Koala Hospital Port Macquarie

On the New South Wales mid-north coast, the Koala Hospital Port Macquarie is a world-class wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre dedicated to the care of injured, sick, and orphaned koalas. Since 1973, this volunteer-run facility has treated thousands of koalas, offering visitors an intimate, educational, and deeply moving experience. It’s a must-visit for wildlife lovers and anyone wanting to support conservation efforts in Australia.

Highlights & What to See

• Guided Tours: Join a free guided tour (daily at 3pm) to learn about koala health, hospital operations, and the dedicated work of the volunteers. Tours offer behind-the-scenes looks at the treatment rooms and rehabilitation enclosures.
• Koala Viewing Areas: Wander the open-air enclosures where koalas in care can be observed up close. Look out for the famous ‘patients’ like ‘Bindy’, a koala rescued from the 2019-2020 bushfires.
• Gift Shop & Adoption Program: Purchase koala-themed souvenirs or symbolically adopt a koala to directly support the hospital’s work. Proceeds fund ongoing care and medical supplies.
• Wild Koalas in the Wild: After visiting the hospital, take a short drive to nearby Sea Acres Rainforest Centre or Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park to spot wild koalas in their natural habitat.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 1 to 2 hours for a thorough visit. The guided tour lasts about 45 minutes, after which you can explore the enclosures and gift shop at your leisure. Arrive before 3pm to join the tour, or visit earlier in the day for a quieter experience. Combine with a morning at the nearby Port Macquarie Coastal Walk or a lunch at the historic port area.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie Town Beach & Breakwall – a scenic waterfront with a famous painted rocks display and great swimming.
• Sea Acres Rainforest Centre – a protected coastal rainforest with boardwalks and abundant birdlife.
• Billabong Zoo – an interactive wildlife park with koala encounters, about 10 minutes’ drive.
• Lake Macquarie – Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lake, perfect for sailing, fishing, and lakeside picnics (45 minutes south).
• Nelson Bay & Tomaree National Park – stunning headland walks and dolphin cruises in Port Stephens (1 hour south).

Please check official sources for current details.