Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane - Koala in the sun
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Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Brisbane

4.6
·12k reviews·Fig Tree Pocket, Australia

World's largest koala sanctuary, offering close encounters with koalas, kangaroos, and other Australian wildlife.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning (opening)

Beat the heat & crowds

CrowdLow
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Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane - Koala in the sun

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Brisbane

Best Time

Morning (opening)

Beat the heat & crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

World's largest koala sanctuary, offering close encounters with koalas, kangaroos, and other Australian wildlife.

4.6
(12k reviews)

"A must-visit for an immersive Aussie wildlife experience with friendly kangaroos and iconic koalas."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Sun Protection is Key

Always wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The Queensland sun is intense! :sunwithface:

🎟️ Koala Hold Tickets

Buy koala holding tickets inside the park on the day. They sell out fast! :ticket:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Koala Encounters

Koala Encounters

Koala enclosures

Get up close with over 100 koalas! Watch them sleep, play, and even hold one for a memorable photo.

TikTokInstagram
Kangaroo Feeding

Kangaroo Feeding

Kangaroo enclosure

Wander among friendly kangaroos and feed them specially provided pellets. A truly immersive Aussie experience.

InstagramReddit
Platypus Viewing

Platypus Viewing

Platypus enclosure

See the unique platypus in action! Lone Pine is one of the few places to spot these elusive creatures.

InstagramReddit
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Heat and Crowds

Brisbane can get hot! Visit early or late to avoid the midday sun and peak crowds. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and water. Many Redditors advise against the hottest part of the day for both comfort and animal activity. Reddit+1

Koala Holding Tickets

Holding a koala is a bucket-list item for many, but tickets sell out fast! Purchase them inside the park on the day of your visit, ideally right at opening. Minimum height is 130cm. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Morning (opening)
Why
Beat the heat & crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Animals more active
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Discover the top things to do in Queensland's capital, Brisbane! 🌆👀⁠ ⁠ Whether you're planning your trip or already know the city, share your recommendations and favourite spots below 🥂🙌⤵️⁠ @VisitBrisbane @Queensland, Australia #happytravelsoz #brisbane #queensland #traveltips ⁠
@happytravelsoz
9.4K likes • 488.9K views

🎯 Sun Protection is Key

Always wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The Queensland sun is intense! Reddit+1 :sunwithface:

🎟️ Koala Hold Tickets

Buy koala holding tickets inside the park on the day. They sell out fast! Reddit+1 :ticket:

Pls dont count how many times i say recommend and definitely - i’m new to this😅 #brisbanethingstodo #brisbane #backpackaustralia #brisbanemustdo #australiazoo #steveirwin #australiamustdo #busketlisttravel
@lozztravels
8.7K likes • 128.4K views
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a must visit if you are planning to visit Brisbane. You can easily spend a whole day here in the wild with the animals. The main attraction are the Koalas and the Kangaroos. It only costs $35 to hug a 🐨. On another note, did you know platypus looked like this in real life? I always thought they were green like Perry the Platypus 😂 I think Koalas are my spirit animal...
rishikaa.tiwari1
381 likes • 11.8K views

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated! You can buy water, but bringing your own is a good idea. Reddit :droplet:

🚌 Easy Public Transport

Take bus 445 from Brisbane CBD or enjoy a scenic river cruise. InstagramReddit :bus:

🍃 Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary 🍃 We went to this sanctuary in Brisbane and it didn't disappoint. It was a 45 minute bus drive from Ann Street/Brisbane Central Station on the Bus No. 445. There was so much to see, so many animals from Australian native wildlife to barn animals. On every corner there were koalas 🐨 A koala nursery which everyone could see too, included in the ticket price 💚 If you'r...
em_inyorkshire
34 likes • 2.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Sun Protection is Key

Always wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The Queensland sun is intense! Reddit+1 :sunwithface:

🎟️ Koala Hold Tickets

Buy koala holding tickets inside the park on the day. They sell out fast! Reddit+1 :ticket:

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated! You can buy water, but bringing your own is a good idea. Reddit :droplet:

🚌 Easy Public Transport

Take bus 445 from Brisbane CBD or enjoy a scenic river cruise. InstagramReddit :bus:

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Capture amazing moments with native Australian wildlife. Professional photos available. TikTok :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(12k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary for its incredible access to native Australian animals, especially the numerous koalas and friendly kangaroos. The opportunity to feed kangaroos and hold koalas are highlight experiences. While some enclosures could be more spacious, the overall organization, knowledgeable staff, and convenient location from Brisbane make it a highly recommended attraction for a half-day to full-day visit.

"Excellent experience kangaroos can be fed. The Tasmanian Devil looks soft but look at those jaws and teeth. Koala are always good to watch. So is the Platypus we saw a central python as well as all the other birds and animals. Well worth the entry fee. You may want to get there early before the crowds come in we went on a week day and by lunch time there were people everywhere"

Dennis Harrild

"Lovely large sanctuary with lots of native animals. Some of their confinements were large and spacious, while some other one seemed a bit small. Staff is friendlyvand knowledgeable throughout. There are plenty of amenities in the park, toilet facilities, cafes etc.
The nicest part is the large kangaroos section where the kangaroos roam around freely. This is a lovely part to explore and walk around in, you can even feed the kangaroos with pellets you can purchase from the shop. However, they are well fed and might not be that interested in the snacks."

Babs Murphy

"Nice place to see different variety of Australian animal, like birds, koala, kangaroo and crocodiles.
The zoo park it’s very big and nice to walk through and spend half day. There is also some food and drink inside. We reach the park with local transportation from Brisbane city center."

