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Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Visual Story

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Arrival & Café

Nestled on Jesmond Road in Fig Tree Pocket, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is set on naturally hilly terrain. A prominent banner, displaying the name "Koala," is visible from the main road. There is a public bus stop with Brisbane City Council buses located in the middle of the carpark in front of the Riverside Café and Ticket Entrance.

A designated coach parking is located to the right of the path to the Entrance and this area can be busy if large groups are arriving by bus. The Riverside Café is on the left, and touch screen ticket kiosks (across from the bus stop) allow for pre-purchased tickets. To access the main ticketing office and entry point, follow the tree-lined declined road adjacent to a brick wall.

Roadway near the Riverside Cafe. On the left, the Riverside Cafe is apparent with a sign that indicates the cafe will open at 7:30 A.M. Bushlands are prominent throughout the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. An entry sign is visible on the further right. On the rear, near the ticketing office sign, yellow shade nets are apparent. On the right side, huge rocks and trees, as well as white marking road lanes, are visible.
Entryway leading to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Road white marking lines are visible on the lengthy road. Yellow marking lines are noticeable on the edge of each side of the road. On the right, near the electrical pole, are numerous posters. Further ahead, above the white gates, is a banner displaying the name of the place. Numerous soaring trees visibly occupy most parts of the area.
Inside the accessible parking spaces. On the left side, close to the white road markings, the wide cream shades cover an outdoor seating area. The ticketing office area is situated at the back of a massive tree with its bottom surrounded by rocks. Near the entry signage, the International Symbol of Access logo that indicates the space is for persons with mobility disabilities is noticeable. Further ahead is the entrance to the ticketing office.
Gallery image
Hearing

Sounds

  1. External weather conditions
  2. Trees rustling
  3. Vehicle & bus sounds
  4. Café sounds
  5. People talking & laughing
Smell

Smells

  1. Fresh air
  2. Vehicle exhaust (occasional)
  3. Café aroma
  4. Food aroma
  5. Gum trees
Touch

Feel

  1. Excitement & anticipation
  2. Serenity & calm
  3. Change in floor surfaces
  4. External weather conditions
Sight

Sight

  1. People queuing
  2. Gum trees
  3. Tables & chairs
  4. Shade cloths
  5. Parked vehicles

Entrance

Upon approaching the entrance, a statue of a baby and mother Koala is positioned on the left with the "Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary" sign sitting behind. Directly ahead is a downward sloping bitumen pathway, surrounded by trees leading to the ticketing office.

Directional signage at the start of the pathway provides additional information on which queue to take based on the status of your ticket purchase. The ticketing office is a cream structure with desks and computer terminals, and bold "ENTRY" signs on the roof.

Proceed through the brown gate and follow the bitumen path bordered by a wooden fence. The ground is uneven due to the naturally hilly terrain and changing prominence of tree roots.

Entrance leading to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. On the left side, a statue of a mother and a baby koala is situated in front of the “Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary” sign. Ahead is the bitumen pathway that leads to the ticketing office, which is surrounded by several trees. On the far end of the left, black fences are prominent.
A closer look at the bitumen pathway. Directional signage that indicates the pathway to the “pre-paid tickets” and “buy tickets” is visible at the start of the pathway. On the pathway, a vertical yellow lane marking is situated in the middle. Dried leaves and trees are apparent on each side of the pathway.
Entryway leading to the ticketing office. A bold “ENTRY” sign is prominent on top of the roof of the cream-structured ticketing office. Two brown desks are apparent with hand sanitizers. Signages are apparent in the entryway. On the ceiling on the left, a TV is apparent, and on the right side is a functional CCTV. Next to the entryway, a green color bond shed is noticeable on the right.
Walkway inside the sanctuary. On the left, a wooden wall fence and a whiteboard with a logo that has “Discover your sanctuary” written are prominent. Curved fences and a shed with plants inside are visible on the right. Massive trees are visibly soaring throughout the area.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Buzzing & beeping
  2. Directional instructions
  3. Birds chirping
  4. Sounds of children
  5. People talking & laughing
Smell

