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• Winter in America
• Spring in America

Koala Encounters in the U.S.

Looking for a fun koala encounter? Although you can’t hold a koala, you can still get up close to one.

Since all of the koalas in the U.S. are actually owned by the Australian government, there are a lot of restrictions on the housing and handling of koalas.

Only a handful of zoos or facilities in the U.S . are allowed to keep koalas and there are a lot of rules regarding interactions with them.

The following is a list of koala encounters in the U.S.:

ZooTampa at Lowry Park:

Address: 1101 W. Sligh Avenue Tampa, FL

Website: zootampa.org

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is a 63-acre zoo in Tampa that is home to more than 1000 animals such as Komodo dragons , Florida panthers, rhinos, koalas as well as a herd of six African elephants.

The park offers a Koala Behind the Scenes Tour during which visitors can enjoy a special meet-and-greet with a koala and have their photo taken with the animal.

In addition to the Koala encounter, the park also offers other types of animal encounters such as a giraffe encounter , an African penguin encounter , an African elephant encounter , a rhino encounter, a giant tortoise encounter and a manatee encounter.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ZooTampa at Lowry Park (@zootampa)

In 2021, ZooTampa at Lowry Park was voted the Best Kid’s Attraction in Tampa Magazine’s Best of South Tampa awards.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Joseph A. Couceiro is the CEO of ZooTampa at Lowry Park.

Palm Beach Zoo:

Address: 1301 Summit Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL

Website: www.palmbeachzoo.org

Established in 1969, Palm Beach Zoo is a 23-acre zoo in Palm Beach that is home to over 190 species of animals such as bears, capybara, exotic cats, monkeys, sloths and koalas.

The zoo offers a koala experience which is a 30-minute experience where visitors can meet koalas and see them up close. Visitors also learn about what a day in the life of a koala keeper is like and what it takes to care for them.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Palm Beach Zoo (@palmbeachzoo)

In addition to the koala experience, the zoo also offers other animal encounters, such as a t iger experience , a capybara and flamingo experience , an otter experience , a tortoise experience and a sloth experience .

Palm Beach Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Margo McKnight is the president and CEO of Palm Beach Zoo.

Sources: “ AZA Accredited and Certified Members.” Association of Zoos & Aquariums, aza.org/inst-status “Zoo History.” Palm Beach Zoo, palmbeachzoo.org/zoo-history “ Koala experience returns to Palm Beach Zoo.” WPTV, 21 March. 2023, wptv.com/shining-a-light/koala-experience-returns-to-palm-beach-zoo “ Palm Beach Zoo Koala Experience.” Palm Beach Zoo, palmbeachzoo.org/koala-experience “ Animal Encounters at Zoo Tampa.” Zoo Tampa, zootampa.org/visit/encounters/

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Koala Tours Northern Rivers

Discover the world of koalas with a free educational koala tour at our Koala Care Centre & Koala Hospital in Lismore, NSW.

Discover the world of koalas with a free educational koala tour in our Koala Care Centre & Koala Hospital in Lismore, NSW.

Welcome to the Friends of the Koala, koala tour!

An our koala conservation and education centre Burribi in Lismore, we offer regular small group koala tours where you can get up close and personal with the real work of koala conservation.

Here you will get a chance to fall in love with koalas!

DUE TO LIMITED CAPACITY AND A HIGH NUMBER OF KOALAS IN CARE, WE CURRENTLY DO NOT HAVE TOURS AVAILABLE FOR MARCH AND APRIL

Tours for May onwards can be booked online from April.

A fun, educational experience for wildlife enthusiasts of all ages

Led by our passionate volunteer tour guides or veterinary nurses, you'll learn everything there is to know about how koalas live, the challenges they face and how we are working to protect them.

On this koala tour you will:

meet our amazing volunteers who rescue and rehabilitate koalas

See our conservation efforts and understand what it takes to save the species, discover simple ways how you can help save koalas, meet our resident koalas, get a chance to explore our koala conservation reserve, and if you’re lucky you might spot wild koalas.

This highly educational tour is suitable for people of all ages, whether you're travelling alone, with family, or a group of friends, this koala tour is a must see in the Northern Rivers.

We only host small groups, so the tour will be adjusted based on your group and your interests.

"Fantastic visiting Friends of the Koala and seeing first-hand the incredible work and commitment to conserving koalas and preserving and enhancing their habitat."

- Chris Hemsworth

What to expect on your koala tour in Lismore

We welcome you to our Community Education Centre Burribi , Koala Hospital and Koala Care Centre in Lismore, Northern Rivers NSW!

KOALA PRESENTATION

Enjoy a 30 minute koala presentation with one of our resident experts. Discover everything there is to know about koalas, including koala facts you’ll never see in a textbook.

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

We love curiosity and encourage all your koala questions! Get fascinating insights from the people who spend the most time with koalas.

MEET OUR KOALAS!

Meet our sweet resident koalas, Charlotte & Ivy, and learn their history. This is your chance to see koalas in real life!

KOALA SOUVENIERS

Unfortunately, you can’t bring a koala home, but you can bring home some fab koala merchandise! Please also consider a donation to help us continue our work.

IMPORTANT TOUR DETAILS

Koala tours are hosted at our Community Education Centre Burribi, Koala Hospital and Koala Care Centre in Lismore, Northern Rivers NSW.

Koala tours are currently available Monday-Thursday at 2 pm. (Please check our calendar for available dates.)

Maximum 6 people per tour., our educational koala tours are free, please consider supporting our work with a donation..

Do you have special needs for your group? Please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate your needs.

Join us for an unforgettable visit!

Discover the exciting work of Friends of the Koala. Book yourself or your group and enjoy a koala packed adventure you will never forget!

WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT US

“I especially do not like money-making-zoos. So this was a great chance to see a koala close up. There’s a very informative talk about how they rescue and then help the animals. Plus a short tour of the small complex. Where can see the koalas and there is no pressure to donate (even though i did). A lovely little charity, with great volunteers. Animals are well looked after and they will release if they can, but some are there, because they have no chance in the wild.” - Dan Hobs

“This was the highlight of my Lismore trip. I learned a lot about koalas. The staff is friendly and dedicated to saving koalas. I would highly recommend the daily session at 2pm.” - Zubair Minto

“Great place to learn about koalas. Kind, caring and very passionate people.” - Jo Hoskins

“We highly recommend this place to everyone who would like to learn about these little furry animals. Place is ran by lovely volunteers who are doing a great job in trying to save koalas in NSW. The lady who ran our tour shared with us a lot of interesting facts and information about koalas behaviour and the type of work the volunteers are doing every day. Can’t praise this place enough!!” - Sylaba

“You should not miss a visit to this place.” - John Thornton  

Koala Tours FAQ

Our koala tours appeal to conservation and animal lovers of all ages! Koalas, as well as being super cute, are also fascinating and unique creatures. Find out what it really takes to save a single koala, not to mention the whole species. Meet our volunteers and our resident koalas in our koala conservation reserve.

If you have very young children we can shorten the presentation piece if required to accommodate younger attention spans.

The maximum amount of people allowed on a koala tour is six individuals. Having a small group ensures that each person on the tour has a personalised experience with the koalas.

We love that our visitors can learn about koalas' behaviour, habitat, and lifestyle and it makes for a special experience.

Our educational koala tours have a maximum of 6 people per tour. If you have a group smaller than 6, you may share the booking with other visitors on the day.

Yes, we offer private and VIP tours for visiting delegates, celebrities etc. We understand that some of our visitors may require a more tailor-made koala tour and we offer a range of options.

Please make enquiries directly through our office.

Absolutely! We love that our permanent resident koalas are bringing joy to our visitors. So grab your camera and snap away! Please note the koalas live in protected and fenced runs, so you will see them from a small distance and through a fence.

If you walk around our koala conservation reserve you may spot wild koalas and can take photos of them in their natural habitat.

In New South Wales, it is illegal to hold a koala as it is harmful to their well-being and may trigger undue stress. However, you can see our friendly in house koalas from a safe distance!

Yes, however, it is important that children remain quiet when meeting the koalas. If children are too loud, we cannot allow them close to the koalas.

Our 30-minute presentation may be too long for very young children. We can adjust the time to accommodate families with young ones.

There is not much walking in our centre and koala conservation reserve as everything is conveniently located within 30 meters. We also have accessible parking on site, and we warmly welcome guests in wheelchairs.

While there is no cost for the tour, we kindly accept contributions through various payment methods including bank cards, credit cards, Square, Apple Pay and cash.

No problem, but please give us as much notice as possible and we encourage koala tour cancellations to please make a donation to our projects:

Adopt a koala  |  Make a donation  |  Adopt a tree  

The tour is onsite at Friends of the Koala - 23 Rifle Range Road, East Lismore. There are many beautiful places to stay in the Northern Rivers, so there are plenty of options:

We are located:

• 45 mins from Byron Bay,
• 30 mins from Bangalow,
• 30 mins from Ballina airport,
• 2.5 hours from Brisbane airport,
• 35 mins from Lennox Head, and an hour and
• 15 mins from Gold Coast Airport.

Here are some websites that include local places to stay:

Airbnb  | Booking.com  |  Trip Advisor

Tours are currently Monday – Thursday at 2 pm – check the booking calendar for the options available to you.

Please note that only 6 people can visit on any given day, so please plan in advance!

KOALA TOUR REVIEWS

• Koala Rescue
• Koala Hospital & Care Centre
• Koala Research
• Habitat Restoration
• Education & Advocacy
• Koala Documentary
• Koala Facts
• Kids’ Corner
• Koala Calendar
• Leave a Bequest
• Adopt a Koala
• Adopt a Tree
• Vaccinate a Koala
• Joey Buddies
• Emergency Bushfire Appeal
• Friends of the Northern Rivers Koala Hospital
• Become a Member
• Koala Conversations
• Community Native Plant Nursery
• Koalas Habitat Restoration for Landholders
• Regional Koala Conservation Strategy
• Media Centre
• Book a Koala Tour
• Report a Sighting

• New Zealand
• Service Updates
• Booking Guarantee
• Payment Plan

Accommodation

• Transport & Travel
• Loyalty Discount
• Terms and Conditions
• The Stray Experience
• Strademark Places

New South Wales

Tours from sydney to brisbane: koala tour, need to know.

