Cohunu Koala Park in Byford is a classic Perth family day out, especially if your kids are animal-mad. Set on around 14 hectares of bushland about 40 minutes south of the CBD, it has a very relaxed, old-school feel – more like wandering around a farm or bush block than a polished zoo – and that’s a big part of its charm. You’ll find a mix of native wildlife and farm animals, lots of shady tracks to explore, and plenty of chances for the kids to get up close to the animals.
The stars of the show are, of course, the koalas. Cohunu has a long‑established koala colony with more than 25 koalas calling the park home, including regular new joeys each year. Their main enclosure is close to the ticket office and gift shop, so you’ll likely spot a few before you’ve even properly started your visit.
Koala cuddle sessions run during the day for an additional fee, and visitors tall enough (over 140cm) can hold a koala and snap their own photos – a pretty special experience for locals and overseas visitors alike. Even if you don’t opt for a cuddle, it’s lovely for kids to watch them climbing, munching on eucalyptus and snoozing in the trees.
Beyond the koalas, much of the fun comes from simply wandering the bush tracks and seeing what you bump into next. Many of the kangaroos and wallabies are very relaxed around people, and you can buy animal feed at the entrance so the kids can hand‑feed them.
On our visit, the biggest hit was a particularly friendly kangaroo with a joey in her pouch who happily accepted pats and pellets while the joey peeked out to say hello.
You’ll also see emus, dingoes, deer, farmyard favourites like donkeys and ponies, and plenty of birdlife.
A line of cockatoo and parrot aviaries keeps children entertained for ages as they chat back and dance along the fence line.
Scattered throughout the park are large dinosaur, dragon and animal statues hidden amongst the trees. Younger children love “dino spotting” as they walk around – there are plenty of squeals of delight each time they come across another giant creature in the bush.
There’s also a small lake with swans and pelicans. It’s quite accessible, so it’s worth keeping a close eye on toddlers near the water’s edge, and being mindful that leftover bird feed can make the concrete a bit slippery in places.
One of Cohunu’s most popular attractions is its miniature steam train. The Cohunu Park Railway zigzags around the grounds, through tunnels and past enclosures, and is usually open on weekends, public holidays and school holidays, weather permitting. There’s an extra charge per rider, but it’s often a highlight for kids and a good way to rest little legs while still seeing plenty of the park.
Facilities are basic but family‑friendly. There’s no full café on site – just a kiosk selling cold drinks, ice creams and snacks – so it’s best to pack a picnic or snacks for a longer visit. Near the kiosk you’ll find a large undercover area with plenty of tables and chairs. There’s also a fenced family picnic area inside the park with more seating, a few ride‑on toys and high chairs, making it easy to settle in for an unhurried lunch break. Toilets are available, and most main paths are reasonably pram‑friendly, though some areas are naturally a bit uneven given the bush setting.
Over the years Cohunu has added extra attractions like a Pioneer Steam Museum and a Deep Space Observatory, evolving beyond a simple wildlife park into more of a quirky, all‑round family outing. It’s still a little rough around the edges in places – you’ll notice rustic fencing, older signage and a very “home‑made” feel to some areas – but that’s exactly what many families enjoy about it. You’re there to meet animals in a relaxed environment, not stroll a polished theme park, and it delivers nicely on that front.
If your kids love animals and you’re after a low‑key, hands‑on experience rather than a big commercial attraction, Cohunu Koala Park is well worth the drive. Expect a bit of rustic charm, pack a picnic, bring a camera, and be ready for plenty of animal encounters and bushy exploring.
Cohunu Koala Park
Address: Lot 103 Nettleton Road, Byford WA 6122
Opening hours: Open daily 10am – 4pm (closed Christmas Day). Hours and session times can change, so check current details by phone or via their social media before visiting.
Website: cohunu.com.au (official website – may be temporarily unavailable)
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Jennie McNichol is on a mission to prove there is always something fun to do in Perth. After 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie moved to Perth in 2010 and founded Buggybuddys to silence the “nothing to do” crowd. Fifteen years later, it is the city’s number one guide for families, packed with daily inspiration and a huge focus on free local activities.
As a mum of two daughters, Jennie has evolved the site right alongside her own family—growing from a toddler-focused resource into a guide that supports parents through every stage, from the early years through to the teens. A passionate advocate for the WA lifestyle, Jennie loves helping families discover the best playgrounds, hidden gems, and budget-friendly days out in the most family-friendly city in the world.
