Today we’re escaping for the weekend with my author friend, Lynne Stringer, to Brisbane, Australia. Lynne is giving us a tour of the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in her home city. Enjoy!
By Lynne Stringer
Many overseas visitors to Australia usually focus on Sydney or the outback. However, Brisbane, the capital of the state of Queensland, is well worth a visit.
Having lived in Brisbane for most of my life, I know that it has numerous attractions and one has charmed me since I was a child, and that is Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
Lone Pine was founded in 1927 and my first visit was when I was five, as you see here. At that age, I was already fascinated by kangaroos and I loved the open enclosure where visitors could feed and pat them.
Having enjoyed it so much as a child, I had no hesitation in taking my son to Lone Pine. We have been several times and still enjoy the kangaroo enclosure.
Lone Pine has added new exhibits in recent years, such as sheep herding and shearing. Their dogs are skilled and we enjoyed seeing them in action.
Another new exhibit featured birds of prey, including this beautiful White Bellied Sea Eagle. Afterwards she was brought over by her handler so that visitors could see her up close.
Of course, a visit to Lone Pine would be amiss without a photo cuddling a koala. Koala cuddling is banned in some places in Australia, but not at Lone Pine. My son and I were only too happy to participate.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is smaller than some other zoos around but I think this is to its advantage, as it means we can get up closer to the animals and their handlers. It’s definitely on our list of one of our favourite family destinations.
Sarah hates the prestigious high school she attends. Most of the other students ignore her. The only good thing about school is the presence of Dan Bradfield, the boy she adores. Dan is the heir to his father’s multinational computer company, but he is dating Sarah’s best friend, Jillian. When tragedy strikes, Dan is the one who is there for Sarah, but she can’t shake the feeling there is something strange about him. Is he protecting her from something? Is there something going on that she doesn’t know about? And did she really see a monster in the bushes? Sarah is desperate to uncover the truth, but it could take her to another galaxy, and change everything she believes about who she is. Will it bring Dan and Sarah closer together or tear them apart? The Heir is the first book in the Verindon Trilogy.
LYNNE STRINGER has been passionate about writing all her life, beginning with short stories in her primary school days. She began writing professionally as a journalist and was the editor of a small newspaper (later magazine) for seven years, before turning her hand to screenplay writing and novels. Lynne currently works as a professional editor and proofreader. She lives in Australia with her husband and young son.
www.lynnestringer.com
www.verindon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Lynne-Stringer/e/B00BT60S1K
I love your ‘hug a koala’ photo. Lynne. I don’t have one of those pics. I think I really want one, now. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your snapshots.
Yes, we visited Lone Pine again just this week and I got a photo with the White Bellied Sea Eagle on my arm! Maybe next time we’ll get one with the snake!
Dotti, I remember cuddling koala’s when I was younger. My sister used to live in a house on Pine River with koalas in the gum trees in their backyard – so cute! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Lynne, thanks for visiting with us today. I remember visiting Waratah Park in Sydney during the school holidays (where the TV show Skippy was filmed) and patting kangaroos. Lots of fun 🙂
No worries. 🙂
Hi Lynne,
We’ve been to several of the wildlife sanctuaries in Queensland, but not Lone Pine. We’ll have to put it on our itinerary for next time. I love those majestic birds of prey, and whenever we get a chance to see a show, it’s spectacular.
Yes, it’s definitely an old family favourite. 🙂
Hi Paula, I’m adding Lone Pine to my list for my next trip to Brisbane. Thanks for stopping by 🙂