Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Just a 20-minute drive from Brisbane’s city centre, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary offers an unforgettable encounter with Australia’s most iconic wildlife. As the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary, it’s a place where you can get up close to koalas, hand-feed kangaroos, and watch wombats, dingoes, and platypuses in naturalistic habitats. The sanctuary sits on the banks of the Brisbane River, with a relaxed, family-friendly vibe that makes it a perfect half-day escape from the urban bustle.

Highlights & What to See

• Cuddle a Koala – Lone Pine is one of the few places in Queensland where you can hold a koala for a photo. The experience is carefully managed for animal welfare, and you’ll learn heaps from the knowledgeable keepers.
• Kangaroo Feeding – Walk into the free-roaming kangaroo enclosure and hand-feed friendly roos and wallabies. The gentle giants are used to visitors and make for fantastic photo ops.
• Sheepdog & Birds of Prey Shows – Daily demonstrations showcase working sheepdogs rounding up ducks and majestic eagles, owls, and kookaburras in free-flight displays.
• Nocturnal House – Step into the dimly lit exhibit to see bilbies, quolls, and gliders in their active night-time environment – a rare glimpse of Australia’s lesser-known wildlife.
• Platypus & Wombat Encounters – The platypus pool and wombat burrows are highlights, with keeper talks that reveal fascinating facts about these shy creatures.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend around 3–4 hours at Lone Pine. This gives you plenty of time to see all the exhibits, attend the keeper talks and shows, and enjoy a leisurely lunch at the café overlooking the river. If you’re a keen wildlife enthusiast, you could easily stretch it to a full day – pack a picnic and soak up the peaceful surrounds.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• South Bank – Brisbane’s cultural and recreational hub, with the man-made Streets Beach, the Queensland Museum, and a buzzing restaurant precinct – all just a short drive or ferry ride from Lone Pine.
• Story Bridge – For panoramic city views, walk across or climb the iconic Story Bridge. The Kangaroo Point cliffs below offer great picnic spots and rock-climbing adventures.
• Queen Street Mall – Brisbane’s premier shopping strip, packed with boutiques, department stores, and eateries. A perfect spot to wind down after a day with the animals.
• Mount Coot-tha Lookout – A short drive from the sanctuary, this lookout offers sweeping views of the city and hinterland, plus bushwalking trails and the Brisbane Botanic Gardens.
• Brisbane River Cruise – Combine your visit with a scenic river cruise from the city to Lone Pine – the sanctuary has its own wharf on the Brisbane River, making for a delightful journey.

Please check official sources for current details.