An unmistakable symbol of Australia, koalas stand as a quintessential must-see Down Under. Uncover prime locations for an intimate encounter with these adorable creatures. From Brisbane's renowned Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to captivating koala tours on Kangaroo Island, join us in exploring the best destinations for an up-close encounter with koalas!
1. Breakfast with a Koala | Selina Hostels (Magnetic Island, QLD):
Embark on an adventure like no other with this exclusive Magnetic Island breakfast! Join a passionate team of rangers for an educational wildlife encounter set amidst the breathtaking beauty of Magnetic Island. Get up close and personal with extraordinary Australian animals, including Harry, the charming Southern Hairy-Nosed Wombat and the adorable Pebbles the Koala. You'll also get the chance to discover the heartwarming story of Amaroo, a rescue koala from Southeast Queensland.
2. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Entry (Brisbane, QLD):
Get set to experience Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and discover the best of Australian wildlife! Located in Brisbane, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary has been providing a safe haven for native animals since 1927. As the world's first and largest koala sanctuary, Lone Pine is home to over 130 koalas, as well as other iconic Australian species such as kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, and more!
With this single-entry ticket, you can explore the sanctuary at your own pace, while enjoying an informative and interactive experience. There are also daily animal shows and keeper talks, where you can learn more about our animals and their habitats.
3. Kangaroo Island Koala Walking Tour (South Australia):
Experience the beauty of Kangaroo Island with this walking tour! Your experienced guide will take you past the dunes of Little Sahara into the surrounding bushland. As you head into the scrub, you'll discover native bush foods (seasonal) along the trails leading towards the Eleanor River. The towering gum trees provide the perfect habitat for koalas, native bee hives, eagle nests and a myriad of birdlife.
4. Byron Bay Koala-Spotting Eco Tour (NSW):
On this tour, you are guaranteed to see koalas. How many you see varies, but it is likely to see between two and ten on any given day. Sometimes the ones you do see are asleep high up in the trees – that’s koalas for you! Your guide will have a camera with excellent zoom to take some amazing images that they are happy to share with the group, so if you only have a smartphone, you can still go home with some great memories. After your nature experience, you will be treated to morning tea of local tea or coffee and delicious Byron Bay cookies.
5. Australiana Package Gold Coast | Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Prepare to visit one of the Gold Coast's most popular attractions, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. With over 1000 native animals, the sanctuary is home to one of the world’s largest collections of Australian wildlife. In addition, you get to be face-to-face with extraordinary wildlife in exciting daily shows and hands-on encounters. You can cuddle a koala, feed kangaroos and take a photo holding a crocodile. Or even discover Lost Valley — a forgotten world where you can interact with exotic species! With free-flying birds and exotic reptiles, just to name a few, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a holiday must-do!
For more information on where to see koalas up close, including detailed options like the Kennett River Koala Walk and the Koala Conservation Reserve on Phillip Island, visit BackpackerDeals.com.
