Koala sanctuary

Nestled in West Pennant Hills, Koala Park is a haven for the koala, one of Australia’s most beloved animals, along with many others. 

Although they are an Australian icon, koalas only live in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, primarily in regions with abundant eucalyptus trees, which are essential for their food and shelter. The Northern Rivers is home to one of the last genetically diverse koala populations in Australia, and their numbers vary depending on the available habitat. 

Although they are often called bears, in fact they are marsupials, so more closely related to kangaroos and wombats. 

The school holidays are a great time to support this wonderful sanctuary and enjoy the beautiful rainforest setting. Read on to learn more about the history of Koala Park and some tips for getting the most out of a visit.

The history of Koala Park

The sanctuary was the brainchild of Noel Burnet, who was concerned about the many koalas being killed for the lucrative export fur trade. He, along with many others, felt that if this continued, the koala would soon be extinct, and soon groups were springing up everywhere to protest against the fur trade and protect the animals. 

This movement is thought by many to be the first organised conservationist campaign in Australia. It was the beginning of wildlife societies, national park campaigns and nature studies in schools. Here in Sydney, Noel Burnet established Koala Park, which opened in October 1930.  

Koala Park today

Today the centre continues to operate as a place of research, education and refuge for these unique tree-dwelling marsupials and many others. Burnet’s family still own and operate the sanctuary and continue his work.

With the koala endangered in New South Wales, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory, due to land clearing for housing and roads, the work of wildlife sanctuaries is more important than ever. The 2020 bush fires were also devastating for koala populations, and they are now in real danger of extinction, with only around 600,000 koalas left in Australia. 

Not just a great place to visit with the kids, this sanctuary plays an important role in providing a safe, natural environment for these cuddly creatures while also educating visitors about the importance of protecting Australian wildlife. 

Tips for visiting

Set in ten acres of lush rainforest and native gardens, be prepared to do some walking. There is also a souvenir shop and the Wattleseed Cafe, or you can book a barbecue and have a picnic. 

The sanctuary is open 7 days a week from 9am to 5pm, excluding Christmas Day, with free parking. Check the website for current admission prices. 

If you have overseas visitors, this is a great place to let them get a selfie with some of Australia’s most iconic animals or even hand-feed the kangaroos, an up-close experience they’ll never forget. As well as koalas, you’ll see emus, wallabies, dingoes, wombats, quolls, reptiles and a large collection of Australian native birds. Look out for the long-billed corella, which will say hello and ask for a head scratch. There’s also a farmyard for younger kids.

Don’t let a rainy day put you off. Animals are often more active on wet days (a good thing, given that koalas sleep for between 16 and 20 hours per day), so put on a rain coat and head to the sanctuary - they also provide ponchos. 

Koala Park
84 Castle Hill Road
West Pennant Hills
website

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