Where to see Koalas in Sydney

Sydney is home to some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife, and the koala is at the top of many travellers’ must-see lists for wildlife encounters in Sydney. In this blog, we’ll guide you through where to see koalas in Sydney—both in wildlife parks near Sydney and in their natural habitat. We’ll also touch on practical tips for spotting these cuddly creatures in the wild, how to plan your travel itinerary or road trip, and the best ways to make the most of your campervan hire for wildlife spotting adventures. Whether you’re a local, an international traveller, or simply on the hunt for the best road trips in Sydney, where you will be able to spot a koala, you’ll find everything you need here to know in this guide. 

So, if you’re wondering, “where to see wild koalas in Sydney?” or “Can you see kangaroos and koalas in Sydney?” read on—you’ve come to the right place. 

Best places to see koalas in Sydney

Known for their sleepy demeanour and eucalyptus diet, koalas spend most of their time nestled in the branches of gum trees. In New South Wales, koalas can be found in both wildlife parks and their natural habitat, providing a range of options for spotting these cuddly creatures. 

City centre koala spots

Sydney boasts several top-tier zoological parks that offer fantastic opportunities to meet koalas up close. Each park provides a different atmosphere and set of experiences and makes it easier for families, couples, or solo travellers to find an option that fits their style (these are also a great place to encounter eastern grey kangaroos). 

The best part is, if you’re staying in the heart of Sydney, you don’t have to travel far to see koalas. The city centre boasts several convenient locations where you can encounter these charming animals and add a touch of Australian wildlife to an urban adventure. 

Taronga Zoo

Located near the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour, Taronga Zoo is one of the city’s most popular attractions for wildlife viewing. Yes, there are koalas at Taronga Zoo, and visitors can enjoy carefully curated habitats designed to mimic their natural environment. Educational talks run regularly, giving you insights into koalas’ diet, behaviour, and conservation status. 

Where to stay: Lane Cove River Tourist Park 

Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park

Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park is another fantastic spot for koala spotting near Sydney. It’s known for its interactive animal experiences, allowing you to get close to koalas and even snap a photo with them. While you can’t cuddle them (due to New South Wales regulations for koala welfare), you can often stand near them for the ultimate souvenir pic. 

Where to stay: Ingenia Holidays Avina 

Sydney Zoo

Sydney Zoo in Western Sydney is a relatively newer attraction, offering modern enclosures and comprehensive educational talks about Australian wildlife. With spacious viewing areas, kids and adults alike can observe koalas at eye level, making it an engaging experience for all ages. 

Where to stay: Ingenia Holidays Nepean River 

READ MORE: For even more ideas on where to see kangaroos and koalas in Sydney—and how to plan these stops along a fun campervan route—take a look at our detailed post on wildlife encounters in Sydney. 

Image: Destination NSW

Seeing koalas in the wild near Sydney

If you’ve ever wondered “where to see koalas in the wild near Sydney?”, you’re in luck. Though koalas can be elusive, there are still natural havens not too far from the city where you have a good chance of catching a glimpse. Sydney’s suburbs offer fantastic opportunities to see koalas in more natural settings. 

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a short drive north of the city and a must-visit for anyone keen to spot wildlife in a natural setting. The park features scenic trails and lookout points overlooking the Hawkesbury River, perfect for a family day out. Once you’ve parked your campervan, head out on foot to explore. This is definitely one of the best national parks to visit with a campervan! 

Where to stay: The Basin Campground 

Southern Highlands

The Southern Highlands region is about an hour and a half south of Sydney, offering an ideal getaway for those looking for peaceful nature walks and the chance to see wild koalas. Many small towns in this area, like Bowral or Mittagong, are surrounded by eucalyptus forests. These leafy habitats are often home to koalas—though patience and a keen eye are key. 

Where to stay: Mittagong Caravan Park 

Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

If you’re up for a slightly longer journey, Port Stephens is about two and a half hours north of Sydney, but well worth the trip. The region’s combination of beaches, sand dunes, and bushland makes it a popular spot for families seeking a diverse road trip. While you’re there, keep an eye out for koalas in the trees—and yes, you can often see kangaroos as well! A key destination for experiencing koalas in their natural habitat is the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary. 

Where to stay: Aspen Holiday Koala Shores Holiday Park 

Tips for spotting koalas in the wild

• Focus on Eucalyptus Trees: Koalas spend the majority of their time eating or sleeping in these trees. 

• Early Morning & Late Afternoon: These are the best times for a sighting, as koalas are more alert and occasionally move around to find food. 

• Use Binoculars: Koalas often perch in the crooks of tall branches, so binoculars can help you see them clearly. 

• Listen for Distinctive Calls: During mating season, male koalas have a distinctive bellow that can guide you to their location. 

Ethical wildlife experiences

When planning where to see koalas and kangaroos in Sydney, it’s important to prioritise ethical wildlife experiences. Not only does this respect the animals and their habitats, but it also supports long-term conservation efforts. In New South Wales, the law prohibits holding or cuddling koalas—a rule designed to minimise stress on the animals and ensure their well-being. This might differ from other Australian states, where limited koala handling is allowed, but in NSW, you can usually only stand or sit near them for photos under close supervision. 

