Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Queensland
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, established in 1927 in the Brisbane suburb of Fig Tree Pocket, Queensland, is the oldest and largest koala sanctuary globally. Spanning 18 hectares, it provides a safe refuge for sick, injured, and orphaned koalas, as well as a diverse collection of approximately 80 Australian animal species. The sanctuary began with just two koalas, Jack and Jill, and has grown to house over 100 koalas today. Visitors can experience close encounters with koalas in the expansive Koala Forest enclosure, where koalas are fed twice daily. The sanctuary also features a 5-hectare kangaroo reserve where visitors can feed and pet free-roaming kangaroos, and a bird of prey show showcasing raptors' agility and keen eyesight. In 2018, the Brisbane Koala Science Institute was opened on-site to advance koala research and conservation efforts. The sanctuary is accessible via car, bus, or express boat from Brisbane's city center. It remains a vital center for wildlife conservation, education, and visitor engagement, offering memorable wildlife experiences in a tranquil riverside environment.
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Astuce: Visit during weekdays or outside peak holiday periods for a more peaceful experience. Purchase tickets online in advance to save time and access discounts such as combo passes or multi-day flexi passes. Although holding koalas was discontinued from July 2024 to prioritize animal welfare, visitors can still get close to koalas and enjoy other wildlife encounters. Check the daily schedule for talks, shows, and bird of prey demonstrations to enrich your visit. The sanctuary is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
Faits intéressants
- •Lone Pine is the world's oldest and largest koala sanctuary, established in 1927.
- •The sanctuary houses over 100 koalas and about 80 species of native Australian animals.
- •Visitors used to be able to hold koalas until July 2024, after which the practice was stopped to improve animal welfare.
- •The Brisbane Koala Science Institute, opened in 2018, includes a Koala Biobank for genetic research.
- •Rainbow lorikeets regularly visit the sanctuary and can be hand-fed by visitors during feeding times.
- •The sanctuary was internationally recognized during World War II when American visitors toured it, including Douglas MacArthur's wife.
Histoire
The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary was founded in 1927 by Claude Reid to protect koalas from fur hunting and habitat loss.
The sanctuary's name derives from a lone hoop pine planted by the original landowners, the Clarkson family.
Initially starting with two koalas named Jack and Jill, the sanctuary gained international attention during World War II when American visitors, including Douglas MacArthur's wife, toured the park.
Over the decades, it has expanded to become a leading conservation and research facility, including the establishment of the Brisbane Koala Science Institute in 2018 to support koala genetics and habitat research.
Guide du lieu
Koala Forest
A large enclosure where over 30 koalas live in a naturalistic environment, allowing visitors to observe them closely during their mid-morning and mid-afternoon feedings.
Kangaroo Reserve
A 5-hectare area where free-roaming kangaroos can be fed and petted by visitors, offering an interactive wildlife experience.
Brisbane Koala Science Institute2018
Opened in 2018, this facility supports koala research and conservation, housing a research lab, two full-time scientists, and a Koala Biobank for genetic material storage. Visitors can view the institute from a public area during opening hours.
Birds of Prey Show
A daily live demonstration featuring several raptor species that showcase their speed, agility, and keen eyesight, educating visitors about these birds' natural behaviors.
Contact
Téléphone: (07) 3378 1366