Parks

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Tickets with Brisbane River Cruise

Duration

5 hrs

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Enjoy a memorable river cruise to the oldest and largest koala sanctuary in the world. This is a must-do activity when in Brisbane!

This Brisbane River cruise to Lone Pine is ideal for wildlife lovers seeking a scenic and relaxing way to meet iconic Australian animals.

Enjoy a 70-minute river journey from Brisbane with live commentary by the captain, sharing insights into the city’s landmarks and riverside life.

Explore Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary—hand-feed kangaroos, watch birds of prey, and see over 130 koalas lounging, climbing, and cuddling.

Spend 2.5 to 3 hours at the sanctuary, with plenty of time for keeper talks, wildlife encounters, and a peaceful riverside setting.

Fun fact: Lone Pine is the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary, opened in 1927 with just two koalas and now home to more than 70 species of animals.

Entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Round-trip Brisbane River cruise from the Cultural Centre Pontoon

Live onboard commentary by the captain

Food & beverages

Hotel transfers or other transport

Wildlife encounter upgrades (e.g., koala photos)

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

861 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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What our guests say
Alison M
Couple
Verified booking
Jan 2026
The animals appeared to be comfortable in their surroundings. The staff, even while working were happy to answer questions. The kolas were 'cute' even the adults. Loved watching the lizards walk around free, happy to have their photos taken. Lucy did a wonderful job showing how she can round up sheep, it was great to see her in action. There was so much to see and enjoy. Thank you
Mandy H
Family
Verified booking
Nov 2025
From the detailed guidleines of how to get to this location, parking at the Arts Centre and then embarking on the Mirimar Catamaran at the Cultural Pontoon in South Brisbane, this day excursion along the Brisbane River to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary was an absolute tourist treat! Informative commentary, spacious seating with air conditioning and the option to order hot food was really excellent. Our family group of 4 adults found the Lone Pine Sanctuary extremly enjoyable as we were wanting Australian wildlife education. The Koalas were delightful and we were amazed at the lunchtime crocdile feeding. An unexpected highlight was the close encounter with the platypus. We saw so many special animals and loved the clean spacious easy access walkway around the park.The reading plan and short video was most helpful to view the day before our cruise. The return trip with profile photo updates at the captains wheel was simply brilliant . Thank you a million times for a truly unforgettable experience. Highly highly recommended
Terry R
Couple
Verified booking
Sep 2025
Being able to get close to the mammals and feeding the kangaroos. The river cruise was very informative and relaxing. We enjoyed the gift shop also.
Mary B
Solo
Verified booking
Sep 2025
The koalas were highlight but all of it was good
Sarah S
Solo
Verified booking
Apr 2026

Get up close with koalas

Board a 70-minute cruise right at the heart of the city; the Brisbane River Cruise has been transferring guests to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary for over 70 years! Along the way, your experienced captain will offer narration of all that you see around you. This includes breathtaking modern mansions and iconic Queenslander homes on Brisbane's exclusive waterfront. The boat will drop you right along the shores of the park, and you will have 2.5 to 3 hours to explore the sanctuary on your own.

Spend your time getting up close and seeing for yourself Australia's diverse range of native creatures. Hand feed kangaroos and emus, catch sight of the rare and shy platypus swimming, marvel at the many amazing birds of prey.

Itinerary

8.30-9am: Boarding from Cultural Centre Pontoon

9am: Depart Cultural Centre Pontoon

10.15am: Arriving at Lone Pine Sanctuary

3hrs &15min: Explore Lone Pine Sanctuary

13.30pm: Depart Lone Pine Sanctuary

14.45pm: Arrive back in city at Cultural Centre Pontoon

What to bring

Bring sunscreen and a camera for photos with kangaroos and scenic river sights.

Accessibility

This experience is wheelchair accessible with pram-friendly facilities onboard and at the sanctuary.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please display your mobile voucher along with a valid photo ID at the ticket redemption point.

If you have purchased reduced-price tickets, please carry your valid photo ID proof for verification. Students must show their valid student IDs.

Kindly ensure that you arrive 10-15 minutes before the start time of your tour to avoid any delays.

Ticket Redemption Point

Redeem your ticket at the Cultural Centre Pontoon.

The pontoon is located on the South Bank Boardwalk, just outside the Queensland Art Gallery/Modern Art Gallery/State Library cultural precinct at South Bank (near the Cultural Centre Tunnel).

Get Directions to the Ticket Redemption Point

Getting There

The nearest bus stop is Stanley St at Gallery of Modern Art, which is located 2 minutes away from the meeting point. Catch bus #444 to get here.

Validity

This ticket is valid for the date and time selected during checkout.