Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Day Pass Brisbane

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary opened in 1927 and is recognised as the world's first koala sanctuary. It sits beside the Brisbane River in leafy Fig Tree Pocket, about twelve kilometres from the city centre, in bushland that makes an ideal setting for koalas. The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary day pass gives you entry for the whole day, so you can plan your visit around shows and talks.

Expect winding paths, eucalyptus trees, open lawns and plenty of places to stop and watch the animals. The sanctuary focuses on care and conservation, and its keepers explain how koalas live and what threatens them in the wild.

The koalas and other wildlife

More than a hundred koalas live here, resting in the forks of the trees or munching on eucalyptus leaves. Koalas sleep for most of the day, so if you want to see them awake, arrive early and follow the keeper talks. Beyond the koalas, the sanctuary has wombats, dingoes, platypus and reptiles among about seventy-five native species.

Many visitors search for how long to spend at Lone Pine, and about three hours is a comfortable visit, although you can stay longer to see everything. Wear comfortable shoes and use plenty of sunscreen, as most of the sanctuary is outdoors.

The Kangaroo Reserve, keeper talks and shows

The free-range Kangaroo Reserve is included in your day pass. Kangaroos and wallabies roam an open space where you can walk among them, and you may buy kangaroo food at the sanctuary, which is not included. Keepers take care to show how to behave around the animals safely.

Keeper talks and wildlife shows run throughout the day, and the schedule is displayed at the entrance. These are included in your ticket. Wildlife experiences and encounters, such as holding a koala for a photograph, are optional extras that must be purchased on the day.

Getting to Lone Pine and planning your visit

You go to the main entrance of Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary yourself, as hotel pickup is not included. The sanctuary is about twenty-five minutes by car from the city, and you can also arrive by a river cruise from South Bank or by bus from the city centre. Opening hours change by season, so check the details when you book.

Arrive early to maximise your time. Bring a hat, sunscreen and drinking water, and check the weather so you can dress for outdoor conditions. Weapons, drones, bikes, skateboards, scooters, glass objects, smoking and vaping are not allowed.