The cute Koala is a total beach lover! Grab your towel, slap on your sunnies and journey up the East Coast from Sydney to Brisbane on this 8-Day Koala Tour . If you love beautiful port towns, long stretches of beach and you want to travel Australia in style then this is the tour for you. We’ll take you off the tourist trail with a local guide (who will share their insider knowledge) and a bunch of like-minded travellers (who will become lifelong friends) and explore everything that Aussie has to offer in style!

10% off on 3rd Jun & 15th Jul departures  - apply Promo Code  JUNE10  in checkout and give it a go! If you book less than 7 days prior to the start, please  email us  to check the availability first.

Book Your Tour

Tour Highlights:

Sydney :   The vibrant city where your trip starts! Climb the Harbour Bridge, wander through the Botanic Gardens or start your trip on a ‘high note’ and visit the Sydney Opera House!

Wine Country - Hunter Valley :   Sip back and relax at an award-winning vineyard in the Hunter Valley region - wine not?

Port Stephens:  Take a walk up to the summit of Tomaree Head where the view is a ‘step up’ from the rest! Trust us, the stairs are worth it for the stunning ocean views across Port Stephens and beyond.  (Image Credit: Destination NSW)

Port Macquarie :   Spend some koala-ty time with Australia's cutest animals at the Koala Hospital.

Coffs Harbour:   The Giingan Experience is about Gumbaynggirr people, language and culture. The Cultural Experience takes place at an important cultural site of the Gumbaynggirr people, the stunning location of “Niigi Niigi” (Sealy Lookout) within the Orara East State Forest.

Coffs Harbour:   Enjoy the stunning views from the lookout while being immersed into the culture through stories, songs, language and use of natural plants. By participating in this experience you are directly helping revitalise the Gumbaynggirr culture and language.

Byron Bay:  Follow the light to this quirky beachside town, where the motto is: 'Cheer Up, Slow Down and Chill Out'.

Byron Bay:   Byron’s Main Beach deserves a ‘sand’ing ovation for being both absolutely stunning and conveniently located just a short distance from our accommodation.

Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast:   Stop in to check out this iconic holiday destination between Byron Bay and Brisbane.

Brisbane:   Home to plenty of art, culture and adventure, this buzzing riverside is sure to float your boat.   (Image Credit: Tourism Australia)

What's Included:

Only Stray travels by private, air-conditioned bus all the way from Sydney to Brisbane, with a maximum of 22  onboard for your comfort.  See more and do more along our bus tour from Sydney with stops for walks, waterfalls, lookouts, food and wine tasting! 

So much more than just your tour guide - expect entertaining anecdotes, great recommendations, extra support and local insider knowledge. They know every inch of this country. You can't get this from a google search!

7 nights included. Accommodation is in 4-6 shared dorms in a range of hostels, backpacker resorts and an eco-lodge.

4 meals included - 3  Breakfasts, 1 Dinner

From walks, a winery and wildlife spotting to beautiful beaches and a cultural experience, there are so many awesome inclusions with the Stray Koala Sydney to Brisbane Tour:

Discover your inner wine connoisseur at Hunter Valley and taste award-winning samples fresh from the vineyard

• Catch a glimpse of local wildlife and snap the amazing views at Port Stephens
• Get a closer look at Australia's laziest (and cutest) marsupials at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital
• Visit the historic town of  Bellingen  
• Connect and gain an understanding of the incredible Aboriginal Culture through a bush walk and cultural experience
• Centre yourself with a yoga class in laid-back Byron Bay and enjoy a couple of days to explore at your own pace
• Drop into the iconic Surfers Paradise and a local conservation park
• Spend a night exploring the buzzing riverside city of Brisbane

2024 Tour Dates 

• 3 June -   GUARANTEED
• 15 July - GUARANTEED
• 9 September - GUARANTEED
• 14 & 28 October - GUARANTEED
• 11 & 25 November -  GUARANTEED

2025 Tour Dates 

• 6 & 20 January -  GUARANTEED
• 3 & 17 February
• 3 & 17 March

What we're all about...

Sydney Arrival Info

Check into the hostel anytime after 2pm. At 6.30pm head down to the hostel reception to meet your Stray guide and new travel mates.

DOWNLOAD  FULL ITINERARY HERE

Monday: Arrive Sydney

G’day and welcome to your epic East Coast adventure. Your tour begins in Sydney with a day to yourself to explore the city sights and world-famous landmarks. If you’ve just flown in, we recommend taking the train from the airport to Central Station, your accommodation is conveniently located straight across the road. Check into the hostel anytime after 2pm and if you’d like to begin your trip with a delicious cocktail (because wine-not?), head down to Circular Quay and the Opera Bar. Located at the base of the Opera House, with views of the Harbour Bridge, you’ll get all the iconic Sydney pics you can dream of. At 6.30pm head down to reception to meet your Stray guide and travel mates for the next few weeks.

