Description
If you’re looking to spend some ‘koality time’ with some of the most incredible Australian animals, and you’re after the chance to admire Brisbane’s stunning cityscape and surrounding scenery, this is the perfect excursion for you! A definite ‘must do’ experience while you’re visiting Brisbane and Australia’s east coast, the aptly-named Koala and River Cruise will take you along the stunning Brisbane River to the world-famous Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary on a charming excursion you won’t soon forget. The tour starts with a relaxing river cruise along Brisbane’s waterfront with informative commentary from a world-class tour guide offering insight into the hustle and bustle of the city’s skyscrapers, and the waterside mansions in the leafy suburbs surrounding the city. Then, you’ll arrive at the spectacular Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, having three hours to explore everything on offer at your own leisure. Both the oldest and the largest koala sanctuary of its kind in the world, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is home to over 130 koalas – although, they’re only a part of what this experience offers. Here, you’ll also have the chance to hand-feed kangaroos and emus, admire an authentic Australian sheep dog show, spot a shy platypus swimming in the sunshine, and more. Once you’ve had some time to explore the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, you’ll then embark on a return river cruise right back to where you started. A fantastic introduction to Brisbane as a city and an unforgettable opportunity to admire koalas (and other magnificent Australian animals) in protected environments, this tour promises a fantastic day of adventure that will leave you with lasting memories and a greater appreciation for the conservation efforts being made by the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
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Things to do
Brisbane Waterfront
As you enjoy a relaxing and informative cruise along the tree-lined Brisbane River, you’ll have the chance to see the city’s skyline alongside the South Brisbane Cemetery, Indooroopilly Golf Club, Sherwood Arboretum, and more.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Established in 1927 with the primary goal of protecting koalas at a time when the species was being culled for its fur, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is home to well-over 100 koalas alongside 75 species of Australian native animals and birds; it’s also home to an education department, a wildlife hospital, and the Brisbane Koala Science Institute.
Koalas
A vulnerable species of marsupial native to Australia, these incredible creatures are known for their stout bodies, black noses, and fluffy ears; at the Long Pine Koala Sanctuary, you’ll have the chance to spend time in the presence of these incredible animals while observing their natural behaviours in a protected environment designed to fully support their mental, physical, and emotional health.
Red Kangaroos
The largest land-based mammals native to Australia, red kangaroos are something of a symbol of the nation and remarkable animals, with powerful hind legs and a strong tail; with an open field of red kangaroos visitors can observe, pet, and feed, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is one of the best places to witness these creatures up close.
Platypuses
Unique egg-laying mammals, Platypuses can sense prey in cloudy waters using electrolocation and are one of the few species of venomous mammals, with the males of the species having a spur on their hind foot that can deliver an extremely painful venom.
Things to know
Tour Starting Point
The Mirimar and the Koala Express depart from in front of the State Library of Queensland at the Cultural Centre Pontoon on the South Bank Boardwalk, South Brisbane, Australia, QLD 4104.
Please ensure that you arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes prior to the tour start time.
Tour End Point
The tour will end at the same point as the starting point (outlined above).
Tour Timeline
Though subject to change, the expected timeline for this experience is as follows:
- 08:30 am to 09:00 am – Boarding Brisbane River Cruise from Cultural Centre Pontoon (starting point outlined above)
- 09:00 am – Departure from Cultural Centre Pontoon on Brisbane River Cruise
- 10:15 am – Arrival at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
- 13:30 pm – Departure from Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary on return Brisbane River Cruise
- 14:45 pm – Arrival at Cultural Centre Pontoon and end of experience
Koala Experiences at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
You will be able to book photo opportunities and koala experiences for your visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary at your own expense via the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary website. These include Koala Moments experiences from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm.
Koala holding experiences are no longer available at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, having stopped from July 1, 2024. This decision has been made in response to strong visitor feedback and to address increasing public demand – allowing visitors to spend more time with the sanctuary’s koalas without necessarily holding them.