Narrandera Koala Sanctuary

Narrandera Koala Sanctuary offers one of the best opportunities in New South Wales to see koalas in a natural bushland setting. This volunteer-run sanctuary is a haven for rescued and rehabilitated koalas, and its open-air enclosures let you observe these iconic marsupials up close as they sleep, eat, and occasionally bicker over prime eucalypt branches. The sanctuary’s location on the Murrumbidgee River adds a tranquil backdrop, making it a peaceful stop on any Riverina road trip.

Highlights & What to See

• Koala Viewing Platforms: Stroll along raised boardwalks that bring you eye-level with koalas dozing in the forks of gum trees. The best viewing is early morning or late afternoon when they’re most active.
• Nocturnal House: Step into the dimly lit building to spot sugar gliders, bilbies, and other native night creatures. It’s a small but fascinating exhibit that reveals a whole different side of the Australian bush.
• Wombat and Wallaby Enclosures: Say hello to the sanctuary’s resident wombat and hand-feed friendly wallabies in a large walk-through yard. The wallabies are accustomed to visitors and will hop right up for a snack.
• Murrumbidgee River Walk: After exploring the sanctuary, follow the short riverside path for a picnic with views over the water. Keep an eye out for waterbirds and the occasional platypus.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 1.5–2 hours here, which gives you plenty of time to wander the loops, watch the koalas, and chat with the volunteer keepers. If you’re a keen photographer or have kids who want to linger with the wallabies, budget up to 3 hours. The sanctuary is open daily from 10am to 4pm, so it’s easy to slot in as a morning stop en route to Wagga Wagga or Griffith, or as a leisurely afternoon outing from Narrandera town centre.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Narrandera Town Centre: Just a 5-minute drive away, the historic main street has a handful of cafés, a pub, and the Narrandera Fisheries Centre, where you can see native fish like Murray cod in breeding ponds.
• Lake Talbot Water Park & Gardens: A lovely spot for a swim or paddle, with a sandy beach, water slides, and landscaped gardens perfect for a picnic – only 10 minutes from the sanctuary.
• Murrumbidgee River Canoeing & Fishing: The river offers gentle paddling and good fishing for Murray cod and golden perch. Several boat ramps are within a few kilometres of the sanctuary.
• Wagga Wagga: About 90 km east, Wagga has the excellent Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, the Botanic Gardens, and the award-winning Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory (45 minutes north).
• Griffith: 120 km west, Griffith is the heart of the Riverina wine region, with cellar doors, Italian-influenced restaurants, and the stunning Cocoparra National Park for bushwalking.

Please check official sources for current details.