By Australia is full of stunning natural wonders, and the continent’s iconic wildlife enchants every visitor. One of the best places to encounter Australia’s characteristic animals up close is the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, located just a few kilometers from Brisbane. As the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary, operating for over 90 years, it offers an unforgettable experience for both locals and tourists.
The History of Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Opened in 1927, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary has been committed to protecting and caring for Australian animals ever since. It started with just two koalas, but today, it hosts over 130 koalas as well as many other native Australian species, including kangaroos, dingoes, wombats, and a variety of bird species.
How to Visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary: Tickets and Information
Tickets to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary are priced at AUD 49 (USD 35) for adults and AUD 39 (USD 27) for seniors. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or at various tourist information centers around Brisbane. The sanctuary is a quick and convenient 20-minute drive from Brisbane, with ample parking available onsite. It is also accessible via public transportation; the 430 bus from Brisbane’s city center takes just 40 minutes to the Lone Pine entrance.
Lone Pine is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Tip: Not just for Victoria Residential Ship passengers, the River Cruise offers a memorable journey to the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary. Book here
Kangaroo Feeding and Other Interactive Programs
Tip #1: Arrive Early. Morning is the best time to visit as it’s when the kangaroos are most active and hungry. The free-ranging kangaroos are usually awake and ready to enjoy a few specially prepared roo pellets. Feeding and petting the friendly kangaroos is a highlight of the sanctuary visit, and roo food can be purchased at the entrance. Hand-feeding the resident kangaroos is one of Lone Pine’s highlights, and there are hand-washing and sanitizer stations at each entry point, so you won’t have to spend the rest of your day with kangaroo drool on your hands!
Koala Cuddling: Holding a koala is one of the unforgettable experiences of a Lone Pine visit. These adorable creatures love a cuddle just as much as we do and are often seen hugging branches or reaching out to their handlers for a big hug. Each koala hug lasts 15 minutes, and souvenir photos are available for purchase.
Koala Discovery Tour: For koala lovers, the Koala Discovery Tour, priced at AUD 150 (USD 105), offers a behind-the-scenes look at the care of Australia’s iconic animals, including selecting their favorite eucalyptus leaves. This tour also includes exclusive photo opportunities and insights into koala veterinary care.
Owl and Platypus Encounters: The sanctuary also offers owl and platypus encounters at AUD 50 (USD 35) per person. If you can’t choose among them, or want to experience all that Australian wildlife has to offer, check out the All-Stars Tour for AUD 150 (USD 105), which combines all of these encounters into one comprehensive experience.
The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is more than just a tourist attraction; it’s an inspiring example of combining animal conservation with education. Here, you can not only admire the beauty of these animals but also connect with the essence of Australian nature and learn more about the importance of protecting our planet. For Victoria Residential Ship passengers, a visit to Lone Pine promises an unforgettable adventure.