Victoria is the stronghold of Australia's southern koala population, with three standout viewing areas within day-trip range of Melbourne. The Great Otway National Park along the Great Ocean Road, especially Kennett River and the Cape Otway lighthouse area, offers some of the country's most reliable wild sightings in the manna gum forests. The You Yangs Regional Park, just an hour from Melbourne, hosts a long-running research population studied since 2006, with well-marked tracks for self-guided spotting. Raymond Island in Gippsland Lakes is reached by a short ferry ride and has a dedicated 1.2 km koala walk where sightings in eucalyptus trees are near-guaranteed. Spring (September-November) brings peak activity and bellowing males during breeding season.
Victoria is the stronghold of Australia's southern koala population, with three standout viewing areas within day-trip range of Melbourne. The Great Otway National Park along the Great Ocean Road, especially Kennett River and the Cape Otway lighthouse area, offers some of the country's most reliable wild sightings in the manna gum forests. The You Yangs Regional Park, just an hour from Melbourne, hosts a long-running research population studied since 2006, with well-marked tracks for self-guided spotting. Raymond Island in Gippsland Lakes is reached by a short ferry ride and has a dedicated 1.2 km koala walk where sightings in eucalyptus trees are near-guaranteed. Spring (September-November) brings peak activity and bellowing males during breeding season.
Up to 95% sighting chance in Victoria, Great Otway, You Yangs & Raymond Island (Australia). Best months: September, October, November.
