Kuranda Koala Gardens
Get up close with iconic Australian wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies, in a memorable and interactive setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal interaction
Kuranda Koala Gardens
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Get up close with iconic Australian wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies, in a memorable and interactive setting.
"Absolutely phenomenal experience especially for the price. "
📸 Book Koala Photos Ahead
Koala patting sessions sell out fast! Secure your spot online to avoid disappointment. :ticket:
🦘 Feed the Roos!
General admission includes kangaroo feeding. Grab some food and make new furry friends! :handwithfingers_splayed:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Koala Patting Experience
Koala enclosures
Hold an iconic koala and capture a memory that lasts a lifetime. Bookings essential!
Kangaroo & Wallaby Feeding
Kangaroo and wallaby enclosures
Get up close and personal with Australia's marsupials. Feeding is included with general admission!
Nocturnal House
Nocturnal animal section
Discover Australia's fascinating night creatures in a dimly lit, immersive environment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Koala Cuddles & Crowd Control
Beyond the Koalas
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Book Koala Photos Ahead
Koala patting sessions sell out fast! Secure your spot online to avoid disappointment. :ticket:
🦘 Feed the Roos!
General admission includes kangaroo feeding. Grab some food and make new furry friends! :handwithfingers_splayed:
🦉 Nocturnal Wonders
Don't miss the nocturnal house for a chance to see unique Australian night animals. :flashlight:
💰 Student Discount
Students get a 10% discount on admission. Remember to bring your ID! :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Book Koala Photos Ahead
Koala patting sessions sell out fast! Secure your spot online to avoid disappointment. :ticket:
🦘 Feed the Roos!
General admission includes kangaroo feeding. Grab some food and make new furry friends! :handwithfingers_splayed:
🦉 Nocturnal Wonders
Don't miss the nocturnal house for a chance to see unique Australian night animals. :flashlight:
💰 Student Discount
Students get a 10% discount on admission. Remember to bring your ID! :moneywithwings:
⏱️ Time Your Visit
The park is relatively small, so allow 1-2 hours to see everything comfortably. :clock:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Kuranda Koala Gardens for its phenomenal and affordable wildlife encounters, particularly the chance to hold a koala and feed kangaroos. The staff are noted for being informative and ensuring animal welfare. Some guests mention that the enclosures could be larger, but overall, it's considered a memorable and worthwhile experience, especially for those seeking a taste of Australian wildlife.
"A great animal park! It may be small, but there is a lot of see, and the opportunity to have a photo taken with a koala can’t be beat.
The exhibits were all nice and provided a nice place for the animals. The kangaroo feeding area was a lot of fun as well.
The staff were friendly and knowledgeable and willing to take the time to answer questions."
Crys
"Being able to pet a koala was a good experience here and also clean. The staff have you sanitize your hands before and after you pet them for their safety and yours, and they show your how to pet a koala."
Sarah Harston
"Absolutely phenomenal experience especially for the price. If birds and butterflies interest you, get the package but we just wanted to stick with some Australia basics and were pressed for time. Feeding kangaroos is included in the general admission. That being so low makes it easier to splurge on the koala patting pictures! Worth every penny. Being able to pat the koala was awesome. The staff answered lots of questions and it made me feel so much better to learn that individual koalas only take 30 minutes of pictures a week. And he’s happy and snacking the whole time. All the animals look so well taken care of. Once in a lifetime experience."
Hannah Joyce
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kuranda Koala Gardens is located in Kuranda, about a 45-minute drive from Cairns. You can drive yourself, take a shuttle bus, or combine it with a visit to the Kuranda Scenic Railway or Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for a full day experience.
Yes, there are shuttle bus services available from Cairns to Kuranda, which will get you close to the gardens.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Absolutely! Kuranda is a popular day trip destination. Many visitors combine it with the Kuranda Scenic Railway, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, and the Kuranda Heritage Markets.
Yes, there is typically parking available near the gardens in Kuranda.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission prices vary, but you can expect to pay around 100 HKD (approximately $20 AUD) for entry. Koala patting photos are an additional cost, around 200 HKD (approximately $40 AUD).
It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance, especially for the koala patting photo sessions, as they can sell out quickly.
Yes, students can receive a 10% discount on admission.
General admission typically includes entry to see the koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, crocodiles, lizards, and access to the nocturnal house. Hand feeding kangaroos is also usually included.
Yes, packages are often available that include general admission and the koala patting photo experience. Check their website for current offerings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, crocodiles, snakes, lizards, and various nocturnal animals.
Yes, you can hold a koala and get a professional photo taken for an additional fee. This is a very popular experience.
Most visitors spend about 1-2 hours at the gardens to see all the animals and participate in any included activities.
Some visitors have noted that the enclosures can be a bit small for some animals.
Many visitors find it a phenomenal experience, especially for the price, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with Australian wildlife.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, you are welcome to take photos throughout the gardens. Professional photos are also available during the koala patting sessions.
Mornings are generally less crowded, which can make for better photo opportunities.
Generally, no specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be mindful of the animals and other visitors.
Yes, professional koala patting photos are a key offering, usually taken by staff.
Expect close-ups of koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and other Australian wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds and allow for a more relaxed pace. Remember to bring your camera for those unforgettable moments!
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Capturing the interaction of visitors with kangaroos and wallabies during feeding times can also yield dynamic shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Koala Experience
It's crucial to book this in advance as sessions are limited and sell out quickly. This interaction is often described as a 'dream come true' and a 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity.
Koala Welfare Considerations
While the opportunity to hold a koala is exciting, it's important to note that some visitors have expressed concerns about the size of animal enclosures.
Beyond Koalas: Other Wildlife Encounters
Visitors often enjoy seeing the kangaroos and wallabies in their enclosures, though some note they can be a bit reserved. The gardens also house a variety of other Australian fauna, including crocodiles, snakes, and lizards.
A Glimpse into Australian Biodiversity
While the park may be considered relatively small by some, it provides a fantastic introduction to Australian wildlife for those with limited time or who are new to the country.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit