Koala
Phascolarctos cinereus
About the Koala
Koalas are iconic Australian marsupials that spend up to 22 hours a day sleeping in eucalyptus trees. They feed almost exclusively on eucalyptus leaves, which are toxic to most other animals. Koalas have suffered devastating population declines due to habitat loss, disease, and the 2019-2020 bushfires.
Biology & Stats
Migration: Non-migratory. Home ranges of 1-135 hectares.
Best time of day: Early morning and evening. Sleep 18-22 hours per day.
Typical viewing distance: 5-20 metres (often high in eucalyptus forks)
Camera settings: 1/250s, f/4-f/5.6, ISO 400-1600, 300mm+ (often high in trees)
Fun Facts
- Koalas sleep up to 22 hours a day because eucalyptus leaves provide very little energy.
- They have fingerprints nearly identical to human fingerprints.
- Baby koalas eat their mother's pap (a special form of droppings) to acquire the gut bacteria needed to digest eucalyptus.
Where to See Koala in the Wild
Great Otway National Park
AustraliaWild koalas frequently seen along the Great Ocean Road.
Kangaroo Island
AustraliaOne of Australia's best wildlife destinations with abundant koalas.
Port Stephens
AustraliaKoala Sanctuary and wild populations in surrounding bushland.
Where to See Koala at Zoos
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Brisbane, Australia
San Diego Zoo
San Diego, USA
Taronga Zoo
Sydney, Australia
Book Koala Tours & Experiences
Real tours with verified reviews, instant confirmation, and free cancellation on most bookings.
Puffing Billy Steam Train and Penguins Wildlife Tour
12 hours
Phillip Island Penguin Parade & Wildlife Tour from Melbourne
12 hours
Perth Wildlife Tour Under the Stars with Dinner
9 hours
Nocturnal Wildlife Tour from Busselton
2 hours
Kangaroos and Koala Experience Tour
4 hours
Nature and Wildlife: Australia in One Day - Private Tour
11 hoursEverything You Need to See Koalas
Tours, hotels, flights, insurance, and gear — all from trusted partners. Booking through these links supports this site at no extra cost to you.
Guided Tours & Experiences
Expert-guided tours dramatically increase your chances of a sighting.
Hotels & Accommodation
Stay near the best viewing locations.
Travel Insurance
Essential cover for wildlife trips — medical, cancellation, and gear.
Photography Tips for Koala
Koalas are often high in trees. A 300mm+ lens is essential. Scan forks in eucalyptus trees carefully — their grey fur blends in perfectly.
Safety Guide
Do not attempt to touch or pick up wild koalas — they have sharp claws and can bite. Some states in Australia have banned koala holding even in sanctuaries.
Watch in the Wild
Koalas in the Australian Bush
What Travellers Say
Real experiences from wildlife adventurers around the world
“Kangaroo Island blew us away. Koalas in every tree, sea lions on the beach, and not a single crowd.”
“The wildebeest crossing we witnessed was the most incredible thing I've ever seen. Nature at its rawest and most powerful.”
“Sitting 3 metres from a silverback gorilla… I cried. No exaggeration. A life-changing moment I'll never forget.”
“Kruger self-drive was the best budget safari decision we ever made. Saw the Big Five in three days flat.”
“Swimming alongside a whale shark is pure magic. Ningaloo is paradise — untouched and utterly stunning.”
“The jaguar appeared on the riverbank at sunset. Our guide burst into tears — it was that special.”
“Watching a polar bear mum with her cubs on the frozen tundra — Churchill delivered beyond our wildest dreams.”
“The baby orangutan swung right over our heads. Borneo's rainforest is like stepping into another world entirely.”
“Giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas — every single island was a new adventure. Galápagos is unreal.”
“Hearing the tiger's roar echo through the canyon at dawn gave me actual goosebumps. Ranthambore is raw, real India.”
“Standing face-to-face with a Komodo dragon — 3 metres of prehistoric predator. My heart was pounding!”
“Best wildlife photography trip of my life. The light on the Serengeti at golden hour is absolutely unmatched.”
“Took our kids on their first safari — the look on their faces when they saw elephants up close was priceless.”
“Solo-travelled through Borneo and felt safe every step. The wildlife encounters more than made up for any nerves.”
“Our honeymoon safari in the Mara was pure romance — sundowners overlooking the savanna, lions at dawn.”
“The night safari in Borneo was surreal — flying squirrels, slow lorises, and a clouded leopard sighting!”
“Galápagos changed how I see conservation. Seeing species found nowhere else on Earth puts everything in perspective.”
“The Pantanal sunset river cruise was the highlight of our South America trip. Caimans everywhere!”
“Churchill in October is freezing but absolutely worth it. Polar bears playing in the snow is pure joy.”
“Ranthambore felt like stepping into a Kipling novel. We spotted three tigers in two days — incredible odds!”
Koala FAQ
There are several destinations worldwide where you can observe Koala in their natural habitat. Visit our dedicated Koala page on WhereAnimalsLive.com for a complete guide to the best locations, including national parks, reserves, and recommended tour operators with current pricing.
The ideal time to see Koala depends on the specific destination, as seasons and animal behaviour vary by region. Generally, the dry season concentrates wildlife around water sources and improves visibility. Check our detailed Koala destination guides for month-by-month recommendations.
Trip costs vary widely depending on the destination and comfort level. Budget options with basic accommodation and group tours can start from $50–$150 per day, while mid-range and luxury experiences run $200–$1,000+ per day. Our Koala page on WhereAnimalsLive.com includes specific pricing for each recommended destination.
Guided wildlife excursions in established national parks and reserves are very safe when you follow your guide's instructions. Professional guides are trained in animal behaviour and maintain safe distances at all times. Always book through licensed, reputable operators who prioritise both visitor safety and animal welfare.
A telephoto zoom lens (100–400 mm or 200–600 mm) is ideal for wildlife photography, allowing sharp images from a safe distance. Pair it with a camera body that handles high ISO well for low-light conditions at dawn and dusk. A beanbag or monopod provides stable support in the field. Check our photography tips section for species-specific recommendations.