Perhaps the best-known koala sanctuary in the state, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary has been around since 1927 — the oldest in the world! — and it started with just two koalas, Jack and Jill. Founded by Queenslander Claude Reid to protect the species against the fur trade popular in that time period, the Sanctuary is named after a huge hoop pine that stands at its entrance to this day.
The sanctuary kept growing and growing, welcoming their first platypus, ‘Peter’ in 1974, and establishing a wildlife hospital in the 90’s, the same decade when Lone Pine got inducted into the Guinness World Records as the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary! World Records as the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary
But they have expanded far beyond that: Lone Pine now cares for more than 100 koalas and 70 other native animal species including platypus like Peter, cassowaries, Tasmanian devils, different species of kangaroos and wallabies, and many more!
Not only does the sanctuary house these animals, it also hosts kangaroo and lorikeet feedings daily, raptor and sheep dog shows, talks on koalas and dingos, as well as koala moments throughout the day, giving you the chance to feel the softness of one of Australia’s most representative animals and even snap a selfie with them! Lone Pine also organises school holiday programs, which teach different age groups how to care for nature and foster their curiosity about the world.
Practical information
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is open every day from 9am to 5pm.
Day passes start from $45, and tickets for specific experiences vary in cost. You can get all types of tickets here.
