Where can I hold a koala in Australia?
It’s possible to ‘cuddle’ a koala in Australia, at various wildlife parks in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. Visitors can hold a koala in Brisbane at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, with the Cleland Wildlife Park in Adelaide another good option.
Want a koala cuddle in Australia? Well, you can’t. Cuddling koalas, as in picking them up and wrapping your arms round them, isn’t allowed anywhere in Australia. Koalas don’t like it. They will more than likely dig their extremely sharp claws into your back if you attempt it.
Where is it legal to hold a koala?
However, you can hold a koala and pose for a photo with it. It might not be a thrilling wildlife experience on a par with swimming with whale sharks on the Ningaloo Reef or kayaking with Byron Bay’s dolphins, but it sure is cute. Alas, under Australia’s federal system where each state makes its own laws, holding a koala is not legal everywhere.
South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland allow koala-holding experiences for tourists, but other states don’t. So if you were hoping to do it in Sydney, Melbourne or Canberra, then sorry, you’re bang out of luck.
Cuddle a koala in Brisbane?
Perhaps the most renowned spot for koala-holding photos is the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane. Other spots elsewhere in Queensland where it’s possible include the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast and the Kuranda Koala Gardens near Cairns.
Hold a koala in Adelaide or Perth
In South Australia, the most convenient spot is the Cleland Wildlife Park in the Adelaide Hills. This is less than 20 minutes’ drive from Adelaide city centre, and the views over the city from there are rather marvellous, too. In Western Australia, the Cohunu Koala Park, 40 minutes away from Perth, is arguably the best bet. The Caversham Wildlife Park in the Swan Valley allows it, too.
In other states, several zoos and wildlife parks will allow you to stroke a koala or get a photo taken next to one – it’s just that you’re not allowed to hold the furry little fella.
More on koalas in Australia
Where can I see koalas on the Great Ocean Road?
Where can I see wild koalas in Adelaide?
Are koalas always stoned and dying of chlamydia?