Smells

  1. Flying Fox (bat) odours
  2. Gum trees
  3. Mulch
  4. Bird smells (occasional)
  5. Body odours (close proximity)
Touch

Feel

  1. Change in floor surfaces
  2. Close proximity to others
  3. Excitement & anticipation
  4. Queuing
  5. External weather conditions
Sight

Sight

  1. Trees & gardens
  2. Directional signage
  3. People queuing
  4. Sheds & other small structures
  5. Brush Turkeys & Water Dragon Lizards

Forest Walkways

Through the entrance, at the end of a short path is a large sign providing information on the attractions located in either direction. A QR code to download a map is also available. Turning right leads to the bats, parrots, koalas, platypus, and the café.

Turning left leads to the Free Flight Raptor, Barnyard, Sheepdog Areas shows, and crocodile and bird feeding areas. Two substantial timber and steel enclosures accommodating birds is on the corner of this intersection.

The sanctuary is built on a naturally sloping hillside, featuring winding paths guiding visitors, with signs at each junction to provide direction. The multiple walkways may occasionally cause mild disorientation and confusion for some visitors.

Walkways inside the sanctuary. A large sign that provides information on the attractions in black and white hues is placed in the middle, right after passing the entrance. White concrete garden edges are prominent in the gardens near the walkways. Substantial black timbers are apparent on the right side of the walkway.
Pathways inside the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Steel railings are prominent on the left side, with ornaments alongside. An individual is apparently sitting near a shed. Various trees clearly soar throughout the sanctuary. On the left, small light bulbs are visibly hanging on the ceiling of a shed.
Another pathway inside the sanctuary. The surface of the pathways is visibly uneven. In the middle, near the garden edge, a red bag-like object placed on a wooden pole is situated. Two sheds are apparent on each side of the pathways. Enormous trees visibly occupy the area.
Walkways within the establishment. Three extensive gardens adorned with diverse ornaments, two of which are bordered by fences, run parallel to the expansive pathways. Towards the middle at the far end, a group of individuals seems to be enjoying a show the facility offers.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Loud squawking of parrots
  2. Loud bellowing of koalas
  3. Rustling trees
  4. Birds chirping
  5. People talking
Smell

Smells

  1. Forest air
  2. Humidity
  3. Compost & mulch
  4. Trees & gardens
  5. Animal smells (koalas, birds & bats)
Touch

Feel

  1. Relaxed & calm
  2. Elevated heart rate
  3. Excitement
  4. Directional disorientation
  5. External weather conditions
Sight

Sight

  1. Water Dragons
  2. Brush Turkeys
  3. Trees
  4. Signage
  5. Foot bridge

Koala Habitats

Turning right from the entrance and following the bitumen and concrete pathway, leads to the koala habitats in the centre of the forested area. The main koala enclosure is a timber structure with permanent shading and bollards guiding the visitor queue at the entrance. The enclosure is barricaded by a low concrete wall, allowing visitors to stand or sit on tiered seating while observing the koalas. In the middle are wooden branches for the koalas to sit in and extensive eucalyptus branches for koalas to eat. Multiple smaller koala habitats are also nearby. There is a daily koala talk in this area, and certain times for guests to line up for koala encounters, so this area can get quite busy between mid-morning to mid-afternoon.

Entryway leading to a Koala enclosure. The entrance of the Koala enclosure is characterized by a combination of timber and corrugated iron, with strategically placed bollards directing the queue upon entry. Adjacent to the entrance, a small garden adorned with various plants and a towering tree is prominent.
Closer look at a Koala enclosure. Black bollards used to guide the entry are apparent. Flat-screen TVs mounted on the wall are apparent on the right side, along with the hanging fans. Small signs are visibly placed in the narrow pathway between the bollards. The timber and corrugated iron structure of the facility is prominent.
Inside a Koala enclosure. Low concrete walls encircle the enclosure, simultaneously acting as tiered seating for observing the Koalas. In the center, Koalas are easily spotted hanging from wooden branches, indulging in leaves within the confines of a spacious hexagon-shaped low concrete barrier.
Pathway near a Koala enclosure intended for Koala encounters and photographs. White garden edges are visible throughout the pathways of the facility. Ornaments and tall trees are prominent in the gardens. The Koala enclosure is situated on the left.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Loud bellowing from koalas
  2. Trees rustling
  3. People talking & laughing
  4. Directional instructions from staff
  5. Children
Smell

Smells

  1. Urine from koalas (mild-strong)
  2. Gum trees
  3. Mulch
  4. Forest air
  5. External weather environments
Touch

Feel

  1. Excitement & anticipation
  2. Close proximity to others
  3. External weather conditions
  4. Change in floor surfaces
Sight

Sight

  1. Koalas
  2. Branches & leaves of gum trees
  3. People queuing
  4. Staff in uniforms
  5. Trees & gardens

Café & Eatery

The Experience Hut is adjacent to the Koala Habitat accessible via bitumen and brick pathways. Located under a brown timber structure with a shaded verandah, guests can purchase tickets for different encounters and visit the Sleepy Koala Café, and Souvenir Shop.

An automatic glass sliding door leads into an open space, with timber floors where display fridges and cabinets showcase a range of snacks and refreshments for sale.  A parents room is located inside the building.

Picnic table-style seating is located outside of the Sleepy Koala Café building, including a large seating area surrounded by koala exhibits. This main seating area is used by school groups and may become loud and busy.

Closer look at the Experiences Hut. A white teardrop flag banner with the facility’s name is visible on the left side. Near the brown timber structure, a shaded verandah with a green directional sign that indicates the way leading to the kangaroo feeding is prominently hanging on the left side of the verandah. On the right, another timber structure is prominent.
A closer look at the shaded verandah. Automatic glass sliding doors are apparent with a sign that indicates the facility is open. A huge black barrel-like with a “turbo cooler” sign on it is noticeable on top of the machine. On its left, a green trash bin and two brown cabinets are apparent. Movable tables and chairs are sitting near the entrance.
Entryway leading to the inside of the Experiences Hut. On top of the left automatic sliding door, a first aid logo and a sign that indicates that the Lone Pine gift shop is located inside are noticeable. Upon entering, a black floormat and bollards are apparent. The floor surface has timber flooring throughout. Display fridges with snacks are noticeable in the center. The bird-like design of a fluorescent light is prominently hanging on the ceiling.
Inside the Experiences Hut. The timber floorings are noticeable in the entirety of the establishment. Three display fridges with a range of snacks are apparent, and next to them is a Coca-Cola freestyle. On the right side of the bollards, the green social distancing logo is apparent on the floor surface. Three flat-screen TVs are noticeable on top of the counter that display the names and prices of the food and beverages.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Koalas bellowing (occasional)
  2. People talking & laughing
  3. Café sounds
  4. Banging & clanging (kitchen)
  5. Beeping & buzzing (ordering)
Smell

Smells

  1. Koala urine smell (distant)
  2. Café aroma
  3. Food aroma
  4. Humidity
  5. Mulch
Touch

Feel

  1. Close proximity to others
  2. Exchanging money
  3. Ordering food & drinks
  4. Hungry & thirsty
  5. Relief
Sight

Sight

  1. Tables & chairs
  2. People eating
  3. People queuing
  4. Koalas
  5. Crowds of people (often)

High Barrier Enclosures

Upon turning left from the entrance gate and navigating along the paths and footbridge, visitors will encounter the dingo, cassowary and crocodile exhibits. The pathway divides, with the lower path leading to view the dingoes and crocodiles at habitat level.

These areas primarily showcase dingo and crocodile exhibits, each secured by high barriers for guest safety. While visitors can also stroll through an elevated bridge walkway, resembling a treehouse , which allows an overhead view of the animals.

