Meet Australia’s Most Iconic Animal: Where to See Koalas on the Gold Coast

Few creatures capture the heart quite like the koala, an Australian icon whose survival is closely tied to healthy eucalyptus forests. At Paradise Country on the Gold Coast, you can learn about koala biology, including their specialised diet, tree-dwelling lifestyle, and sensitivity to environmental change. The experience highlights the major threats koalas face today, such as habitat loss, climate change, disease, and urban expansion. Through keeper talks and educational encounters, guests gain insight into where koalas call home and why protecting their habitats is essential. Conservation efforts are supported through Paradise Country’s Save A Mate conservation campaign, which helps fund wildlife protection, habitat conservation, and animal care initiatives. By focusing on conservation and awareness, Paradise Country inspires visitors to play a role in safeguarding koalas for future generations.

Paradise Country’s Save a Mate conservation campaign is proudly supported by the Sea World Foundation.

Why Koalas Are So Special

Native to Australia, koalas spend most of their lives in eucalyptus trees, feeding on leaves that are toxic to most other animals. Their unique adaptations and gentle nature make them fascinating creatures to observe. Paradise Country provides a safe environment where visitors can learn about koala behaviour while interacting with them responsibly.

Up-Close Encounters at Paradise Country

At Paradise Country, you can appreciate koalas in a more personal way through carefully managed experiences that let you learn about these iconic animals and observe them up close, while prioritising their wellbeing. These encounters include a behind the scenes experience where you can join wildlife keepers on a back-of-house tour meet the resident koalas up close, learn about their care, habitats, and conservation, and capture an unforgettable photo to remember the moment.

• Koala Encounter: Take part in an unforgettable encounter guided by expert wildlife keepers, offering a unique behind-the-scenes and get-up-close experience. Enjoy a guided tour of the koala back-of-house area, the opportunity to meet and feed koalas alongside a knowledgeable keeper and take home a special keepsake photo from this fun and educational experience. Take part in an unforgettable encounter guided by expert wildlife keepers, offering a unique behind-the-scenes and get-up-close experience. Enjoy a guided tour of the koala back-of-house area, the opportunity to meet and feed koalas alongside a knowledgeable keeper, and take home a special keepsake photo from this fun and educational experience.

• Koala Breakfast: Heading to Paradise Country on a Sunday? Start your morning with a delicious breakfast to enjoy in a scenic setting near the koalas, watch them rest, climb and feed as you learn more about these iconic animals. Listen to educational presentations and keeper talks that explore koala biology, their reliance on eucalyptus forests, and threats they face, including habitat loss and climate change. Conservation efforts are supported through the Save a Mate conservation campaign, helping protect wildlife and habitats. Together, these experiences inspire visitors to play a part in safeguarding koalas for future generations.

• Wildlife Walkabout: Stroll through natural habitats alongside koalas and other Australian wildlife like kangaroos. Learn fascinating facts from knowledgeable keepers and observe animals in a naturalistic setting.

Educational Experiences for All Ages

You gain insights into koala care, conservation efforts, and habitat protection through engaging educational experiences. The Save a Mate - Ranger for a Day program, running exclusively during the school holidays, gives children the chance to become junior rangers, learning firsthand about animal care and conservation through guided, hands-on activities. You can also experience the new Save a Mate Headquarters, an immersive Australian setting offering close encounters with beloved native animals, including reptiles and koalas. With interactive signage and hands-on activities, Save a Mate Headquarters places conservation and learning at the centre of the experience, inspiring curiosity in visitors of all ages.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

1. Book in Advance: Koala experiences are limited to ensure a calm environment for the animas, so booking ahead is recommended.

2. Bring Your Camera: Capture memories but follow the park’s guidelines to ensure animals are not disturbed.

3. Plan Your Day: Combine Koala Encounters with other activities, such as country-style dining at the Farmhouse Restaurant or Shaun’s Tractor Ride, to make the most of your visit.

Attractions to Explore

Paradise Country continually adds experiences to enhance your visit. Don’t miss the interactive shows, meet-and-greets with characters, and seasonal events that create a lively, immersive atmosphere. Each visit offers new learning opportunities and photo-worthy moments.

Why a Visit to Paradise Country is Unforgettable

Seeing koalas on the Gold Coast at Paradise Country is more than a sightseeing trip - it’s a chance to connect with nature in a meaningful way. Whether you’re a domestic traveler or visiting from overseas, the combination of personal experiences, up-close encounters, and educational programs ensures every guest leaves with lasting memories.

Ready to spend time learning about one of Australia’s most iconic animals?

Book a Koala Encounter at Paradise Country and enjoy a thoughtful, up-close moment guided by our wildlife team. Discover more about koala conservation and make your visit a meaningful part of your day with Australian wildlife.