Five great Koala viewing spots to visit around the country
The bushfires of late 2019 and early 2020 ravaged native koala populations, but these cuties are nothing if not resilient.Thanks to an army of helpers (paid and volunteer), koala habitats are being re-established. If you want to see koalas up close and personal, here are some great viewing opportunities, together with where you can donate to help the local populations continue to thrive.
Kangaroo Island, SA
Before the January 2020 fires, there were about 50,000 koalas on Kangaroo Island from only 18 that were introduced in the 1920s. While the fires severely impacted the population, the Department for Environment has thankfully said that there is no danger to their continued survival. Just remember to look up as you drive around KI, but for guaranteed koala viewing (plus kangaroos, wallabies and echidnas), book a tour at the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. To help re-establish habitat, donate here.
Port Stephens, NSW
The World Wildlife Fund for Nature-Australia estimated that the NSW bushfires caused a loss of about 71% of koala populations on the north coast; 34% near Port Macquarie and 100% south of Taree. You can help by adopting a koala. To see koalas in their natural habitat, head to the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, which opened in September 2020. The Sanctuary helps injured animals and gives visitors unique koala experiences. You can even stay in a glamping tent or other more “normal” accommodation.
Kennett River, Victoria
While far east Victoria suffered terribly during the fires, the Great Ocean Road region was largely spared from the 2019/20 bushfires and it’s been enough time since the devastating fires of 2015 for koalas to be in plentiful view again. Between Lorne and Apollo Bay, you’ll find the Kennett River Koala Walk (along the Grey River Road) – one of the best spots to see koalas in the wild in all of Australia. The path is flat, the track is short (one kilometre return; about 45 minutes), so all you have to do is look up!
Yanchep National Park, Western Australia
Koalas aren’t native to Western Australia, but after being introduced in 1938, they have made a home at Yanchep National Park (about 40 minutes northwest of Perth). There was a fire that raged through parts of the park in December 2019, but the koalas were all safe. Currently there are nine, and they can be seen easily from the 240 metre long boardwalk. And while you’re there, walk one of the nine trails, and visit one of the caves open for exploration.
Cleland Wildlife Park, Crafers, South Australia
With much koala habitat burnt on Kangaroo Island in 2020, the SA government took the unusual step of relocating 28 rescued koalas from the island to establish a disease-free, separate population at Cleland. Cleland’s normal koala population can be seen up close: included in the entry fee is a close-up experience where you can touch a koala; pay extra to hold one. A behind the scenes koala experience is also available. Of course, being a wildlife reserve means you’ll see lots of other critters as well.
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