Koala Encounter on the Great Ocean Road – Meet a Koala in Victoria
Get Up Close and Personal with Australia's Iconic Koalas
Meet Popeye, our resident koala, in a calm, up-close encounter led by one of our keepers. It’s hands-on but hugs-free: you’ll get within arm’s reach, feel how dense a koala’s fur really is, and learn what caring for him day to day actually involves. No big crowds, no rushing, just real time with one of Australia’s most loved animals.
What to Expect
The encounter runs at Popeye’s pace rather than to a strict script, so no two are quite the same.
Each close-up encounter runs for around 10 minutes and costs $35 AUD per person. Sessions run throughout the day, are kept to a small group, and are guided by one of our trained keepers. Before you head in, your keeper gives a short briefing on how to approach Popeye safely and respectfully.
In a typical session, you can:
- Get right up close while he stays settled in his eucalyptus tree
- Feel his fur and see how he’s built for climbing and dozing
- Offer him a few leaves if the timing’s right and he’s interested
- Take close-up photos while a keeper shares how we look after him
- Learn why koalas sleep up to 20 hours a day and what that means for their diet
Because koalas are sensitive animals with their own rhythms, feeding and how active Popeye is on the day can’t be guaranteed. He sets the tone, which is part of what makes it feel genuine rather than staged.
Why Visit Us For a Koala Encounter on the Great Ocean Road?
A relaxed, keeper-led way to meet a koala up close, built around the animal’s comfort as much as yours.
- A hands-on koala encounter
Get close to Popeye in a guided session led by our wildlife team. It’s hands-on but hugs-free, so you can pat his fur and watch him up close while he stays settled in his tree. Calm for you, safe for him. - A natural sanctuary setting
Popeye’s home is designed to reflect how koalas live in the wild, so you’re meeting him in a low-stress environment. It’s also a chance to see how wildlife parks help protect native Australian animals. - Made for families and first-timers
Whether you’re travelling the Great Ocean Road with kids or simply love wildlife, this is an easy way for all ages to meet a koala in Victoria. No experience needed. - Keeper-led koala education
Our team shares the things people don’t expect, from why koalas sleep so much to what they eat and the conservation challenges they face. You’ll leave knowing more than when you arrived. - Feed a koala, when he’s willing
Depending on Popeye’s feeding routine and our animal welfare guidelines, you may get to offer him eucalyptus leaves under a keeper’s guidance. It’s never forced, which is what makes it a genuine moment when it happens.
A Top Place to Meet a Koala in Victoria
A few hours from Melbourne on the Great Ocean Road, our koala experience is a calm, close-up way to meet Popeye. In a keeper-led session you can:
- Pat his fur in a relaxed, respectful setting
- Help feed him eucalyptus leaves when he’s willing
- Hear about koala behaviour and conservation from our keepers
Afterwards, explore the rest of the park and grab a bite at our on-site organic café before carrying on to the Twelve Apostles.
Can you hold a koala here?
No. Holding koalas isn’t permitted anywhere in Victoria, so you won’t be lifting or cuddling Popeye, and any venue in the state offering that isn’t doing it by the book. The law exists for the animal’s sake: being picked up and held can stress a koala out.
What you can do is meet him up close, gently pat his fur while he stays in his tree, help feed him when he’s willing, and come away with some lovely photos. It’s a closer, calmer experience than most people expect, and a far better one for the koala.
You can read more in our guide to koala laws and ethical encounters in Australia.
Schools & Groups – Koala Encounter
Get Up Close with Australia's Iconic Koalas!
Koalas are gentle, fascinating creatures that symbolize the need for conservation. Our wildlife park is committed to educating the public through interactive, respectful experiences with these marsupials.
Through our program, visitors gain deeper insight into:
Koala diets, habits, and the role of eucalyptus.
The importance of koala conservation in Australia.
Myths and facts about koalas and their lifestyle.
Our mission is to foster appreciation and action for native wildlife through koala petting in Australia and guided experiences.
Online Bookings
- Individuals and small groups can book online.
- School groups and bus tours – Please contact us for a quote or more information about tailored educational experiences.
Book now to secure your experience!
Over-the-counter Bookings
Walk-ins are welcome, but we recommend booking online to guarantee your koala encounter in Australia.