They’re our ultimate cute and cuddly Aussie mascot, so it makes sense that people love spotting a koala on their getaways.
Given it's the only place in the world where you can find them, there's no sweeter feeling than looking up into the treetops and seeing these iconic Australian animals as they spend their day sleeping, feeding, or hanging out amongst the gum leaves. Hot tip: you're most likely to see them in the early morning or late afternoon.
Image Credit: Darren Donlen, Visit Victoria
However, these endangered creatures can be tricky to spot, so we’ve rounded up a list of destinations around the country which are your best bet. Better yet, we’ve listed nearby G’day Parks where you can stay on your next getaway.
Image Credit: Tourism Australia
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Brownhill Creek
Image Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission
You don’t have to travel far from the city to spot these furry friends. As you go bushwalking along the creek in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park, you could just spot a koala in the trees above.
Nearest G’day Parks: Adelaide Brownhill Creek Tourist Park
Belair National Park
Image Credit: Brad Leue, South Australian Tourism Commission
Up in the Adelaide Hills, koalas often hang out in the tree canopy of Belair National Park. With so many bushwalking and biking trails, it's easy as to combine koala spotting with getting active in the Great Outdoors.
Nearest G’day Parks: Belair National Park Holiday Park
Kangaroo Island
Image Credit: Tourism Australia
This island may get its name from another famous Aussie animal, but don’t be fooled: ‘KI’ has an abundance of koalas. The walking trail along Cygnet River at Duck Lagoon is a known sighting hotspot, as is the beautiful Flinders Chase National Park.
Nearest G’day Parks: Kangaroo Island Cabins, Discovery Parks - Kangaroo Island
Mikkira Station, Eyre Peninsula
Image Credit: Tourism Australia
Mikkira Wild Koala Sanctuary can be found a short drive south of Port Lincoln, and this privately-owned property has a large population of koalas in their natural habitat. Book your visit or guided tour to spot their fluffy ears amongst the ancient manna gums.
Nearest G’day Parks: Port Lincoln Tourist Park, Discovery Parks - Coffin Bay, Tumby Bay Caravan Park
VICTORIA
Raymond Island
Image Credit: Tourism Australia
Raymond Island is home to around 200 koalas, which you can get a glimpse of on the island's two-kilometre Koala Trail. The island is a one-hour drive from Lakes Entrance, including a ferry crossing (pedestrians travel free, while cars incur a small charge), or if you have your own boat, you can park it at the island.
Nearest G’day Parks: North Arm Tourist Park, Woodbine Tourist Park, Mingling Waters
Kennett River, Great Ocean Road
Image Credit: Darren Donlen, Visit Victoria
The Great Ocean Road is a top-tier holiday destination for wildlife encounters, and the Kennett River Koala Walk is the main event. Enjoy a scenic walk as you look out for the healthy population of koalas in the area. Win win!
Nearest G’day Parks: Kennett River Family Caravan Park, Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park, Apollo Bay Holiday Park
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, Warrnambool
Image Credit: Darren Donlen, Visit Victoria
As you wander through Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, lift up your head because you’re sure to spot some cuddly friends. You won’t only see koalas here—keep your eyes peeled for emus, kangaroos, wallabies, and lots of native birds in this volcanic-crater-turned-wildlife-reserve.
Nearest G’day Parks: Discovery Parks - Warrnambool, Central Warrnambool Holiday Park and Motel
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Yanchep National Park
Image Credit: Tourism Australia
A small colony of five koalas lives in Yanchep National Park, which has a dedicated koala viewing area along a raised boardwalk. It's open each day from 8am to 4.30pm, where you can see them chilling out amongst the tree branches.
Nearest G’day Parks: Discovery Parks - Swan Valley, Karrinyup Waters Resort, Banksia Tourist Park, Discovery Parks - Perth Airport
QUEENSLAND
North Stradbroke Island
Image Credit: Set in Stone Photography, Tourism and Events Queensland
‘Straddie’ is a popular spot for koalas, whether in the trees or (slowly!) crossing the road. You're most likely to find them in the lush eucalyptus trees of Myora Springs Conservation Area and Dunwich. To reach the island, it takes less than an hour to catch the water taxi or ferry from Cleveland on the mainland.
Nearest G’day Parks: Brisbane Holiday Village
Magnetic Island
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Holidaying in Townsville? Take a swift journey on the ferry over to Magnetic Island, and you’ll be sure to find wild koalas as well as gorgeous beaches and hiking trails. The two-kilometre Forts Walk trail takes you right into the eucalypt and acacia woodland that they call home.
Nearest G’day Parks: Discovery Parks - Townsville, Townsville Tourist & Lifestyle Village, Coral Coast Tourist Park, Discovery Parks - Ayr
Noosa National Park
Image Credit: Jesse Lindemann, Tourism and Events Queensland
It makes sense that koalas love the Sunshine Coast just as much as the rest of Australia. Take the Tanglewood Track through Noosa National Park and you might spot one resting in the trees. (For another dose of koala joy, why not head up the road to Beerwah to see our mate Robert Irwin’s home at Australia Zoo?)
Nearest G’day Parks: Alex Beach Cabins and Tourist Park
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Canberra
Image Credit: Tourism Australia
Alongside all the national treasures in Australia’s capital, Canberra also has koalas! Head straight to the Eucalypt Forest in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and follow the aptly named Koala Path, an accessible, 700-metre-long trail. You’re guaranteed to see them here, with a small section at the end of the path that is home to a small population of koalas (managed by the reserve’s threatened species team).
Nearest G’day Parks: Capital Country Holiday Park, Discovery Parks - Canberra
NEW SOUTH WALES
Byron Bay
Image Credit: Visit North Coast
This laid-back coastal town is just right for koalas, and you’ll often find them in Tucki Tucki Nature Reserve. With lots of walking trails, lookouts, and waterfalls, it makes for a great day out in Byron Bay.
Nearest G’day Parks: Discovery Parks - Byron Bay, Glen Villa Resort
Port Stephens
Image Credit: Tourism Australia
Port Stephens is home to the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, a haven for koalas in need of special care, but you can also see wild koalas for free in the bushland of Tilligerry Habitat. Follow the two-kilometre walk, then finish your visit by enjoying a shared picnic lunch.
Nearest G’day Parks: Dunleith Tourist Park
Image Credit: Narell Bouveng, Tourism and Events Queensland
Find koalas in the wild on your next G'day Parks getaway
Image Credit: Darren Donlen, Visit Victoria
From the bay to the bush, you're now 100% koala-fied to book your next getaway on the G'day Parks app.