Tuesday: Sydney to Port Stephens

Today we’ll say goodbye to Sydney as we depart the harbour city and make our way north to the Hunter Valley wine region where we’ll taste some of the local wine and cheese before continuing through to Port Stephens, our destination for the night.

We’ll be staying at the Surfside hostel, set on 6 acres of natural bushland, with kangaroos and wallabies on site. This boutique accommodation is about creating a relaxing experience in an environmentally conscious way so you can put your feet up and feel good about it! Once we’ve checked in, you can explore the area, relax, or head to the beach for a swim. If you’re interested, go for a walk around and check out the architecture of the place - they’ve used wood and glass to maximise light and all development incorporates the nature of the area.

Tonight, we’ll enjoy a classic Aussie BBQ dinner and get to know each other - anyone know a good icebreaker?

Wednesday: Port Stephens to Port Macquarie

This morning you have the choice to either sleep in, join your Stray guide for a hike, or jump in a 4WD bus to take part in some first-class sandboarding down the Stockton Sand Dunes (optional expense). The local sandboarding guide will teach you how to safely sandboard and tell you all about the amazing area and the rich Aboriginal history of the region.

If you don’t want to sandboard, your guide will join you for a walk to the summit of Tomaree Head, which stands at 161 metres above the Port Stephens entrance. This short 2.2km return track offers breathtaking views of the coastline and panoramic views of Yacaaba Head, Cabbage Tree and Boondelbah islands, as well as Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches, Fingal Island and Point Stephens Lighthouse - you might even be lucky enough to see some dolphins (and if it’s May - September, you could see whales!).

Late morning, we’ll pack up and move on to our next overnight stop, Port Macquarie. We’ll have lunch on the way before visiting the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, where we’ll get a closer look at Australia’s laziest (and arguably cutest) marsupials. Check out the information centre to learn all about the hospital’s efforts to rehabilitate, protect and preserve the koalas.

Thursday: Port Macquarie to Byron Bay

Today we’re heading to the iconic surfing town of Byron Bay, known for its relaxed vibes and no worries attitude. On the way to Byron, we’ll stop at the historic and hipster town of Bellingen to get some lunch, followed by a special Aboriginal experience learning about the First Nations people of Australia.

Your Cultural Experience takes place at an important cultural site of the Gumbaynggirr people, the stunning location of “Niigi Niigi” (Sealy Lookout) within the Orara East State Forest. You’ll go for a 2-hour tour and see 360-degree views, as well as getting the opportunity to immerse yourself in culture through stories, songs, language and the uses of native plants. This will be an unforgettable cultural experience with an emphasis on authentic connection and contributing to helping a community regain their culture and identity. 

Do More: By taking part in the experience, you’re making a direct contribution to the revitalisation of Gumbaynggirr language and culture with a percentage of the tour price going towards the local bilingual school to help foster cultural identity and education success.

When we arrive in Byron Bay, we’ll take you on an orientation drive around town to help you get your bearings, showing you points of interest and the top spots for food, shopping and nightlife. For the next few nights, we’re staying at boutique hostel The Surf House, located right in the heart of Byron and just a couple of hundred metres from the main beach - heaven!

Friday: Byron Bay Free Day

Today you have a full day in Byron Bay to really embrace the Byron Bay motto: "cheer up, slow down, and chill out”. Start your day off with a morning yoga class on the rooftop of your hostel and then spend your day exploring the laidback hippy town.

You can walk to Cape Byron Lighthouse, mainland Australia’s most easterly point, or check out the many eclectic boutiques and cafes around town. You could join a sea kayaking or snorkel trip and search for dolphins and other marine life, or even go for an iconic Australian activity - learning to surf.

Saturday: Byron Bay Free Day

You lucky thing - you have ANOTHER free day to explore Byron Bay today. Tick off any activities you didn’t get the chance to do yesterday or pass the day wandering the township or relaxing on the beach. Hone your surf skills with more lessons or borrow one of the free surfboards at your hostel to try it out by yourself.

If you’re a foodie then you’re in luck, as eating your way around Byron is an experience in itself. There are heaps of vegetarian and vegan options available, a couple of our favourites are the Cardamom Pod for lunch and No Bones for dinner, both of which are super close to your hostel. This evening, head to the Saturday twilight markets for some live music and lots of boutique stalls showcasing local arts, crafts and some incredible food.

Sunday: Byron Bay to Brisbane via Surfers Paradise

This morning, meet your guide and group outside the Surf House hostel at 8:50am and we’ll depart north across the NSW border to Queensland, stopping for some lunch and a walk around the famous Surfers Paradise. Next, we’ll head to a nearby nature reserve to spot some wild kangaroos, before continuing to Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland for the night. This evening, we recommend going for a stroll down to Southbank for a walk along the Brisbane River and then check out some of the many bars and restaurants.

