The sanctuary was founded by Claude Reid in 1927 to protect koalas during a time when they were being culled for the fur trade.
It is one of the few places in Australia where guests can hold a koala, strictly regulated by animal welfare guidelines.
The sanctuary contains a dedicated 'Platypus House' featuring a specialized tank system to view these elusive monotremes.
Lone Pine hosts an annual koala census to monitor the health and population status of its residents.
It maintains a specialized koala food plantation to ensure a consistent supply of specific eucalyptus species required for their diet.
The sanctuary participates in breeding programs for endangered species like the Tasmanian devil.
Established in 1927, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world's oldest and largest sanctuary dedicated to koalas. It houses over 130 koalas and features a large, open-air enclosure where visitors can interact with free-roaming kangaroos and wallabies. The sanctuary spans 18 hectares and prioritizes wildlife conservation and veterinary care for injured native animals. It serves as a rescue hub for displaced or sick local fauna. Visitors can observe Tasmanian devils, platypuses, dingoes, and various Australian bird species in settings designed to mimic their natural habitats. The facility includes an on-site animal hospital that treats hundreds of animals annually.
The kangaroo reserve offers expansive, naturalistic backdrops for close-up wildlife photography.
Purchase food pellets at the entrance to feed the free-roaming kangaroos in the main paddock.
Check the daily presentation schedule upon arrival to catch the dingo or bird of prey demonstrations.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the grounds are extensive and mostly unpaved.
Do not attempt to feed the animals human food, as it is harmful to their specialized diets.
Open daily, including public holidays, but operations may be adjusted during severe weather events.
Maintain quiet voices near animal enclosures and strictly follow instructions from keepers regarding physical contact with koalas.
