UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2025

Fact: Koalas are as sleepy, slow, and cuddly as you’ve imagined. And if you’ve ever dreamed of hanging out with them ethically, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane, Australia is probably #1 on your list of places to do it.

It’s the world’s largest and oldest koala sanctuary, but there a few things I really wish we’d known before we went—things that took away from the experience that were totally in my control with the right preparation! So here it is: my Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary review, know-before-you-go tips, and our experience petting a koala!

FULL Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary review & know before you go guide

Lone Pine isn’t a zoo—it’s a conservation-focused sanctuary where you can see native Australian wildlife up close. Besides the 100+ koalas (!!!), there are also kangaroos (which you can feed and pet in a free-roaming area if you pay for a bit of food!), wombats, Tasmanian devils, and even a platypus. The whole place is designed to feel like an open-air, natural habitat, making it a much better experience than your typical zoo.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Wear bug spray – This is Australia, and the mozzies (Australia speak for mosquitoes) are relentless, especially near the river. I saw people swatting bugs away while trying to convince a kangaroo to eat from their hand, and it didn’t go very well haha. We didn’t wear or bring bug spray and could FEEL them biting. In fact, the Bugs alone almost drove us to leave early, and nothing but the allure of petting a koala would have been strong enough to keep me there while I was being devoured.
• Bring a sun hat & sunscreen – Brisbane is sunny year-round, and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is 95% outdoor and a lot of walking. My boyfriend left looking like a lobster, and as Americans, the Australian sun definitely hit different. I recommend buying an Australian brand sunscreen in a store when you arrive rather than bringing sunscreen from home!
• Carry a water bottle – There are refill stations around the park, and you’ll want to stay hydrated. We left America in the winter for hot, sunny Brisbane, and weren’t at all prepared to walk around like it was summer.
• Beware of birds in the picnic area – There are a lot of free roaming birds and iguana-like lizards running around the walking paths in the park. The birds are pretty pesky and insistent around the picnic area because unfortunately, people feed them. Don’t be one of those people! And If you have someone in your who’s group afraid of birds, you may want to skip an in park snack.

Visiting Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Can you still hold a koala at Lone Pine?

Short answer: No, not anymore. Lone Pine used to allow koala cuddling, but due to stricter welfare laws and the sanctuary’s commitment to animal well-being, you can’t hold one anymore. But don’t worry—you can still get super close!

We did the Koala Moment experience, where you stand right next to a koala in a tree and pet them while a keeper chats with you about them and their care. You can gently touch its back, take pictures, and enjoy the kaol-ity time (sorry, I had to 😅). It’s less than 5 minutes with the koala, but meeting Pretzel up close was a dream come true! The Koala Moment was $35 per person. We booked this about an hour before the time slot started, so I don’t think there’s any need to book ahead of time.

They also offer a longer, more intimate encounter, the Koala Close Up. With this experience you get a behind-the-scenes look at their care routines and get to spend more quality time touching the koala. It’s only offered 4 times a day and costs $80 per person, so if it’s important to you, I recommend booking it ahead!

How much does it cost to enter Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary?

In 2025, ticket prices are:

• Adults: $59 AUD
• Children (3-13 years): $42 AUD
• Students & Seniors: $47 AUD
• Families (2 adults + up to 3 kids): $180 AUD

You can book tickets online in advance here, which I recommend during weekends and holidays.

How long do you need at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary?

I’d say 3 hours is the sweet spot. That gives you enough time to see the koalas, feed the kangaroos, catch a few wildlife presentations, and explore without feeling rushed. If you’re an animal lover (or just really obsessed with koalas), you could easily spend a whole day here.

How do you get to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary?

Lone Pine is about 12 km (7.5 miles) from Brisbane’s city center, and there are a few ways to get there:

• By car: There’s free parking at the sanctuary if you’re driving. We Ubered from central Brisbane and it was about $25 USD each way, so I don’t recommend it if you can avoid it!
• By bus: The 430 and 445 buses from the city take about 40 minutes.
• By boat: This is the coolest option. The Mirimar Cruise departs from the Brisbane River and takes you straight to Lone Pine while offering scenic views along the way.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is hands-down one of the best places in Australia to see native wildlife up close. Even though you can’t hold a koala anymore, the experience is still 100% worth it. If you love animals (and let’s be real, who doesn’t?), put this on your must-visit list when in Brisbane!

Have you been to Lone Pine? Do you agree with this Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary review? Let me know in the comments! And if you’re looking for more bucket list nature and adventure travel ideas like this Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary review, check out some of my favorite experiences:

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