Australia · KOALA & KANGAROO ENCOUNTERS

Koala & Kangaroo Encounters: 15 Across Australia, Holding Rules Included

43 tours  ·  from $15

Holding a koala is legal in Queensland and South Australia and nowhere else, which decides most of this list. These 15 cover the sanctuaries, the open-range parks and the bush walks where the mob comes to you, priced and timed.

All Inclusive Blue Mountain,Scenic World,Lunch,Koalas,ferry - Scenic World: three rides and a rainforest boardwalk
Blue Mountains Tours, Koala & Kangaroo Encounters, Koala & Kangaroo Encounters in the Blue Mountains, Lunch Experiences, New South Wales Tours, Tour Reviews

All Inclusive Blue Mountain,Scenic World,Lunch,Koalas,ferry

1.All Inclusive Blue Mountain,Scenic World,Lunch,Koalas,ferry

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7,832 reviews · from $204Our pick

Travel from Sydney to the Blue Mountains for the Three Sisters, Scenic World rides, rainforest views, lunch, and a wildlife park visit. Guides such as Kat, Axel, Rin, and Grant add local stories and practical help. Finish with a ferry ride along the Parramatta River into Sydney Harbour. Expect a busy 10-hour day.

“Amazing tour of Australia. It was a nice and intimate experience. Grant, our tour guide, was fun and entertaining, as well as accommodating. He was very knowledgeable of all the sites. The schedule of activities was perfect. We were able to beat the crowds. The only complaint was the Wi-Fi not working.”

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Blue Mountains Adventure: Scenic World, Zoo & Koala Photo - Starting in Sydney and settling into the road trip
Blue Mountains Tours, Koala & Kangaroo Encounters, Koala & Kangaroo Encounters in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales Tours, Tour Reviews, Zoo Tickets in the Blue Mountains, Zoos

Blue Mountains Adventure: Scenic World, Zoo & Koala Photo

2.Blue Mountains Adventure: Scenic World, Zoo & Koala Photo

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,062 reviews · 10h 30m · from $144

Spend 10.5 hours traveling from Sydney to the Blue Mountains, with stops at the Three Sisters, Scenic World, Katoomba Cascades, Cahill’s Lookout, Leura, and Sydney Zoo. Your English-speaking guide handles the transport, Scenic World rides, and koala photo, while you return to Circular Quay by ferry.

“This tour is great I highly recommend it! We hit a lot of good places while still getting the perfect amount of time at each stop. Not too packed or tiring and not rushing. Our guide Steve was fantastic and super kind. Scenic world was really interesting! Got to see koalas up close too. I recommend this tour to all ages!! :)”

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From Melbourne: Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos - Brighton Beach Boxes and Melbourne skyline views
Koala & Kangaroo Encounters, Phillip Island Tours, Tour Reviews, Victoria Tours

From Melbourne: Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos

3.Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,932 reviews · 12 hours · from $112

Spend 12 hours with Wine Hop and Coastal Tours visiting Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary and Phillip Island. You’ll see koalas, kangaroos, emus and perhaps wallabies before watching little penguins return to shore. Guides such as Dirk, Simon and Matt are known for friendly commentary, but expect a long day, a compact vehicle and a chilly, crowded parade.

“The diver late about 30min that make us feel nervous. But he was charming and make tourists fun. So I will give him a A but not A +”

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Brisbane River Cruise with entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary - What you see on the 75-minute cruise
Boat Tours in Brisbane, Brisbane Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Koala & Kangaroo Encounters, Queensland Tours, Tour Reviews, Wildlife, Wildlife Tours in Brisbane

Brisbane River Cruise with entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

4.Brisbane River Cruise with entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,522 reviews · from $82

Cruise from Southbank to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary with live commentary, then spend about three hours among koalas, kangaroos, platypus, birds, and reptiles. The boat has a cafe, the sanctuary offers animal talks and shows, and the return cruise brings you back to Southbank. Dennis and the crew are praised for friendly service.

“Very friendly and professional staff. Great trip! We enjoyed the history of the Brisbane River and the Koala experience was a dream come true!”

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Brisbane River Cruise and Koala Sanctuary Visit - Getting from South Bank to Lone Pine
Boat Tours in Brisbane, Brisbane Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Koala & Kangaroo Encounters, Queensland Tours, Tour Reviews, Wildlife, Wildlife Tours in Brisbane

Brisbane River Cruise and Koala Sanctuary Visit

5.Brisbane River Cruise and Koala Sanctuary Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,397 reviews · 5h 30m · from $81

Cruise from South Bank to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary aboard Mirimar II, with live English commentary, river views, and three hours among koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, platypuses, birds, and reptiles. Captains such as Robbie and Robert are praised for their warm, entertaining hosting. Food is available onboard, while koala encounters cost extra.

