Kumbartcho Sanctuary

Kumbartcho Sanctuary

15 Bunya Pine Court, Eatons Hill QLD, Australia

It’s easy to forget that even in the midst of suburbia, there are pockets of wildlife and bushland waiting to be explored. The flora and fauna paradise of Kumbartcho Sanctuary is a protected, volunteer-run haven for native wildlife and plants located in Eatons Hill adjoining the north bank of the South Pine River.

The 6-hectare sanctuary adjoins the South Pine River and incorporates the last vestiges of the riverine rainforest which existed when European settlers first arrived in the area.

Visitors are welcome to come and explore this native animal sanctuary & plant nursery northside Brisbane oasis from the city hustle and bustle. Bring the family, friends, or simply yourself to relax and unwind amidst nature.

Meet Native Wildlife

Kumbartcho is home to a variety of finned, feathered, freaky and furry creatures, including koalas, frogs, snakes, turtles, and possums. Its close proximity to the river allows visitors to see a range of water and shore birds, as well as predatory raptors.

Snakes make this sanctuary their home so please avoid taking risks and stick to the paths. Some curious animal residents may wander close to you for their own study of homo sapiens, but please do not get too close, touch or feed them. Even the sweetest koala may become aggressive if provoked.

Kumbartcho is a great photographic experience for shutter-bugs of all skill levels, so don’t forget to bring your camera!

Natural Experiences Await You

You can take yourself on a wildlife walkabout, strolling beneath the canopy of trees alongside the dam and over creek crossings, enjoy a picnic or BBQ at the undercover picnic table right beside the kids playground and playhouse, near the toilet block.

You can also enjoy a learning journey taking part in one of the guided walks through the sanctuary which start and finish in the Environment Centre.

Alternatively, head into the nursery if you’re keen to bring home some native plants, or are simply curious for a look.

FREE Public Access

Open free of charge, 7 days a week between 7am and 7pm:

  • Walking Tracks
  • Public Park
  • BBQ and Playground

Please Note: As this is a native wildlife sanctuary, no pets and no horses are allowed.

For the Kids

Psst, did you know there’s a fairy garden hidden in Kumbartcho Sanctuary? Young children will have a magical time searching for the fairies home.

Kumbartcho Nursey Northside Brisbane

The nursery is run by volunteers supported knowledgeable horticultural staff. You can purchase native plants for as little as $2 at the nursery. Plants are available for the home and residential developments. Discounts apply to wholesale orders.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to create your dream garden, or have questions about what plants would be best for your space, the nursery is a must-visit.

Kumbartcho Nursery is open Tuesday to Friday 9am to 3pm, and Saturday and Sunday between 8am and 12pm.

Please Note: The nursery does not have EFTPOS facilities, but ATMs can be found nearby.

Environmental Education Centre

Within the centre, open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 2pm, you will find videos, a reference library, a Mangroves to Mountains diorama with live native fish, a nocturnal display, arts and crafts for children, and a touch and feel environment display table.

Kids can get busy creating finger puppets, colouring-in puzzles, and putting together their own native plant pot for $1.

If you’re feeling a little hungry or thirsty, soft drinks, ice-blocks and tea & coffee are available for purchase.

The centre and the barn are available for hire for birthday parties, meetings and other events and get-togethers.

Business in the Bush

Kumbartcho Sanctuary also offers a Conference Centre available for hire 7 days a week for conferences, workshops, weddings and other special functions.

The Yuraba Conference Centre is located a 5 minute drive away (or a 30 minute walk away through waterside parkland) at 240 Church Rd Eatons Hill.

Many Hands Make Light Work

The sanctuary, including the Environmental Centre, Conference Centre and Kumbartcho Nursery are all operated by community volunteers in partnership with Moreton Bay Regional Council. If you would like to volunteer your time, please feel free to contact Kumbartcho Sanctuary to enquire about becoming a volunteer.

Need to Know

Kumbartcho Sanctuary is located at 15 Bunya Pine Court in Eatons Hill, and is open 7 days a week from 7am-7pm.

Kumbartcho Nursery is open Thursdays and Fridays from 9am to 3pm, and on Saturdays from 8am to 12pm. The playground, picnic, and barbeque facilities are open from dawn till dusk, 7 days a week.

Eatons Hill is around a half hour drive from Brisbane, via Old Northern Road.

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Acknowledgement of Country - We would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands and waterways of the Moreton Bay Region, the Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi, Jinibara, and Turrbal people and pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise the ongoing connection that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have to this land and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the original custodians of this land.