Batty Boat Cruises
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Batty Boat cruises have returned 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 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 Valentine’s Cruise 2023
Fall in love with the adorable ‘sky puppies’ that pollinate our native plants as you cruise the beautiful Brisbane River with your loved one/s on our Batty Boat Valentine’s Cruise, on 12 February 2023.
Learn about and interact with orphaned baby bats on board and watch these cheeky fruit bats wheel out over the river as you enjoy a beverage or snack from the onboard cafe. Then, take in the romantic city lights and sights as the boat glides back to South Brisbane.
Boarding from 4:45 pm. Boat departs at 5:00 pm and returns at 7:30 pm.
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
© Wildlife QldSo much Batty love on Valentine’s Day Cruise
Wildlife Queensland’s Batty Boat Valentine’s Day Cruise on 14 February was a big hit, with passengers receiving a special Valentine’s Day choc and raffle prizes awarded to four excited winners.
© Bruce ThomsonWildlife Queensland opposes relocation of endangered spectacled flying fox colony at Cairns City Library
Australia’s vastly diminished Spectacled flying fox population faces a new threat to its survival following a recent federal decision granting the relocation of a significant roosting colony of spectacled flying foxes in Cairns.
Brisbane’s bat-tastic Halloween cruise
Passengers had a spooky fun time and got to meet Olive, an adorable 15-day-old orphaned black flying-fox on the Batty Boat Halloween Cruise on 27 October 2019.