Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary 🇦🇺

Located in the Brisbane suburb of Fig Tree Pocket, Queensland, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is an 18-hectare refuge that holds the title of the world's oldest and largest koala sanctuary. Founded in 1927 by Claude Reid to protect koalas from being killed for their fur, this historical site began with just two koalas named Jack and Jill. Today, you will find an expansive sanctuary housing approximately 80 species of native Australian wildlife.

During your visit, you can walk through the Koala Forest—a dedicated enclosure where over 30 koalas surround you, with feeding sessions taking place in the mid-morning and mid-afternoon. While holding koalas is no longer permitted, you can still get close to these incredible animals. Beyond koalas, you can step into a 5-hectare reserve to pet and feed free-roaming kangaroos, feed wild rainbow lorikeets that fly in for nectar meals, and watch a daily bird of prey show featuring agile raptors.

You can also explore the public viewing area at the Brisbane Koala Science Institute, open daily from 9am to 5pm, to observe active research. Whether you arrive by car, bus, or express boat, you will enjoy a memorable Australian day.

What to see at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

• Explore the world's oldest and largest koala sanctuary, home to around 80 Australian animal species.
• Feed and pet free-roaming kangaroos inside the 5-hectare kangaroo reserve.
• See over 30 koalas surrounding you in the Koala Forest enclosure.
• Feed visiting rainbow lorikeets and watch the daily bird of prey demonstration.
• Visit the public viewing area at the Brisbane Koala Science Institute between 9am and 5pm.

Visiting tips

Visit the Koala Forest in the mid-morning or mid-afternoon to see the koalas during their scheduled feeding times.

How long: Half day · Best time: Mid-morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is easy to reach on Brisbane’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Queensland Museum and Cathedral of St Stephen, Brisbane. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Brisbane travel guide.