Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Tickets with Brisbane River Cruise (General)

Your experience

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

Know before you go

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.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is one of the world’s oldest and most renowned wildlife sanctuaries, located in Brisbane, Australia. Established in 1927, it’s dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation of Australian wildlife. The sanctuary spans over 18 hectares, housing more than 130 koalas, as well as kangaroos, wombats, platypuses, and various bird species. Visitors can explore different sections of the sanctuary, each designed to mimic the animals’ natural habitats. Key experiences include cuddling a koala (during supervised sessions), hand-feeding kangaroos, and watching educational shows. The sanctuary emphasizes conservation efforts and environmental education, making it a meaningful visit for all age groups. What makes Lone Pine unique is its close-up animal interactions, dedicated breeding programs, and commitment to wildlife preservation. The peaceful setting, combined with interactive experiences, creates a truly memorable visit that highlights Australia’s rich biodiversity.

Booking your tickets online guarantees skip-the-line access, ensuring a smooth entry and more time to enjoy the sanctuary’s experiences. It also provides instant confirmation, allowing better planning of your visit and the opportunity to compare different tour options or packages for the best value.

Founded in 1927, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary has a long-standing commitment to wildlife conservation and education. Over the decades, it has grown to become a leading example of Australian native animal care and research. The sanctuary played a pivotal role in koala rescue and rehabilitation efforts, fostering awareness about habitat preservation and species protection. Notable milestones include the introduction of interactive experiences and expansion of breeding programs to support endangered species. Today, it continues to serve as a vital center for conservation, research, and public education, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors annually from around the world.

The sanctuary is typically open daily from early morning to late afternoon, with specific hours that may vary seasonally. Visitors are advised to arrive early to enjoy the full experience, including animal interactions and shows. Regular maintenance and animal care routines are observed, ensuring a high-quality visit for all guests.

For optimal enjoyment, visit during spring or autumn when temperatures are comfortable, and animal activity is at its peak. Weekdays tend to be less crowded compared to weekends and school holidays.

Inside the sanctuary, you’ll find dedicated zones for different animals and interactive experiences. The Koala Pavilion allows you to cuddle a koala, while the Kangaroo Habitat offers a chance to feed and interact with these gentle creatures. The Sanctuary’s Birds of Prey exhibit showcases majestic raptors, and the Platypus House presents a rare opportunity to observe these elusive creatures in a controlled environment. Educational talks and demonstrations happen throughout the day, providing insightful information about each species and ongoing conservation efforts. Special zones for reptiles, wombats, and other native animals complete the diverse experience inside the sanctuary.

Arrive early to avoid peak crowds and secure the best koala cuddle sessions. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as the sanctuary covers a large area. Bring sun protection and a refillable water bottle for comfort. Photos are allowed in designated areas, so don’t forget your camera or phone. Keep in mind that animal interactions may be subject to scheduling and weather conditions, so check activity times upon arrival.

Respect all signage and designated visitor zones. Do not feed animals outside of designated feeding areas. Keep noise levels to a minimum to avoid stressing the animals. Children should be supervised at all times, especially near animal enclosures. Mobile phones must be used respectfully and quietly in animal contact zones.

A visit to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary offers a truly immersive experience into Australia’s natural wildlife. It’s a place where conservation meets adventure, providing unforgettable moments cuddling koalas and feeding kangaroos in a tranquil natural setting. Perfect for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and curious travelers, it promises a memorable and educational outing.

You can reach Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary via Brisbane’s public transport network, including buses and ferries. Alternatively, driving is convenient with dedicated parking facilities. The sanctuary is situated near the city, with walking options from nearby areas available for a scenic approach.