Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Port Stephens Council in partnership with Port Stephens Koalas has created a Koala Sanctuary to ensure first-class care to sick, injured and orphaned koalas. Now opened daily, the Koala Sanctuary offers visitors a unique opportunity to see koalas in their natural habitat. A visit to the Sanctuary also supports their long-term rehabilitation, preservation and conservation in the wild. Visitors to the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary will enjoy: A Natural setting Unique experiences with koalas in a natural and idyllic bushland setting Informative Guides All our excursions start off with a tailored educational tour from one of our local guides on care, rehabilitation and what is needed for koalas to survive in the wild. Stay with us Opportunity to stay overnight in a ‘glamping style tent’ within the Sanctuary grounds Preservation A new opportunity to directly contribute to the preservation of koalas in Port Stephens
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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  • Louise J
    1 contribution
    Vegan friendly accommodation
    Such a beautiful place. Highly recommend. The accommodation was modern, clean and comfortable. Staff were exceptional and passionate. The koalas were SO cute! They provided us with a vegan friendly breakfast which was much appreciated. Well worth the trip and good to know the money goes towards helping the koalas.
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled with friends
    Written 13 December 2022
  • Eyekaytoo
    Leverkusen, Germany2,996 contributions
    A morning spent learning about & staring at sleeping Koalas
    I found this place relatively easily and I was pleased to see that there was ample of free parking. I walked up to the reception, shop area and paid 19 AUD  for a concessionary ticket. The guy at the ticket office was very friendly and helpful and explained what I should be able to observe. I then followed the well laid out path and took my time to read quite a number of interesting signs explaining the whole life of the koala "bear". It's not a bear, by the way, it's a marsupial but you knew that already didn't you? Each Koala here has had a sad history of misfortune - road accidents, injuries etc. And here, they are either on the road to recovery or have found their new permanent home here as re-establishment into the wild is sadly not an option for them. As I strolled along I was intrigued to see so many modern looking chalets which I guessed were used for overnight accommodation. The main goal here is to walk the boardwalk to the main "enclosure" where I think that 6 Koalas were living. But, my goodness you have to look hard. Eventually, with the help of a couple of other young visitors we found 6 - all asleep and curled up high in the branches of the mature eucalyptus trees. I learned that Koalas sleep for up to 20 hours per day and eat almost exclusively eucalyptus leaves. And they rarely drink, obtaining all their fluids from the moist leaves. From there, I wandered over to the hospital building but there was nothing going on. And that's about it really.
    Visited November 2022
    Written 21 December 2022
  • Sharmingtons
    73 contributions
    Amazing family experience.
    Spent a couple of nights before Australia day with my girls. The 1 Bedroom Suite is amazing; the complimentary continental breakfast is fantastic and suited us well. The rooms were spacious and clean. The pool was refreshing and we enjoyed relaxing by the pool. There is now a path to walk to the beach (clothes optional 🤭) we went at sunset and the beach was empty - amazing. The Koalas are incredible, and we visited a number of times. So cute and adorable. The price is great value, especially against the local hotels as there are so many extras. I appreciated the lack of WiFi in the room as my girls had to chat which was a positive. We will be back again!
    Visited January 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 25 January 2023
  • Alex Jones
    Sydney, Australia6 contributions
    Koala-ty Accommodation.
    Absolutely loved my stay at the Koala Sanctuary. Myself and my partner stayed in Room 104 - the basic studio room. It was perfect for us. Love that breakfast (bread, spreads, litre of milk, juices, yoghurt, museli was provided free of charge.) The room itself was quiet and very dark which made it great for sleeping. There is an air conditioning unit but it has a quiet mode which is great. Our room is not on the koala walk which was great (the glamping tents are) so it felt very private. The on site pool was great - the water was warm and it gets a lot of shade in the afternoon. It has staggered steps to get in (no ladders) which is good for those who like to get in slowly. Also loved that we were able to do the koala walk from 8am-9am before the park opens to the public. We could also wander the grounds when we liked during the stay. Tip 3pm is a good time to see the Koalas too. The closest beach is One Mile Beach which was fantastic.
    Visited January 2023
    Written 30 January 2023
  • Sparkles2507
    Gosford, Australia9 contributions
    Special place with a massive mission to save the koalas!
    All the staff were so friendly and dedicated. They were welcoming and informative. The enclosures were spotless and you could feel the team were united in their greater goal to save the endangered koalas. A special shout-out to Jane who really made our visit unforgettable. The Koala Sanctuary workers are not only caring for the sick and injured koalas today, they are mobilising the leaders of tomorrow, through education, so they will take the torch.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 15 September 2023
  • smp1612
    Melbourne, Australia51 contributions
    First family mini break
    My husband and I stayed three nights in a 1 bedroom deluxe suite with bath, with our 6 month old daughter. The suite was spacious, modern and extremely well equipped. It was immaculate and the complimentary breakfast was a great bonus. Rooms are peaceful and we enjoyed watching the kookaburras fly around from the window. All of the staff were fantastic, very friendly and nothing was too much trouble. We enjoyed the early morning tour of the sanctuary as well as the unlimited visits during opening hours. The sanctuary is a wonderful facility and the staff are doing such an important job looking after and rehabilitating the koalas. I would 100% recommend staying at the sanctuary and I’m sure our young family will be back!
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 25 September 2023
  • Smoltman
    Courtenay, Canada9,064 contributions
    Saw the Koalas
    The sanctuary definitely does important work. It is also a glam camping site. It took about 1 hour to go through the sanctuary and the signage explained the koala which we saw and how they got there. Interesting material! We did manage to see all 10 koala who were out in their enclosures. They are not very active so look hard, usually in the crook of a tree. Worth the visit.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 18 November 2023
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4.5
54 reviews
Excellent
37
Very good
7
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
6