Monday: Brisbane

Today is the final day of your Stray adventure.  After breakfast, give a wave and a hug to your new mates and head off for the next leg of your adventure, taking with you the most incredible memories, everything you’ve learned about Australia’s special culture and wildlife, and of course some classic Aussie lingo - G’DAY MATES!

7 nights' accommodation are included in the price of your Koala Sydney to Brisbane Tour.  We stay in hostels, backpacker resorts and an eco-lodge.

Scroll through the gallery to see some of the places you'll stay:

Wake Up! Sydney:  One of the best dorm-share accommodations in Sydney, with an on site bar and restaurant, free WiFi and close proximity to the bustling city centre.

Melaleuca Surfside Backpackers, Port Stephens:  The  architecturally-designed main building has a full kitchen and dining facilities and is for all guests use. Explore the natural surrounds and stay in comfort. 

Port Macquarie YHA, Port Macquarie: A  fun and friendly hostel, it's  just the right size to socialise in a relaxed and beachy atmosphere or chill out and unwind in one of their cosy hammocks by the pool.

The Surf House Byron Bay:  Located in the centre of town, a 50-metre walk to Main Beach, t he Surf House offers a bold new accommodation experience in Byron Bay for today's travellers and adventure seekers.

The Surf House Byron Bay:   The Surf House offers a boutique accommodation experience in the heart of Byron Bay. A relaxed 'surf inspired' space combing quality facilities with bespoke design and style. You'll enjoy bright, modern private and shared rooms, a rooftop bar and complimentary surfboard hire.

The Surf House Byron Bay: The Surf House is your cozy HOME in Byron Bay. Take a step inside and explore a series of bespoke spaces, designed with you in mind. The facilities are included - rooftop bar, guest kitchen & laundry, complimentary surfboards & boogie boards, furiously fast & free Wifi, luggage storage, complimentary drink on check-in and elevator.

• Trip starts:  Arrival day is on a Monday and we depart from Sydney on Tuesday morning.
• Transport:  Travel by private Stray bus
• Included meals:  Any dietary requirements or allergies must be advised upon booking so that they can be catered to where possible.
• Guides:  Your Guide is your Bus Driver, Activity Organiser, Tour Guide, and friend. They’re always on hand to give you travel trips, advice and any help you need.
• Stray Travellers:  Find your tribe and make meaningful connections with travellers from all over the world. The majority of our passengers are aged between 20-35 but there is no age limit! You just need to be reasonably fit and be young at heart! 70% of our travellers are travelling solo.
• Payment Options:  If you'd like to secure your place on the trip, but are a little bit short on cash, you can reserve a seat with a $200 deposit. Click 'Book Your Travel' and choose the deposit option in checkout. You then have 6 months to pay it off - too easy! Better yet - there's no admin fee. You can make payments when it suits you using our  Extra Payments page . You just need to have paid for your trip in full 31 days before you start your travels.

Read our FAQs

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8 Day Koala Adventure Tour: Sydney > Brisbane

• Fully Guided

Places You’ll See

• Try wine tasting in the Hunter Valley
• Learn about the incredible Aboriginal culture
• Soak up the chilled coastal vibes of Byron Bay
• Walks, wildlife, waterfalls and other hidden gems along the way
• Introduction
• Day 1 Arrive in Sydney
• Day 2 Sydney to Port Stephens
• Day 3 Port Stephens to Port Macquarie
• Day 4 Port Macquarie to Byron Bay
• Day 5 Byron Bay
• Day 6 Byron Bay
• Day 7 Byron Bay to Brisbane via Surfers Paradise
• Day 8 Brisbane

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Accommodation details are subject to availability and may change

Reviews About This Operator

• Tour Operator Stray Australia 4.5
• Claudio · 29th January 2024 The Dingo tour was excellent organised, thank you Lindz, and super fun with a lot of beautiful places.
• Anastassiya · 23rd January 2020 It was wonderful! Our tour guide Adam was fantastic. Highly recommend.
• Clare · 12th January 2020 Enjoyed the trip overall, had a great group and even better driver Linda. Linda was always full of engery and... Show more

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• Get Instant Confirmation Monday 3 Jun, 2024 Monday 10 Jun, 2024 English Filling Fast €1,259 Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Monday 15 Jul, 2024 Monday 22 Jul, 2024 English Filling Fast €1,259 Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Monday 12 Aug, 2024 Monday 19 Aug, 2024 English Filling Fast €1,259 Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Monday 9 Sep, 2024 Monday 16 Sep, 2024 English Filling Fast €1,259 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Monday 14 Oct, 2024 Monday 21 Oct, 2024 English Almost Sold Out €1,259 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Monday 28 Oct, 2024 Monday 4 Nov, 2024 English Almost Sold Out €1,259 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Monday 11 Nov, 2024 Monday 18 Nov, 2024 English Almost Sold Out €1,259 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Monday 25 Nov, 2024 Monday 2 Dec, 2024 English Almost Sold Out €1,259 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Monday 6 Jan, 2025 Monday 13 Jan, 2025 English Almost Sold Out €1,259 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Monday 20 Jan, 2025 Monday 27 Jan, 2025 English Almost Sold Out €1,259 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

We are there for you! If you have any questions about this tour, then please don't hesitate to contact us 24/7 and we will get back to you latest within 2 hours!

