Treetop boardwalks at first light, eucalypt shadows by noon.
Hand-picked by our editors — only the best 5 experiences from 41 reviewed.
Verified partners for Koala Sanctuary Port Stephens tours, free cancellation where available, and instant confirmation on every booking.
1 hr
Speedy, crowd-free cruise across Port Stephens to meet the bay's resident bottlenose dolphins.
Reserve
1 hr 30 min
Sail Port Stephens Harbour aboard one of the bay's largest boats in search of resident bottlenose dolphins.
Reserve
1 hr
Ride an ATV across Australia's tallest dunes on a guided 1-hour adventure near Port Stephens.
Reserve
12 hr
Full-day Port Stephens escape with dolphin cruising, wild koalas and dune sandboarding from Sydney.
Reserve
10 hr
Full-day Sydney escape with dolphin spotting in Nelson Bay and dune sandboarding at Anna Bay.
ReservePrices from verified partners. Availability updates in real time at checkout. Free cancellation policies apply where shown.
The 562 Gan Gan Road site opened on land donated to shelter chlamydia-stricken and bushfire-displaced marsupials, not as a zoo but as a working koala hospital with public viewing folded around it.
Every resident at the koala sanctuary port stephens is non-releasable: too injured, too habituated, or too compromised by disease to return to the bushland that hems One Mile in on three sides.
That origin still shapes the visit today. The elevated SKYwalk pushes guests into the canopy at eucalypt-fork height, while the Story Walk threads ground-level interpretation about habitat loss along the Tomaree corridor. Port Stephens koala sanctuary admission at 28 AUD funds veterinary care directly, which is why so many port stephens koala sanctuary tickets are bundled with dolphin cruises and 4WD sandboarding — a single port stephens koala sanctuary day tour from Sydney now anchors most coach itineraries north of the Hawkesbury.
"Every resident is non-releasable — the sanctuary exists because the bush no longer can."
A step-by-step walkthrough of Koala Sanctuary Port Stephens tickets — what you'll see, how long each stage takes, and the details that matter.
You turn off Nelson Bay Road around nine, park beside the gum stand, and collect your wristband before the morning feed begins. The keepers move first; you follow them onto the SKYwalk, eye-level with Archer or Cardamom as they shift in the forks.
A koala sanctuary port stephens tour guide points out claw scars and ear tags, explaining which animal came from which fire ground.
By mid-morning you drop to the Story Walk, reading panels between rustling brush-turkeys, then circle back for the veterinary window. Most port stephens koala sanctuary tickets leave you here by lunch — enough time to drive to Birubi Beach for the afternoon dune run before the 17:00 close.
Collect your ticket at the entrance and join the short guided introduction from a sanctuary educator covering koala biology, rescue protocols and rehabilitation goals.
Follow the 250-metre meandering Sanctuary Storywalk through native eucalyptus groves, reading educational panels and viewing large-scale koala sculptures that illustrate the species' life cycle.
Observe veterinary staff and volunteers treating sick and injured koalas through the hospital's dedicated viewing window — the operating theatre and intensive care pens are often visible during morning rounds.
Walk the 225-metre elevated treetop boardwalk to reach the observation platform, where wild recovering koalas can be seen resting and feeding in the eucalyptus canopy.
Finish the visit with a coffee or snack at the Fat Possum Café and browse conservation-themed souvenirs, with proceeds supporting on-site wildlife care.
The landmarks, rooms, and views travelers on Koala Sanctuary Port Stephens tours remember — all visible on a single visit.
The 225-metre elevated treetop boardwalk rises into the eucalyptus canopy, placing visitors at eye level with wild recovering koalas — a perspective unavailable from ground level at any other facility in NSW.
A floor-to-ceiling glass viewing window lets visitors observe the working hospital where veterinary staff treat sick and injured koalas in an operating theatre and intensive care unit — the only publicly visible koala hospital of its kind in the Hunter region.
The 250-metre ground-level path is lined with large-scale bronze and timber koala sculptures marking key stages of the species' life cycle, with interpretive panels drawing on decades of field research from Port Stephens Koalas.
Tucked into the bushland setting at the end of the visitor circuit, the café serves lemon myrtle tea made from leaves grown on-site — a detail frequently cited in guest reviews — alongside barista coffee and conservation-themed souvenirs.
The observation deck at the apex of the SKYwalk offers sightlines across the 8-hectare bushland habitat and, on clear days, stretches to Samurai Beach and Port Stephens bay — giving context to the scale of the koala's natural territory.
Every Koala Sanctuary Port Stephens tour side-by-side — duration, what's included, how you redeem.
| Experience | From | Duration | Transfers | Pickup | Lunch | Tax inc. | Free cancel. | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Skip-the-line Most popular
Port Stephens 1-Hour Dolphin Watch Express
|
— | 1 hr | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €34 | Book → |
|
Standard Entry
Port Stephens Dolphin Discovery Cruise
|
— | 1 hr 30 min | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €28 | Book → |
|
Guided Experience
Port Stephens Worimi Sand Dune Quad Bike Adventure
|
— | 1 hr | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €55 | Book → |
|
Premium Combo
Port Stephens Day Trip: Dolphin Cruise, Koalas & Sandboarding
|
— | 12 hr | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €122 | Book → |
|
Luxury / Private
Port Stephens Dolphin Watching & Sandboarding Day Trip from Sydney
|
Sydney | 10 hr | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €203 | Book → |
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Arrive at the entrance, show your voucher on your phone, and walk in. Most tickets include priority or skip-the-line access.
Practical details for Koala Sanctuary Port Stephens tickets straight from our verified partners — hours, access, rules, and how to get there.
562 Gan Gan Road, One Mile NSW 2316
Free on-site parking directly adjacent; bus stop on Gan Gan Road is a one-minute walk
Open in Google MapsDrive via Gan Gan Road to 562 Gan Gan Road, One Mile; free on-site parking available
Port Stephens Coaches operate direct services from Sydney and Newcastle; alight at the Gan Gan Road stop, a one-minute walk to the entrance
Taxis and rideshare services operate from Nelson Bay township to the sanctuary
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking approximately 1 km of bush paths and an elevated boardwalk. The Storywalk, SKYwalk and Koala Viewing Platform are outdoors and unshaded, so sun-protective clothing and a hat are strongly advised. Lightweight layers are useful in the cooler autumn and winter months.
Small day packs and backpacks are welcome; no formal bag check is required on entry. Alcohol brought in by day visitors is strictly prohibited under sanctuary conditions. Keep belongings secure, as the site is in open bushland.
Personal photography and video are encouraged throughout the koala sanctuary port stephens grounds, including on the SKYwalk and Viewing Platform. Flash photography near koalas is not permitted, as bright flashes cause stress to the animals. Drone use is not allowed within the sanctuary boundaries.
The Storywalk, SKYwalk and Koala Viewing Platform are designed to be wheelchair-friendly, though the SKYwalk includes a gentle incline. Accessible parking bays are available in all parking sections. Visitors with specific mobility requirements are encouraged to contact the sanctuary on +61 2 4988 0800 before their visit. Guide Dogs and registered Assistance Dogs are the only animals permitted on-site.
Mobile phone data coverage is available across the site, though on-site Wi-Fi is very limited and cannot be guaranteed. Visitors are asked to keep phone calls quiet near koala viewing areas to minimise noise disturbance to the animals.
Children under 17 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times. The koala sanctuary port stephens offers a child admission category for ages 3–17 at a discounted rate. The 250-metre Storywalk features large-scale koala sculptures and educational panels designed to engage younger visitors, making it one of the most family-oriented wildlife experiences in the Port Stephens region. A 3 Day Pass is included with all general admission purchases, allowing families to return over three consecutive days at no extra cost.
The Fat Possum Café on-site serves barista-made coffees, cold drinks, light snacks and children's treats. The café also stocks a small range of gifts and souvenirs, with a portion of every sale directed to koala conservation programs. Picnic areas are available within the grounds; visitors are welcome to bring their own food for outdoor dining outside of designated wildlife zones.
No pets are permitted within the sanctuary grounds, in accordance with the Federal Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (amended 2009, Section 54A(4B)), which prioritises the welfare of on-site koalas. The sole exception is registered Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs, for which valid supporting evidence must be presented at entry. Assistance animals are not permitted access to the SKYwalk or the Port Stephens Koala Hospital viewing area.
The sanctuary opened on 26 September 2020 and sits within 8 hectares of eucalyptus bushland on the Port Stephens peninsula. Every ticket purchase contributes a percentage directly to wild koala conservation and preservation programs. Visitors who spot a sick or injured koala outside the sanctuary can call the 24-hour rescue line on 1800 775 625.
562 Gan Gan Road, One Mile NSW 2316
Free on-site parking directly adjacent; bus stop on Gan Gan Road is a one-minute walk
Get directionsBest time to go, insider tips, nearby landmarks, and the cancellation fine print — flip through to skim what matters to you.
How crowds, weather, and events shift across the year.
Eucalyptus foliage is lush and koalas are active; school-holiday weeks in late September bring larger crowds.
Warm weather suits outdoor walks but December 25 and January 1 are closure days; January school holidays are the peak crowd period.
Mild temperatures and thinner crowds make this one of the most comfortable seasons for the open-air boardwalk; koalas are often more visible on cool mornings.
Cooler and quietest period; note the sanctuary operates reduced hours (09:00–16:00) in winter with last entry at 15:00.
Small details that turn a good visit into a great one.
Tickets can sell out on school-holiday weekends; booking online also reduces wait time at the entrance gate.
Koalas are most active in the early morning when veterinary rounds and feeding occur — the koala sanctuary port stephens recommends arriving at opening to maximise sighting opportunities.
Every general admission ticket includes a free 3 Day Pass allowing re-entry on two additional consecutive days — valuable if koalas are sleeping high in the canopy on your first visit.
The SKYwalk boardwalk can be damp and slippery after rain; closed-toe shoes with rubber soles make the elevated walk more comfortable and safe.
From June the sanctuary operates on reduced winter hours (09:00–16:00); visiting outside these hours will result in a missed entry.
If you see a sick koala anywhere in Port Stephens, the 24-hour rescue line is 1800 775 625 — sanctuary staff can also advise on next steps during your visit.
Non-bookable sights within a short walk — free to visit, easy to pair.
Patrolled surf beach directly adjacent to the sanctuary with calm northern waters.
Elevated hilltop lookout offering panoramic views across Port Stephens bay and the Tomaree Peninsula.
Secluded surf beach within the Tomaree National Park, popular with surfers and birdwatchers.
Historic WWII lookout at the tip of the peninsula with 360-degree coastal views; the summit walk is approximately 1.2 km return.
Gateway to the Worimi Conservation Lands and Australia's largest moving coastal sand dune system.
Flexible, no hidden fees.
Admission tickets of 28 AUD are non-refundable once used; unused tickets may be amended or cancelled up to 24 hours before the booked entry date for a full refund. For accommodation cancellations, refer to the separate Accommodation Deposits and Cancellation Policy 2025–2026 available at portstephenskoalasanctuary.com.au.
Hand-picked options within walking distance — pick a district for vibe, or a specific hotel for convenience.
On-site glamping tents and hotel-style suites within the sanctuary grounds, offering early morning koala access before public opening.
Full-service resort on the foreshore of Shoal Bay with pool, spa and harbour views.
Range of holiday parks, motels and self-contained cottages centred on the Anna Bay township.
Mid-range motels and holiday apartments near Salamander Bay shopping precinct.
The sanctuary is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00, with last entry at 16:00 and the SKYwalk closing at 16:45. The site closes on Christmas Day (25 December) and New Year's Day (1 January). During winter months (June–August) hours reduce to 09:00–16:00 with last entry at 15:00.
A general admission adult ticket costs 28 AUD for visitors aged 14 and over and covers all-day entry to the 250-metre Storywalk, the 225-metre elevated SKYwalk boardwalk, the Koala Viewing Platform and the Koala Hospital viewing window. Every ticket also includes a 3 Day Pass allowing re-entry on two further consecutive days at no additional cost.
Yes — the Storywalk, SKYwalk and Koala Viewing Platform are all designed to be wheelchair-friendly. The SKYwalk includes a gentle incline, so visitors with specific mobility needs are encouraged to call +61 2 4988 0800 before their visit. Accessible parking bays are available throughout all on-site parking areas.
Last entry to koala sanctuary port stephens is at 16:00 daily (15:00 in winter). The SKYwalk and viewing platform close at 16:45, so arriving by mid-afternoon is the latest recommended window to experience all areas of the sanctuary comfortably.
No pets are permitted anywhere in the sanctuary grounds in order to protect the resident koalas. The only exception is registered Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs, which must be accompanied by valid supporting documentation at entry. Assistance animals are not permitted on the SKYwalk or inside the Koala Hospital.
Arriving between 09:00 and 11:00 offers the best chance of observing active koalas, as veterinary feeding rounds and morning care take place in this window. Autumn (March–May) brings mild temperatures and thinner crowds, making it one of the most relaxed seasons for this Port Stephens wildlife experience.
Personal photography and video are encouraged across all areas of the koala sanctuary port stephens, including on the elevated SKYwalk. Flash photography directly near koalas is prohibited to avoid stressing the animals. Drones are not permitted within sanctuary boundaries.
The Fat Possum Café serves barista coffees, cold drinks, light snacks and children's treats on-site. Visitors may also bring their own food for use in the picnic areas, provided it is kept away from wildlife zones. Alcohol brought by day visitors onto the grounds is not permitted under sanctuary conditions.
Port Stephens Coaches run direct services from both Sydney and Newcastle, stopping on Gan Gan Road directly outside the sanctuary entrance — a one-minute walk to the gate. For timetables and fares, visit pscoaches.com.au or call 02 4982 2940. By car, the sanctuary is a 10-minute drive from Nelson Bay and 55 minutes from Newcastle.
Children aged 3–17 may visit at a discounted child admission rate but must be accompanied and supervised by an adult (aged 16 or over) at all times throughout the sanctuary. Children under 3 are admitted free. The 250-metre Storywalk with its educational sculptures is specifically designed to engage younger visitors.
Unused tickets may be amended or cancelled up to 24 hours before the booked entry date for a full refund on the 28 AUD admission. Tickets that have already been used at entry are non-refundable. Accommodation bookings are governed by a separate policy available on the official website.
A koala sanctuary port stephens tour pairs naturally with Tomaree Head Summit (15 min drive) for panoramic coastal views, One Mile Beach (2 min drive) for a post-visit swim, and the Stockton Sand Dunes at Birubi Beach (10 min drive) for sandboarding in the Worimi Conservation Lands. Nelson Bay township, 10 minutes away, offers waterfront dining and dolphin-watching cruises.
