Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary: Attractions & glamping accommodation

The new glamping accommodation at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary in New South Wales sits happily alongside the Sanctuary Walk, Skywalk and Koala Hospital.

The Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary near One Mile Beach, New South Wales, has expanded massively in recent years. The newest addition, however, is glamping accommodation which allows you to wake up with the koalas.

Skip the queues – book your Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary tickets online.

The Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary is set amid eight hectares of bushland near the Worimi Conservation Lands sand dunes. It is surrounded by wetlands, which play host to plenty of native birdlife. But you come here for koalas, not birds.

Koala snuggled in a tree sleeping at the Koala Sanctuary Port Stephens, One Mile. Photo courtesy of Destination NSW.

Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary attractions

The key attractions within the sanctuary include the Sanctuary Walk. This meandering 250 metre pathway aims to be an immersive educational experience for all ages. It tells the story of the koala and its habitat, using arty sculptures.

For actually viewing the koalas themselves, head for the Newcastle Airport Skywalk. This 225 metre elevated pathway and viewing platform gets you at eye-level with the higher tree branches where the koalas tend to hang out.

The aww factor comes at the on-site Koala Hospital, which looks after rescued, injured koalas from the Port Stephens area. You can watch the veterinary staff in action through the viewing window.

6 fantastic Port Stephens experiences worth going for.

4WD dunes tour with sandboarding – whizz down the Sahara-style dunes
Dolphin-watching cruise with fun boom nets 🐬.
Quad-biking over the Worimi sand dunes – learning about local Aboriginal culture along the way.
Snorkelling with wild dolphins – the ultimate dolphin experience
Port Stephens koala sanctuary admission tickets 🐨.
Shallow water shark and ray encounter 🦈.

Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary accommodation

It’s perhaps the new glamping tents that are most exciting, though. Accommodation at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary comes with outdoor decks, king sized beds, bathrooms and kitchenettes. The tents are surrounded by the bushland habitat, so you can say hi to the koalas from your deck over breakfast.

Guests get unlimited access to the sanctuary during their stay and introductions to some of the residents on a guided tour. Prices start at $350 per night, including breakfast.

Otherwise, general admissions to the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary costs $25. It’s a short drive away from accommodation in Salamander Bay, Nelson Bay or Anna Bay. See the sanctuary website for full details or book tickets online.

Other things to do in Port Stephens include nude bathing at Samurai Beach, swimming with dolphins and riding camels on Birubi Beach.