Got a question about this tour?

Reach out to our travel experts.

Good to Know

• Currency $ Australian Dollar Australia

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type I.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an infected area for Australia. Ideally 10 days before travel.
• Japanese B encephalitis - Recommended for Australia. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 18th July 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 18th July 2024, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Stray Australia . The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Stray Australia will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Stray Australia " tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Mum's Little Explorers

Melbourne for Kids - Activities & Family Travel Ideas

• Wildlife in Melbourne

9 Places To See Koalas In Melbourne and around

by mumslittleexplorers · March 19, 2021

Looking for places see koalas in Melbourne or regional Victoria? Sure, you could go to one of the Melbourne Zoo’s but we have rounded up some places that you can see these fascinating animals in their natural habitat that aren’t too far from the centre of Melbourne. Find below some of the best places to see koalas in Melbourne and Regional Victoria.

Facts about Koalas

While the iconic kangaroo is easy to find bounding across the countryside, spotting koalas in Melbourne takes a little more research and a lot more patience.

Koalas are notoriously drowsy creatures. They sleep for 20 hours a day due to their nutrient-shy diet of eucalyptus, which provides enough water for survival but very little energy to leave their perch.

Alongside their sluggish characteristics, koalas are naturally camouflaged by the grey gum trees they reside in. This again can make them difficult to spot as they hide high in the trees, but thankfully Victoria’s koala population is thriving.

From Gippsland to the Great Ocean Road, a short road trip from Melbourne will have you in awe of these cuties in no time.

Related: Where to see kangaroos in Melbourne

Best way to spot koalas

When searching for koalas in Melbourne, there are two important factors – when to look and where to look.

When to look : As mentioned, koalas are only active for a few hours a day. This is usually at dusk or dawn, so time your koala quest during this time.

Where to look : Remember to look up. Koalas will be found securely nestled in the fork of eucalyptus trees, often with their head tucked away from the wind, snuggled up asleep. Search for the grey tufts of fur in the forks, and you may even spot a joey who stays with its parent until 12 months old.

One advantage of spotting Koalas in Melbourne is that due to the temperate climate of Victoria, the koalas are much larger and fluffier. They can grow up to 14kg in comparison to their Northern relatives who have thinner fur and only weigh around 8kg.

8 Places you can see koalas in Melbourne (or just outside)

Now you know where to look, when and what to look out for here are the best places to find koalas in Melbourne and the surrounding areas. Like we mentioned, you can always head to the Melbourne zoo to see koalas, however if you are looking for koalas in their natural habitat you will need to venture out a little.

1. Warrandyte State Park

Warrandyte State Park is the closest National Park to Melbourne; reachable within a half hour’s drive from the CBD. If you head to the park via Warrandyte Road, then Pound Road you will reach Pound Bend Reserve – a hub of easy walking trails, picnic grounds and…koalas!

If you have time, enjoy the Pound Bend River Walk which is around 3.5km, taking 1.5 hours to complete at a pleasant pace. The trail starts at the picnic area, before leading you to the historic Pound Bend Tunnel which is a result of gold mining in the 1870s.

As you follow the track upstream, watch your step on the slippery rocks but also keep an eye on the treetops as koalas are known to frequently lounge here.

The park is free to enter, and the public can access it 24 hours a day.

2. Kennett River

Not only is Kennett River one of the best places to see koalas near Melbourne but it is often considered the koala capital of Australia. Kennett River is around 2 hours from Melbourne CBD and is one of the many koala prone spots along the Great Ocean Road . (Which by the way is a great day trip from Melbourne ).

As you head off Grey River Road, you will come to Kafe Koala which is open from 7 am to 7 pm. Grab a coffee here to fuel your koala spotting skills. The Kennett River Koala Walk isn’t officially marked; there is little signage or fanfare – simply a road lined with towering gum trees and dozens of koalas.

It’s also one of the best places to witness the rarity of koalas on the ground as they waddle from the trees into the neighbouring holiday park.

As a tip, for an unforgettable stay along Great Ocean Road stay at the Kennett River Holiday Park or somewhere close by. Not only are you guaranteed to wake up to these fluffy friends sleeping overhead but also vibrant native birds such as King Parrots and Crimson Rosellas.

3. Bimbi Park, Otway Ranges

You really don’t need to go far to spot koalas in at Bimbi Park , you are literally walking amongst them. Famously known for being able to sleep under the koalas , all year round you can spot these amazing animals in the treetops morning and night.

Located in the Otway National Park, you can visit for the day or you can stay over night. Camp out under the koalas or stay in one of their solar cabins off the grid and explore these breathtaking forests and nearby beaches, far away from any noise or traffic. Read our full review here.

4. Cape Otway

Around 45 minutes along the Great Ocean Road from Kennett River, you will enter further koala territory as you drive towards Cape Otway Lighthouse – the oldest lighthouse in Australia.

