Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Review

Queensland's most famous fauna park, founded in 1927, is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's first and largest koala sanctuary. The attractions for most people are the koalas (more than 130 in all), although emus, wombats, crocs, bats, and lorikeets also reside here. You can hand-feed baby kangaroos in the free-range 'roo and wallaby enclosure, have a snake wrapped around you, or cuddle a koala (and have your photo taken with one for A$15, until 4:30). There's also a thrice-daily sheepdog show and regular barn animal feedings.

MV Mirimar. The MV Mirimar, a historic 1930s ferry, travels daily to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary from the Cultural Centre pontoon beside Victoria Bridge, departing at 10 sharp (board from 9:30 am), departing Lone Pine at 1:30 and returning to the city at 2:45 (A$60 round-trip, including entrance to the sanctuary). Bus 430 from Platform B4, Queen Street Bus Station, and Bus 445 from Stop 40 on Adelaide Street also stop at the sanctuary. Taxis cost about A$35 from the city center, from which it's around 11 km (6.5 mi) to the sanctuary. 07/3221-0300 or 0412/749-426.