Phillip Island tours
Koala Conservation Reserve

Koala Conservation Reserve tickets

Timings

A Koala at Koala Conservation Reserve
























































From happy customers

Loved by 48 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Stacey Vickman
AU

Stacey

Australia
Feb 2026

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+1 more

Beautiful weather, friendly guides. Best seats on the sand (brought a picnic blanket). The visitor centre was also worthwhile. Nothing beats nature at its finest like this.
Dianne MacDougall
AU

Dianne

Australia
Feb 2026

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Lots of wildlife. Saw penguins. Staff and volunteers were informative, friendly and helpful. Even saw a couple of the endangered bandicoot. Beautiful environment.
Karen Draeger
AU

Karen

Australia
Feb 2026

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+2 more

We as a family had a wonderful morning on the cruise, the weather was perfect, water was quite calm .The scenery & the colours of the water were beautiful & we got to see 2 Seals .Highly recommended going on the cruise. Loved it .
Daniel davey
AU

Daniel

Australia
Mar 2026
#Such a beautiful experience made even better by the staff. Katie a staff member reminded me and my family that there are still such amazing people in this world who are kind and selfless. 10/10
Annelie Brackhahn

Annelie

Mar 2026
It was so special and magical to watch all these little penguins returning home! We had a wonderful evening and also the guide Lucky was very helpfull and answered all our questions.
Lynn Abel
GB

Lynn

United Kingdom
Mar 2026
#Chris H was a fantastic driver/guide, he knew so many interesting facts and was a lot of fun too. He gave us tips on the best place to sit to see the penguins and it worked a treat. Overall just a fab day out, would highly recommend to anyone.
Stephanie Ng

Stephanie

Feb 2026
Jono shared lots of useful information and fun facts about his experiences. His service was very appreciated. Besides, his voice is so nice to listen to; he should do a podcast.
Aleysha koutsoupias
AU

Aleysha

Australia
Feb 2026
The penguin parade was amazing! The volunteers helped us to understand and also answered all of our questions. The gift shop is also the perfect place to grad a thing or two to remember the occasion. we also saw other wildlife!

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Top things to do in Melbourne

Meet adorable Aussie marsupials with Koala Conservation Reserve tickets

The Koala Conservation Reserve is a protected area in Australia that is dedicated to the conservation of koalas and their habitat. The reserve, located in Phillip Island, Victoria, covers over 10 hectares of land and is home to a large number of koalas and other native Australian wildlife. Visitors can take part in guided tours and learn about koala conservation efforts and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The reserve is an important part of Australia's efforts to protect and preserve its unique flora and fauna.

Why Visit Koala Conservation Reserve

A family enjoying at the  Koala Conservation Reserve in Phillip Island
  • See koalas in their natural habitat: The reserve is home to a large number of koalas, and visitors can see these iconic Australian animals up close in their natural environment.
  • Learn about koala conservation: The reserve offers guided tours and educational programs that teach visitors about the challenges facing koalas and the efforts being made to protect them.
  • See other native Australian wildlife: In addition to koalas, the reserve is home to other native Australian wildlife such as wallabies, echidnas, and birds.
  • Family-friendly activities: The reserve offers activities that are fun for the whole family, including guided tours, koala encounters, and interactive exhibits.
  • Environmental sustainability: The reserve is committed to environmentally sustainable practices and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, making it a great choice for eco-conscious travelers.

Where is Koala Conservation Reserve Located?

Address: 1810 Phillip Island Rd, Rhyll VIC 3923, Australia

Find On Map

Getting There

  • By Car: The reserve is about a 90-minute drive from Melbourne. You can take the Monash Freeway (M1) and then the South Gippsland Highway (M420) to reach Phillip Island.
  • By Bus: Take a bus to the town of Cowes on Phillip Island. The bus company that operates this route is called "V/Line" and departs from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne. Once you arrive in Cowes, you can take a taxi or hire a car to reach the Koala Conservation Reserve, which is located on Phillip Island Road, about 5 minutes from Cowes.

Koala Conservation Reserve Timings

Opening Hours

The reserve is open every day of the year except for Christmas Day (December 25th) and operates on the following schedule:

  • Summer season (December to April): 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
  • Winter season (May to November): 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Note that the last admission is half an hour before closing time, so it's important to arrive at the reserve with enough time to enjoy all the exhibits and activities. Additionally, some experiences and tours may have different operating hours or require advance booking, so be sure to check the website or call ahead if you have specific plans or interests.

Best Time to Visit Koala Conservation Reserve

The Koala Conservation Reserve can be popular with tourists, especially during the peak summer months of December and January. If you prefer a quieter and more peaceful experience, you may want to consider visiting during the shoulder season (April to May or September to November).

Koala Conservation Reserve History in a Nutshell

The Koala Conservation Reserve was established in the 1980s in response to declining koala populations on Phillip Island and across Victoria. The reserve was created to protect koalas and their habitat, and to provide a place where visitors could learn about and interact with these beloved animals.

Over the years, the reserve has played an important role in koala conservation, working with government agencies, research institutions, and community groups to promote koala welfare and protect their environment. Today, the reserve remains a popular destination for tourists and a vital hub of koala conservation efforts.

Koala Conservation Reserve Highlights

Koala Viewing

The two boardwalks in Australia where you can view Koalas are the Koala Boardwalk in Kennett River and the Eucalyptus Walk in the Otway Ranges. Visitors can spot wild koalas in their natural habitat and learn more about their behaviors and conservation efforts.

Nature Play Area for Kids

The Nature Play and Art Area features a range of interactive and creative activities, including a rock-climbing wall, a mud kitchen, sand play areas, and an art wall where children can draw and paint pictures of the animals they see in the reserve.

Spot More Australian Wildlife

In addition to koalas, the reserve is home to other wildlife such as wallabies, echidnas, and a variety of bird species.

Koala Cafe

The center also has a cafe where visitors can purchase snacks, drinks, and light meals. The cafe is located in a beautiful bushland setting and offers views of the reserve and its surroundings.

Walking Trails

The Koala Conservation Reserve on Phillip Island has a range of walking trails that visitors can explore to see Koalas and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Seed Stations

Koala Conservation Reserve has seed stations, which are areas where visitors can learn about native plants and their role in providing food and habitat for wildlife. Visitors can often purchase native plant seeds to take home and plant in their own gardens, helping to create a habitat for local wildlife.

Koala Conservation Reserve Rules & Regulations

  • Do not touch the koalas or any other animals in the reserve. Koalas are wild animals and can be easily stressed or injured.
  • Stay on designated paths and trails to avoid damaging the vegetation and disturbing the wildlife.
  • Do not feed the koalas or any other animals in the reserve. Human food can be harmful to their health and disrupt their natural diet.
  • Do not litter. Take your rubbish with you and dispose of it properly.
  • Keep noise levels low and avoid sudden movements or loud noises that can startle the animals.
  • Respect the staff and volunteers working in the reserve. They are there to help you and ensure the safety and well-being of the animals.
  • Photography is allowed, but the use of flash or other intrusive equipment is not permitted. Be mindful of other visitors and do not block paths or obstruct views.
  • Smoking is not allowed in the reserve.

Frequently asked questions about Koala Conservation Reserve tickets

The Koala Conservation Reserve is a protected area of bushland on Phillip Island in Victoria, Australia, that is dedicated to the conservation and protection of the Koala population. The reserve is home to a large number of wild Koalas and other native wildlife species, such as wallabies, echidnas, and birds.