Mirimar Cruises Return Cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary - No Entry

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A return Brisbane River cruise from South Bank to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary on Mirimar II: 75 minutes each way with live commentary, and three hours at the sanctuary in between. This fare is the cruise only, for anyone who already has a Lone Pine pass or plans to buy entry separately.

Days

About 6 hours, 9am to 2:45pm

Age

All ages

Group size

Shared cruise boat

Start / finish

South Bank / Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary / South Bank
Cultural Centre Pontoon, about 2:45pm

Return

Cultural Centre Pontoon, about 2:45pm

Transport

Mirimar II river cruise boat, 75 minutes each way

Meals

No meals are listed as included; café on board

Route

Map of Mirimar Cruises Return Cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary - No Entry

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Included experiences

Brisbane River — 75-minute cruise each way with live commentary
River wildlife — sea eagles, pelicans and lorikeets
Lone Pine — three hours at the sanctuary (entry extra)

Mirimar Cruises Return Cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary - No Entry

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: BOARDING AT SOUTH BANK

Your morning starts on the boardwalk at South Bank, the riverside parkland built on the site of World Expo 88, which drew more than 15 million visits over six months. Mirimar II waits at the Cultural Centre Pontoon, in front of the State Library and the Queensland Art Gallery, which opened here in 1982. Boarding opens about half an hour before the morning departure. Boats have carried visitors up the river to Lone Pine since 1934, and there's no reserved seating, so early arrivals get the pick of the spots. Choose the air-conditioned lower deck or the open upper deck for the breeze and the best photos.

UP THE BRISBANE RIVER

For about 75 minutes the boat works upstream on the Brisbane River, which the Traditional Custodians call Maiwar and which winds 344 km from the ranges to Moreton Bay. The captain's commentary covers the city's bridges and skyline, the great floods of 1974, 2011 and 2022, and the grand homes along the banks. You pass under the William Jolly Bridge, opened in 1932, then the towers give way to leafy suburbs. Near Indooroopilly the Walter Taylor Bridge of 1936 still has the rooms in its towers where toll collectors once lived. Watch for sea eagles, pelicans and lorikeets, and the café sells morning tea and barista coffee.

LATE MORNING: THREE HOURS AT LONE PINE

You tie up at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary mid-morning and climb 28 steps to the gate. Entry isn't part of this fare, so pay at the sanctuary or show a pass you already hold. Opened in 1927 with two koalas, Jack and Jill, it is the oldest koala sanctuary in the world and today has more than 100 of them, most asleep in the forks of the trees for up to 20 hours a day. You have three hours. Hand feed kangaroos and emus in the open reserve, watch the sheepdog work a mob of sheep, look for the platypus in the Platypus House and catch the birds of prey show.

AFTERNOON: THE CRUISE HOME

Be back at the jetty in good time, because Mirimar II leaves Lone Pine at 1.30pm sharp. The trip downstream takes about 75 minutes, so it's a chance to see the river from the other side: the suburbs on the bends, the bridges again, and the city towers rising ahead as you come back into the centre. The café sells lunch, wine and beer if you'd like a drink on the way. You step off at the Cultural Centre Pontoon at South Bank in the middle of the afternoon, a short walk from the city over Victoria Bridge.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Cultural Centre Pontoon, South Bank boardwalk, outside the Queensland Art Gallery and near the State Library. Boarding from about 8:30am; check in at least 15 minutes before departure.
Departure time: 9am daily, except Christmas Day and ANZAC Day.
Finishes: Cultural Centre Pontoon at about 2:45pm.
Fitness: There are 28 steps from the boat up to the Lone Pine gates.
Accessibility: The boat takes wheelchairs and has an accessible toilet, and the crew help with prams, but the steps at Lone Pine mean it is not fully accessible.
Please note: Sanctuary entry is extra. Concession fares are for Australian pensioners and seniors 65 and over with ID; student fares cover 14 to 17 year olds and holders of student ID. Your own food and soft drinks are welcome on board, but not alcohol.

What to bring

Your Lone Pine entry ticket or pass, if you have one
Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Comfortable shoes
A light jacket in the cooler months

What is included

Return cruise from South Bank to Lone Pine on Mirimar II
Live commentary from the crew
Luggage storage on board

Not included

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary entry
Food and drinks from the on-board café
Koala Moment and other animal encounters, booked with Lone Pine

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.