While we were walking along Queen Street in the heart of Brisbane’s Central Business District, we noticed an Information Center where we discovered this Koala and River Cruise by Mirimar Cruises pamphlet. After researching the cruise, we decided that this would be the best bet for us if we wanted to go to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary given that for the price it was reasonable in comparison with what it would cost us to drive there or take a taxi.
We were able to book tickets at the information center on the morning of the cruise which was very convenient and from there to the pick-up port was about a 5 minute walk or so across the Victoria Bridge.
The cruise departs at 10am daily from the Cultural Centre Pontoon located on the boardwalk outside the State Library. The Mirimar II takes the hour and 45 minute cruise up the Brisbane River to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Our experience of the cruise was very positive with the constant commentary offering very informative descriptions of the surroundings areas and the staff very friendly and knowledgeable. We were also able to see the modern mansions and historic Queenslander homes, along Brisbane’s sought after riverfront.
They also can provide home-made snacks and light meals cooked on board. Once we arrived at Lone Pine we were able to spend 2.5 hours experiencing Australia’s wildlife (please read other post on the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary experience). On the cruise back the Aussie local music is played and they allow anyone who would like to drive the boat come up to the muster area and give it a go. Also, on the way back they allowed us to get photos of Brisbane skyline, which was very picturesque.
Admission for the Koala and River Cruises are very reasonably priced at $65.00 for adults for a round trip and admission into the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. They also have family rates (2 adults and up to 3 children) $190.00. Children (ages 3-13) are $38.00. Just the Lone Pine admission is $33.00 daily rates. The schedule of the journey is as follows departs Cultural Center at 10:00 am, arrive at Lone Pine at 11:15, depart Lone Pine at 1:45, arrive back at Cultural Center at 3:00.
The most relaxed, interesting and enjoyable way to the largest Koala Sanctuary in the world. This popular journey has been taking visitors to Lone Pine for over 70 years and is a must-do experience while in Brisbane. This was money well spent in a very expensive city.
I would highly recommend this to any visitors and locals alike. This is a very good way of spending a full day experiencing not only a once in a lifetime opportunity to cuddle koalas and feed kangaroos, but also to learn about the history of Brisbane’s development into one of the world’s sought after cities for people to reside in. For more information on the cruises, please visit www.mirimar.com.
[…] also experienced the Gold Coast and Sydney. We encountered so many cool experiences ranging from Cuddling a Koala to exploring the Sydney Opera House. We would both agree that up to this date, this was our […]