7 Best Places To See Koala In Sydney 2026

There are lots of places in Sydney and further afield where you can come face-to-face with a koala and take a picture. Some venues also offer supervised patting, though the rules vary between attractions. From city zoos to wildlife parks, here are some places to see them.

Best Places to See Koalas in Sydney at a Glance

Our list of best places to see koalas in Sydney goes like this:

• Best place for a hands-on wildlife experience: Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park
• Best place for koala encounters with a harbor view: Taronga Zoo Sydney
• Best place for an immersive koala experience: Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park
• Best place for a variety of Australian animals: Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
• Best place for a koala sanctuary experience: Koala Park Sanctuary
• Best place for koala feeding: Blackbutt Reserve

1. Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park

Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park is in Doonside. Home to one of the largest collections of Australian fauna, this family-friendly wildlife park has koalas, kangaroos and plenty more. You can get close to koalas through its supervised experiences.

Featherdale is approximately 40 km from Sydney’s CBD. Check current entry prices and family ticket options before booking; koala experiences may cost extra.

• Address: 217 Kildare Rd, Doonside NSW 2767, Australia
• Fare: Check current Featherdale entry prices and ticket options before booking. Koala experiences may cost extra.
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GqcukbA7PLDaWYfk8

2. Taronga Zoo Sydney

Taronga Zoo Sydney sits along the shoreline of Sydney Harbour, around 12 minutes by ferry from Circular Quay. Koalas can be seen in the zoo’s habitat year-round, and its koala encounter offers a chance to learn more about them and take a photo.

Check current Taronga koala encounter prices before booking; zoo entry is additional. The zoo’s keepers supervise the experience, and visitors are not permitted to touch or hold the koalas.

• Address: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia
• Fare: Check current Taronga koala encounter prices before booking; zoo entry is additional.
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1GwmStTRp8qTgVC88

3. Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park

Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park is north of Sydney at Calga. The bushland sanctuary is home to koalas, kangaroos and other Australian animals, with opportunities to see them up close.

Entry includes daily ranger-led activities, and private ranger experiences can be booked. The park is open daily from 9.30 am to 5 pm, closing at 3 pm on Christmas Day.

• Address: 1 Darkinjung Rd, Calga NSW 2250, Australia
• Fare: Check current Walkabout entry prices and family ticket options before booking.
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ris7bHr1fcqchfg97

4. Hunter Valley Wildlife Park

Hunter Valley Wildlife Park, formerly known as Hunter Valley Zoo, is in Nulkaba, New South Wales. It has a range of Australian and exotic animals, including koalas and kangaroos.

The park offers close-up animal experiences. Facilities include disability access, a snack shop, gift shop, picnic areas, free gas barbecues and free parking.

• Address: 138 Lomas Ln, Nulkaba NSW 2325, Australia
• Fare: Check current Hunter Valley Wildlife Park entry prices and ticket options before booking.
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/g2PgJPDBisuYtV4J6

5. Wildlife Sydney Zoo

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo is an urban zoo at Darling Harbour. It offers a koala photo experience for an additional fee, giving visitors the chance to see these animals up close.

The zoo is home to kangaroos, wallabies and a variety of birds. Its koala exhibit is a place to learn more about these animals and their conservation.

• Address: 1-5 Wheat Rd, Darling Harbour, Sydney, NSW 2000
• Fare: Check current WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo entry prices before booking; koala photo experiences cost extra.
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VtgaTipw8xWZKQ2a8

6. Koala Park Sanctuary

Koala Park Sanctuary is a privately owned wildlife park in West Pennant Hills, Sydney, where visitors can see koalas.

The park also has other Australian animals, including kangaroos and wombats. You can watch the koalas and learn about their behaviour and diet.

• Address: 84 Castle Hill Rd, West Pennant Hills, NSW 2125
• Fare: Check current Koala Park Sanctuary adult, child and family ticket prices before visiting.
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gAWZPPw4ArJPh27k9

7. Blackbutt Reserve

Blackbutt Reserve is a nature reserve in Newcastle, north of Sydney. It has wildlife exhibits, including koalas, as well as recreational facilities.

Koala feeding is at 2 pm daily, except on Good Friday, Anzac Day and Christmas Day. It offers a chance to watch the koalas during feeding time.

• Address: Carnley Ave, Kotara NSW 2289, Australia
• Fare: Free entry, parking fees apply
• Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wHXKkTgMG2PbVYGVA

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit koalas in Sydney?

Koalas can be seen year-round at Sydney’s wildlife parks and zoos. Check the venue’s feeding times and keeper activities when planning your visit, as these can offer opportunities to see them awake.

Can I hold or cuddle a koala in Sydney?

Visitors cannot hold or cuddle koalas in New South Wales. Featherdale offers supervised koala patting and photos, while Taronga’s encounter allows close viewing but no touching or holding. Check the individual attraction’s conditions before heading out.

Are there any places to see koalas in the wild near Sydney?

Wild koala sightings near Sydney are unpredictable. For trips further afield in NSW, options include Port Stephens and Port Macquarie, while Tucki Tucki Nature Reserve is near Lismore in northern NSW. Sightings are not guaranteed; early morning or dusk can be good times to look.

How can I support koala conservation efforts in Sydney?

Choose a wildlife attraction that supports koala conservation, such as Taronga Zoo Sydney. You can also consider donating to the Australian Koala Foundation or taking part in local conservation projects.