“Really enjoyed this trip. We wanted to go to the sanctuary anyway but this cruise combination was an added bonus. Really friendly and helpful crew, beautiful trip up the river with informative commentary and a lovely couple of hours at the sanctuary itself.”

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From Melbourne: Penguin Parade and Koalas Tour - The Koala Conservation Reserve comes first
Koala & Kangaroo Encounters, Phillip Island Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Victoria Tours

From Melbourne: Penguin Parade and Koalas Tour

6.Penguin Parade and Koalas Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,287 reviews · from $115

Travel from Melbourne by air-conditioned coach to Phillip Island, with a ranger-led Koala Conservation Reserve visit, Woolamai Beach and The Nobbies boardwalk. Your English-speaking guide, such as Fiona or Peter, keeps the day on track before the sunset Penguin Parade. Add Penguin Plus for closer views, and bring warm layers for the windy evening.

“We like the best is the tour guide, Fiona who is attentive and informative!”

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Great Ocean Road Tour Plus Koalas, Forest Walk and Morning Tea - Cape Patton and Apollo Bay
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Great Ocean Road Tour Plus Koalas, Forest Walk and Morning Tea

7.Great Ocean Road Tour Plus Koalas, Forest Walk and Morning Tea

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,068 reviews

Spend about 13 hours touring the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne with a guide such as Warren, Theo, Mat, or Fio. Expect coastal lookouts, wild koala and parrot spotting at Kennett River, a forest walk at Mait’s Rest, Gibson Steps, the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and free time for lunch in Apollo Bay. Lunch and dinner cost extra.

“Trip duration depends on other participants respecting bus off/on times. Our trip did not allow for a dinner stop in Colac as mentioned. The music selection returning to Melbourne was turned over to a passenger which I found unacceptable. Read more”

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WILD Wombat and Kangaroo Day Tour, All Inclusive - Macquarie Pass and the winding road inland
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WILD Wombat and Kangaroo Day Tour, All Inclusive

8.WILD Wombat and Kangaroo Day Tour, All Inclusive

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 959 reviews · from $178

Leave Sydney for a 10.5-hour small-group outing through the South Coast and Southern Highlands. You’ll visit Sublime Point, two waterfalls, Robertson Pie Shop, and a historic pub, then walk among wild wombats and kangaroos at sunset. Guides such as Dave and Damon provide wildlife facts, snacks, dinner, photos, and practical help.

“A wonderful tour with a great company. All of the stops were beautiful and the wildlife that Dave pointed out to us was incredible! I can’t recommend this tour enough.”

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Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day-Trip from Melbourne - Starting in Melbourne and settling into the coach
Koala & Kangaroo Encounters, Phillip Island Tours, Tour Reviews, Victoria Tours

Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day-Trip from Melbourne

9.Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day-Trip from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 775 reviews · from $125

Spend about 9.5 hours exploring Phillip Island by air-conditioned coach, with stops at the Koala Conservation Reserve, Cowes, the Nobbies, and the Little Penguin Parade. Your local guide, including drivers such as Cray, Peter, Lauren, or Joel, handles the long drive and timing. General penguin viewing and reserve entry are included.

“If you come in on a cruise ship be aware you are dropped off in the city when most of the transportation ends at midnight. Unless you’re lucky enough to get a friendly driver to drop you at port you are on your on your return. The scenRead more”

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Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade - Woolamai Beach brings open space and surf
Full-Day, Koala & Kangaroo Encounters, Phillip Island Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Victoria Tours

Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade

10.Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 658 reviews · from $104

Spend about 10 hours exploring Phillip Island from Melbourne, with a Moonlit Sanctuary visit, Woolamai Beach, Cowes, the Nobbies and the famous Penguin Parade. Guides such as Steve, Luke, John and James add local stories and practical help. Expect a long day, a group of up to 39, and a very cold evening by the penguins.

“Very crowded at the Penguins area with too many rules to make iit enjoyable. Our bus was 1 hour late for the pickup and broke down later so we missed the surfing beach and were always rushed. Driver was great.”

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WILD Wombats and Kangaroo Experience, All Inclusive, Sydney - The ride south from central Sydney
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WILD Wombats and Kangaroo Experience, All Inclusive, Sydney

11.WILD Wombats and Kangaroo Experience, All Inclusive, Sydney

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 637 reviews · 11 hours · from $176

Spend 11 hours with guides such as Damon and Dave exploring Macquarie Pass, Budderoo, and Morton national parks from Sydney. You get wild wombats and kangaroos, waterfalls, scenic lookouts, a pie-shop lunch in winter, pub dinner, snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, and Southern Hemisphere stargazing. Expect a long day in a small bus, with walking on uneven ground.

