If you’re visiting Brisbane or the Gold Coast, one of the things you’ll probably want to do is see Australia’s famous animals up close. From cuddly koalas to friendly kangaroos, it’s an experience many travellers look forward to but the big question is, where should you go?
Most people don’t realise you don’t need to travel far to have these wildlife encounters. Right in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, there are two great options: Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand the difference between the two, so you can choose the best place for your trip and make the most of your time in your travel.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
The most famous place to see koalas in Brisbane is the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. In fact, it is the oldest and largest Koala sanctuary in the world!
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary was established in 1927 by Claude Reid as a safe refuge for koalas at a time when they were being heavily hunted for their fur. It began with just two koalas, Jack and Jill, with the goal of protecting and preserving this iconic Australian species.
When you arrive, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a peaceful nature park filled with unique Australian wildlife.
The Koala experience runs from 10:00am to 3:30pm. But our recommended time in the ADT tour is 10:15am right after feeding the Kangaroos.
Here, you can see dozens of Koalas resting in gum trees or slowly munching on eucalyptus leaves. They are very calm and gentle animals, and watching them up close is a very special experience. Many visitors say this is their favorite part of their whole trip.
Moreover, one of the highlights at Lone Pine is hand-feeding kangaroos in a large open field. They’re friendly, used to people, and it’s a memorable experience, especially if it’s your first time in Australia. At ADT, we usually recommend doing the kangaroo feeding around 9:00–9:30 AM, when they’re often most active and ready to feed.
There are also other animals to see, like wombats, dingoes, and even the shy platypus. The sanctuary is well-organised and easy to explore, making it perfect for families and first-time visitors.
If you want a simple and unforgettable wildlife experience, this is the best place to start.
For those who prefer a more relaxed and hassle-free day, many visitors choose to include Lone Pine as part of a guided day trip. With Adventure Day Trips (ADT), you can enjoy the visit at your own pace while we take care of the transport and timing, making the whole experience smooth and easy from start to finish.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Daily Schedule
| Time | Activity | Description |
| 9:00 AM | Opening Time | Sanctuary opens to visitors |
| 9:45 AM | Lorikeet Feeding (Morning) | Watch and feed colourful wild lorikeets |
| 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Koala Experience | Get close to koalas and take photos *Koala cuddle is forbidden |
| 10:30 AM | Free Flight Raptor Show | See birds of prey flying freely |
| 11:00 AM | Sheep Dog Show | Watch trained sheepdogs in action |
| 11:30 AM | Koala Talk | Learn about koalas from expert keepers |
| 12:00 PM | Crocodile Talk | Discover fascinating crocodile facts |
| 1:00 PM | Free Flight Raptor Show (2nd) | Another chance to watch the raptor show |
| 1:30 PM | Sheep Dog Show (2nd) | Second session of sheepdog demonstration |
| 2:00 PM – 3:45 PM | Koala Experience | Afternoon koala encounter session |
| 2:45 PM | Dingo Talk | Learn about Australia’s native dingoes |
| 3:45 PM | Lorikeet Feeding (Afternoon) | Final feeding session of the day |
| 5:00 PM | Closing Time | Sanctuary closes |
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
If you want the chance to cuddle a Koala, something you can’t do in many other sanctuaries then Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is definitely worth the trip.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary began in 1947 as a simple lorikeet feeding attraction and has grown into a leading wildlife sanctuary focused on Australian animals, conservation, and education. Today, it’s known for interactive wildlife experiences and the iconic lorikeet feeding that started it all.
This amazing sanctuary offers a mix of wildlife encounters and interactive experiences, but for many visitors, the real highlight is the chance to hold a Koala (*with extra fee) and take a memorable photo. It’s a unique experience that a lot of travellers look forward to when visiting Australia.
Moreover, Koala cuddling and photo sessions usually run between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, with limited spots available, so it’s best to plan your visit early in the day.
Aside from Koalas, you can also watch animal shows, feed Kangaroos in open areas, and explore the larger park filled with different wildlife exhibits.
Other activities you can do:
The Currumbin sanctuary also has a miniature train. It makes exploring easier, especially for families.
With more activities and space to explore, it’s ideal for a fuller wildlife experience. If visiting at night, Astra Lumina offers an immersive bushland walk with lights, sound, and storytelling.
