Look mum who are those people looking at us
1 / 10

Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary

4.5
·800 reviews·Chewton, Australia

Experience intimate encounters with Australia's iconic wildlife, including koalas, dingos, and wombats, at this dedicated conservation sanctuary.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal activity

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Look mum who are those people looking at us

Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal activity

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience intimate encounters with Australia's iconic wildlife, including koalas, dingos, and wombats, at this dedicated conservation sanctuary.

4.5
(800 reviews)

"The best close-up animal encounter I have ever had at a zoo, and it didn't cost any extra!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Secure your entry and avoid queues by booking tickets in advance, especially for popular times.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the amazing animals.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 800 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Koala Encounters

Koala Encounters

Sanctuary Grounds

Get up close with Australia's iconic marsupials. Learn about their conservation and enjoy memorable photo opportunities.

Dingo Conservation

Dingo Conservation

Dingo Enclosures

Witness the majestic dingoes and learn about their vital role in the Australian ecosystem. Hear their distinctive howls.

Wombat Playtime

Wombat Playtime

Wombat Area

Observe playful wombats in their naturalistic habitat. These adorable marsupials are a delight to watch.

Interactive Animal Encounters

Interactive Animal Encounters

Various locations

Experience hands-on interactions with a variety of native Australian animals, a truly unique zoo experience.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to Jirrahlinga

Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary offers intimate encounters with Australian wildlife. Book tickets online to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons. Arrive early to maximize your time and catch feeding sessions. Check their website for opening hours and any special events.

Embrace the Wildlife Experience

This sanctuary focuses on close-up encounters, so be prepared for interactive experiences. Wear comfortable shoes for walking the grounds and bring your camera to capture memorable moments with koalas, dingos, and wombats. Consider the Junior Rangers program for an immersive learning experience.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, feeding times
Crowd
Medium
When
School holidays
Why
Family-friendly events
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#foryoupage #educationnoteradication #australianwildlife #ban1080 #native #wildlife #dingo #dingonotwilddog #australia #fyp #nativeanimal #wildanimals
@gupcakes
30.4K likes • 213.4K views

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Secure your entry and avoid queues by booking tickets in advance, especially for popular times. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the amazing animals. Instagram

Part 5 of Defend the Wild’s interview with Sonya Takau, a proud Jirrbal Rainforest Aboriginal woman from Tully, Queensland and founder of Dingo Culture (@dingoculture), a platform focused on collating cultural information from other Aboriginal groups within Queensland on their cultural perspective of the Dingo. Sonya shares with us the longstanding connection between the Dingo and many First Natio...
@defendthe.wild
22.7K likes • 219.3K views
Love looking back at photos of #jirrahlinga #wildlife #chewton #koala #victoria #dingo #jirrahlingakoalaandwildlifesanctuary #wildlifesanctuary
jirrahlinga
48 likes • 1.1K views

📸 Bring Your Camera

Capture incredible close-up shots of native Australian wildlife. Instagram

📅 Check Opening Hours

The sanctuary is closed on Wednesdays, so plan your visit accordingly. Instagram

[ MUST VISIT ] We found Australia’s LARGEST koala sanctuary and yes, you can actually pat one! 🐨💫 For the nature lovers, the animal whisperers, and the wildlife-curious… this one’s for you. 🌿 Just 20 minutes from the city is @LonePineKoala Sanctuary, a peaceful pocket where you can get closer to Australia’s most iconic animals. Established in 1927, Lone Pine is recognised as the world’s oldest ...
brisbane
2.9K likes • 69.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Secure your entry and avoid queues by booking tickets in advance, especially for popular times. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the amazing animals. Instagram

📸 Bring Your Camera

Capture incredible close-up shots of native Australian wildlife. Instagram

📅 Check Opening Hours

The sanctuary is closed on Wednesdays, so plan your visit accordingly. Instagram

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Consider Junior Rangers

An amazing program for kids to feed and learn about animals. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(800 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary for its incredible, up-close animal encounters and the dedication of its staff. Many highlight the educational value and the unique opportunity to interact with native Australian wildlife, making it a highly recommended destination for families and animal lovers alike. Some minor dislikes include the sanctuary being closed on Wednesdays.

