Where to Hold a Koala in Australia

Koalas look cute and cuddly and are mostly found in Australia. Many travelers who come across these animals do not know that it is illegal to hold them in certain states.

If you’re planning to visit Australia and would love to hold a koala in the region, you will need to go to locations where it is not prohibited.

It is legal to hold a koala in Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia, while it is prohibited in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory.

In this article, we will take a look at some of the best places in Australia where you can hold a koala without breaking any laws.

Before we go into details about where to hold a koala in Australia, let’s understand why holding these adorable creatures is prohibited in certain locations.

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Why Are You Not Allowed to Hold Koalas?

Koalas, with their fluffy gray fur, round ears, and charming demeanor, are symbols of Australia’s unique biodiversity. They have a gentle nature and adorable appearance making them irresistible to animal lovers and travelers seeking authentic wildlife encounters.

This animal can rest for up to 20 hours per day and is not adapted to having close contact with humans. Due to this reason, koalas become stressed when they are in close proximity to humans.

So the reason you are not allowed to hold Koalas is for their own welfare.

Top Destinations to Hold a Koala in Australia

Australia is known to have several reputable wildlife parks and sanctuaries where visitors can safely hold a koala and learn more about these fascinating marsupials.

Here are some top destinations to consider for your koala-holding experience:

1. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (Brisbane, Queensland)

The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is located in Brisbane, Queensland. It is the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, with over 130 koalas onsite.

While visiting this location, visitors have the opportunity to hold these cuddly creatures under the supervision of experienced handlers. The sanctuary also offers educational presentations and interactive wildlife encounters, making it an ideal destination for families and animal enthusiasts alike.

2. Featherdale Wildlife Park (Sydney, New South Wales)

Featherdale Wildlife Park is another location to hold a koala in Australia. This wildlife park is situated in Sydney’s western suburbs and is home to a variety of Australian wildlife, including koalas.

Visitors can take photos with koalas and capture memories to last a lifetime. Experienced handlers at the Featherdale Wildlife Park are always present and ready to educate visitors about these wonderful creatures.

3. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (Gold Coast, Queensland)

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary can be found on the Gold Coast of Queensland. This sanctuary offers visitors a once-in-a-lifetime experience with wildlife encounters in a rainforest setting.

Visitors are allowed to hold koalas all day from 8 am to 5 pm with picture sessions also available.

4. Australia Zoo (Sunshine Coast, Queensland)

Australia Zoo is a large zoo located in Queensland, an Australian state. They allow visitors to encounter Koalas four times a day at 10:45 am, 11:30 am, 2:00 pm, and 2:30 pm.

5. Billabong Sanctuary (Townsville, Queensland)

Another place to hold a koala in Australia is at Billabong Sanctuary which is located 17 kilometres south of Townsville, North Queensland.

This wildlife park allows travelers to hold and cuddle koalas during their visit. This is one of the best locations to visit with family and have a good time.

6. Cleland Wildlife Park (Adelaide Hills, South Australia)

Cleland Wildlife Park is a zoo with natural habitat enclosures. It is located just 20 minutes from Adelaide city.

At this zoo, you can hold koalas and other wild animals. For a more memorable experience, they also offer guided night walks.

Other locations to Hold Koalas in Australia

Gorge Wildlife Park (Cudlee Creek, South Australia)
Cohunu Koala Park (Perth, Western Australia)
Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park (Kangaroo Island, South Australia)
Rainforestation Nature Park (Kuranda, Queensland)

Final Thoughts

Holding a koala in Australia is a memorable experience that gives travelers a deeper connection with nature, allowing them to appreciate the beauty of Australia’s wildlife.

By visiting one of the locations mentioned in this article, you should be able to interact with koalas and fulfill your wish of holding one up close.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it legal to hold a koala in Australia?

Yes, it is legal to hold a koala in certain designated wildlife parks and sanctuaries in Australia. However, strict guidelines and regulations govern these interactions to ensure the well-being of the koalas and the safety of visitors.

How much does it cost to hold a koala?

The cost of holding a koala varies depending on the wildlife sanctuary or park you visit. Prices typically range from $20 to $50 for a photo session or encounter with a koala.

Are there any age restrictions for holding a koala?

Most wildlife parks have age restrictions for holding koalas to ensure the safety of both visitors and the animals. Children under a certain age may not be permitted to hold koalas, or they may need to be accompanied by an adult.

Can I hold a koala if I have allergies?

It’s important to consider any potential allergies before participating in a koala-holding experience. Koalas have a specialized diet of eucalyptus leaves, which may trigger allergies in some individuals.

Visitors with allergies should consult with staff at the wildlife sanctuary before engaging in any close encounters with koalas.

Louis Ojibe

Hi, I’m Louis Ojibe, and I grew up around wildlife in Africa. I have always been fascinated by animals and nature across the world.
As a child, my parents used to take me to see wild animals like lions, elephants, gorillas, tortoises, and many others at our local zoo.