Getting to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Can you take the CityCat to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary? It's the question every Brisbane visitor asks, and the honest answer is no. The world's oldest and largest koala sanctuary sits upriver at Fig Tree Pocket, past where the CityCat turns around at the University of Queensland. Here's how you actually get there: the 50c bus, the scenic cruise, or the car, and which one suits your day.
Ways to get to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, compared
How to get to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
🚌 By bus — the 430 (the real answer)
The 430 is the direct public-transport route to Lone Pine. Catch it in the city from Adelaide Street or Queen Street and it runs right to the sanctuary gate at Fig Tree Pocket in about 35 to 45 minutes. At the flat 50c fare it's far and away the cheapest way there, and it's the one locals use.
🛥️ By ferry or cruise — mind the myth
The public CityCat does not reach Lone Pine. Its final upriver stop is the University of Queensland at St Lucia, and the sanctuary is several bends further on with no ferry terminal. The river trip visitors picture is the Mirimar, a private cruise that runs daily from the Cultural Centre pontoon at South Bank. It's a beautiful way to arrive, but it's a tour price, not a 50c fare.
🛥️ The scenic hybrid — CityCat then bus
Set on the river without the cruise price? Ride the public CityCat all the way upriver to its terminus at UQ St Lucia for the scenic leg, then change to a bus and pick up the 430 to the sanctuary via Toowong. It's two 50c taps and a lovely stretch of river, but budget about an hour with the transfer, versus 35 to 45 minutes on the direct 430 from the city. Great if the journey is half the fun; skip it if you just want koalas quickly.
🚗 By car
It's roughly a 20 to 30 minute drive from the CBD to Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket, and there's free on-site parking. The easiest option if you're visiting with a pram or little ones in tow.
If you're leaving from South Bank
At South Bank and want the river views on the way? Here's the scenic hybrid — ferry as far as it goes, then a short bus.
- 1Walk to the South Bank ferry terminal and board the CityCat (route F1) heading upriver toward UQ St Lucia — the live board below shows the next ones.
- 2Ride to the end of the line at UQ St Lucia, about 15 minutes of river views.
- 3At UQ, change to a bus and pick up the 430 to the sanctuary gate via Toowong. Allow about an hour all up with the transfer.
- 4In a hurry? Skip the ferry — cross to the city and take the direct 430, which does the whole trip in 35 to 45 minutes.
💡 South Bank sends CityCats both ways: for the Lone Pine hybrid you want the F1 to UQ St Lucia (upriver), not Northshore Hamilton.
Live departures · South Bank ferry terminal
Loading live departures…
Getting back to the city
Heading back, the 430 runs from the same sanctuary stop through to the evening. The sanctuary closes around 5pm, so check the last bus before you settle in with the kangaroos and you won't be left waiting at the gate. Our last-service tool has tonight's exact times from Fig Tree Pocket.
Check the last service →About Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Lone Pine opened in 1927 and is the world's oldest and largest koala sanctuary, home to more than 100 koalas alongside a hand-feeding kangaroo paddock, wombats, platypus, Tasmanian devils, and daily sheepdog and birds-of-prey shows. It sits on a bend of the Brisbane River at Fig Tree Pocket, about 12 kilometres upriver from the city centre.
A koala photo is an extra on top of general entry, and how much handling is allowed is set by Queensland's koala-welfare rules rather than the sanctuary. Most visitors spend three to four hours here, so it pairs naturally with a slow trip out and back rather than a quick dash.
On the day
Buy your sanctuary entry separately, the 50c bus only covers the ride. Aim to arrive near opening (around 9am) to beat the tour-bus crowds and get the most koala time, and note the last 430 back before you get lost in the kangaroo paddock.
Related guides
Getting to Bluey's World →
The flip side: one koala-sized myth away, the CityCat DOES go to this one
UQ St Lucia by CityCat →
Where the ferry actually turns around, one stop short
Do kids travel free? →
Under-5s free, and free weekends with a child go card
Is the CityCat running? →
Live ferry status and backups when the boats pause
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary travel questions
Can you get the CityCat to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary?+
No. The public CityCat ferry's last stop upriver is the University of Queensland at St Lucia, and it doesn't continue to the sanctuary at Fig Tree Pocket. To get there by public transport, take the 430 bus from the city; for a river trip, the private Mirimar cruise runs daily from South Bank.
Can I take the CityCat part of the way and get the river views?+
Yes, if you're after the scenery. Ride the public CityCat to its upriver terminus at UQ St Lucia, then change to a bus and pick up the 430 to the sanctuary via Toowong. It's two 50c fares and a scenic stretch of river, but allow about an hour with the transfer rather than the 35 to 45 minutes on the direct 430 from the city.
What's the cheapest way to get to Lone Pine?+
The 430 bus, at the flat 50c fare each way. It runs from the city (Adelaide and Queen Streets) to the sanctuary gate in about 35 to 45 minutes, so a return trip is just $1.
How much is the bus to Lone Pine?+
Just 50 cents each way. Every trip on the South East Queensland network is a flat 50c fare, whether you pay with a go card, your phone or a contactless bank card. Tap on when you board and tap off when you get there.
Do I need a go card for the 430 bus?+
No. You can tap on and off with a contactless debit or credit card or your phone, or use a go card. It's the same flat 50c fare either way, so there's no need to buy a go card just for a day trip.
How long does it take to get to Lone Pine from Brisbane?+
About 35 to 45 minutes on the 430 bus from the CBD, around 75 minutes on the scenic Mirimar cruise from South Bank, or roughly 20 to 30 minutes if you drive.
How much does the Mirimar cruise to Lone Pine cost?+
Around $115 return for an adult including sanctuary entry, departing the Cultural Centre pontoon at South Bank daily. Concession, child and one-way fares are cheaper, so check the operator for current prices.