Family Pass - MarketPlace
Duration:
Operated By:
Save money with our Family Pass for 2 Adults and 2 Children (4 to 13 years).
Enjoy all-day admission to Port Stephens newest attraction!
The Koala Sanctuary offers families a unique opportunity to see koalas in their natural habitat that will support their long-term rehabilitation and preservation in the Port Stephens region. This a new opportunity to directly contribute to the preservation of koalas in Port Stephens.
The Sanctuary SKYwalk and viewing platform is a 225 metre in length elevated pathway and viewing platform, offering a unique ‘tree top’ perspective into the koala’s natural habitat, a perfect photo opportunity and educational experience – closes at 4pm
The kids will enjoy ‘Kasey’s Tale’ the story of koala as they explore the 250 metre in length Sanctuary Story Walk filled with large scale sculptures, habitat and local environment information.
Visit the state-of-the-art Koala Hospital with Intensive Care Unit treatment rooms and holding pens. Take a look through the hospital viewing window as veterinary staff carry out *examinations and administer treatment to koala inpatients’. *Treatment times vary.
After you have experienced all the attractions of the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, finish off with a visit to Fat Possum Café that offers a range of ‘grab and go’ eats and treats, great baristas coffees and snacks for the kids all served in a tranquil bushland setting. Or take home a memento of your visit as you browse through the retail kiosk that offers a variety of quality gifts and souvenirs of the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary.
Family Pass Ticket Information:
Family Passes are for 2 Adults and 2 Children (4 to 13 years)
Family Pass Tickets provide all day general admission from 9am till 5pm
Note: Children under 13 years of age must be accompanied and supervised by an Adult.
Infants are (3 years and under and are FREE)
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
SUITS
Interests:
Skill Level:
Suitability:
Accessibility:
Share:
Come if you have spare time and would like to relax.
This was a beautiful place to visit. We were greeted warmly by our guide who was so welcoming and friendly. She then proceeded to take us on our own personal tour through the sanctuary explaining how it supported and provided not just koalas 🐨, even though that’s the sanctuary’s primary focus, but other animals in need of care also. She took us the glam cabins where you can stay. They looked fantastic from our standpoint. There were quite a few of them. There’s also glam tents ⛺️ available to stay at. We went past the sanctuary hospital where the animals are treated. There is a large window where you can look inside to see the animals being treated. From there we went onto the Sanctuary story walk which guides you through the trees where the koalas being treated are kept. The guide was constantly giving us so much information about each koala, their names and how they were injured and so on. It seemed nothing was off limits. Even the nutrient value of koala droppings being collected and fed to the other koalas. Apparently it’s very good for them. Who knew? 😂🤷♀️ At the top of the story walk, we were met by one of the volunteer ambassadors to help us spot the koalas 🐨 in the trees. She was wonderful in answering questions also. The tour was approximately 1 hour in length and I couldn’t recommend enough. Totally worth it as you learn so much more than if you were just going through by yourself. Back at the beginning is the gift shop which had a very good selection of souvenirs. Most of the money, if not all, goes back into the care of the koalas 🐨. It’s very accessible, easy to walk around and if needed, to push a wheelchair 🦽. There’s good toilet 🚻 facilities and plenty of parking 🅿️. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend. A HUGE Thumbs up!!! 👍👍👍
We arrived and were warmly greeted by the reception team who outlined the walking route. We walked along and dropped into the vets area but it was empty we then walked up the elevated ramp and were greeted by Michael, one of the ambassadors, who talked us through the different Koalas and also pointed out where they were in the trees and explained a little about each one’s story.
We then went to the last enclosure and whilst we were looking Doreen gave us a really insightful talk about Koalas in general with a huge amount of information and really informative. Doreen’s passion for Koala was heartwarming.
I could not recommend the sanctuary enough, it was a fabulous 2 hours made better by the knowledge of both Michael and Doreen. Massive thanks to both of them for making this a memorable visit.
And one other thing is that the entrance fee and any donations go into the care of Koalas (bearing in mind that 60,000 Koalas perished in the most recent forest fires)
The best way to really understand and see how koalas are rescued and how they live in the wilderness. It’s pretty much like seeing them in the wild because the sanctuary is located in the actual forest. Do not hesitate to come visit, perfect activity for kids too. X
It included a free guided tour of the where the Koalas lived after being rescued. I would 100% recommend going on the tour because you get to see the koalas darling in the morning, in the few hours where they aren’t all sleeping!
Our tour was led by Ali who was super knowledgable and obviously very passionate about koalas. She was incredible!
And you could walk around as much as you wanted every day, to see the adorable koalas.
Honestly an amazing experience, 10/10.
We dropped in after a long drive not really knowing what to expect. In the end they have about a dozen koalas in care. The hospital is currently closed (due to building an extension). To walk a round takes less than 30 minutes. If you read all the signs, it takes a little but more. If you want to take nice pictures you will require even more time. The goal is noble, but they charge a steep price (an no reduction price since the hospital is closed). The facility is well maintained, but the question is, is that worth your money. You will be supporting a local initiative, but if you just want to look at koalas or take a picture of them you might be better off at another place. The prices for drinks and food are quite reasonable.