Smoltman
Courtenay, Canada9,064 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
The sanctuary definitely does important work. It is also a glam camping site.
It took about 1 hour to go through the sanctuary and the signage explained the koala which we saw and how they got there. Interesting material!
We did manage to see all 10 koala who were out in their enclosures. They are not very active so look hard, usually in the crook of a tree.
Worth the visit.
Written 19 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JillD66
Sydney, Australia7 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
Beware of the poor service with this company. ! I cancelled my booking 15/10/2023 for 2 x studios and I am still waiting for a refund for the 2nd studio. For some reason despite booking 2 x studios in one booking they debited my credit card in 2 seperate transactions and have only returned one payment. Over 3 weeks later I am still waiting and had to revert to a dispute with my bank.
Please beware. Dreadful service and attitude.
Written 10 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Jill Thank you for your review on Tripadvisor. To ensure transactions are secure each reservation is charged separately. The two reservations placed at the Koala Sanctuary were charged separately, hence two payments. On the 10th October 2023 the property received a chargeback communication from Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) for one of the payments. Following CBA advice, until the dispute is resolved we are unable to process the second refund. On the 15th October 2023 you contacted the property to cancel 2 reservations. One was refunded immediately while the second was held due to dispute raised five days earlier. As at the 13th November 2023 11:52am CBA Chargeback Support Team informed that the dispute is awaiting resolution from MasterCard Australia. Regards
Written 12 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

smp1612
Melbourne, Australia51 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Family
My husband and I stayed three nights in a 1 bedroom deluxe suite with bath, with our 6 month old daughter. The suite was spacious, modern and extremely well equipped. It was immaculate and the complimentary breakfast was a great bonus. Rooms are peaceful and we enjoyed watching the kookaburras fly around from the window. All of the staff were fantastic, very friendly and nothing was too much trouble. We enjoyed the early morning tour of the sanctuary as well as the unlimited visits during opening hours. The sanctuary is a wonderful facility and the staff are doing such an important job looking after and rehabilitating the koalas. I would 100% recommend staying at the sanctuary and I’m sure our young family will be back!
Written 26 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sparkles2507
Gosford, Australia9 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Family
All the staff were so friendly and dedicated. They were welcoming and informative. The enclosures were spotless and you could feel the team were united in their greater goal to save the endangered koalas.
A special shout-out to Jane who really made our visit unforgettable. The Koala Sanctuary workers are not only caring for the sick and injured koalas today, they are mobilising the leaders of tomorrow, through education, so they will take the torch.
Written 15 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

