Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Overview

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world's first and largest koala sanctuary, nestled along the Brisbane River in Fig Tree Pocket, about 12 km south-west of the CBD. Founded in 1927, it is home to over 100 koalas and 70+ species of native Australian animals.

Highlights

• Koala encounters: Hold a koala for a professional photo — one of the few places in Australia where this is permitted.
• Kangaroo feeding: Walk through an open-range kangaroo reserve and hand-feed eastern grey and red kangaroos.
• Platypus House: One of the only places in south-east Queensland to see a platypus up close.

History

Founded by Claude Reid in 1927 with just two koalas named Jack and Jill, Lone Pine is recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's first and largest koala sanctuary. It played a key role in koala conservation when the species was heavily hunted in the 1920s.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Take the Mirimar river cruise from South Bank for a scenic 75-minute journey to the sanctuary.
• Tip 2: Arrive early to book your koala-hold time slot — they fill up quickly.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.