Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, set on the banks of the Brisbane River in Fig Tree Pocket, is the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary. Since 1927, this leafy haven has been dedicated to the conservation and wellbeing of koalas and other native Australian wildlife. For international visitors, it’s an unmissable chance to get up close with iconic animals in a natural, ethical setting – you can cuddle a koala, hand-feed kangaroos, and watch cheeky wombats and Tasmanian devils. The sanctuary’s relaxed, family-friendly vibe makes it a perfect half-day escape from Brisbane’s city centre.

Highlights & What to See

• Koala Cuddling & Encounters – The sanctuary’s signature experience: hold a koala for a photo (one of the few places in Australia where it’s still permitted). The koala care talks explain their behaviour and conservation.
• Kangaroo & Wallaby Feeding – Walk into the open enclosure and hand-feed friendly roos and wallabies; the gentle giants are used to visitors and love a pat.
• Free-Flight Bird Show – Watch majestic wedge-tailed eagles, colourful lorikeets, and powerful owls soar overhead in the daily raptor and bird presentation.
• Platypus & Nocturnal House – Spot the elusive platypus in its specially designed burrow, plus bilbies and gliders in the dim nocturnal zone.
• Sheepdog & Working Dog Show – A charming Aussie farm-style demonstration of clever border collies herding ducks and sheep.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 3–4 hours exploring the sanctuary, which gives you time to see the main animal talks, feed the kangaroos, and enjoy a koala cuddle. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, allow up to 5 hours to linger at each exhibit and catch the afternoon shows. The sanctuary is compact and easy to navigate, so you won’t feel rushed. Combine it with a morning at the nearby Brisbane Botanic Gardens or a river cruise back to the city for a full day out.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Brisbane City – Just 20 minutes away; explore South Bank Parklands, the Queensland Museum, and the vibrant Eagle Street dining precinct.
• Mount Coot-tha Lookout & Botanic Gardens – A short drive offers panoramic city views, walking trails, and the lush Brisbane Botanic Gardens.
• Gold Coast – An hour south, famous for surf beaches, theme parks (Dreamworld, Sea World), and the lush hinterland of Lamington National Park.
• Sunshine Coast – An hour north, with laid-back coastal towns, the Australia Zoo, and the Glass House Mountains for hiking.
• Moreton Island – A ferry from Brisbane takes you to sand dunes, shipwrecks for snorkelling, and wild dolphin feeding at Tangalooma.

Please check official sources for current details.