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How Fig Tree Pocket Got Its Name

Fig Tree Pocket is a residential suburb known for being the home of the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Biami Yumba Park, and Cliveden Park, but did you know how the suburb got its name?

Fig Tree Pocket’s name was derived from Moreton Bay fig trees with the scientific name Ficus macrophylla and for a particularly large tree in the area.

The trunk of an immense fig tree in the scrub fringing the Brisbane River at Fig Tree Pocket. A person appears to be standing at the base of the tree. The photographer was Mr. G.W. Sweet of South Brisbane. Photo credit: State Library of Queensland, Australia/Wikimedia Commons

In 1866, the huge tree was photographed and was said to be so large that it can shelter a herd of cattle or up to 400 people. A reserve of 1.6 hectares was created around the fig tree the same year.

The giant tree was considered so iconic that it became a major landmark in the area.

The suburb was also bounded by the river on three sides which creates a land pocket.

The name and boundaries of Fig Tree Pocket were approved by Queensland Place Names Board on 11 August 1975. The boundary has been altered by the Minister for Natural Resources and Minister for Mines on 23 August 2002.

The famous tree no longer exists and the cause of its disappearance is still unknown.

Read: Fig Tree Pocket’s Iconic Moreton Bay Fig Tree’s Disappearance Remains a Mystery

Good Friday At The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary In Fig Tree Pocket

Thinking of fun activities to do for this upcoming long weekend? The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Fig Tree Pocket will be open all long weekend from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

On Good Friday, drop by at the Fig Tree Market near the Riverside Cafe outside the sanctuary.

Starting at 12:00 p.m., rows of food stalls will be at the venue for you and your loved ones. You definitely won’t go hungry here.

Your kids will surely be entertained as there will also be two free jumping castles that will open at 2:00 p.m. By 3:00 p.m., head on over to the face painting booth and transform into a koala.

By 6:30 p.m., gather the kids, plop down on a picnic blanket, bring out the popcorn and enjoy a free screening of Finding Dory.

Expect a full day of fun at this event. It’s free and it’s the perfect place to be with your family.

Be A Wildlife Keeper at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Fig Tree Pocket For A Day

If you’re looking for ways to keep your kids learning and having fun at the same time during this school holiday, then you might want to head on over to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Fig Tree Pocket.

On the 10th of January, you can have your kids be Junior Keeper for a day at the sanctuary. There are three Junior Keeper Programs for your children:

Junior Joeys (5-7 year olds)
Senior Serpents (8-11 year olds)
Teen Keeper (12-17 year olds)

Each program is kept to small groups only to ensure that each child will be able to interact and learn.

Each child will have the chance to experience being a wildlife keeper from preparing food for the animals and feeding down down to cleaning and maintenance as well as training and other enrichment activities.

This program is only available during school holiday periods so make sure that you sign up your kids now! It will be a great experience and one not likely to be repeated until the next holiday break.

Koalas at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Fig Tree Pocket Caught In a Rare Footage

There are always hidden treasures to be found in history. Just recently, rare footage from the archives of the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Fig Tree Pocket revealed a rare and beautiful sight.

The footage shows a large German Shepherd running around a field, but what catches one’s eyes are the two Koalas on his back. The dog’s passengers seem to be enjoying it as well.

One koala is shown clutching the dog’s neck as if holding on for dear life whilst the other one is positioned further down the dog’s back. The weight of these creatures don’t seem to bother the dog and looks to be enjoying the company as well.

Credit: Clip from YouTube/New News using footage marked ABC News

This isn’t the first time that this marsupial has done something silly in the sanctuary. Just last year, a koala was caught striking a pose at the top of a gum tree. The koala was photographed grabbing a tree trunk and leaning back — like a pole dancer!

Preserving the habitat of these precious creatures and ensuring they continue to thrive are why the Brisbane City Council has invested $2 million to build a koala research centre in Fig Tree Pocket. The research centre will aid with habitat loss and the threats posed by dogs, cats, cars and diseases.

Fig Tree Pocket’s Lone Pine Sanctuary Offers Fun Weekends for Everyone

Did you know that there’s so much to do at the Lone Pine Sanctuary in Fig Tree Pocket? Yes, it’s not just about the wildlife and the koalas, there are more exciting activities that kids and adults can definitely enjoy.

Stretch with Yoga

On Fridays (9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.) and Saturdays (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.), get your yoga mats ready because Alexis Jane of One Natural Therapies is holding yoga classes on the lawn for only $10 each. For Lone Pine members, you get every 5th class for free!

Find inner peace. Meditate and calm your mind on weekend mornings before you start your day. The calmness of Lone Pine Sanctuary is definitely the perfect place for serenity.

Catch a Flick

On Friday nights, the lawn transforms into an outdoor cinema starting at 5:30 p.m. Catch a family movie with your kids. Don’t forget to bring your blankets and food for that perfect movie night with your loved ones under the stars. You can check out this page for their movie schedules.

Photo credit: https://talesofatwinmum.com

Shop at the Farmer’s Market

Every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., an evening market runs in the sanctuary. The market has everything you need, from vegetables to fruits. All of them are fresh and locally produced. The stall owners get their produce from growers and farmers, ensuring a longer shelf life and freshness.

Feeling hungry? Enjoy the wide selection of dishes available for you at the market, choose from French, German, British, Asian, Indian, and so much more. You can also find some beautiful fresh flowers, buy free-range chicken, or score some hard-to-find spices and delectable, sweet treats.

For the Kids

Just right by the Riverside Cafe overlooking the river, there is a new play area for children so you can sit at the cafe whilst your children play. The Farmer’s Market at Lone Pine is packed with goodies that everyone in the family will love.

Photo Credit: Sharon Higson