Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Last updated February 2026

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a private wildlife sanctuary located at Fig Tree Pocket in Brisbane's western suburbs, approximately 12 kilometres from the CBD, and holds the distinction of being the world's first and largest koala sanctuary. The sanctuary houses more than 70 koalas and more than 100 other Australian native species including kangaroos, wombats, Tasmanian devils, platypuses, dingoes, echidnas, and native birds of prey. Unlike many zoo settings, visitors at Lone Pine can hold a koala for a photograph — a paid experience that is a major drawcard for interstate and international visitors. The kangaroo feeding paddock allows visitors to hand-feed free-roaming kangaroos, which is frequently cited as the highlight for younger children. The sanctuary is smaller in scale than a major zoo but dense in hands-on wildlife experiences. **What to Bring** Sunscreen and comfortable shoes are recommended for the outdoor sections. Snacks are useful for younger children during a full visit. A camera is well worth bringing for the kangaroo paddock and koala photo experience. **Best Age Range** Lone Pine works particularly well for children aged 2–10, for whom the hands-on nature of the kangaroo paddock and koala encounters is highly engaging. The sanctuary is compact enough that younger children can manage the full experience without fatigue. Older children and teenagers also engage well, particularly with the birds of prey presentations. **Good to Know** The koala photo experience is an additional fee on top of entry and is priced per photograph session. A river cruise approach from the city centre via the Mirimar cruise is available and turns the journey into part of the experience. **Nearby** Fig Tree Pocket is primarily residential; the sanctuary is the main attraction in the immediate area. Mount Coot-tha and the Brisbane Botanic Gardens are approximately 10 minutes by car and work well as a second destination for families extending the day outdoors. **Tips From Other Parents** The kangaroo feeding paddock consistently rates as the most memorable experience for children, particularly those who have not previously been able to hand-feed native animals in an open setting. Bringing extra cash or checking the koala photo pricing before arrival avoids surprises at the booking desk inside.