Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is well known for its koala cuddling and kangaroo feeding experiences but a trip to the sanctuary simply wouldn’t be complete without stopping in on one of the fabulous shows. Both the Free Flight Raptor and Sheep Dog shows provide an intriguing insight into Australian bush life and best of all are included as part of your admission fee.
Free Flight Raptor Show
First up is the Free Flight Raptor show which offers an up-close-and-personal encounter with some of the country’s largest and most formidable birds of prey.
During the 15 minute show, you’ll be introduced to a number of different feathered friends from owls and kites to falcons and eagles as an experienced keeper demonstrates what makes each species so unique.
You’ll need to make sure you and your little ones are able to stay seated for the duration of the show as these impressive birds weave effortlessly through the stands and come exhilaratingly close to the audience.
Also a note to the squeamish – some of the birds are fed mice as a treat and their table manners can be a little bit lacking to say the least!
The show runs at 10:30am and 1:00pm every day of the week. If you missed seeing a particular bird species in the morning show then it could be worth returning in the afternoon as the birds are rested and rotated throughout the day.
Bring along your camera as there’s also an opportunity to grab a paid photo with one of these beauties of the sky following on from the afternoon session.
Sheep Dog Show
Take a peek inside life on a typical Aussie sheep station, as the resident kelpies show off why they are worth their weight in gold around the farm.
Knowledgeable handlers put their trusty companions through their paces as the dogs herd sheep through a variety of obstacles with great accuracy and lightning-fast speed. You’ll be blown away by their precision while also learning a thing or two about life on the farm making this an enjoyable experience for both locals and tourists.
It only goes for about 10 minutes or so, but it’s fun, informative and should keep the kids glued to their seats.
The show runs at 11:00am and 1:30pm daily directly following the Free Flight Raptor Show. There’s plenty of undercover seating available for guests and range of sheep shearing exhibits to explore too.
Crocodile Viewing Dome
Lone Pine’s most recent addition is a super cool underwater crocodile viewing dome which allows visitors to come face-to-face with an estuarine crocodile – the world’s largest reptile.
The big fella “Wickham” spends most of his time on dry land however it would certainly be an unforgettable experience to be in the dome while he is actively swimming around. It’s an engaging and interactive feature for the kids to enjoy but best avoided by those who are uneasy in small spaces as the entry tunnel is only a few feet tall.
Exploring Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Before or after you have watched these entertaining shows, we recommend you spend plenty of time exploring the rest of Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. There are plenty of animals to visit, wildlife encounters, keeper talks, photo opportunities, virtual tours, and kids programs to take advantage of.
For more information about the sanctuary read our detailed review of Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
Getting to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is located at 708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket, just 12kms from the city.
You can get there by driving, boat cruise, or public transport (bus).
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, 708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket, 4069
To find current opening hours and ticket prices head to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary website.
Join the conversation