Pathways leading to the Dingo and Crocodile exhibits. Large signs with the Dingo and Crocodile’s features and names are displayed on top of the right pathway. On a wooden barrier in the middle, a figure of a dingo in a black hue is apparent. Two individuals are noticeable on the right pathway near the black steel railings with fences. A white sign that displays information about Dingo is situated on the left side above a fence with glass in the middle.
Walkway leading to the Dingo exhibits. The pathway features a brick surface. On the right, a Dingo figure with its name is placed on a wooden wall. Next to it, a peach-colored gate with concrete walls is visible. A Dingo signage with its name in black hues is noticeable on a wooden barrier.
Walkway beneath the Treehouse. A massive tree trunk is situated in the middle, with timber structures noticeable on top. Wooden barriers visibly enclosed the place. A pond is visible onward. Further ahead, a spiral stairs leading above the Treehouse is prominent.
An elevated wooden walkway. An enclosure is situated on the left, with a massive tree visible in the middle. Adjacent to the walkway, a wooden cage with fences on its top is prominent beside the lengthy steel cage. Trees are towering throughout the area.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Splashing
  2. Howling dingoes
  3. Footsteps on wooden planks
  4. Trees rustling
  5. People talking
Smell

Smells

  1. Gum trees
  2. Timber
  3. Mulch
  4. Animal smells (dingo & crocodile)
  5. Occasional body odours
Touch

Feel

  1. Excitement & anticipation
  2. Anxiety & fear (crocodiles)
  3. Elevated heart rate
  4. Changing floor surfaces (timber/bitumen)
  5. External weather conditions
Sight

Sight

  1. High barrier walls
  2. Dingoes
  3. Crocodiles
  4. Tree house
  5. Cassowary

Air-conditioned Enclosures

At the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, there are two dimly lit airconditioned habitats. The platypus enclosure is a short walk up a relatively steep hill from the Experiences Hut & is a mint-green building with a platypus image on the wall. As the platypus is a nocturnal animal, flash photography is prohibited. 

The amphibian & reptile habitat is a tan-coloured building surrounded by brick pathways. The building has three manually operated access doors, two opening into the lower level & one to the top level. The top-level displays include frogs, lizards & snakes based on a timber floor. The lower level (via internal stair access) displays include leaf insects on concrete flooring.

Pathway leading to the entrance of the platypus enclosure. A sizable garden filled with ornaments is prominent in the middle. On the right, the enclosure is apparent. The building has mint green walls. On its left, an image of a platypus is prominent. A functional CCTV is situated on its right.
Entrance of the platypus enclosure. An image of a platypus is visible on the left side of the mint-green walls. Inside the entrance on the left, a white manual door is situated. A square hole is visible on a ceramic wall. On the right, a dim entryway with hand sanitizers and a sign on the left is prominent.
Two brick pathways leading to the amphibian and reptile habitat. Between the two pathways, small plants and a sizable tree in the center are noticeable. Behind the tree, the yellow building with an image of a frog on the wall is prominent. On the left, wall barriers are apparent.
Entrance of the amphibian and reptile habitat. A sign with “Amphibian & Reptile Habitat” with images of the life cycle of a frog is prominent on the right. Next to it is a sign that depicts an entrance in a black hue with “ENTRY” in it. The floor surface clearly features a brick pathway.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Quieter space (if not busy)
  2. Airconditioner humming
  3. Echoes
  4. People talking quietly
  5. Footsteps
Smell

Smells

  1. Carpets & timber
  2. Cleaning products (faint)
  3. Controlled air environment
  4. Body odours (close proximity)
Touch

Feel

  1. Changing temperature (cooler)
  2. Reduced sensory stimulation
  3. Close proximity to others
  4. Calmer environment
Sight

Sight

  1. Reduced lighting
  2. Animal habitats
  3. Reptiles, amphibians & platypus
  4. People pointing & talking
  5. Leaf insects

Brisbane Koala Science Institute

The Brisbane Koala Science Institute is housed within a modern timber structure with clean, bright interiors featuring colour contrasting walls, round entry points and windows. Access into the building is via automatic, glass sliding doors leading into a spacious area with a range of colourful displays against bright walls and brown and cream carpet. 

There are black bench seats in the middle of the building for guests to sit and rest. The walls are adorned with digital screens in wooden frames, and educational information about koalas. There are windows that allow visitors to look into the food preparation area and veterinary hospital facilitating learning more about koalas, including their life cycle, diet, and threats.