You can also extend your visit and explore more of the Gold Coast, with ADT taking you to nearby beaches and scenic spots along the way.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Daily Schedule
| Time | Activity | Description |
| 8:00 AM | Lorikeet Feeding (Morning) | Feed wild rainbow lorikeets (iconic experience) |
| 9:30 AM | Billy Tea Presentation | Learn traditional Aussie bush culture |
| 10:00 AM | Pelican & Eel Feeding Show | Watch wild pelicans and eels being fed |
| 10:15 AM | Blinky Bill Stage Show | Family-friendly wildlife and conservation show |
| 10:45 AM | WildSkies Free Flight Bird Show | Birds of prey flying overhead (must-see) |
| 11:20 AM | Radiated Tortoise Keeper Talk | Learn about tortoises from keepers |
| 11:30 AM | Wildlife Hospital Presentation | See vets treating injured wildlife |
| 11:30 AM | Dino-Mite Explorer Show | Educational dinosaur-themed show |
| 11:45 AM | Koala Nursery Keeper Talk | Learn about baby koalas |
| 12:00 PM | Tasmanian Devil Keeper Talk | Discover this unique Australian animal |
| 12:15 PM | Frog Keeper Talk | Learn about rare frog species |
| 12:30 PM | Crocodile Feeding / Behaviour Show | Watch powerful crocodiles being fed and learn about them |
| 12:30 PM | Blinky Bill Stage Show (2nd) | Second session of the show |
| 2:15 PM | WildSkies Bird Show (2nd) | Afternoon bird show |
| 2:45 PM | Croc Wetlands Keeper Talk | Learn about crocodiles and alligators up close |
| 3:00 PM | Ngari-bah Aboriginal Culture Show | It’s included with general admission and is a great cultural performance featuring traditional dance, music and storytelling. |
| 4:00 PM | Lorikeet Feeding (Afternoon) | Final lorikeet feeding session |
| 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Astra Lumina Gold Coast |
So, which is better? Lone Pine or Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary?
Let’s break it down
| Feature | Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary | Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Style | Smaller, relaxed, easy to explore | Bigger, more activities, full-day experience |
| Koalas | One of the largest koala collections | 50+ koalas with interactive encounters |
| Koala Cuddling | ❌ No longer allowed | ✔ Available (with booking & fee) |
| Kangaroo Feeding | ✔ Large open reserve | ✔ Open feeding areas |
| Animal Variety | Mostly Australian animals | Mix of Australian + broader experiences |
| Shows | Educational, smaller-scale | More shows and interactive experiences |
| Time Needed | 2–4 hours | Half-day to full day |
| Overall Feel | Calm, simple, close-up | Lively, interactive, more to do |
| More Animals to see | Only few can be seen | ✔ More animals |
Take a Guided Wildlife Tour for a Stress-Free Day
If you want to keep the day easy and comfortable, many travellers choose a guided tour so transport, timing, and planning are already taken care of. It makes the whole experience more relaxed, and you can simply enjoy the wildlife and the journey.
Whether you visit Lone Pine or Currumbin, both offer memorable encounters with koalas and kangaroos, it really comes down to your travel style. With ADT, you can enjoy the sanctuary and still have time to explore nearby scenic spots, all without the stress of organising it yourself.
TESTIMONIALS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
A: The easiest way is to visit well-known wildlife spots like Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane or Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast.
A: Both offer great wildlife experiences, but they suit different travellers. Choose Lone Pine for a relaxed, convenient visit close to Brisbane. Choose Currumbin for a bigger, more interactive day with extra activities and koala cuddling.
A: If you’re looking to cuddle a Koala and have a professional photo taken, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast is one of the best places to do it. They offer dedicated koala experiences where you can hold a koala and capture the moment with a professional photo, something many travellers consider a highlight of their travel tour to Australia.
A: Yes, it is safe to feed kangaroos, especially in places like Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary where the animals are used to human interaction. These sanctuaries provide designated feeding areas and approved food, making the experience both safe and enjoyable for visitors.
A: You don’t have to, but booking a day tour is the easiest way to enjoy a complete wildlife experience. With Adventure Day Trips, everything is organised for you, so you can relax and focus on seeing koalas, kangaroos, and more.
A: The best time to visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is early in the morning when animals are more active, especially kangaroos that are more alert and ready for feeding.
At Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, early mornings and scheduled feeding or show times (like lorikeet feeding) are the best times to see animals active and engaged. Planning around these times helps you get the most out of your visit.
A: Yes, wildlife experiences are very suitable for families and kids. Both Sanctuaries are designed to be family-friendly, with safe environments, easy walking paths, and interactive activities like feeding kangaroos or watching animal shows.
A: At Lone Pine, you can see koalas up close, feed kangaroos, watch wildlife shows, and spot animals like wombats and platypus. While at At Currumbin, you can cuddle a koala, feed kangaroos, enjoy lorikeet feeding, and explore a larger park with more interactive experiences. Many travellers choose a guided tour to make the day easier and more convenient.
The distance is about 70–80 km (43–50 miles), depending on your exact starting point and destination. Brisbane is approximately 70–80 km from the Gold Coast, with a travel time of about 1 to 1.5 hours by car depending on traffic.
Yes, absolutely! If you’re staying around Brisbane, you can continue your day by visiting Mount Coot-tha Lookout for stunning city views, exploring the peaceful Brisbane Botanic Gardens, or heading to South Bank Parklands for riverside dining and a relaxing evening stroll.
If you’re on the Gold Coast, great nearby options include Currumbin Beach for a quick unwind, Burleigh Heads National Park for scenic coastal walks, or Coolangatta and Snapper Rocks for beautiful ocean views and a more laid-back atmosphere.
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