Koalas, Australia’s iconic but increasingly scarce marsupials, are the stars of Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary’s new NOCTURNAL tours in Queensland. Bushfires have sadly diminished their numbers, making sightings rare. However, these tours offer a unique chance to see koalas in their natural habitat.
Equipped with night-vision goggles, visitors can wander through a eucalyptus plantation, where koalas roam freely. As these animals are mainly nocturnal, the chances of spotting them are higher during these tours.
The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the new $1.4-million nocturnal precinct in Brisbane, opened in November 2023. This unique night-time adventure allows visitors to explore Australia’s nocturnal wildlife, including koalas, Tasmanian devils, wombats, and other species.
The experience includes a one-kilometre walk through a Eucalypt plantation on an elevated boardwalk. Visitors use handheld thermal imaging devices to spot animals, with the tour focusing on non-invasive observation and education about sustaining ecosystems.
Located on the outskirts of Brisbane, Lone Pine is recognized as the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary. It’s also home to a variety of Australian wildlife, including tree kangaroos, various bird species, amphibians, and reptiles.
The sanctuary offers two distinct nocturnal tours. The Twilight Tour is a 90-minute journey suitable for children aged 3 and older, while the Nocturnal Night Tour caters to participants aged 13 and above. Both tours run several times a week.
Tickets for the tours vary, with the Twilight Tour priced at $53 for adults and $35.50 for children, and the Nocturnal Night Tour costing $79 for adults. These tours provide an immersive experience in discovering Australia’s nocturnal wildlife.
Published 18-Dec-2023