If the stunning scenery isn’t guaranteed to make you slow down, the towering gum trees will as koalas are renown for sheltering in the area. Make sure to pick a safe spot to park up before admiring the dozy furballs enjoy their lunch.

Alternatively, situated within Cape Otway National Park is Bimbi Park camping ground which offers the opportunity to “camp under koalas.” It offers idyllic surroundings for koalas and camping enthusiasts alike, allowing you to fall asleep admiring the Australian icons before making the 3.5-hour drive back to Melbourne on the Great Ocean Road. Check their latest prices here.

5. Phillip Island

When searching for koalas in Melbourne, one of the most popular places is Phillip Island, 90 minutes South East of the city. Phillip Island can be done in a day trip depending where you are in Melbourne, however it is more popular as a weekend getaway.

Although slightly overshadowed by the hugely popular penguin parade, Phillip Island is also home to a wealth of koalas, which can be admired at the Koala Reserve.

The Koala Reserve offers the unique opportunity for visitors to be immersed in the koalas’ natural habitat as you stroll along treetop boardwalks, offering face to face encounters if you’re lucky. There is also the opportunity to experience a ranger-led “Koala Eco-Explorer Tour” which offers a behind the scenes insight into the koala way of life.

The Koala Reserve not only guarantees a koala sighting but more importantly, within their natural habitat – enjoying the gum trees and snoozing until sunset as they would in the wild. The bushland boardwalks also allow a glimpse of more Australian icons such as possums, echidnas, snakes and wallabies.

Following your walk is the interactive visitor centre with friendly staff on hand ready to answer all your koala questions. The Koala Reserve is open daily from 10 am until 5 pm, and tickets for adults are $13.20 with children 15 years or younger at $6.60. For an extra saving, combine the Koala Reserve ticket with a penguin parade ticket for an even more memorable day trip.

Check out our full post on What to do in Phillip Island here.

6. Healesville Sanctuary

Located in the picturesque Yarra Valley only an hour from Melbourne, Healesville Sanctuary is not only home to many of Australia’s most captivating species but also koalas roaming freely.

Like the set up on Phillip Island, there are allocated boardwalks for visitors to explore the bushland at “koala level” allowing visitors to get up close with the charming creatures.

Healesville Sanctuary also provides the perfect setting to catch a guaranteed glimpse of other endearing animals such as kangaroos, platypus, wallabies, dingoes and emus.

The sanctuary is open 9am-5pm, seven days a week. Tickets are $38 for adults and $19 for children under 16. However, children can visit for free on weekends and during school holidays. You can also book a specific koala experience.

7.   French Island National Park

A 1500 strong koala colony awaits at French Island National Park. There were so many koalas on French Island that some were moved to boost numbers in Kinglake National Park which lost many of its koalas to bushfires.

To get there, drive just over an hour from Melbourne CBD to Stony Point. It’s then a short 10-minute ferry ride to the unspoiled landscapes of French Island.

All walks commence from Tankerton foreshore where the ferry drops you off and will lead you through untouched bushland. Whether you opt for a full day walking track or a short hike you will be treated to scenes of snoozing koalas or curious joeys peeking from the treetops.

If you can’t face returning to the city and fancy a little longer in the serene surroundings, you can stay overnight on French Island at Fairhaven Campground. Fairhaven campground is approximately 5km walk from the ferry terminal, located in the stunning dunes behind the beach and offering an unforgettable sleep under the stars for FREE. Pitches must be booked in advance as there are only six but there is no fee to camp with the koalas.

Read more here

8. Werribee Gorge State Park  

Thanks to over 500 million years of geological history, Werribee Gorge is one of the most spectacular gorges near the city and better yet, one of the best places to see koalas in Melbourne.

Situated 8km west of Bacchus Marsh, Werribee Gorge State Park is a 50-minute drive from the CBD. Between the rugged terrain and untouched woodland there is a wealth of wildlife including wallabies, echidnas, Eastern Grey Kangaroos and of course, koalas nestled in the eucalyptus.

To protect the natural landscape very little has been done to pave or gravel walkways around the park, so not all hikes are family-friendly. However, there are plenty of picnic areas and rock pools for paddling if you head along the Short Circuit Walk to Meikles Point Picnic Area or Quarry Picnic Area.

 9. Raymond Island

Although not quite as close to Melbourne as our other recommendations, we included this option because it really is one of the best places to see koalas. Although it takes 3-4 hours to reach Raymond Island from Melbourne, it will prove a rewarding road trip as the island is home to over 200 koalas. Located within the Gippsland Lakes system, you can reach Raymond Island via a short ferry ride from Paynesville – around 300km from Melbourne CBD.

As you arrive at Ferry Park, you will be greeted with a large information board which shares fascinating koala facts as well as the route for the 1.2km Raymond Island Koala Walk. You can also purchase a factual booklet, with all proceeds going towards the protection and sustainability of the koala population. 

The walk is ideal for the entire family as it takes only 30 minutes to complete. However, allow much longer for the numerous photo opportunities you’ll need to capture the koalas snoozing above. The walk is open to the public from 6:40 am to 10 pm.