Parks like Featherdale and Taronga Zoo play an active role in koala conservation. Taronga, for instance, collaborates with research institutions to protect and understand koalas in the wild, including monitoring and rehabilitation programs for injured or orphaned marsupials. Featherdale similarly partners with conservation groups and provides a sanctuary for rescued and vulnerable wildlife. 

By choosing reputable wildlife parks, you’re helping fund these conservation projects, which ensures koalas and other native species continue to thrive in Sydney’s bushland. 

READ MORE: If you’re curious about how to minimise your environmental footprint during your road trip—from sustainable travel itineraries to responsible camping practices—check out our post on eco-friendly campervan adventures. 

Pairing your koala adventure with other activities

Koalas may be the star attraction, but there are plenty of other ways to make the most of your Sydney journey. Whether you’re exploring bustling cityscapes, scenic coastal routes, or sprawling national parks, here are a few suggestions to pair with your wildlife visits: 

• At Taronga Zoo: Beyond saying hello to koalas, Taronga Zoo boasts panoramic views of Sydney Harbour. Take the Sky Safari cable car for a bird’s-eye view of the city, or enjoy a picnic overlooking the water. After you’ve had your fill of Sydney wildlife attractions, consider exploring nearby Mosman’s cafés or spending the evening across the harbour in Circular Quay. 

• In Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park: While you’re scanning eucalyptus trees for wild koalas, set aside time to visit some of the park’s Aboriginal rock art sites. These ancient markings offer a glimpse into thousands of years of Indigenous history. Paths around the park lead to various lookout points, so you can combine adventure with a classic Aussie bushwalk. 

• Southern Highlands: This region is renowned for its rolling hills, vineyards, and quaint villages. After your morning koala-spotting session, drop by a local winery for tastings or stroll around the boutiques in Bowral or Moss Vale. Plan your campervan route to include a night in a local holiday park, giving you ample time to sample regional produce and soak up the area’s laid-back ambience. 

READ MORE: For a comprehensive guide on how to plan and optimise these side trips, take a look at our guide on how to plan a campervan road trip in Sydney. 

Practical travel tips

If you’re wondering where do koalas live in Sydney? or looking to maximise your chances of spotting them in the wild, timing is key. Plan your visits during spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May), when temperatures are moderate and the bushland is often at its most vibrant. Winter can also be a good time—there tend to be fewer visitors, meaning the parks are quieter, and animals might be easier to spot. 

Opting for campervan hire is an excellent way to maintain flexibility. You can adjust your travel itinerary on the fly—if you hear about a recent koala sighting in a particular area, just drive there and stay overnight. Families appreciate having onboard facilities in a camper or motorhome, especially with young children who might need breaks for naps or meals . This is just one of the many benefits of a road trip in a campervan. 

When it comes to short trips versus weekends away, consider your priorities. A day trip works well if you’re just visiting one park, but a longer weekend getaway allows you to combine several wildlife encounters and scenic drives. 

Capturing the experience

Photographing koalas—especially in their habitat—can be incredibly rewarding if done responsibly. Here are a few tips to capture the moment without disturbing the animals: 

1. Keep a Respectful Distance: Koalas are easily stressed by human proximity. Use a zoom lens or your phone’s zoom feature instead of trying to get too close. 

2. Avoid Flash: Sudden bursts of light can startle wildlife, so turn off your camera’s flash function and opt for natural lighting. 

3. Early and Late Light: If you’re keen on getting that perfect snapshot, aim for the “golden hours” around sunrise or sunset. This also aligns with times when koalas are more active. 

4. Use Wildlife Apps: Some apps help identify wildlife hotspots and provide trail maps for bushwalks. They also share user-generated updates on koala sightings so you know where to look. 

5. Park Before Dusk: For safe driving practices, we recommend not driving at dawn or dusk, so we'd recommend staying in a holiday park/caravan park near the koala spotting location. 

Planning your campervan adventure through Sydney and beyond

From urban zoos to untamed bushland, Sydney and its surroundings offer countless opportunities to meet koalas face-to-face while exploring in a campervan. Plus, with tools like thl Roadtrip App to help you locate campsites, dump sites and more, you have the freedom to go where the road (and wild koalas) take you. 

What’s more, Apollo’s fleet is geared towards travellers seeking both convenience and adventure—including a kitchen area, sleeping berths, plenty of storage and onboard toilets (in select models), helping you stay off-grid for longer—perfect if you’re planning a detour to remote national parks or bush camps. This is just one of the reasons why Apollo campervans are perfect for nature lovers. 

Ready to hit the road? You can book your Apollo camper online and pick it up from any Apollo branch before you start your adventure. Whether you’re aiming to see koalas in the wild or simply enjoy Sydney’s wildlife attractions, your campervan hire will set you up for a memorable journey. 

And the best part? The adventure doesn't have to stop at Sydney! With a campervan you have the freedom to extend the adventure to see koalas in South Australia, including places like Kangaroo Island and Flinders Chase National Park, or Western Australia, particularly Yanchep National Park. The wildlife of Australia awaits!