Located around 12km (7.5 miles) from central Brisbane, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the oldest and largest koala sanctuary in the world. It’s home to over 130 koalas, each with their own name and distinct personality. The best bit? You get to cuddle these friendly koalas, as well as other Aussie animals!
This Brisbane koala sanctuary houses over 70 other species of Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, platypus, and wombats – to name a few. But, cuddly companions aren’t the only attraction; at Lone Pine, you’ll also find crocodiles and snakes, amongst other scaly creatures. A visit to Lone Pine is a perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon in Brisbane.
Highlights:
- Cuddle and take pictures with koalas
- Hand-feed the kangaroos
- Handle a range of other Australian animals
- A selection of daily shows and activities are on offer
Know before you book:
- Children under 3 are allowed in for free
- Most shows and activities are free of charge
- This pass is valid for a full day
Some may wrongfully assume that Lone Pine Sanctuary is a zoo. In reality, it stays true to its name and is very much a sanctuary. For almost 100 years, it has been a safe space for sick, orphaned, and injured koalas that needed a place to call home.
Today, koalas are far from being the only residents. The sanctuary houses a plethora of other Australian animals, too. It offers an incredibly immersive way for visitors to experience and learn about these animals.
Some of the most noteworthy residents include:
- Kangaroos
- Platypus
- Dingos
- Wombats
- Tasmanian devils
- Cassowaries
- Crocodiles
- Snakes
- Bats
- Emus
Amongst many, many, others.
Lone Pine is a perfect day trip from Brisbane for any kind of traveler, whether you’re touring Brisbane in a group, on your own, or with your partner. It offers a fascinating window into Australian wildlife and allows you to connect with animals on a deeply personal level.
But, perhaps no one will be as enchanted as the children when visiting the sanctuary. Getting so up-close and personal with these cuddly creatures is a rare opportunity that will last in their memory banks for years to come.
The sanctuary also offers some captivating shows and keeper talks. You’ll get to watch sheepdogs rounding up sheep, marvel at birds of prey, and soak up some of the wisdom held by the experienced staff.
The sanctuary has a distinct focus on driving positive social and environmental changes, with sustainability at the core of its operations. It exists to preserve and protect while educating and inspiring visitors to take these philosophies on board.
Some of the koalas love attention, while others prefer to keep to themselves. The handlers know the preferences of each koala and only allow the social koalas to be handled.
Fun fact: Did you know that koalas sleep for around 22 hours every day? The lucky buggers. Their food source, eucalyptus, is very low in calories, so sleeping is their way of conserving energy.
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Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Prices 2024
Day Passes:
Day passes for Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary start at around $49 AUD ($33 USD). Reduced rates are available for children, senior citizens, and students:
- Child (under 3): Free
- Child (3 – 13): $35 AUD (±$23.54 USD)
- Adult (18+): $49 AUD (±$32.96 USD)
- Senior Citizen: $39 AUD (±$26.23 USD)
- Student: $39 AUD (±$26.23 USD)
If you book a reduced rate access pass, be sure to bring a valid ID and student ID (if applicable).
River Cruise Combo:
Brisbane River cruise and Lone Pine combos start at around $90 AUD ($61 USD).
Check out the price list below for up-to-date prices and the most affordable deals.
Lone Pine Opening Hours
Lone Pine Sanctuary, Brisbane is open 7 days a week, every week of the year. The sanctuary maintains regular operating hours on all Queensland public holidays.
Monday to Sunday: 9am – 5pm
ANZAC Day (25th of April): 1:30pm – 5pm
Best Time to Go
The majority of Lone Pine is set outdoors, so we recommend picking a day with good weather.
With regard to the best time of day, any time is a good time to visit. However, we recommend getting there early in the day so that you have the full day to explore. A late arrival could mean cutting your visit short at closing time.
Lone Pine Sanctuary Ticket and Tour Options
There are a couple of packages available for Lone Pine. Some may choose to opt for a simple day pass, but many visitors choose to embark on the river cruise combo. We’ll discuss these options in further detail below.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Day Pass
This option is a simple day pass to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. After making your own way to Lone Pine from your accommodation in Brisbane, you’ll get to enjoy the entire sanctuary at your own pace. You’ll also get access to the informative daily shows and presentations.
- Full-day access to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
- Access to almost all daily shows and keeper talks
- Transport to and from Brisbane
- Koala photos and kangaroo food (both available for a small fee)
- Food and drinks
This pass is the most basic option available for Lone Pine sanctuary tickets. Perfect for those who want low ticket prices and would prefer to work on their own schedule.
Check Price & BookBrisbane River Cruise and Koala Sanctuary Visit
A visit to Lone Pine is very commonly combined with a cruise on the meandering Brisbane River. The sanctuary is set right on the banks of the river (as is central Brisbane), and it’s a perfect cruise-length away.
You’ll board the well-equipped cruise boat in the bustling Southbank area before embarking on a 70-minute cruise to Lone Pine. Along the way, your captain will provide fascinating commentary on the scenic surroundings. You’ll cruise through the lively riverside bits of Brisbane before gliding into lush suburbia.
During the cruise, you can treat yourself to meals, snacks, and beverages from the on-board cafe. Enjoy the scenery from the open-air roof deck or find some shelter inside if the weather is poor.
Once you arrive at Lone Pine, you’ll have about 3 hours to explore the sanctuary before the return cruise embarks.
- Full-day access Lone Pine tickets
- Two-way relaxing river cruise to Lone Pine
- Informative commentary from the boat’s captain
- Access to most daily shows and keeper talks
- Food and beverages
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
The river cruise allows you to take it easy and experience Brisbane from a different perspective. It’s a far more relaxing and enjoyable experience than driving or taking public transport to the sanctuary.
Check Price & BookSpecification: Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Prices & Tickets (Optional Cruise) 2024
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Anonymous –
We really enjoyed visiting the sanctuary. It's a bit of a ride from the cruise ship but don't let that stop you. We shared a taxi with another couple to get there and took the public bus back, enjoying the scenery along the way. Although there are many animals at the sanctuary the highlights were definitely getting close enough to the koalas to pet them, and feeding the kangaroos. Also, don't miss the sheep herding and raptor shows. They were both excellent but are offered at limited times so plan your experience around the scheduled times. We found the staff to be helpful and friendly, and the sanctuary clean and well laid out.
Anonymous –
Holding a koala, feeding and petting kangaroos and wallabies, wizzing around with Tasmanian devils, going batty with fruit bats and visiting with emus, Lone Pine is a bucket list experience! Staff were friendly and informative. I recommend this Sanctuary highly! As a solo traveler I felt safe and got to mingle with lots of locals as well.
Anonymous –
A great day to learn more about koalas. There are other animals such as birds, snakes, barn animals and you can go very near them to feed, cuddle and touch them.
Anonymous –
An absolute gem right in the heart of Brisbane. Its great for folks of all ages! Enjoy the several free shows / keeper talks each day and learn more about the amazing animals Australia has to offer!