As you make your way back to the ferry, keep your eyes peeled in the township as it’s not uncommon to see koalas crossing the street or perched on pavements on Raymond Island.

Read more about Raymond Island here.

Now you know where to see koalas in Melbourne!

Although it takes a little more effort to find koalas in Melbourne, just venturing out a little guaranteed to be worth it. Nothing beats witnessing these enchanting animals in the wild, munching on leaves or lolloping from one branch to the next. Let us know in the comments how your koala quest goes or if your favourite spot isn’t on the list!

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Koala voice

James Taylor talks koalas, the 'gravitational attraction' of touring and Taylor Swift

It’s nearly midnight in Australia when James Taylor pops onto the screen , casual in a T-shirt and omnipresent baseball cap.

He’s in the midst of a tour of the country – which he’s visiting for the first time in seven years – and indulges immediate questions not about his legendary career, mellifluous songs, or his upcoming U.S. tour. It's about koalas.

A photo on his Instagram page showcased the soft-spoken Taylor cuddling a native marsupial and he was, indeed, smitten.

“They give off a very calm vibe,” Taylor says. “They’re lovely little critters, and they eat one food. One plant. That’s it. It’s very dialed down.”

Given the soothing tone of so many of Taylor’s staples – “Fire and Rain,” “Your Smiling Face,” “How Sweet It Is” and his signature rendition of Carole King’s “You’ve Got a Friend” – it’s not surprising he found a kindred spirit in a placid (this one, domesticated) koala.

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Taylor and his All-Star Band will leave Oz for a summer run in America, starting May 29 at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles and traveling through cities including Philadelphia, Salt Lake City, Denver and Lenox, Massachusetts, for 50 th anniversary performances July 3-4 at Tanglewood.

The gregarious Taylor , 76, happily eschewed sleep to talk about the “gravitational attraction” of touring, what music he turns to for comfort and the “little scraps of music” that will likely morph into songs for his next album.

Question: When “American Standard” came out in 2020, you became the first act to have a Top 10 album in each of the last six decades and it won your sixth Grammy. Does it stun you when things like that happen at this stage of your career? Answer : Yeah, to me it feels like just continuing and carrying on. I feel as if I’m always in the process of learning how to do this, how to make records, how to tour and how to best do this kind of work and live this kind of life. The unusual thing is it’s been so consistent. Partially when something works, you don’t tend to change it. My evolution has been slow and steady.

On that album, you tackled songs from the American standards canon. Is there another period of music that you would like to do? I keep recorded notes, little scraps of music and ideas and when I get into a pre-writing phase, I’ll start pushing those around. And I’m due for one of those sessions. I’d like to think there is another batch of songs in there. And of course, it used to be that musicians like me, composers like me, would write in batches of 10 or 12 songs and that would make up an album. But now it’s altogether possible to work up five or six songs and let that be it. It’s funny – it used to be that a record deal was necessary to have a career and you used to do all you could to get in the door. Now it’s easy to get in the door, but once you walk through, there are a million people in the room.

More: Sheryl Crow reveals her tour must-haves and essential albums, including this 'game changer'

I think most people would say they find comfort in your music. What or who do you listen to for comfort? My comfort music is still Brazilian music. I love choral music and since I met (wife) Kim, I’ve had a renewed exposure to classical music and that was an eye-opener for me too. I still have my old favorites that I still love to pieces, Ray Charles is still my favorite, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin , Ry Cooder and Bonnie Raitt. I love salsa and Eddie Palmieri and the Cuban musician Arsenio Rodríguez. I’m still very connected with the musicians who influence me. I happened across a great record the other day by The Coasters – “Shopping for Clothes.” It’s fantastic.

With this tour coming up, do you have to psych yourself up to go on the road or is it just part of your DNA? I think both. It’s familiar. I feel the gravitational attraction of a tour and feel it grab hold. As I approach it, there is some anxiety and you need to prepare yourself physically and emotionally for it. I work on my voice for about a month ahead of time. I’ll pick up my guitar and start playing every day and try to get my chops and technique back and then we start looking at the set and how we might want to change it from the last time we played that city.

Have you ever had a conversation with Taylor Swift about her being named after you?

Yeah, I met her perhaps it was 15-16 years ago. We did a benefit for (the Candie’s Foundation), an organization that tries to help with teenage pregnancy, and it was interesting. We were both just there with guitars and played a couple of songs. I was performing with my wife and may have had a friend of ours playing cello and Taylor was there just playing by herself. She was just a teen. She told me she had listened to my music a lot and that her folks had named her with me in mind.

More: Taylor Swift's 'Tortured Poets' is hauntingly brilliant, even the 15 surprise songs

I know you had a documentary with Carole King a couple of years ago (“Just Call Out My Name”). But will we ever see a definitive James Taylor documentary? I did an autobiographical piece for Audible (“Break Shot: My First 21 Years”) a few years ago and it covers my experience up until getting signed with Apple and then moving on to Warner Bros. It’s just an audiobook, really. I sort of feel as if everything after that has been so public that there is nothing left to share.

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Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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