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Xperience Team

27 Mar 2024 - 4 min read

Best Places to Spot Koalas in Australia

Australia's iconic Koala is beloved by locals and tourists alike, captivating hearts with its charming nature. These charming marsupials, known for their soft fur and penchant for chewing eucalyptus leaves, are a must-see for travelers on vacation to Australia, as a visit to Australia would not be complete without seeing these native animals. However, with Australia's vast landscapes and diverse ecosystems, travelers will usually be confused about where to start their koala spotting journey. But not to worry, because this guide from Traveloka will show you the best spots to see koalas in Australia.

1. Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is a natural oasis that offers stunning scenery, diverse wildlife and culinary delights scattered throughout its territory. Despite its name, Kangaroo Island also offers visitors the chance to see koalas. Since the 1920s, the island has been home to a sizable koala colony. While exploring the beauty of Flinders Chase National Park, you can spot koalas amidst lush surroundings. Alternatively, you can participate in the Exceptional Kangaroo Island tour, which emphasizes environmental conservation and provides further opportunities to meet these iconic marsupials.

Kangaroo Island Tour from Adelaide

2. Port Macquarie

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The small town of Port Macquarie is located about four hours north of Sydney. With a population of over 2,000 koalas and the world's first hospital dedicated to these marsupials, it's no surprise that the town is renowned as one of the top destinations to see these adorable creatures in their natural habitat. Among the places to visit in Port Macquarie to see koalas is Sea Acres National Park. Here, visitors can traverse a 1.3-kilometer wooden path through the treetops, providing an immersive experience amidst a koala-inhabited environment.

3. Tucki Tucki Nature Reserve

Another famous spot to see koalas in Australia is the Tucki Tucki Nature Reserve, which is located in New South Wales. This reserve offers visitors the chance to see two koalas in a short period of time. Covering a large area, Tucki Tucki Nature Reserve is easily explored on foot, making it easy to explore and spot koalas.

4. Great Ocean Road

This world-famous coastal trail offers stunning scenery and the chance to see koalas in their natural habitat. Among the popular places to spot koalas along the trail is Kennett River, where visitors can observe koalas casually perched in the trees near the Koala Kafe. Another option is Cape Otway, which is known for its rich biodiversity, including an abundant koala population.

Great Ocean Road Day Tour from Melbourne | Victoria

10

USD 97.88

5. Raymond Island

This island paradise located off the coast of Victoria is a koala haven. With a sizable koala population of around 250, and a designated walking trail, it's easy to spot the iconic marsupials. To access the island, you can board a ferry for the short trip from Paynesville and then leisurely explore the island's Koala Trail on foot or by bike. In addition to koalas, you can also observe the island's diverse native wildlife, such as kangaroos, echidnas and various bird species.

Flight to Sydney

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6. Port Stephens

Located on the New South Wales coast north of Sydney, Port Stephens is a haven for koalas, attracting travelers who want to meet Australia's iconic marsupials. Despite the national decline in koala populations, Port Stephens has a dedicated community that is committed to protecting these beloved creatures. During your visit to Port Stephens, you can take a boat tour through the mangroves or explore the Tilligerry Habitat Reserve to see koalas up close. Moreover, you can also watch pods of dolphins frolicking along the shoreline with sand dunes dotting the beach, adding to the appeal of this beautiful destination.

Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary Ticket | New South Wales

7. Magnetic Island

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Located off the coast of Townsville, Queensland, this island paradise offers a relaxed atmosphere and the chance to see koalas in their natural habitat, as well as being the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The island is just a 20-minute ferry ride from the coast, with the largest koala population in northern Australia. With its lush national parks, beautiful palm-fringed beaches and diverse wildlife, Magnetic Island epitomizes the beauty of Australia. To increase your chances of spotting the island's resident koalas, consider taking the Forts Walk, a scenic two-hour hike through the island's landscape.

Magnetic Island Ferry Return Ticket | Queensland

8. Noosa National Park

Noosa National Park, located on the Sunshine Coast, is a delightful blend of turquoise ocean and pristine national park. Immerse yourself in the stunning coastal scenery as you embark on a koala-spotting adventure in this nature reserve. For the best chance of spotting koalas nesting in the trees, you can take the scenic 7-kilometer Tanglewood Track.

9. Tidbinbilla

Just a 45-minute drive from Canberra's bustling city center lies Australia's wildlife haven, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. This vast reserve offers travelers the unique opportunity to observe koalas in their natural habitat, making it a top destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. In addition to koalas, visitors can also encounter a variety of native Australian animals, including echidnas, kangaroos, emus and lyrebirds. Explore the Koala Path for an up-close look at the breeding koala population before continuing your journey along the 1.8-kilometer Peppermint Trail.

10. Yanchep National Park

While koalas are mostly associated with the east coast of Australia, travelers who are interested in seeing these iconic marsupials in Western Australia can take advantage of an exciting opportunity at Yanchep National Park. Since 1938, the state has been home to a koala population, which was established when a koala colony was brought to Yanchep National Park. Located just an hour from Perth, visitors can explore the Yanchep Koala Viewing Area, which features elevated wooden walkways that provide an ideal vantage point to observe koalas in their natural habitat up close.

Besides its famous landscapes, turquoise waters and vibrant culture, Australia is also famous for its native wildlife, including the iconic koala. Before embarking on your adventure to see these marsupials, it's important to create an itinerary. This plan should include choosing your destination, purchasing airline tickets, entrance tickets to tourist attractions and hotel accommodation.

Western Australia Day Tour: Pinnacles Desert, Yanchep & Swan Valley (Lunch Included) | Perth

For easier ticket booking, you can visit the Traveloka application, where you can get many attractive offers. Pack your bags and upgrade your vacation in Australia with Traveloka, and create memories to last a lifetime! Hopefully the above recommendations of spots to see koalas in Australia will be useful for your trip!

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