Koalas are Australia’s most famous animals, but they are in trouble. Habitat loss, bushfires, drought, disease (especially chlamydia), dog attacks and road accidents have caused sharp declines, and in 2022 koalas in Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory were listed as Endangered. Seeing a wild koala asleep in the fork of a eucalyptus tree is a highlight of any trip to Australia. See our koala profile.
At a glance
| Best places | Great Otway National Park, Raymond Island, Magnetic Island, Port Stephens |
| Best time | Year-round; koalas are more active in the breeding season (about September to February) |
| Tips | Look for a grey shape in the fork of eucalyptus trees; listen for the male’s bellowing calls |
The best places to see wild koalas
Great Otway National Park and Kennett River, Victoria
Along the Great Ocean Road, the Kennett River area and the Cape Otway lighthouse road are among the most reliable places in Australia to see wild koalas, often several in one walk.
Raymond Island, Victoria
A short free ferry ride from Paynesville in the Gippsland Lakes. A “koala trail” through the village passes dozens of koalas, descendants of animals introduced in the 1950s.
Magnetic Island, Queensland
Off Townsville, the Forts Walk is famous for koalas, along with rock wallabies and many birds. One of the best places to see koalas in Queensland.
Port Stephens, New South Wales
The Tilligerry Habitat and Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary (a rehabilitation centre with a hospital) offer chances of wild and rescued koalas. Koalas also live around Tomaree National Park.
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Koalas were introduced in the 1920s, and good numbers survive around Hanson Bay despite the 2019–2020 fires. See our Kangaroo Island guide.
Other places
- You Yangs Regional Park and Phillip Island’s Koala Conservation Reserve (Victoria).
- Noosa National Park (Queensland), where sightings have increased with protection.
- Gunnedah (New South Wales), which calls itself the “koala capital of the world”.
How to spot a koala
- Look in the forks of eucalyptus trees, especially at head height or higher.
- Look for droppings under trees and scratch marks on trunks.
- Listen for males’ deep, rumbling bellows during the breeding season.
- Walk slowly and scan; koalas sleep up to 20 hours a day and move little.
Why koalas are endangered
- Clearing of eucalyptus woodland for agriculture and housing.
- The 2019–2020 bushfires, which killed or displaced many thousands of koalas.
- Chlamydia, which causes blindness and infertility.
- Dog attacks and vehicle strikes.
Responsible viewing
Do not approach or touch wild koalas; never shine bright lights on them at night; and support rehabilitation centres and habitat protection groups.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to see koalas in the wild? The Great Otway National Park along the Great Ocean Road, and Raymond Island in Victoria.
Are koalas endangered? Koalas in Queensland, New South Wales and the ACT have been listed as Endangered since 2022.
Can I hold a koala? Koala holding is banned in most of Australia and has been phased out at many wildlife parks where it was once allowed. Seeing koalas in the wild, or at conservation-focused sanctuaries without handling, is kinder to them.
When are koalas most active? At dusk and at night; during the day, they mostly sleep.
Related guides
- Kangaroo Island wildlife guide
- Where to see a platypus in the wild
- Australia wildlife itinerary: 3 weeks
- Animal profiles: Koala, Common wombat, Sugar glider
Cover photo: Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons