Why you should experience the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane.
The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane is a rare kind of place, a sanctuary where Australia’s most beloved creatures feel as close as the heartbeat of the land itself.
Founded in 1927, it’s the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, a haven where conservation, curiosity, and quiet wonder converge on the banks of the Brisbane River. The moment you step through its gates, the city noise fades into the rustle of eucalyptus leaves and the soft calls of wildlife. More than 130 koalas live here, each with their own temperament and charm, some dozing lazily in the treetops, others munching leaves with unhurried focus. Yet Lone Pine is far more than its cuddly residents, it’s a celebration of all things uniquely Australian. Kangaroos hop freely through open fields where visitors can hand-feed them; lorikeets burst into color overhead during daily feeding sessions; and platypuses glide silently through crystal-clear waters. The sanctuary’s mission is simple but profound: to connect people with wildlife in a way that nurtures both awe and responsibility. In a world increasingly distant from nature, Lone Pine feels like a heartbeat from another time, slow, gentle, and full of life.
What you didn’t know about the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
The story of Lone Pine is woven into Australia’s broader narrative of conservation and care.
It began as a humble refuge during a time when koalas were hunted for their fur, a grim practice that threatened to erase them from the landscape. Lone Pine’s founder, Claude Reid, sought to reverse that fate, creating a sanctuary that protected these gentle marsupials and educated the public about their importance. Nearly a century later, his vision has blossomed into an internationally recognized center for research and rehabilitation. The sanctuary’s work extends far beyond its fences: it supports breeding programs, wildlife hospitals, and global initiatives for endangered species. Scientists here study the effects of climate change on koalas and help develop strategies for preserving their shrinking habitats. Yet, despite its global reputation, Lone Pine retains a warmth that feels local and deeply personal. Every path winds through shaded groves and open meadows where the sounds of laughter, birdcalls, and wind mingle. Few visitors realize that the sanctuary also plays a role in emergency wildlife recovery, providing shelter for animals displaced by bushfires and floods. Every animal here tells a story, of survival, renewal, and the delicate balance between humans and the wild.
How to fold the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary into your trip.
A visit to Lone Pine is best experienced unrushed, a full morning or afternoon spent simply being present.
Located just 12 kilometers from Brisbane’s city center, it’s an easy journey by car, bus, or even by ferry along the scenic Brisbane River. Start your visit at the koala habitats, where you can get a close look at these sleepy icons of Australia. The sanctuary offers photo opportunities where visitors can hold a koala under the guidance of trained keepers, a brief but unforgettable moment that connects you to the country’s spirit. From there, wander into the kangaroo reserve, where you can hand-feed roos and wallabies against the backdrop of Queensland’s blue skies. Don’t miss the daily lorikeet feeding, a burst of color and chaos that perfectly captures the joy of the place. For something deeper, visit the Platypus House or the Birds of Prey show, where conservation meets spectacle. Refuel at the Riverside Café, where tables overlook the river’s calm flow, a reminder that even near the city’s edge, the wild is never far. As the afternoon sun turns the sanctuary golden, you’ll leave with more than photos, you’ll carry the quiet awe that comes from seeing Australia as it truly is: vibrant, untamed, and deeply alive.
Hear it from the Foresyte community.
“Koalas are asleep 90% of the time and no one blames them. You stand there watching and think maybe they figured life out.”
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