Australia’s visitor charmers are found in sanctuaries, wildlife parks and in the outdoors. The koala and their staple food source, the eucalyptus tree are Australian synonyms for a memorable Australian holiday. Here is a sprinkling of great koala experiences to pop on your Australian trip planner. Check out eight places dotted throughout Australia and start planning.
1. HEALESVILLE SANCTUARY – MELBOURNE, VICTORIA
Koala guided ranger tours, an elevated boardwalk leading visitors to eyeball koalas and the plethora of native animals makes Healesville a popular destination for Melbourne visitors.
2. GREAT OCEAN ROAD, KENNETT RIVER
Stunning coastal and forest scenery, seaside towns, surf and estuary beaches, waterfalls and KOALAS is a premier destination for visitors. Wild koalas inhabit the KENNETT RIVER WALK. Cape Otway National Park is another koala hotspot.
3. KOALA SAFARI
Kangaroo Island offers visitors an observation bonanza. Guaranteed koala sightings at Kangaroo Island Wildlife park or Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Both places manage conservation programmes for injured and orphaned koalas. Book a guided tour and capture a selfie with your favourite koala.
4. PORT MACQUARIE
A koala hospital was a world first and it’s found in the picturesque town, Port Macquarie about four hours drive from Sydney. Find out about threats to koalas and witness the conservation work of passionate locals. Pop on your hiking boots and head out to Sea Acres National Park.
Kids, families and friends will enjoy a leisurely stroll on the The Sea Acres Rainforest boardwalk is an easy 1.3km walk through the rainforest canopy with koalas munching on eucalyptus trees. You are 7 metres from the rainforest floor within sight of the vividly coloured birds and the koala.
5. ZOOS
The eastern coast and hinterland is the koala’s natural habitat. Visit Ballarat Wildlife Park for a guided tour complete with face to face encounters. At Featherdale Wildlife Park in Sydney kids can join the rangers for behind the scenes encounters. The Melbourne Zoo, Sydney Zoo and Adelaide Zoos have extensive collections of koalas and kangaroos.
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6. RAYMOND ISLAND, GIPPSLAND, VICTORIA
Stroll on the 2 km Koala Trail and look up in the eucalyptus trees at the dozing koalas. You are virtually guaranteed to observe a wild koala. The trail is a walking path only. Park your car at Paynesville and hop on the ferry to Raymond Island (departure every 20 – 30 minutes).
The Koala Trail is just outside the ferry terminal and loops around returning visitors to the ferry terminal. The Koala Trail is free.
7. NOOSA NATIONAL PARK – SUNSHINE COAST, QUEENSLAND
Tanglewood Track (7 km) provides visitors with the opportunity to spot a wild koala. Binoculars will enhance your experience in the breathtaking beauty of the Noosa National Park.
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8. YANCHEP NATIONAL PARK, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Koalas were re-settled in Western Australia to assist conservation efforts. The adorable, cute koala has become a Western Australia native. Yanchep National Park boardwalk is a great place to view wild koalas.
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