Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary ferry, Brisbane: Costs and times

There is no Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary ferry in Brisbane, but visitors can combine a Brisbane river cruise with admission to the world’s largest koala sanctuary.

Is there a ferry to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane?

There is no ferry to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane. However, it is possible to visit as part of a boat cruise package.

To skip the explanation and book the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary cruise and admission, head here.

What is the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary?

The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is, as the name suggests, a sanctuary for koalas. In fact, Lone Pine in Brisbane is the largest koala sanctuary in the world. More than 130 koalas live there.

However, over the years Lone Pine has morphed into a larger wildlife park. You can see plenty of other Australian creatures there, including wombats, cassowaries, kangaroos and freshwater crocodiles.

9 brilliant Brisbane experiences to book in advance

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary tickets (or entry plus river cruise combo) – hold a koala and see lots of adorable native wildlife.
Brisbane River cruise – see the key sights and learn about the city on the way.
Story Bridge Adventure Climb – walk along the top of Brisbane’s famous bridge, with 360 degree views.
Combine the Southbank Parklands, City Botanic Gardens and Kangaroo Point Cliffs on a fun Segway tour.
Helicopter flight – see the city from a bird’s eye view.
Kayaking tour – choose the night tour to see the city light up, the day tour to enjoy the sunshine.
XXXX brewery tour – see how Australia’s most famous beer is made.
Guided wine flight tasting – get an Aussie wine introductory course.
See Brisbane’s spooky side on a city centre ghost tour.

Where is the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary?

The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is in Fig Tree Pocket, one of Brisbane’s south-western suburbs. It’s on the Brisbane River, but a 15km drive from the city centre. Therefore, by far the most pleasant way to get there is by boat.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary cruise times

In the absence of a Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary ferry, the best way to get to the sanctuary by boat is on the special Miramar Cruises tour. This cruise leaves daily from the Cultural Centre public pontoon at 9am.

The Brisbane River cruise section of the tour takes about 40 minutes and comes with full commentary. Once you arrive at Lone Pine, visitors have three hours to explore the park before taking the return ferry back to central Brisbane.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary ferry price

The price of the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary cruise from Brisbane, including admission to the koala sanctuary, is $99. Mobile-friendly tickets, with instant confirmation, can be booked online.

If you decide to make your own way to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, ordinary entrance tickets cost from $49. Again, book online to reserve your place.

Can I hold a koala in Brisbane?

For many visitors, the main reason to visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is that it is one of the few places in Australia where you can hold a koala.

Cuddle Koala in Australia - Lone Pine, Brisbane — Cuddle koala in Australia? Box ticked at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane.

All prices and times are correct at the time of writing, but subject to change in the future.

6 supreme Brisbane day trips that will improve your holiday

Moreton Island day trip – with kayaking, sandboarding and snorkelling or with dolphin-feeding and desert dunes adventure.
Springbrook National Park glowworms and rainforest tour – including Tamborine Skywalk.
Eumundi Markets day trip – Australia’s best markets, plus the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Noosa.
North Stradbroke Island day tour – with cruise, wildlife spotting and guided walk.
Tamborine Mountain winery tour – with gourmet lunch.
Maialia rainforest walking and wildlife tour – visit lesser-known D’Aguilar National Park.