not able to hold them, just pet them. The staff were wonderful and very kind. They have beer, food, drinks etc on the boat for a decent price.
Hellena_L, 10/16/2025 6:39:40 AM
Excellent in every way in order to spend quality time In richmond We got to see most of richmond and tasted the scollap pie!
Jennifer_D, 10/15/2025 1:20:56 PM
Such a great experience and everyone was friendly and informative. All was enjoyable, just wish we had a bit more time at the sanctuary.
jmsykes21, 10/15/2025 9:00:58 AM
Excellent day out for all the family. Lovely leisurely cruise up the Brisbane River with an entertaining and informative commentary. The koala sanctuary is superb. Lots of animals to see and interact with. Very professional and caring set up
X7732QHjiml, 10/15/2025 4:51:38 AM
Captain was humorous and very knowledgeable…crew were very solicitous and the ride was very scenic as well as informative. Koala sanctuary met expectations and beyond!
- 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
Departure point
Check in 8:30 am The pontoon is located on the riverside boardwalk, just outside the Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art Cultural precinct, Southbank.Return details
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 2:45pmRedemption
Please note the cruise needs to leave promptly at 9am, please ensure you arrive 10 mins prior to departure. Cruise arrives at Lone Pine Sanctuary at 10:15am and must depart promptly at 1:30pm to return back to Brisbane.24 hours before travel date - 100% refund
Less than 24 hours before travel date - 0% refund