Batty Boat Cruises
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© Canva NFP
Wildlife Queensland’s Batty Boat Cruises run each year from October until February/March. Cruise dates will be posted on our site, in our free Talking Wildlife eBulletin, and on our Facebook page. Be sure to book early for special themed Halloween and Valentine’s Day cruises which sell out fast.
About Batty Boat Cruises
One of Wildlife Queensland’s most successful public education initiatives, since 1984 Batty Boat Cruises have introduced hundreds of people to the fascinating world of flying-foxes (or fruit bats).
Each cruise on the MV Mirimar takes passengers up the Brisbane River for a fascinating wildlife experience in the spring and summer months.
On the trip upriver, passengers hear expert commentary about flying-fox habits and wildlife facts as they cruise at a leisurely pace past landmarks on the ever-changing riverscape.
The boat pauses at sunset at Norman Creek, home to breeding black, grey-headed and sometimes little red flying-foxes. However, our environment is ever-changing and bats sometimes move roosts, so numbers are unpredictable. Still, as the sun sinks, silhouetted flying-foxes swirl into the darkening sky, scattering to find food for themselves and their young in the flowering trees of Brisbane suburbs.
Ticket pricing
- $43.29 adult
- $30.00 concession
- $22.19 child (0–15 years)
- $117.14 family (2 adults, 2 children)
- $132.96 family (2 adults, 3 children)
Snacks/hot snacks and light meals can be purchased on board. Tea and coffee, soft drinks and bar service available. Sorry, no self-catering allowed.
© Wildlife Qld
Join Wildlife Queensland on a bat-tastic Brisbane River cruise! Watch the bats fly over the Brisbane River at sunset, interact with orphaned baby bats on board and listen to live commentary about Brisbane, the flying-fox species and other amazing wildlife.
© Wildlife Qld
A highlight is meeting orphaned baby bats that are under the care of Bat Conservation & Rescue QLD.
“Upcoming Batty Boat Cruises
Batty Boat Cruises will return in October 2023.
Make sure you’re signed up for our free Talking Wildlife eBulletin to receive the latest event updates.
Additional Information & FAQS
Where is the departure/return location?
Cultural Centre Pontoon, Cultural Centre Boardwalk, South Brisbane QLD 4101 (50 m upstream from the Victoria Bridge)
When are the cruise dates and times?
- Cruises generally run from October to February.
- Cruises depart late afternoon. Boarding commences 15 minutes prior to departure.
- Each cruise lasts approximately 2 hours.
Is parking available?
Three carparks can be accessed from the Cultural Centre Tunnel. Cost is $17 all day. Google ‘Cultural Centre Tunnel’ for directions.
Are Batty Boat Cruises wheelchair accessible?
No, unfortunately, these cruises are not wheelchair friendly.
Do Batty Boat Cruises have COVID-safe procedures in place?
Yes. Batty Boat Cruises adheres to a Covid Safe Plan. More information provided to ticketholders on booking.
Bat news
© Canva NFPSupporting bat conservation and rescue this Bat Appreciation Day
This International Bat Appreciation Day, we’re pleased to donate part of the proceeds from the 2022/2023 Wildlife Queensland Batty Boat Cruise season to Bat Conservation and Rescue Qld Inc. (BCRQ) as a thank you for their generous participation in our cruises this year.
© Jo TowseyPassengers go ‘Batty’ for Halloween Cruise
Passengers had a spooky fun time and got to meet Georgia, an adorable 4-week-old orphaned black flying-fox, on Wildlife Queensland’s Batty Boat Halloween Cruise on 30 October 2022.
Queensland’s Threatened Species Crisis: Landmark Report Prompts Calls for Change
Today sees the release of a landmark report highlighting the impacts of the Queensland Government’s Flying Fox Roost Management laws. Half of all flying fox species in Queensland are listed as threatened species, but the current laws allow for potentially harmful dispersals and disruptions to roosts with no environmental assessments at all.