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Nature · Cowes, Victoria
Koala Conservation Reserve
Reserve with elevated boardwalks through the eucalyptus canopy where you can see koalas up close, along with wallabies, echidnas and native birds.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Koala Conservation Reserve
The Koala Conservation Reserve is in the middle of Phillip Island, about 5 km from Cowes, and opened to the public in 1992. The reserve protects a patch of eucalyptus forest where a group of koalas lives, and allows visitors to see the animals in their natural environment, without enclosures.
Two elevated boardwalks run at canopy height where koalas sleep most of the day, tucked into branches. From these, visitors can get within a few metres of the animals. Ground-level trails cross the rest of the forest, where wallabies, echidnas and birds such as cockatoos and kookaburras can also be seen.
The visitor centre has an exhibition about koala life, their eucalyptus leaf diet and threats to the species. Koalas are not native to Phillip Island: they were introduced there in the late 19th century.
The reserve is part of Phillip Island Nature Parks, and there are combined tickets with the Penguin Parade and the Nobbies.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 to 1½ hours.
Best time
During the day, at any time of year; koalas sleep much of the time but tend to move more in the late afternoon.
How to get there
By car via Phillip Island Road, about 5 km from Cowes and 10 km from the San Remo bridge.
Tip
Walk slowly along the boardwalks and look up into the branch forks: koalas blend in with the tree bark.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Koala Conservation Reserve
Can you hold a koala?
No. In Victoria holding koalas is not permitted; in the reserve the animals are viewed from the boardwalks.
How many boardwalks does the reserve have?
Two elevated boardwalks at canopy height, plus walking trails through the bush.
Is there a combined ticket with the Penguin Parade?
Yes. Phillip Island Nature Parks sells combined tickets for the Penguin Parade and the Nobbies.