dedwards4460
Liverpool, UK19 contributions
Mar. 2023 • Family
Better customer service, better summary and conditions of ticket prices , information regarding age required area from required and treat all with respect and dignity the way you would want to be treated
Written 13 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Alex Jones
Sydney, Australia6 contributions
Jan. 2023
Absolutely loved my stay at the Koala Sanctuary. Myself and my partner stayed in Room 104 - the basic studio room. It was perfect for us. Love that breakfast (bread, spreads, litre of milk, juices, yoghurt, museli was provided free of charge.)

The room itself was quiet and very dark which made it great for sleeping. There is an air conditioning unit but it has a quiet mode which is great.

Our room is not on the koala walk which was great (the glamping tents are) so it felt very private.

The on site pool was great - the water was warm and it gets a lot of shade in the afternoon. It has staggered steps to get in (no ladders) which is good for those who like to get in slowly.

Also loved that we were able to do the koala walk from 8am-9am before the park opens to the public. We could also wander the grounds when we liked during the stay. Tip 3pm is a good time to see the Koalas too.

The closest beach is One Mile Beach which was fantastic.
Written 30 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JMA
Atherton, Australia8 contributions
Jan. 2023 • Couples
Everything about this place is perfect. Location (right next to the beach) the staff (every single member was lovely) the rooms, and being able to see the koalas was unreal. 100% recommend!
Written 28 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sharmingtons
Newcastle73 contributions
Jan. 2023 • Family
Spent a couple of nights before Australia day with my girls. The 1 Bedroom Suite is amazing; the complimentary continental breakfast is fantastic and suited us well. The rooms were spacious and clean. The pool was refreshing and we enjoyed relaxing by the pool. There is now a path to walk to the beach (clothes optional 🤭) we went at sunset and the beach was empty - amazing.
The Koalas are incredible, and we visited a number of times. So cute and adorable.
The price is great value, especially against the local hotels as there are so many extras.
I appreciated the lack of WiFi in the room as my girls had to chat which was a positive.
We will be back again!
Written 25 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Eyekaytoo
Leverkusen, Germany2,996 contributions
Nov. 2022
I found this place relatively easily and I was pleased to see that there was ample of free parking. I walked up to the reception, shop area and paid 19 AUD  for a concessionary ticket. The guy at the ticket office was very friendly and helpful and explained what I should be able to observe. I then followed the well laid out path and took my time to read quite a number of interesting signs explaining the whole life of the koala "bear". It's not a bear, by the way, it's a marsupial but you knew that already didn't you? Each Koala here has had a sad history of misfortune - road accidents, injuries etc. And here, they are either on the road to recovery or have found their new permanent home here as re-establishment into the wild is sadly not an option for them.

As I strolled along I was intrigued to see so many modern looking chalets which I guessed were used for overnight accommodation.

The main goal here is to walk the boardwalk to the main "enclosure" where I think that 6 Koalas were living. But, my goodness you have to look hard. Eventually, with the help of a couple of other young visitors we found 6 - all asleep and curled up high in the branches of the mature eucalyptus trees. I learned that Koalas sleep for up to 20 hours per day and eat almost exclusively eucalyptus leaves. And they rarely drink, obtaining all their fluids from the moist leaves.

From there, I wandered over to the hospital building but there was nothing going on. And that's about it really.
Written 21 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Louise J
1 contribution
Dec. 2022 • Friends
Such a beautiful place. Highly recommend. The accommodation was modern, clean and comfortable. Staff were exceptional and passionate. The koalas were SO cute! They provided us with a vegan friendly breakfast which was much appreciated. Well worth the trip and good to know the money goes towards helping the koalas.
Written 13 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary is open:
  • Sun - Sat 9:00 am - 4:00 pm