Batty Boat Cruises

Subscribe to e-news

© Canva NFP

Home 9 Get Involved 9 Events 9 Batty Boat Cruises

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 blackgrey-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.

Bats flying at sunset© 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.

Bat Rescue Qld volunteer with baby flying-fox© Wildlife Qld

A highlight is meeting orphaned baby bats that are under the care of Bat Conservation & Rescue QLD.

“My love of flying-foxes started on a Batty Boat Cruise way back in 1993! Oh, what a roller coaster ride, being a volunteer rescuer and carer was the most amazing personal growth, so many rewards while giving back to the most intelligent, beautiful, important and loving, wild animals l have ever known. Your Batty Boat Cruises do change lives, for both bats and humans alike ❣️
Louise Saunders / @drawingonnature

https://www.louisesaunders.net/

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

Supporting bat conservation and rescue this Bat Appreciation Day© Canva NFP

Supporting 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.

read more

Get in touch

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This