Koalas are one of Australia’s most loved native animals, and for many families and visitors, seeing one up close is high on the Perth bucket list. Although koalas are not native to Western Australia, there are a handful of places around Perth where you can see them, meet them, and in some cases, hold one for a photo.
If you are hoping to cuddle a koala in Perth, it is important to know that koala holding is limited and carefully managed for animal welfare reasons. Sessions can sell out quickly, may be weather dependent, and usually have height or safety requirements. It is always worth checking directly with the venue before you visit, especially during school holidays or hot weather.
Caversham Wildlife Park
Caversham Wildlife Park, located inside Whiteman Park, is one of Perth’s most popular wildlife attractions and a great option for families wanting a close koala experience. The park is home to more than 2,000 animals, birds and reptiles across around 200 species, making it a full day out rather than just a quick koala stop.
The daily Meet A Koala experience is included in your entry fee and runs at 9am, 11.30am and 3.30pm. During this session, visitors can stand near a koala for photos while the koala is positioned in a waist or shoulder-height tree, or occasionally in a keeper’s arms. You can take as many photos as you like on your own device, and staff are usually happy to help capture a family photo.
For those wanting to actually hold a koala, Caversham Wildlife Park offers a limited Koala Holding experience. Tickets are $35 per person in addition to park entry, with the session usually held daily at 12pm. Tickets are only available from the Souvenir Shop on the day, from 9am, and cannot be reserved or purchased in advance. During busy periods, tickets may sell out very quickly, so arriving early is strongly recommended.
There are strict conditions for koala holding. Participants must be at least 150cm tall, be able to stand unassisted, have full use of their arms, and be able to support at least 5kg without assistance. A protective vest is provided, and keepers take photos using your own device. Koala holds may be moved earlier or cancelled in warm weather, particularly when the forecast for Whiteman is 32°C or above, so it is worth calling on the morning of your visit if the weather is hot.
Even if you miss out on holding a koala, Caversham Wildlife Park is still a brilliant place to see them up close. The park also includes kangaroo feeding, Molly’s Farm, a Farm Show, penguin feeding, reptile displays, wombat experiences and plenty more native Australian animals to discover.
Caversham Wildlife Park is located at 233 Drumpellier Drive, Whiteman Park
Find out more by visiting www.cavershamwildlife.com.au
Read the Buggybuddys review of Caversham Wildlife Park
Cohunu Koala Park
Cohunu Koala Park in Byford is another Perth option for families hoping to hold a koala. Set on 14 hectares of natural Australian bushland, the park has long been known for its koala encounters, free-roaming animals and relaxed, rustic wildlife park feel.
Visitors can wander through the park and see a variety of Australian animals, including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, emus, deer, dingoes and birds. Bags of animal feed are usually available to purchase, giving children the chance to hand-feed some of the friendly animals as they explore.
Cohunu is one of the places in Western Australia where visitors may be able to hold a koala for a photo, although availability, pricing and conditions should be confirmed directly with the park before visiting. As details can change, especially around koala holding times and animal welfare requirements, it is best to call ahead before making the trip.
The park also has a miniature railway, which is always a hit with kids and gives families another way to see the grounds. Facilities are quite simple, so it is a good idea to bring water, hats, sunscreen and snacks, particularly on warmer days.
Cohuna Koala Park is located at 68 Nettleton Road, Byford.
Find out more by visiting cohunu.com.au
Read the Buggybuddys review of Cohunu Koala Park
Places you can see Koalas in Perth
There are also a couple of places in Perth where you can see Koalas but not interact with them.
Yanchep National Park
If you are happy to see koalas rather than hold them, Yanchep National Park is a lovely family day out north of Perth. The park has a dedicated Koala Viewing Area and boardwalk where visitors can stroll among the trees and try to spot koalas resting or feeding on eucalyptus leaves.
Yanchep National Park is about 45 minutes from Perth and offers much more than koalas. Families can enjoy picnic areas, walking trails, caves, kangaroo spotting, birdwatching, golf, camping and food or drinks from Yanchep Inn or Chocolate Drops Kiosk. There is also Treetops Adventure Yanchep for older kids and adventurous families who want to climb, swing and zipline through the trees.
The park entry fee applies at Yanchep National Park. Current standard vehicle entry is $17 per vehicle, or $10 concession, and pets are not permitted. The park recognises and acknowledges the Whadjuk and Yued people as the Traditional Owners of Yanchep National Park.
While you cannot hold or touch the koalas at Yanchep, the boardwalk offers a peaceful and more natural-style viewing experience. It is a great option for families who want a lower-cost day out with plenty of space to picnic and explore.
Find out more by visiting exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/yanchep-national-park
Read the Buggybuddys review of Yanchep National Park
Perth Zoo
Perth Zoo in South Perth is another place where families can see koalas in Perth. The koalas are found in the Australian Bushwalk area, where visitors can view them along with other Australian animals.
Perth Zoo does not offer koala holding, but it is a fantastic choice if you want a full zoo day with a wide variety of animals from Australia and around the world. Families can see kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, reptiles, birds, giraffes, orangutans, meerkats, lions, otters and many more species, depending on what is on display during your visit.
The zoo is open every day from 9am to 5pm and has cafés, picnic areas, Playground spaces, keeper talks, close encounters and family-friendly facilities. Perth Zoo is also well known for its conservation work, including breeding programs, research and wildlife protection projects.
For families with younger children, Perth Zoo can be one of the easiest koala-viewing options thanks to its central location, pram-friendly paths and full-day facilities. While you will not be able to cuddle a koala, it is still a great place to learn about them and see them up close.
Find Perth Zoo at 20 Labouchere Road, South Perth
Find out more by visiting perthzoo.wa.gov.au
Read the Buggybuddys review of Perth Zoo
Tips for Holding or Seeing Koalas in Perth
If holding a koala is your priority, plan ahead and arrive early. Koala holding places are limited, and many venues manage their sessions carefully to protect the animals from stress and overhandling. School holidays, weekends and public holidays are the busiest times, so tickets can disappear quickly.
Check the venue’s height and safety requirements before promising kids a cuddle. At Caversham Wildlife Park, koala holding participants must be at least 150cm tall and able to support the koala safely. This means many younger children may not be able to take part, although they can still enjoy meeting or photographing a koala.
Hot weather can also affect koala experiences. Koalas are sensitive to heat, so holding sessions may be moved, shortened or cancelled if conditions are not suitable. On very warm Perth days, call the venue before you go.
For the best family photos, bring a phone or camera with plenty of battery and storage. Most koala holding or koala meet experiences use your own device, rather than providing printed photo packages.
Whether you want to hold a koala, meet one for a photo, or simply spot one snoozing in the trees, Perth has several family-friendly options. Caversham Wildlife Park is the most organised option for a structured koala holding experience, Cohunu Koala Park offers a more rustic wildlife park visit with koala encounters to confirm ahead, Yanchep National Park is perfect for koala spotting in a peaceful setting, and Perth Zoo is ideal for a full day of animal adventures.
Find more wildlife parks in Perth
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
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.
