Why visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary?
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, founded in 1927 by conservationist Claude (Cam) Reid as a safe refuge for sick, injured, and orphaned koalas when they were being killed for their fur. Located on an 18-hectare (44-acre) site along the Brisbane River in Fig Tree Pocket, just 12 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary houses over 100 koalas — more than any other zoo or sanctuary worldwide — alongside approximately 80 species of native Australian wildlife including kangaroos, platypuses, wombats, dingoes, Tasmanian devils, emus, and rainbow lorikeets.
Unlike other Australian wildllife parks, such as the Gorge Wildlife Park in Adelaide, the Healesville Sanctuary near Melbourne and the Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary near Sydney, Lone Pine has a strong leaning towards one especially lovable marsupial, however.
To skip the rest of the information and just book Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary tickets, head this way.
History of Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
The sanctuary began with just two koalas called Jack and Jill. The name originates from a lone hoop pine planted by the Clarkson family, the first owners of the 4.6-hectare site. Lone Pine gained international recognition during World War II when Americans, including Douglas MacArthur’s wife, visited to see native Australian animals. The sanctuary changed ownership in 1964 when acquired by the Robertson family, then again in 1988 when purchased by Kamori Kanko Corporation, which assured Queensland of the facility’s continued operation.
Important change from July 2024: Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary no longer permits visitors to hold koalas. Instead, Koala Moment encounters at Lone Pine allow close interaction where keepers hold the koalas whilst visitors stand beside them, pat them, and take photographs. This change followed extensive research, including a Griffith University study showing koalas accustomed to handling exhibited stress during COVID-19 lockdowns when people couldn’t visit. The new format prioritises koala welfare whilst maintaining meaningful visitor experiences.
The Brisbane Koala Science Institute, opened 30th June 2018 in collaboration with Brisbane City Council, operates on site with two full-time research staff, a laboratory, and a “Koala Biobank” genetic depository. Visitors can view the institute daily from the public viewing area. Lone Pine is accredited by the Zoo and Aquarium Association, demonstrating commitment to animal wellbeing, ethical care, and conservation leadership.
Table of contents
What to see at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
The Koala Forest at Lone Pine provides natural bushland habitat where over 100 koalas live amongst eucalyptus trees. Daily Koala Talks run throughout the day where expert wildlife teams share fascinating insights about koala habits and conservation efforts. Koala Moment encounters (additional fee) offer close experiences where keepers hold koalas whilst you pat them and capture photographs.
The Kangaroo Reserve at Lone Pine spans 5 hectares where free-roaming kangaroos and wallabies approach visitors for hand-feeding. Purchase feed bags ($2) at the entrance after buying admission — the kangaroos are friendly, docile, and accustomed to human interaction. Hand-washing stations operate at all reserve entrances.
Platypus House at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary showcases these elusive monotremes in specially designed enclosures. The sanctuary is one of few places where visitors can reliably observe platypuses. The Wild Lorikeet Feeding takes place at 3.45pm, when rainbow lorikeets descend en masse to feed from visitors’ hands — a spectacular experience.
Daily presentations at Lone Pine include the Free Flight Raptor Show (10.30am and 1pm) featuring eagles, owls, kites, and falcons soaring overhead, and the Sheepdog Show (11.00am and 1.30pm) demonstrating working dogs’ incredible skills herding sheep. Other species on display include Tasmanian devils, dingoes, wombats, emus, snakes, lizards, and various native birds.
Visiting Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane: practical information
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary opening times and admission
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is open daily from 9.00am to 5.00pm. The sanctuary closes only on Christmas Day. Reduced hours operate on ANZAC Day.
Admission prices to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary are: adults (16+ years) $59, children (3 to 15 years) $42, students and seniors $47, family passes (2 adults + up to 3 children) $180. Children under 3 enter free. Tickets can be bought online.
Annual passes for Lone Pine cost $101 for adults, with similar discounts for children, students, and seniors. Annual passes include unlimited entry for 365 days, 10% off food and beverages, and 10% off tickets for accompanying visitors.
Koala Moment encounters cost $35 per person (does not include sanctuary entry — day pass required separately). Other paid encounters include a Dingo Encounter ($50), Owl Encounter ($50), and All-Stars Tour ($150 combining multiple encounters). Booking Lone Pine tickets can be done online in advance, at the gate, or at Brisbane tourism information centres.
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours exploring Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, though families often stay longer. The sanctuary is not a full-day excursion like Australia Zoo — it’s designed for a leisurely half-day visit.
Getting to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Brisbane
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is located at 708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket, Queensland 4069, approximately 12 kilometres southwest of Brisbane CBD.
Reaching Lone Pine by car: approximately 20 minutes’ drive from Brisbane city centre with ample free parking on site.
Getting to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary by bus: route 430 from Queen Street Station travels directly to the sanctuary, taking approximately 40 minutes.
Reaching Lone Pine by river cruise: Mirimar River Cruise operates from Queensland Cultural Centre Pontoon, providing a 70-minute scenic journey along the Brisbane River. The cruise includes live captain commentary, with boarding at 8.30am and return to Brisbane by 2.45pm. Cruise and sanctuary combination packages start at $115.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary accessibility and facilities
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is partially wheelchair accessible, although it is on hilly terrain, which may not be practical for some wheelchair users. Advised paths, which avoid the worst of the are marked on the maps.
Facilities at Lone Pine include three cafés serving food and refreshments, though many visitors save money by bringing picnic lunches (outside food permitted). Free Wi-Fi operates throughout the sanctuary. Parents’ rooms and baby-changing facilities are available. The gift shop stocks Australian wildlife-themed souvenirs, plush toys, and books.
Tips for visiting Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
- Purchase feed bags ($2) immediately after entering — they sell out, and kangaroos are most interested in feeding earlier in the day.
- Visit mornings when animals are most active — kangaroos become less interested in food by late afternoon.
- Don’t miss the Free Flight Raptor Show (10.30am or 1.00pm) — eagles and owls flying overhead is spectacular.
- Attend Wild Lorikeet Feeding (3.45pm) for memorable bird interactions.
- Book Koala Moment encounters ($35) in advance if this is important to you.
- Consider annual passes ($101) if visiting Brisbane for extended periods or planning return trips — passes pay for themselves in two visits.
- Combine with Brisbane River cruise for scenic approach and to avoid driving.
- Bring sunscreen, hats, and water — the Queensland sun is intense and the sanctuary involves outdoor walking.
- Check daily schedule upon arrival to plan around presentations and feeding times.
- Remember koala holding is no longer permitted (this changed in July 2024) — encounters now involve patting koalas held by keepers.
Nearby attractions to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha (approximately 10 minutes’ drive) features 56 hectares of themed gardens, Brisbane Botanic Gardens Planetarium, and stunning city views from Mount Coot-tha Summit Lookout. The South Bank Parklands offers riverside lagoons, rainforest walks, cultural institutions including Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, and weekend markets. The Brisbane River provides kayaking, paddleboarding, and river cruise opportunities. The Queensland Cultural Centre houses museums, performing arts venues, and galleries. The Story Bridge Adventure Climb offers bridge climbing experiences with panoramic views. Fortitude Valley provides nightlife, live music venues, and dining options.
More Queensland travel
Other Queensland travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Wildlife encounters on the journey up to Cape Tribulation.
- Planning a visit to the Jindalba Boardwalk near Cape Tribulation.
- Six reasons to visit K’gari (formerly Fraser Island).
- Providence Whitsundays cruise: A day tour guide.
- The only Whitsundays tour that goes inside Hill Inlet.
