10 Things to See at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

10 Things to See at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

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Posted 2023-01-15 by Gillian Chingfollow
See some of Australia's favourite and unique wildlife animals at Brisbane's Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.



As a wide-eyed four-year-old, I vividly remember my parents taking my sister and I to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane to see one of Australia's most treasured favourite marsupials.


For two little girls, the chance to see these furry, cuddly, bundles of gum leaf eating koala gorgeousness in real life was something dreams were made of. Really. And let's be honest. What's not to love. They chew and crunch their days away eating leaves, sleeping a lot and don't seem to mind the ooh and ahhs of adoring visitors wanting to get up close to them.

And now, many decades later, when a school holiday opportunity came along to revisit the Sanctuary again, I went with the same enthusiasm and zero hesitation to see and experience Lone Pine all over again as an adult.



Background of an iconic Queensland Tourist Attraction
Located on the banks of the Brisbane River at Fig Tree Pocket, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary has been a mainstay on the Queensland tourist offerings since it opened in 1927 by Claude Reid with just 2 koalas. Sadly, the opening of the park coincided with the culling of wild koalas for the fur trade.



Today, set across 18 hectares, things have changed and visitors can enjoy & #8288 ;seeing over 400 animals, 100 koalas, and 70 species of Australian native animals. With an abundance of distinct Australian animals that call the parklands home and with so much to explore, I have selected my Top 10 picks of things to see at this Brisbane family and tourist attraction.



As well, the park offers special exclusive experiences, some of which are free and others are paid events to add something a little extra to your visit. The first thing I noticed was the familiar fragrance of eucalypt from the trees - a staple diet of the koalas. As we began our way through the sanctuary having checked out the schedule of activities, we found that Lone Pine is connected by a series of walking trails with slopes and hills of lush, dense rainforest with natural canopies.

As you make your way along, look out for the unfazed water dragons who you might pass on bridges and along the concrete paths. With so much to experience, I have come up with my top 10 things to see at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

1. The Koalas
Undoubtedly the stars of Lone Pine are of course the adorable koalas cosily sleeping and hugging the park's eucalypt trees. Yes, we've seen all things Australiana but seeing them in real life is a reminder of how special and unique these wonderful creatures are. For an up-close experience, visitors can add on a special event opportunity to 'Touch a Koala' and 'Have a Photo with a Koala' for a memento of the day.



2. The Kangaroos
Lone Pine is home to a large population of free-roaming kangaroos who bounce around a grassy green enclosure or can be found lazily sitting in the shade on a sunny day.



Visitors are welcome to wander through the green space and see the kangaroos as rest and at play. You can purchase a small packet of special food from the kiosk and feed the kangaroos. You might be lucky enough to see a baby joey pop its head out from its mother's pouch.





3. Wild Lorikeet Feeding
The red-beaked rainbow lorikeets are a type of parrot with a colourful plumage and these wild birds can be seen being fed at the sanctuary. Along with the lorikeets, look out for other feathered varieties including a tawny frogmouth owl, white, pink and black cockatoos, kookaburras and sweet finches.

4.Free Flight Raptor Show
Experience the unforgettable power of Australia's raptor birds. The raptors are considered Australia's eagles, owls, kites and falcons. Watch as they fly right over your head.

5. Sheep Dog Show
At the back of the Sanctuary is a grassy paddock with a 4-storey seated stadium to view the demonstration of sheep dogs. Flirt the dog displays her extraordinary skills of obeying commands and working with her handler to round up sheep. Other farmyard animals included goats, chickens (including baby chicks), and pigs.





6. Dingo Encounters


7. Snake Encounters
A standalone reptile centre houses a collection of slithery snakes and other reptiles including the broad-headed snake and Collett's snake. No panic required as they are safely viewed behind glass. If you are game enough for an up-close experience, supervised snake encounters are available.

8.The Crocodile Enclosure and Viewing Dome
One of the newest residents to the Sanctuary is Wickham, the estuarine salt-water crocodile which in the wild usually inhabits the lower reaches of rivers. Seeing Whickham up close just got easier with the new purpose-viewing dome which visitors can crawl through a small entry tunnel and get a good look at this prehistoric wonder.





9.Platypus
The air-conditioned centre, known as the Platypus House, contains two purpose-built tanks that allow visitors to watch these amazing billed creatures dive and weave in the water.

10.Wombat
One of Australia's favourite marsupials, the hairy-nosed wombat, calls Lone Pine home and can be seen waddling in the man-made burrows.

What Else
After you have finished exploring the grounds, you might like to relax and grab a bite to eat at the Outdoor Cafe with a deck overlooking the Brisbane River. When you visit Lone Pine, be sure to take water, a hat, and have your phone or camera charged because there will be photos - lots of photos. The site is extensive so comfy shoes are also suggested and a readiness to enjoy some walking trails. Free parking is available on-site. Council buses also travel to Lone Pine.

**
Day Passes**
Adult (18 years) $49.00
Child (3-13 years) $35.00
Student (14-17 years or with valid ID) $39.00
Senior/Pensioner (65 years or with valid ID) $39.00
Family (2 adults up to 2 children) $135.00
Mini Family (1 adult up to 2 children) $95.00

Annual Passes
Adult (18 years) $78.00
Child (3-13 years) $56.00
Student (14-17 years or with valid ID) $62.00
Senior/Pensioner (65 years or with valid ID) $62.00
Family (2 adults up to 2 children) $202.00
Mini Family (1 adult up to 2 children) $145.00



If you are a resident of Brisbane, like me, be a tourist in your own town and enjoy a day at Lone Pine. If you are hosting international or interstate guests, this is the place to go and catch up with some of Australia's favourite animals.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is located at 708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket.

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198229 - 2023-06-16 04:35:06

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