Check out our guide for both visitors and locals on where to see koalas near Melbourne.
Koalas are on the must-see list for many visitors to Australia. If you are planning a visit to Melbourne and want to see these cute, cuddly-looking creatures, then you are in luck! There are some great destinations that you can visit on a day trip from Melbourne,where you can see koalas in the wild or in a wildlife sanctuary.
For both experiences, you can expect to see koalas sleeping or lazing about in the trees. The koalas diet doesn’t provide much energy. In addition, they don’t want to travel far from their food source. As such, they can be found hanging out on the branches of eucalyptus trees.
If you would like to tick ‘see a koala’ off your Australian bucket list – check out these excellent day tours you can take from Melbourne to make it happen!
Best places to see koalas near Melbourne
In the wild on the Great Ocean Road
Travel along Australia’s famous coastal drive – the Great Ocean Road and you can view koalas in the wild. This coastline is the place to see wildlife, beautiful beaches and of course the famous rock stacks – the Twelve Apostles.
On our day tour from Melbourne you’ll explore Victoria’s Surf Coast and visit picturesque townships. In addition you can soak up the beauty of sites like the Loch Ard Gorge and the Otway Rainforest.
However, one of the highlights of the tour is seeing koalas in their natural habitat. We stop in at the eucalyptus forests of the Kennett River township. It’s here that these iconic Australian animals can be found in the eucalyptus trees. Stroll along the dirt track and keep your eyes on the trees. It’s a wonderful sight to see your first koala in the wild!
How to visit the Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road begins on Torquay, just over an hours drive from Melbourne. You can tour the Great Ocean Road from Torquay to the Twelve Apostles on two of our day tours from Melbourne:
Great Ocean Road Day Tour
This ultimate day tour of the Great Ocean Road is your chance to enjoy all the highlights of this coastal drive. See koalas in the wild, visit the Surf Coast, tour the Twelve Apostles, take a walk in the rainforest, visit townships along this world-famous coastline, and soak up the history of sites like the Loch Ard Gorge! Book now
Sunset Tour of the Great Ocean Road
Take a Sunset Tour of the Great Ocean Road to avoid the crowds and enjoy one of Australia’s most spectacular views at the perfect time of day. The scenic journey includes spotting koalas in the wild, a photo stop at the Memorial Arch, a visit to the coastal town of Apollo Bay and plenty of time to explore Loch Ard Gorge and the Twelve Apostles. Book now
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
At Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park you can see koalas up close, and even have a Koala Encounter. Moonlit Sanctuary is home to many native animals that have been bred in captivity or rescued from the wild. The conservation work done at the sanctuary helps to protect many native Australian animals.
On our tours there is an opportunity to have a Koala Encounter (at an additional cost). You can enter into the enclosure with one of the sanctuaries koalas to have your photo taken. You can also get a close up look at these incredible creatures.
The staff at Moonlit Sanctuary will share their knowledge and insights into the lives of these iconic animals. They will also be able to explain the work they do to breed and care for the koalas that call the wildlife sanctuary home.
How to visit Moonlit Sanctuary?
Moonlit Sanctuary is located approximately 45 minutes from Melbourne. You can visit the wildlife park on two of our tours:
Phillip Island Day Tour
Visit Moonlit Sanctuary on our ultimate Melbourne wildlife tour. Our Phillip Island Tour is the best way to meet Australian wildlife up close. Capture your magic moment with a koala encounter, hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies and watch as thousands of Little Penguins waddle right past your feet. This tour from Melbourne visits the Brighton Bathing Boxes, Moonlit Sanctuary conservation park and the nightly Penguin Parade. Book now
Puffing Billy + Penguins Tour
For a day of iconic Melbourne experiences, take our Puffing Billy, wildlife and penguins tour. Ride on a century-old steam train – Puffing Billy – through the Dandenong rainforest. Meet and feed some of Australia’s iconic, native wildlife, at Moonlit Sanctuary – including koalas, wombats, kangaroos and more. Finish the day with a visit to Phillip Island for spectacular coastal views and watching the resident Little Penguins waddle to shore in the nightly Penguin Parade. Book now
About Koalas
While these iconic Aussie animals might look bear-like with their round ears and big black nose, they are actually marsupials. Their closest relative is the wombat – another Aussie favourite that lives on the ground. Like other marsupials, baby koala are called joeys. After being born they continue to develop in their mother’s pouch for up to six months. After this time, they’ll ride on their mum’s back for another six months, returning to the pouch only to feed and sleep.
They live high up in eucalyptus trees of native bushlands and forests. You will usually see them perched between the forks of the branches. Their diet consists of solely eucalyptus leaves. Their digestive system is capable of digesting these leaves, whereas for most other animals, eating too much eucalyptus is poisonous. Koalas prefer the fresher leaves at the top of the trees, so be sure to look up high when you are spotting them in the wild.
Written by: Leah Furey – Digital Content Coordinator @gowest.com.au