Marco Cuffaro

What People Like

Close animal encounters
Kangaroo feeding
Koala holding

What People Dislike

Some enclosures small
Can get crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary from Brisbane CBD via public transport or a scenic river cruise. Bus route 445 is a popular option, taking about 45 minutes. Instagram Alternatively, a Brisbane River cruise offers a more leisurely journey with great city views. TikTokReddit

Yes, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary offers free parking for visitors who drive. It's a convenient option if you're traveling by car. :car:

Yes, you can take a Brisbane River cruise which functions like a ferry service to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. It's a popular and enjoyable way to arrive. TikTokReddit

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is located about 20 minutes drive from Brisbane's CBD, making it easily accessible for a day trip. TikTokReddit

Transport options include public buses (like route 445), private car with free parking, and scenic river cruises from the city. InstagramReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission prices vary, but general entry is around $49 for adults. Koala holding experiences are an additional cost, typically around $39. TikTok It's advisable to check their official website for the most current pricing. Reddit

While general admission tickets can often be purchased online, koala holding experiences must be bought inside the park on the day of your visit. Reddit+1

Yes, koala holding tickets are very popular and do sell out quickly. It's recommended to arrive at the sanctuary around opening time to secure yours. Reddit+1

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is typically open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. However, it's always best to check their official website for any seasonal changes or holiday hours. :clock1:

Yes, there is a minimum height requirement of 130cm to hold a koala at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Reddit

🎫 🐨 Onsite Experience

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is home to over 100 koalas, as well as kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, dingoes, Tasmanian devils, crocodiles, and a variety of Australian birds. You can also see platypus. InstagramReddit

Yes, you can hold a koala at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary for a photo opportunity, for an additional fee. This is a very popular activity. TikTokInstagram

Yes, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary hosts various shows and presentations, including a wild bird show and lorikeet feeding, which are included in the admission price. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! Lone Pine is very family-friendly, with opportunities for kids to feed kangaroos, see a wide variety of animals, and enjoy the shows. InstagramReddit

Lone Pine is a well-organized sanctuary, described as compact by some visitors, allowing for easy navigation and viewing of all animals within a few hours. Reddit+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary has cafes and food outlets where you can purchase meals, snacks, and drinks. Reddit

While specific policies can change, it's generally recommended to check the sanctuary's guidelines. However, bringing water is always a good idea. :water_wave:

Food options typically include typical cafe fare like sandwiches, burgers, and light meals, along with coffee and other beverages. :coffee:

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is encouraged! You can take your own photos, and professional photo packages are available, especially for koala holding. TikTok

The most popular photo opportunity is holding a koala. You can also get great shots feeding kangaroos and with other native Australian animals. TikTokInstagram

Koalas often sleep, but they are usually visible in their enclosures. Early morning visits can offer better light and potentially more active animals. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a fantastic destination for families. Kids will love the kangaroo feeding sessions and the chance to see so many different Australian animals up close. Instagram The sanctuary is well-organized and easy to navigate, making it manageable for families with young children. Remember to pack plenty of sun protection and water, as Brisbane can get quite warm. Reddit+1 The various shows, like the wild bird show, are also engaging for younger visitors. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary has an admission fee, it's often considered more affordable than larger zoos like Australia Zoo, especially when factoring in travel time and costs. Reddit The Brisbane River cruise to the sanctuary can also be a cost-effective way to see the city while en route. TikTokReddit Bringing your own water and snacks can help save money, though food is available for purchase. Reddit For those who just want to see koalas without the holding fee, consider the Daisy Hill Koala Centre, which is free to enter. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary offers numerous photography opportunities with Australia's unique wildlife. Capture stunning shots of koalas in trees, kangaroos in their open habitat, and the fascinating platypus. Instagram The koala holding experience provides a prime chance for memorable, professional photos. TikTok Visiting during the early morning can offer softer light and potentially more active animals for your shots. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Lone Pine: Getting There and Around

Getting to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is straightforward, with several convenient options from Brisbane's city center. Many visitors opt for the Brisbane River cruise, which offers a scenic and relaxing journey, doubling as a sightseeing tour. TikTokReddit For those preferring public transport, bus route 445 is a direct and frequent service from the CBD. Instagram If you're driving, ample free parking is available on-site. Once inside the sanctuary, the layout is designed for easy exploration on foot, with most areas being well-shaded thanks to the surrounding gum trees. Reddit

The Iconic Koala Experience

The main draw for many visitors to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the chance to interact with koalas. The sanctuary houses over 100 koalas, offering ample opportunities to observe them in their naturalistic habitats. While koalas are known for their sleeping habits, you can still get close to see their unique features. For those seeking a truly memorable experience, the koala holding opportunity allows you to physically hold a koala for a photograph. TikTokInstagram It's crucial to remember that tickets for this experience are limited and must be purchased on the day of your visit, ideally at opening, as they sell out quickly. Reddit+1 A minimum height of 130cm is enforced for this activity. Reddit

Beyond Koalas: A Showcase of Australian Wildlife

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is more than just koalas; it's a comprehensive introduction to Australia's unique fauna. Visitors can enjoy feeding kangaroos in a spacious, open enclosure, offering a delightful hands-on experience. InstagramReddit The sanctuary also provides opportunities to see other iconic Australian animals like dingoes, wombats, Tasmanian devils, and emus. A special highlight for many is the chance to observe the elusive platypus, a creature not commonly seen elsewhere. InstagramReddit The sanctuary also features a wild bird show and lorikeet feeding, adding to the diverse range of activities included with admission. InstagramReddit

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