If cuddling a joey koala is part of your travel wish list, then you will never disappoint when you visit this place in Brisbane.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, home to over 100 koalas and 70 species of other Australian native animals. It is a great destination for wildlife animals and koala encounters, and a very ideal for a thoughtful, enjoyable, and educational family outing.

Established in 1927, the sanctuary offers guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with the wildlife in a natural, intimate setting. From koala holds to kangaroo feeding, free-flight raptor shows, and sheepdog demonstrations, there is something for everyone.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is accredited by the Zoo and Aquarium Association for positive animal welfare. The health and wellbeing of the sanctuary’s animals are at the forefront of everything they do, along with their extensive research and conservation efforts.

Lone Pine is open every day from 9 am-5 pm and just 12 kilometers from Brisbane CBD. The sanctuary can be accessed by car, bus, or Mirimar River Cruise.

Read Lone Pine's current COVID19 updates here.

Amenities and Facilities available at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

The Sleepy Koala Café has many options for lunch, snacks, ice blocks, and cool drinks. There is a children’s play area that is well positioned near the air conditioning for those excited little ones who need to cool down. If you’d like to eat outside there is a dining area that is bordered by sleeping koalas dozing in eucalyptus enclosures.

We were very impressed by the number and variety of parents' room and toilet options. There were breastfeeding cubicles for mothers wanting a little privacy, uni-sex nappy change facilities with options for baby food preparation, and wide doors everywhere to ensure it was easy for prams and wheelchairs.

Other amenities and facilities available are:

* carpark

* pet-friendly

* family-friendly

* cafe, and other food and refreshments

* coach parking

* Free Wifi

* non-smoking

* Parents room

* lawn/gardens

* Interpretive center

* Picnic area

* Public toilet

* shop/gift shop

* electric vehicle charging point

Due to the tropical weather in Brisbane, visiting the sanctuary could be a little bit warm. Best to bring your own water bottle, hat, and sunscreen lotion to protect yourself from the scorching heat.

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World-Class Koala Research Facility

The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary also has its new world-class koala science and research facility, the Brisbane Koala Science Institute.

Constructed in collaboration with the Brisbane City Council, the facility is home to two full-time research staff, a research laboratory, and a ‘Koala Biobank’ (koala genetic depository). Through joint projects with universities and other research establishments, the Institute will be working towards real, practical outcomes for local koala populations.

Joanna Horsfall, one of the Institute’s researchers, explains “our major collaborative project with researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast aims to understand the role that disease plays in our local koala populations and explore effective practical management solutions.

“In partnership with QUT, we are investigating the use of drones and artificial intelligence for wild koala detection and improved population management”.

Guests to Lone Pine will be able to enjoy the Institute daily from 9am-5pm, via the public viewing area complete with interactive displays, koala skywalk, and viewing windows into the sanctuary’s wildlife kitchen, research laboratory, and wildlife hospital.

Access to the facility is included in entry to the sanctuary.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Expansion Project

Work is about to start on a $1.4 million expansion of Brisbane’s iconic Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, creating fresh attractions to Brisbane community, and as part of Queensland tourism Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan.

With shovel at the ready, Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe formally kicked off construction on the project which is predicted to generate an extra $3.2 million for Brisbane’s visitor economy and grow visitor numbers.

The upgrade would cover 15,000 square meters of space including a Wild Walk experience and a 581-meter boardwalk through eucalyptus and bushland.

This project will not only allow to provide local, interstate, and international guests with new and engaging wildlife experiences, but also help secure ongoing employment opportunities for both new and existing staff, and significantly contribute to Brisbane’s recovering tourism industry.

Lone Pine’s expansion is expected to be completed mid-next year.

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Ticket Prices - General Admission

Adult (18+ years) $49.00

Child (3-13 years old) - $35.00

Student – (14 to 17yrs old) - $39.00

Family ((2Adults + up to 2 children) - $135.00

Mini Family (1 Adult + up to 2 children) - $95.00

Senior/Pensioner (65+ years or with valid ID) - $39.00

For individual and family yearly passes, visit https://lonepinekoalasanctuary.com/tickets/ for more discounts and promotions.

You can also check the KLOOK travel app for a discounted entry pass.

Location: Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

708 Jesmond Road

Fig Tree Pocket

Queensland Australia 4069

Contact Deatils:

Phone: +617 3378 1366

Email: service@koala.net

Website: https://lonepinekoalasanctuary.com/

Other Places to Cuddle a Koala in Queensland

The Gold Coast

The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast has been protecting and conserving wildlife for over 70 years. Guests who book into their weekend breakfast with the koala experience will enjoy a gourmet breakfast in the Koala Habitat precinct surrounded by koalas. They can chat with the keepers, enjoy a koala cuddle, and will even have the moment captured by professional photographers.

Of course, after breakfast, you are free to explore the rest of the sanctuary at your leisure.

Sunshine Coast

Established in 1970 as the “Beerwah Reptile Park” and spanning only two acres, today the Australia Zoo covers over 700 acres with 110 acres on public display. Visiting the Australia Zoo is a whole day event but make sure you book your cuddly koala encounter in advance to avoid disappointment.

During this encounter, you will get to cuddle up to one of the gorgeous koalas and learn more about them from the keepers, who are on hand to answer all your questions and share what’s involved in caring for them.

Townsville

You can also enjoy some koala cuddling at the Billabong Sanctuary, home to over 50 native animal species, the koalas here are part of a successful breeding program with several born and raised right in the park. The highlight of your visit will be when you finally get to cuddle a koala and one of the rangers will snap your perfect souvenir photos for you!

Cairns

There are a number of places to cuddle a furry koala in and around Cairns, but the Kuranda Koala Gardens are extra special due to their location in the rainforest.

Take the trip up there on the must-do Kuranda Scenic Railway and take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway back to Cairns for a memorable day out for the whole family.