The Best Place to Encounter a Koala on the Gold Coast

The Best Place to Encounter a Koala on the Gold Coast | Village Roadshow Theme Parks

Jackie from Village Roadshow Theme Parks | 2 April 2019 | 5 minute read

Koalas are undeniably the cutest Australian animal there is. From the adorable button nose to fluffy ears and soft fur, what’s not to love about them? Whether you’re travelling to Australia or just visiting as a local, Koalas are definitely one to see on a day off in South East Queensland!

They say that locals know best, right? Escape the tourist trap and check out these unique places, all home to the lovable Koala. You’ll love escaping the hustle and bustle and seeing this gorgeous animal up close in a more intimate experience.

Koalas are undeniably the cutest Australian animal there is. From the adorable button nose to fluffy ears and soft fur, what’s not to love about them? Whether you’re travelling to Australia or just visiting as a local, Koalas are definitely one to see on a day off in South East Queensland!

They say that locals know best, right? Escape the tourist trap and check out these unique places, all home to the lovable Koala. You’ll love escaping the hustle and bustle and seeing this gorgeous animal up close in a more intimate experience.

If you’re a local, you’ll have heard of the big ones but this stunning Australian Farm is definitely not one to miss.

Nestled right behind the Gold Coast, only 20 minutes north of Surfers Paradise and 40 minutes south of Brisbane, is Paradise Country. Surrounded by serene Australian fauna, Paradise Country is known for its adorable Australian animals.

The Koala exhibit is one of the many unique offerings, surrounded by Kangaroos! See adorable Koalas dozing away in their favourite tree branch or if you’re lucky, you might even see them snuggled up with their joeys!

There are so many ways to see this furry animal up close at Paradise Country. From enjoying a buffet breakfast on a weekend morning whilst your furry friends snack on theirs, to learning all about them with a Keeper in a Koala Encounter or taking a snap holding one, you won’t be disappointed!

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This unique Koala Centre is locally run by the Logan City Council. Surrounded by Bush walking tracks, picnic tables and barbeques, this is one of the best kept local secrets. See the resident Koalas snoozing away or munching on Eucalyptus leaves from both the Ground Level or the Observation Deck. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn all about their life cycle, biology and how we can protect them from further vulnerabilities with the interactive media centre inside. If you fancy, something a bit more personal, listen to a Wildlife Officer provide a talk about these beautiful creatures in daily talks.

However, if you’re looking for a cuddle with a Koala you won’t find one here! These Koalas are best viewed at a distance as they offer no up close Koala Encounter experience.

If you’re happy to go where the people are, then look no further than these famous Koala Sanctuaries, all home to Koalas as well as a variety of other native and foreign animals.

Closer to Brisbane is Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, famous for homing adorable Koalas. If you’re after a quick getaway closer to Brisbane City, then this is the one for you. Opened over 90 years ago, this sanctuary was one of the first safe havens for Koalas. Now they boast over 130 Koalas that live in their sanctuary. They offer a unique Wild Encounter Koala experience twice a day and several photo opportunities as well. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is located 25 minutes from the Brisbane CBD and 75 minutes from Surfers Paradise.

Located the furthest south, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers a variety of experiences for you to see Koalas up close! From photo opportunities, Koala Encounters and even a unique Koala Nursery Experience at their animal hospital. Over an hour drive from Brisbane CBD and a 30 minute drive from Surfers Paradise, they are a popular choice for both locals and international tourists.

Famous for the Australian predator, Crocodiles, Australia Zoo also homes gentler native animals including Koalas. Located an hour and a half north of the Brisbane CBD and just under 2 hours from Surfers Paradise, Australia Zoo is the furthest from the hub of South East QLD. Australia Zoo offers Koala Encounters as well as daily photo opportunities for you to enjoy. You might even see one in their animal hospital in their Nursery experience.

Koala sanctuaries play an important part in the survival and preservation of Australia’s precious Koalas. Whilst currently classified as vulnerable research suggests they should be considered critically endangered. They are deeply affected by the impact of modern living, from swimming pools to land clearing and stress related diseases. There are many ways we can make serious and impactful change. Taking time to learn hear about these beautiful creatures from Wildlife Keepers is an important first step.