One of the highlights for us was the storytelling session about koalas, which was both informative and engaging, making us feel connected to these beautiful creatures. The sanctuary also houses a charming little gift shop stocked with delightful items. We couldn't resist bringing home three adorable koala soft toys—each one as lovely as the last.
Additionally, the sanctuary features a spa complete with a pool, adding a touch of luxury and relaxation to the visit. This makes it an ideal spot for families looking to combine education with leisure during their holidays.
Overall, I highly recommend the Koala Sanctuary for anyone looking to take their kids on a holiday that is both educational and enjoyable. It's a place that offers more than just a glimpse into the life of Australia's beloved koalas; it provides a full, enriching experience that will be remembered fondly.
Pros
- BBQ facilities great
- Room facilities very good, had everything could need
- Hamper very plentiful, lasted us days beyond our stay.
- staff friendly and helpful
- tour enjoyable and informative
Cons
- Koala enclosure closes at 4.45pm so we were only able to see them as part of the tour the next morning
I booked this after seeing reviews on booking.com that you could spot koalas from the tents. This is highly unlikely as koalas are in their own enclosures. Would stay in the cheaper accommodation on-site as everyone gets to do the morning tours together, as didn’t feel tent was worth the price for just one night.
The bed and room were very comfortable and the location within the Sanctuary was peaceful.
We enjoyed an excellent tour of the rehabbing koalas the following morning and appreciate that part of the cost to stay here goes towards running the hospital facilities.
Excellent.
A thoroughly delightful walk around learning about koalas habitat, threats, rescues and more.
Guided tours for $3 or $5 optional. Small & tasteful gift shop (and Cafe.)
Clean toilets.
Very well priced ( so much so I gave a donation extra), especially given the vet treatment the koalas receive there.
Well worth a visit. Allow an hour. (We took a leisurely 90 minutes) Though if you don't like watching koalas sleeping with an occasional munching, scratching or repositioning for more sleep, you could do it in 30-40 minutes.
We didn't have a pram or wheelchair but didn't see any steps and it was a wide flat path, so all looked very user friendly (having been on crutches recently I notice now walkways and steps more!).
has magnificent Eucalypt and banksia trees for them to have diversity. Fresh food (even misted with water) is supplied daily in bountiful amounts, plus there are signs asking people to be quiet so not to distress them.
A thoroughly delightful walk around learning about koalas habitat, threats, rescues and more.
Guided tours for extra $3 or $5 optional.
Small but tasteful gift shop (and cafe.)
Clean toilets.
Very well priced ( so much so I gave a donation extra), especially given the vet treatment the koalas receive there.
Well worth a visit. Allow an hour. (We took a leisurely 90 minutes) Though if you don't like watching koalas sleeping with an occasional munching, scratching or repositioning for more sleep, you could do it in 30-40 minutes.
Staff are incredibly attentive throughout, especially Renee and the cleaners.
The breakfast hamper was generous (see picture), and we were offered a refill on items halfway through our stay. Such a great place for families, the pool is well shaded, and two new umbrellas were added during our stay. Could do well to add a playground, even a natural one, to complement the surrounds
overall it was an amazing experience.
All staff were so lovely and our tour with Ali was the perfect way to start the day!
Such a relaxing stay!
We walked to the beach- it is a hard walk on soft sand. If you have little children I would suggest you went through the caravan park across the road to get to the beach.
It took about 1 hour to go through the sanctuary and the signage explained the koala which we saw and how they got there. Interesting material!
We did manage to see all 10 koala who were out in their enclosures. They are not very active so look hard, usually in the crook of a tree.
Worth the visit.
Each Koala enclosure was spotless and everything in them for their day to day needs
The Koalas we’re having their sleeps up in the tree tops and looked very contented
The info centre staff ladies were sooo! helpful they even sorted out our Bus Timetable queries
As was the staff in the lovely cafe
We highly recommend a visit to this park for anyone.
Their admission fees were very reasonable as well !! especially for all the hard work that must go on a day to day/ nights basis
Many thanks to all ….for a great visit
Terry and Julie
Why pay for a hotel when you can relax in this beautiful environment, visit the koalas, make new friends,enjoy a coffee and bite to eat and cool off in the pool and spa?
Thank you for a wonderful stay and congratulations on winning the Gold Tourist Attraction Award for 2023 - it's very well deserved!
Please beware. Dreadful service and attitude.
Location was perfect and all the staff were so friendly and went above and beyond
It was heart warming to see how loved and looked after the koalas are in their own environment and we already miss seeing them
we are already planning our next trip and will definitely be staying here again ! Five stars from us
Defo worth the visit. We went towards the the end of the day, only 1 koala was active. Best time to visit is first thing In the morning
A special shout-out to Jane who really made our visit unforgettable. The Koala Sanctuary workers are not only caring for the sick and injured koalas today, they are mobilising the leaders of tomorrow, through education, so they will take the torch.
