“A truly amazing day out. Dave was a great host so friendly and informative. He showed an interest in every single passenger on the bus and helped us all bond as a group. He told us many stories about the history and landmarks of Australia. We were very lucky to see not only Kangaroos and Wombats as promised but also an echidna, bats and two lyrebirds. Dave provided numerous snacks and drinks throughout the day and the food provided at the pub was a great portion size and very tasty. We even had a stop off to see a giant potato depicting some of the characters from “Babe”. Dave ensured…”

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Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Day Pass - Koalas are the main event, but admission does not include contact
Attraction Passes, Brisbane Tours, Koala & Kangaroo Encounters, Queensland Tours, Tour Reviews, Wildlife, Wildlife Tours in Brisbane

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Day Pass

12.Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Day Pass

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 512 reviews · from $42

Spend 2 to 5 hours at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, about 20 minutes from central Brisbane. See more than 100 koalas, feed kangaroos and lorikeets under staff supervision, and catch free daily shows with raptors and sheepdogs. Koala encounters and kangaroo food cost extra, while admission includes the presentations.

“Enjoyed the sanctuary and feeding the kangaroos. Terrain a little steep at times for a wheelchair. Nice to see these animals being cared for so well”

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From Sydney: Blue Mountains with Zoo, Koala Photo & Scenic World - The drive west to the Blue Mountains
Blue Mountains Tours, Koala & Kangaroo Encounters, Koala & Kangaroo Encounters in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales Tours, Tour Reviews, Zoo Tickets in the Blue Mountains, Zoos

From Sydney: Blue Mountains with Zoo, Koala Photo & Scenic World

13.Blue Mountains with Zoo, Koala Photo & Scenic World

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 449 reviews · from $149

Spend about 10 hours and 45 minutes combining Sydney Zoo, a digital koala photo, kangaroo encounters, Leura village, Blue Mountains lookouts, and Scenic World rides. Guides including Alfie, Tom, Chen, and Said have earned strong praise for humor and clear explanations. The day covers a lot, but queues and bad weather can make it feel rushed.

“My husband and I went on this Viator tour with a group of friends who we met through the vacation tour we’re currently on. Our guide was Ricardo, and he made the experience fantastic! I’d request him as your tour guide!”

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Blue Mountains Adventure w Scenic World, Zoo, Koala Photo & Ferry - Scenic World: the main action in 90 minutes
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Blue Mountains Adventure w Scenic World, Zoo, Koala Photo & Ferry

14.Blue Mountains Adventure w Scenic World, Zoo, Koala Photo & Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 407 reviews · from $154

Start early from Sydney CBD, then visit Glenbrook, three Blue Mountains lookouts, Scenic World’s Skyway, Railway, and Cableway, Katoomba Cascades, Leura, Sydney Zoo, and the harbour. Guides such as Ronnie, Karen, Chris, and Adrian lead the day. A koala photo and ferry ride are included, but lunch is not.

“Cancelled by company due to flooding in mountains. We were on the bus hor 90 minutes when we got word.”

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Brisbane: Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Day Pass - The Kangaroo Reserve is the day’s most hands-on stop
Attraction Passes, Brisbane Tours, Koala & Kangaroo Encounters, Queensland Tours, Tour Reviews, Wildlife, Wildlife Tours in Brisbane

Brisbane: Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Day Pass

15.Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Day Pass

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 358 reviews · 1 day · from $41Best value

At Brisbane’s Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, you can see more than 100 koalas, hand-feed kangaroos in the free-range reserve, and meet wombats, dingoes, reptiles, and platypus. Your $41 day pass includes entry, keeper talks, and wildlife shows. Paid animal encounters, food, drinks, and kangaroo food cost extra.

“This was an amazing experience and so nice to see for real. I don’t think I could offer a recommendation for it to be improved!”

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New in Koala & Kangaroo Encounters

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★ 4.6Port Stephens: Koala Sanctuary General Admission TicketFrom $1984 reviews
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★ 4.1Kuranda Wildlife Experience: Koalas, Birds & ButterfliesFrom $4342 reviews
★ 4.7Mount Tamborine Kangaroo and Koala Day TourFrom $8485 reviews
★ 4.8Kangaroos, Rainforest & Waterfalls ExperienceFrom $13030 reviews
★ 4.7Grampians National Park & KangaroosFrom $8976 reviews
★ 4.7From Mackay: Wallabies on the Beach Sunrise TripFrom $91115 reviews
★ 4.4Friends in the Rainforest Package: Koala Gardens & BirdworldFrom $2734 reviews
★ 4.4Cairns Koalas and Creatures Entry Ticket with Koala PhotoFrom $3964 reviews
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