"Incredible experience and informative visit! Big shout out to the lovely people here. Appreciate to all their hard work and care for these animals. Will definitely be back and recommend families and friends visiting the area."

Y H

"A truly beautiful experience! I live locally and had seen the signs multiple times but never expected it to be so amazing! I can hear the dingo's howling from my home but to see these beautiful creatures Up Close and personal was a life-changing experience. Not to mention all the other Close encounters with Australia's most iconic native animals. I am truly looking forward to bringing international guests and young family members here on a regular basis! Hopefully they won't get sick of me visiting regularly!"

Johnny Gatt

"Absolutely loved going here. Got to meet so many animals and pet a few, too. Was an enjoyable experience and I'll definitely go back with friends or a cheeky date. Definitely worth the go."

Brayden Fraser

What People Like

Incredible close-up animal encounters
Knowledgeable and caring staff
Great for families and kids

What People Dislike

Closed on Wednesdays

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Jirrahlinga is located in Chewton, Victoria, about 1.5 hours from Melbourne. Driving is the most common way to reach the sanctuary. Ample parking is available on-site. Instagram

Public transport options are limited. You can take a train to Castlemaine and then a taxi or rideshare to the sanctuary. It's recommended to check current public transport schedules. Instagram

From Melbourne, take the M79/Calder Freeway towards Bendigo, then exit onto the B24 towards Chewton. Follow signs for Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary. Instagram

Yes, Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary offers free parking for visitors. Instagram

Absolutely! It's a perfect day trip from Melbourne, taking about 1.5 hours to drive each way. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices vary, and it's best to check the official Jirrahlinga website for the most up-to-date pricing for adults, children, and family passes. Booking online is recommended. Reddit

Yes, tickets are generally available for purchase at the sanctuary entrance, but booking online in advance is advised to guarantee entry, especially during busy periods. Reddit

Jirrahlinga is open 6 days a week and is closed on Wednesdays. Always check their official website for the most current opening hours before your visit. Instagram

Jirrahlinga offers unique experiences like the Junior Rangers program, which is highly recommended for children to interact closely with the animals and learn from knowledgeable rangers. Reddit

Jirrahlinga is a wildlife sanctuary focused on conservation and education, offering close encounters with native Australian animals rather than a traditional zoo experience. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see a variety of native Australian animals including koalas, dingos, wombats, lorikeets, and other birds. The sanctuary provides close-up encounters with these creatures. Instagram+2

Yes, Jirrahlinga is known for its close-up animal encounters, and visitors often have the opportunity to pet some of the animals, like koalas and wombats, under staff supervision. InstagramReddit

The sanctuary often has scheduled feeding times and educational talks by rangers, providing insights into the animals' behavior and conservation efforts. Check the daily schedule upon arrival. Reddit

Absolutely! Jirrahlinga is a fantastic destination for families. The Junior Rangers program is particularly engaging for kids, and the close encounters are memorable for all ages. InstagramReddit

The Junior Rangers program allows children to actively participate in feeding, cuddling, and learning about the animals from patient and kind rangers. It's a highly recommended experience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is highly encouraged! You'll have plenty of opportunities to capture stunning close-up shots of the native Australian wildlife. Instagram

While generally allowed, always be mindful of the animals' well-being and avoid using flash photography directly at them, especially during close encounters. Follow any specific instructions from the rangers. TikTok

The areas where you can get close to koalas, wombats, and dingos offer the most rewarding photo opportunities. The rangers can often guide you to the best viewing and photo spots. Reddit

Selfies are possible during supervised close encounters, but always prioritize the animal's comfort and safety. Rangers will guide you on appropriate interactions. Instagram

A camera with a good zoom lens is helpful for capturing details from a slight distance, but even a smartphone can capture great shots during the close encounters. Instagram

You may also like

Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide