Batty Boat Cruises
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Batty Boat cruises will return for the 2022—2023 cruise season, commencing in October and running until February 2023. Cruise dates will be posted on our site, in our free e-News, and on our Facebook page. Be sure to book early for special themed Halloween, Christmas 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 Neptune 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 the river, 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
- $37.00 adult
- $29.00 concession
- $19.00 child (0–15 years)
- $100 family (2 adults, 2 children)
- $115 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.
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 2.5 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 (completed plan viewable on the boat). More information provided to ticketholders on booking.
Do I have to be double-vaccinated for Covid-19 to participate?
The boat operators have informed us that all passengers over the age of 16 years will be required to show proof of double vaccination to board the MV Neptune. We apologise for any inconvenience and we do hope to be able to welcome all bat-lovers again soon.
Bat news
Flying foxes to help fight invasive plants
Could this innovative surveillance project help people see our misunderstood flying-foxes in a more positive light?
Balancing the bat argument – October 2017
As Brisbane residents demand the dispersal of local flying-fox camps, Wildlife Queensland balances the argument on behalf of our bats.
Flying-foxes in decline – we’re taking action – September 2017
Wildlife Queensland can now confirm that flying-fox populations are in decline, and a policy for the protection of Queensland’s mainland flying-fox species (spectacled flying-fox, black flying-fox, grey-headed flying-fox, and little red flying-fox) is being developed – a key step in a campaign to enhance the conservation of these native species.