Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Brisbane's Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Fig Tree Pocket is a must-do experience for tourists and locals alike. The world's first and largest koala sanctuary was founded in 1927 with two koalas. Today, the sanctuary boasts more than 100 of these cute and cuddly creatures, and 70 native Australian species.

Spread over 18 hectares of bushland beside the Brisbane River, including a 2 hectare kangaroo reserve, visitors can view a variety of Australian animals including the koala, kangaroo, cassowary, Tasmanian Devil, dingo, wombat and platypus as well as get up close and personal to a saltwater crocodile!

Entry to the sanctuary includes access to shows like wild lorikeet feedings and the Birds of Prey Flight Show. Educational presentations take place throughout the day with plenty of opportunities provided for guests to get up-close-and-personal with an array of animals, from cuddly koalas to slithering snakes. You can have your photo taken with a koala with scheduled sessions in the morning and afternoon and proceeds are used to build new enclosures, plant eucalyptus trees, and care for the animals.

The newest exciting addition to Lone Pine - a must visit - is the Estuarine Crocodile Exhibit and Viewing Dome, where you can get up-close-and-personal with resident salt water crocodile Wickham. Visitors can crawl through a purpose built tunnel and see eye to eye with a crocodile, the only place in Brisbane where you can!

Another highlight is the kangaroo reserve where you can hand feed more than 100 kangaroos and wallabies in a natural setting. There's also a small farm with guinea pigs, goats and more, as well as exciting sheep dog shows.

The newly renovated Riverside Cafe just outside the entrance is where you can purchase barista-made coffee, along with a selection of pastries, toasties and muffins before you enter the Sanctuary. There's also a cafe onsite selling food and drinks with indoor and outdoor seating available beside the Koala Forest.

Good to know – Lone Pine offers a number of special events and programs throughout the year including school holidays.

Need to know – Lone Pine is accessible by car, bus or boat. Mirimar Cruises, who have been ferrying passengers to Lone Pine for over 70 years, depart from the Cultural Centre Wharf at 10am daily for a leisurely 75-min river trip that takes in historic homes, modern mansions, wildlife habits and a bat colony. The return journey departs Lone Pine at 1.30pm. More info on planning your journey here.