Tour operator
Story Bridge Adventure Climb
Guided climbs to the 80-metre summit of the heritage-listed Story Bridge, running daily at dawn, by day, at twilight and at night from Howard Smith Wharves.
Koala and River Cruises
A daily 75-minute river cruise aboard Mirimar II from South Bank to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, with onboard commentary and packages that include sanctuary entry.
At a glance
- Type
- River cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
- Area
- South Bank (Cultural Centre Pontoon), Brisbane, Australia
- Official site
- koalaandrivercruises.com.au
Good to know
- Live commentary
- Packages with sanctuary entry
- Morning tea and lunch for purchase
- Functions and charters
Why we recommend it
Koala and River Cruises runs the river trip from the centre of Brisbane to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary at Fig Tree Pocket, a journey the company describes as a must-do since 1934. The cruise is operated aboard Mirimar II, and because the CityCat ferries do not stop at the sanctuary, it is the way to arrive by river.
The cruise departs daily at 9am from the Cultural Centre pontoon at South Bank and takes about 75 minutes to reach Lone Pine, arriving around 10.15am. The return boat leaves the sanctuary at 1.30pm and arrives back in the city at about 2.45pm, which gives you around three hours with the animals. Live commentary is provided on board, turning the transfer into a sightseeing trip in its own right. Seats are not reserved, so arriving at the pontoon a little early helps if you want a particular spot, and morning tea and lunch can be bought on board.
Tickets are sold in three main forms: a return cruise including sanctuary entry, a one-way cruise including entry, and a return cruise without entry for those who already hold a Lone Pine pass. Packages that include entry come with fast-track admission at the sanctuary. Prices are set by season, so check the website for current rates and book online through the company's booking system. Koala experiences, such as photo moments, are bought separately through Lone Pine.
At the sanctuary you can see more than 100 koalas, along with kangaroos and wallabies and the daily animal shows. The sanctuary was founded in 1927 and describes itself as the world's oldest and largest koala sanctuary, and it opens from 9am to 5pm every day.
The cruise suits families, first-time visitors and anyone who prefers a relaxed day out without driving. It is also a practical option for travellers staying in the CBD or South Bank without a car. The one-way option lets you take the boat in one direction and return by bus, for example on Brisbane City Council routes 430 or 445, if you want more time at the sanctuary. Note that the company occasionally runs private charters, so check the schedule for your date; it also runs Riverfire cruises and private functions.
Koala and River Cruises FAQs
Where does the Lone Pine cruise depart?
From the Cultural Centre pontoon at South Bank, at 9am daily.
How long is the cruise?
About 75 minutes each way.
What time does the boat return?
It leaves Lone Pine at 1.30pm and arrives back in Brisbane at about 2.45pm.
Does the ticket include sanctuary entry?
Some packages do, with fast-track entry; a return cruise without entry is also available.
Is seating reserved?
No. Seating is not reserved.
Can I buy food on board?
Yes. Morning tea and lunch are available for purchase.
Can I go one way?
Yes. A one-way cruise with entry is available, and you can return by bus.
How do I contact the cruise?
Call 0412 749 426 or book online.