Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

The properties went through a number of owners with Joseph Clarkson acquiring lots 138 and lot 130 (old designation) in 1874, to amalgamate lot 139, which he already owned. Clarkson is reputed to have been the person whom planted the pine tree from which the complex takes its name. (Although it is acknowledged that the founder of the sanctuary had taken part in the Gallipoli campaign (Lone Pine was a locality within the WWI Gallipoli battlefield) and this may have also influenced the choice of name).

The year of 1927 is given as the opening of ‘“Lone Pine” Picnic Park and Native Fauna Zoo’ by the Claude (Cam) and Frances Reid. Cam Reid is reputed to have commenced the facility due to a combination of health reasons and this love of Australian fauna. The Reids have been attributed as “pioneers in learning about the needs and habits of koalas.”

While driving to Lone Pine by car was promoted, the increased availability of the automobile in Brisbane during the inter-war period spawned a growth in recreational and leisure driving, much was made of the trip to the park via the Brisbane River. The trip was marketed as “Lone Pine by River – The most beautiful Trip in Australia”.

Over the years the relationship of the complex to the Brisbane River has been maintained. The sanctuary is an end destination in itself following a river excursion. Such noted and recognised events as guests being greeted by a Koala Bear riding a German Shepherd dog at the landing (previous) and fish feeding occurring daily underline the importance of this relationship. The facility also makes extensive use of the topography locating the Kiosk and picnic areas overlooking Brisbane River and its immediate environs.

The complex continued to be developed over a number of years by the Reid family until it changed ownership in 1964, when the facility was acquired by the Robertson family. The complex then operated under the registered company name of Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Properties Pty Ltd. The change of title, too include the word “sanctuary”, underlines the emphasis of one the of objectives of Lone Pine as well as reflecting the changing public perception of such complexes.

 

The present owner of Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the Kamori Kanko Corporation. Shortly after the time of purchase in 1988, and to allay public concerns, Mr Kamori assured the public of Queensland of the future of complex and in 1992 the complex celebrated the 65th  year of its operation.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is recognised as an important tourist destination - with many dignitaries visiting the complex, for animal education and its breeding and conservation of Australian fauna. The complex is an established icon of Brisbane and Queensland and an example of a recreation and tourist facility, with a direct relationship to the Brisbane River, that has existed for over 80 years within the Brisbane metropolitan area and the suburb of Fig Tree Pocket.

1. Certificates of Title.

2. Cook, Margaret. Fig Tree Pocket Heritage Survey. For Brisbane City Council. November 2000

3. McLeod, Neil. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. (South Yarra: Lloyd O’Neil Pty Ltd. 1982)

4. Mandalay Progress Association. In Search of ‘A Remarkable Fig Tree’ (Fig Tree Pocket: Mandalay Progress Association. 1988)

5. Pamphlet - “Lone Pine Picnic Park and Native Fauna Zoo. Located John Oxley Library. Possibly late 1920s-early 1930s

6. Pamphlet - 65th Anniversary 1927-1992. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. c1992

7. Pamphlet - Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Current publication