Tilligerry Habitat Reserve, Tanilba Bay, New South Wales © Rob Mulally
The best places to see wild koalas
Nothing melts your heart more than seeing a wild koala snoozing in the treetops. Make it happen at these top koala-spotting locations.
Kangaroo Island is a natural oasis peppered with breathtaking scenery, magnificent wildlife and gourmet delights. Though its name hints at an abundance of Australia's iconic kangaroos, the island is also home to large colonies of koalas. You can spot them while exploring the beauty of Flinders Chase National Park, or during a sustainability-focused Exceptional Kangaroo Island tour.
Raymond Island, in Victoria’s Gippsland region, just might be the most relaxed island in Victoria – not just for its dreamy scenery, but for the large population (around 250) of koalas. Hop on the short ferry from Paynesville and take your time exploring the island’s Koala Trail on foot or via two wheels; you might even spot a few kangaroos, echidnas and native birds while you’re there.
The Great Ocean Road’s greatness extends well beyond its dramatic drive. It’s also home to some of the best koala-spotting locations in the country. If you’re driving from Melbourne, be sure to make Kennett River one of your first stops. Park your car at the Koala Kafe and hit the Kennett River Walk. Further along the Great Ocean Road lies Cape Otway, home to Australia’s longest-serving lighthouse, awe-inspiring scenery and, of course, koalas.
Venture to the coastal hub of Port Stephens, where pods of dolphins play along the beaches, rolling sand dunes fringe the beach and colonies of koalas snooze across the rainforest canopy. For the best chance of spotting them, head to the free-to-enter eco-tourism reserve, Tilligerry Habitat, and search for koalas in the branches above.
You’ll spot Magnetic Island from the shores of Townsville, a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. With its leafy national park, palm-fringed beaches and epic wildlife, Magnetic Island encapsulates the beauty of Queensland and is home to the largest koala population in northern Australia. Hike the two-hour Forts Walk for a high chance of seeing multiple wild koalas enjoying island life.
Noosa: an idyllic pocket of the Sunshine Coast where the turquoise ocean meets national park. Though you can drive one hour to reach the wildlife wonders of Australia Zoo, you don’t have to walk far in Noosa to end up in koala territory. Bring your binoculars on a hike through the breathtaking Noosa National Park. For your best bet at spotting a furry friend, follow the 7km (4mi) Tanglewood Track.
Though koalas are not native to Western Australia, the state has been graced with their adorable presence since 1938, when a colony was introduced to Yanchep National Park. A cruisy drive from Perth will bring you to the wheelchair-accessible Koala Viewing Area – complete with a raised boardwalk. It's a great place for anyone wanting to see koalas in the wild.
Located on the outskirts of Canberra, Tidbinbilla boasts habitats that support a wide range of Australian animals. Amid the kangaroos, echidnas, emus and lyrebirds are – you guessed it – koalas. Check out the Koala Path for close-up views of koalas before continuing along the 1.8km (1mi) Peppermint Trail.
