Providing first-class care

Support the long-term rehabilitation, preservation and conservation of koala in the wild. Spend an hour or a night immersed in an idyllic natural koala habitat at the world-class Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary. Port Stephens Council in partnership with Port Stephens Koalas Hospital have created a Koala Sanctuary to ensure first-class care to sick, injured and orphaned koalas. Opened daily, the Koala Sanctuary offers visitors a unique opportunity to see koalas in their natural habitat. Visitors to the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary will enjoy:

  • 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

 

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR A VISIT: A visit to the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary entails a round trip walk of about 1km in length. All pathways and elevated viewing platforms are easily accessible designed for all ages and abilities. Some limited bench seating is provided along the Sanctuary Story Walk. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen for sun protection and drink plenty of water to remain hydrated.

Our attractions

  • Koala Centre

    Visit our Koala Centre that houses our Visitor Admissions and Guest Reception where our friendly staff will be able to answer all of your questions and enquiries.

  • Sanctuary Story Walk

    The Sanctuary Story Walk is a 250 metre in length meandering pathway offering an immersive educational experience for all ages telling the story of koala and its habitat through artistic sculptural representations.

  • Koala Hospital

    The state-of-the-art Koala Hospital includes an intensive care unit, clinic and recovery pens, looking after sick and injured koalas from the Port Stephens area. UPDATE: In 2024 a $2M expansion of the Koala Hospital is planned. During that time the hospital viewing window will not be accessible due to construction restrictions but will reopen in late 2024 / early 2025.

  • Sanctuary SKYwalk

    The *Sanctuary SKYwalk and viewing platform is a 225 metre in length elevated pathway and viewing platform, offering a unique ‘tree top’ perspective into the koala’s natural habitat, a perfect photo opportunity and educational experience.

    *Sanctuary SKYwalk & viewing platform closes at 4pm.

  • Koala Centre Kiosk

    Retail kiosk offering a range of quality souvenirs and products as well as 'grab and go' snacks and barista made coffees for purchase.

  • Informative guides

    All of our tours include a tailored educational tour from one of our local ambassadors on care, rehabilitation and what is needed for koalas to survive in the wild.