Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Frommer's Review

This is the best place in Australia to cuddle a koala -- and one of the few places where koala cuddling is still allowed. Banned in New South Wales and Victoria, koala cuddling is allowed in Queensland under strict conditions that ensure that each animal is handled for less than 30 minutes a day -- and gets every third day off! When it opened in 1927, Lone Pine had only two koalas, Jack and Jill; it is now home to more than 130. You can cuddle them anytime and have a photo taken holding one for A$15 (US$14/£6.75); once you've purchased a photograph, your companions can take as many photos of you as they like with their own cameras. Lone Pine isn't just koalas -- you can also hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies and get up close with emus, snakes, baby crocs, parrots, wombats, Tasmanian devils, skinks, lace monitors, frogs, bats, turtles, possums, and other native wildlife. There is a currency exchange, a gift shop, and a restaurant and cafe. You can also take advantage of the picnic and barbecue facilities.

The nicest way to get to Lone Pine is a cruise down the Brisbane River aboard the MV Mirimar (tel. 1300/729 742 in Australia), which leaves the Cultural Centre at South Bank Parklands at 10am. The 19km (12-mile) trip to Lone Pine takes 90 minutes and includes commentary. You have 2 hours to explore before returning, arriving in the city at 2:45pm. The fare is A$48 (US$43/£22) for adults, A$27 (US$24/£12) for children ages 3 to 13, and A$135 (US$122/£61) for families of five, including entry to Lone Pine. Cruises run daily except April 25 (Anzac Day) and December 25.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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