The Brisbane Koala Science Institute. The modern timber structure features round doors and windows. A prominent glass sign that reads “Brisbane Koala Science Institute” is situated on the left side of the entrance. A functional CCTV is visible in the ceiling on the right. A round hole is noticeable on the floor surface to the right.
Front entrance of the facility. Automatic, glass sliding doors are prominent in the entrance, and a black doormat is below it. The floor surface features brown and cream carpet throughout the building. On the left, a paragraph about the facility is prominent, with two logos below. A large tree motif is situated on the right.
Inside the Brisbane Koala Science Institute. Colorful displays are prominent on most parts of the white walls. The spacious area features brown and cream carpeting. Five digital screens in green wooden frames are prominent on the left and one on the right. Decorative creature motifs are visible near the two glass windows on the right. Bench seatings are situated in the middle.
A different view inside the facility. An individual behind the bench seating on the left is visibly taking photos. Another bench seating is situated on the right, beneath the functional CCTV. Fluorescent lighting prominently illuminates the area. Two round holes are apparent on the right side.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. People talking quietly
  2. Echoes
  3. Beeping & buzzing
  4. Hum of equipment
Smell

Smells

  1. Carpet
  2. Cleaning products (mild)
  3. Controlled air environment
  4. Still air
  5. Body odours (close proximity)
Touch

Feel

  1. Calm & peaceful
  2. Interested
  3. Curious & intrigued
  4. Still air environment
Sight

Sight

  1. Fluorescent lighting
  2. White walls
  3. Colourful displays
  4. Bright computer screens
  5. People pointing & talking

Free Range Feeding

Entry to the Free Range Kangaroo Feeding area is beyond the Café & Eatery Zone or the crocodile and dingo enclosers. The entry points are a sequence of double spring-loaded gates to ensure the enclosed kangaroos and wallabies do not escape.

Safety instructions and hand sanitizers are affixed to the gate entry points, and visitors are encouraged to sanitize before entry and upon exiting. The shaded area spans 2.2 hectares and is situated on a sloping hill, with extensive uneven surfaces.

A large mob of kangaroos, wallabies and an emu live in this habitat with hand feeding and photography popular. The animals in this area can roam freely and have two designated rest areas where guests are not allowed to go.

A bitumen entryway leading to the Free Range Feeding. Black hand railings lead to a small timber structure with a poster in the middle that reads “Feed the Kangaroos” is prominent. The timber structure has two entries, with a hand sanitizer equipped on the left entryway. Double-gated structure of the area is apparent on the back.
Entrance of the Free Range Feeding. Safety instructions and two hand sanitizers are placed on a wooden structure adjacent to the gate. Individuals are noticeable at the back of the gate. A black round object is apparent on an entryway on the right. Gum trees are prominent throughout the area.
Inside the spacious Kangaroo habitat. Individuals are noticeable on the shaded parts of the numerous soaring trees at the back portion. Grasses are abundant throughout the area. A sizable shed is visible on the left side of the Kangaroo habitat.
Closer look at the Kangaroos. Several kangaroos are on the right side. Tall barriers around the area are prominent at the rear. The area features a visibly lying down on the ground under the gum trees. A little girl is visibly feeding a kangaroo sloping hill with firm ground and few grasses.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Kangaroos
  2. Trees rustling
  3. People talking & laughing
  4. Banging of gates
  5. Children giggling & yelling
Smell

Smells

  1. Kangaroos
  2. Faeces
  3. Fresh air
  4. Trees
  5. Grass
Touch

Feel

  1. Excitement & exhilaration
  2. Touching animals (sensation on hand)
  3. Feeding animals (sensation on hand)
  4. Elevated heart rate
  5. Extensive movement (walking)
Sight

Sight

  1. Grass
  2. Gum trees
  3. Fences & gates
  4. Kangaroos & an emu
  5. People feeding kangaroos

Barnyard & Animal Presentation Areas

Located beyond the crocodile and dingo enclosures are the Barnyard & Animal Presentation Areas. The bitumen path leads to an entry/exit gate structure with two sets of doors/gates to contain farm animals. 

Before entering the gates is an accessible toilet block on the right, including a shower facility. Turning left beyond the double gates leads to the farm animal enclosures & the Sheep Dog Show area. 

