One of the best places to spot native Australian animals is the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, which has been devoted to wildlife conservation since 1927. As well as being the oldest and largest koala sanctuary in the country with more than 130 resident koalas, the sanctuary is home to kangaroos, wombats, emus, dingoes, Tasmanian devils, and platypus.
The Basics
The easiest way to visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is on a half- or full-day tour from Brisbane, and options include a standard entrance pass or one with extra wildlife experiences. For added value, opt for a Gold Coast Attraction Pass, which includes activities such as Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, jet boating, and whale watching; or combine Koala Sanctuary admission with a Brisbane sightseeing tour or Brisbane River cruise.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Lines can be long, especially in peak season, so it’s best to book advance tickets.
- On-site facilities include free parking; a cafe, shop, and restaurant; picnic and barbecue sites; ATMs; and baby changing areas.
- The sanctuary is fully accessible, and wheelchairs and disabled parking are available free.
- Free WiFi and charging stations are available throughout the sanctuary.
How to Get to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
The koala sanctuary is 7 miles (11 kilometers) southwest of central Brisbane, about 15 minutes away by road. Local buses and taxis run to the sanctuary, and you can also visit by boat from Brisbane on an 80-minute cruise along the Brisbane River. Onsite parking is free, and there’s a taxi stand at the main entrance.
When to Get There
The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is open daily, year-round. Given its busy daily schedule of talks and events, it’s best to plan your day in advance. High temperatures and large crowds mean you may need to allow more time when visiting in summer, but that’s when seasonal events and demonstrations are more frequent.
Wildlife Experiences at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Lone Pine offers add-on wildlife experiences for additional fese, allowing visitors to interact with the park’s animals under the supervision of experienced handlers. Animal lovers can pose for a photo with a koala, take a dingo for a walk, hand-feed kangaroos, or handle a python. There’s also the chance to feed local barn animals at the sanctuary, which works under the regulations of the Queensland National Park and Nature Reserve Office. Additional highlights include zookeeper talks and demonstrations, a bird of prey flight show, a sheepdog display, and an open-air cinema in summer.
