Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
The Basics
The easiest way to visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is on half or full-day tours from Brisbane, usually with options for standard entrance passes or wildlife experiences. For added value, opt for a Gold Coast Attraction Pass, which includes visits to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and activities such as jet boating and whale watching. Visitors can also combine Koala Sanctuary admission tickets with Brisbane sightseeing tours or river cruises.
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Things to Know Before You Go
Lines can be long, especially in peak season, so it’s best to book advance tickets.
On-site facilities include free parking; a cafe, shop, and restaurant; picnic and barbecue sites; ATMs; and baby changing areas.
The sanctuary is fully accessible, with free wheelchairs and disabled parking.
Free Wi-Fi and phone charging stations are available throughout the sanctuary.
How to get there
The koala sanctuary is 7 miles (11 kilometers) southwest of central Brisbane, about 15 minutes away by car. The #445 local bus reaches the sanctuary from downtown in less than an hour. Mirimar runs daily round-trip cruises directly to Lone Pine along the Brisbane River—a highlight of many visits. Onsite parking is free; there’s a taxi stand at the main entrance.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is open daily, year-round. Given its busy daily schedule of talks and events, it’s best to plan your visit in advance. High temperatures and large crowds mean you may need to allow more time when visiting in summer, but that’s when seasonal events and demonstrations are more frequent.
Wildlife Experiences at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Lone Pine offers add-on wildlife experiences, allowing visitors to interact with the park’s animals under the supervision of experienced handlers. Animal lovers can pose for a photo with a koala, take a dingo for a walk, hand-feed kangaroos, or handle a python. Additional highlights include zookeeper talks and demonstrations, birds of prey flight shows, sheepdog displays, and an open-air cinema in summer.