Turning right leads up a steep bitumen path to the Free Flight Raptor Show area. Both shows are conducted from tiered timber seating structures with roofing for shade & professional animal handlers dazzling spectators with demonstrations of skill & capability of the animals under their direction.

To the left is a shaded structure with a double steel gate. In the middle of the two gates is a wooden rubbish bin featuring an engraved Kangaroo image, with a safety sticker on top. A banner bearing signage is affixed to the roof. To the right is an accessible bathroom with a corrugated wall, accessible via steps and a ramp entry equipped with handrails. Trees surround the area, and the floor is uneven.
To the left is a shaded structure with a wooden fence. Inside the fence are trees and a huge grey ball. An elevating bitumen path leads to the right. A wooden post stood in the middle with a free-standing banner, A string of lights was hung across the posts.
To the left is an animal enclosure with a steel chain fence. A shaded structure with a corrugated wall is positioned near the corner, where an animal is lying inside. To the right is another animal enclosure with a wooden and chain fence. Inside is a shaded structure, with two people standing inside and another one outside. In the middle of these two farm animal enclosures is a concrete path. Trees surround the area.
To the left is an animal enclosure with a wooden and chain metal fence, housing a wooden structure. On the right is a shaded structure enclosed by a wooden fence with a metal gate. The area is surrounded by green grass and tall trees.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Dogs barking
  2. Birds shrieking
  3. Directional instructions
  4. Information sharing
  5. External weather conditions
Smell

Smells

  1. Body odours (close proximity
  2. Animal smells (dogs & sheep)
  3. Grass
  4. Trees (gum)
  5. External weather conditions
Touch

Feel

  1. Amazement & wonder
  2. Excitement
  3. Thirsty
  4. Extensive movement (walking)
  5. Exhaustion
Sight

Sight

  1. Sheep dogs
  2. Birds of prey
  3. Crowds of people
  4. Animal handlers
  5. Open farm land

Eucalyptus Plantation & Marsupial Habitats

Beyond the Barnyard enclosures and Sheep Dog Show Areas is the Eucalyptus Plantation and Marsupial Habitats that includes koalas, Tasmanian devils, tree kangaroos, echidnas & wombats. The bitumen path ends and continues as a hard gravel surface.

This pathway boarded by farmland on both sides leads to a series of double gate access points to ensure animal safety then up a concrete ramp to an elevated pathway approximately 40cm high.

Pool style safety latches provide a barrier to entry into the enclosure with a perimeter of native green colour bond metallic sheeting. The elevated boardwalk pathways connect forming a series of expansive animal enclosures surrounded by trees and a dense replanting of Eucalyptus trees.

A straight hard gravel surface is flanked by wooden and chain fences on both sides. An arch banner displaying directions is positioned along the path. To the right, a wooden fence and a black banner are present. On both sides, there is green grass and tall trees.
In the center stands a double gate composed of concrete and chain steel. Above, a prominent sign reading "Entry" is positioned. Banners and signage adorn the chain door. To the left, an area with trees is enclosed by a chain fence. On the right, a mature tree is similarly enclosed. Further ahead, there's a grey corrugated fence.
In the center lies a concrete ramp with concrete railings. The ramp splits into two, one turning left, while the other continues straight. Various trees including eucalyptus and grasses flank both sides. Further along, there's a shaded structure.
The concrete ramp is fitted with dark grey-painted wooden railings, accompanied by black truncated domes on the left. Various trees encircle the area. On the right, there's a grey fence with a corrugated design.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Banging of gates
  2. Clumping footsteps on boardwalks
  3. Growling of Tasmanian Devils
  4. Trees rustling
  5. External weather conditions
Smell

Smells

  1. Eucalyptus
  2. Animal smells
  3. External weather conditions
  4. Gravel dust
Touch

Feel

  1. Exhaustion
  2. Thirsty (significant)
  3. Elevate heart rates
  4. Patience anxiety
  5. External weather conditions
Sight

Sight

  1. Barrier to entry
  2. Green colourbond sheeting
  3. Elevated platforms
  4. Native marsupials
  5. Native trees
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Thank You

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