Kuranda Koala Gardens
Kuranda Koala Gardens
4
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Kuranda Koala Gardens is situated in the heart of Kuranda and gives you the opportunity to see some of Australia's most unique wildlife up close.We have a variety of wildlife for you to see including:-Koalas: Lots of opportunity to observe our koalas doing what they do best - eating, sleeping and looking adorable. Fossil evidence shows that koalas originally lived in rainforest environments. As Australia became drier, they adapted to eat Eucalypt leaves, which replaced much of the country's rainforests.Koala Photos: Take the opportunity to 'Cuddle a Koala' and receive a great souvenir digital photo (extra cost). Kuranda Koala Gardens is one of only a handful of places in the world where you can actually cuddle a koala. Our adherence to a strict "Government Code Of Practice" ensures the health and wellbeing of our furry friends.Freshwater Crocodiles: Another Australian native - perhaps not as endearing as the Koala but a fascinating part of the eco system, is the Freshwater Crocodile. This is one of the two Australian saurians - the other being the Saltwater Crocodile. The Saltie does not function well in the cooler climes of the mountain regions but is on display at Cairns Tropical Zoo and Hartley's Crocodile Adventures.Kangaroos & Wallabies: Australia has a large variety of these macropods and you will see swamp wallabies, parma wallabies, eastern grey kangaroos and red legged pademelons amongst others. Snakes: Australia is home to many snakes, both deadly and harmless. Enjoy a unique 'up close' experience with pythons when you enter their domain in Australia's first 'Walk Through Snake House'.Wombats: This quaint marsupial is an Australian favourite. They are often playful and quick to learn. However, as they sleep quite a lot, their intelligence is often underestimated! They lay claim to being the world's largest burrowing animal and can dig up to two metres of burrow in one night.Lizards, Monitors and other Reptiles: Australia is home to an amazing selection of reptiles and there are lots on display. See Dragons and Monitors with their long forked tongues, and much more. Many of these creatures have great camouflage techniques - see what you can spot in their enclosure!Kuranda Koala Gardens is part of the Freeman Family owned and operated Wildlife Tropical North Queensland Group. Other wildlife experiences under this banner include Cairns Night Zoo, Hartley's Crocodile Adventures and Cairns Tropical Zoo.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
970 reviews
Excellent
445
Very good
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Average
125
Poor
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zakia19
Surfers Paradise, Australia69 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
We're kids at heart and are always keen to see koala's and kangaroos. Staff are very kind and amusing. We spent over an hour so quickly. The habitats were well maintained. We paid (less than $30) for a family portrait with charlie the koala. The care takers let us feed him as well. For the kangaroo's and wallabies you get a bag of food upon entry as well included in your ticket
Written October 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Great to hear you had such a good time with us and enjoyed your photo with Charlie.
Written October 17, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jamie p
Greater Melbourne, Australia76 contributions
Jan 2020
Lining up for your Koala photo was tiring. In the end having the Koala sit in your arms was a truly encouraging experience. The keepers care deeply for them and this was evident in their firm instructions on how to hold them. The remainder of the attraction was enjoyable and an up close and personal experience with Australian native fauna was good.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much Jamie for this wonderful feedback. We are a small privately owned attraction so your time taken and great comments on the Koala experience and the rest of the part are warmly appreciated.
Written February 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sue D
Dayton, OH208 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This was our first and probably only trip to Australia, and you can’t go there and not see and hold a koala. Kuranda Koala Gardens is one of the few places in Australia where you can hold one. We did and it was amazing! Along with koalas, they had wallabies and kangaroos too. If you are in the area, you absolutely have to go there.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Sue for selecting us for your special memory of Australia.
Written October 1, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Thomas W
4 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
Got to see the Koloas up close, hold them and take a picture. It wasn't long, but Koloas arent cats. The trainers were friendly and showed a lot of concern for the animals. Got to see the kangaroos up close. They didn't eat out of out hand. I guess they weren't hungry.
Written November 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks for your feedback Thomas. We can't guarantee that our macropods will feed for everyone. We provide the free food and it is up to the individual to take the time and see who's hungry.
Written December 30, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Matthew
St. Helena, CA540 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
If you want to be a miserable person, surrounded by miserable animals (and miserable workers, and other miserable people), then this is the place for you!
It is a very small animal park, with very small enclosures for said animals, who seem pretty unhappy overall. There is only so much eating an animal can do, so when the wallabies have had a bunch of food force-fed to them by humans all morning, it is understandable why they go and try to hide (but, sadly, there is no place for them to really get away from the pesky humans)
Then there is the koala photo, which is TERRIBLE. I know you’re thinking “I gotta do it. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” DON’T DO IT.
1) It costs an additional fee that is MORE than the already-expensive cost of admission.
2) What do you get for that fee? Do you get to cuddle the koala? No. You get to wait in a long line of people being pushed through like a cattle call... then they have you stick your arms and body in a certain pose, whereupon they place a SLEEPING koala (that they just woke up for this purpose, so its eyes aren’t even open — I honestly felt bad for it) onto your arms, and then snap a photo so quickly you don’t even have time to smile for the camera.
3) The photographer is terrible. Not a pro at all... some kid who stands behind the camera, doesn’t care if you are even ready for the photo, doesn’t give you a chance to see what it looks like... nothing. They say that they will also take a picture of you on your phone, BUT when they did so, they rushed it so badly that the photo is a blurry, spinning, sideways mess! When I showed the photographer that fact (because they refused to take a photo on both of our phones, despite the fact that we paid extra for a “couple” photo), he shrugged and said “Sorry, we can only do one photo. That’s the policy.” (I have attached the photo so you can see what kind of garbage you will be getting for a cost of $36! And it’s not like I was using some weird model of phone... it’s an iPhone 7+)
4) The “couple” photo is a RIPOFF. Ostensibly, it saves you $12 because normal price for a single photo is $24 (couple is $36)... BUT it actually just WASTES $12. Here’s why: you get NOTHING for that extra $12 you are paying. The second person just stands in the background — they do not get to interact with the koala in any way. Nope, you don’t get to pet it... you can’t even TOUCH it. Not even once. But surely, since there are two of you and you paid extra, they would at least snap a photo on each person’s phone, right? NOPE! They also claim it is “policy” to only take one phone photo... which, as I mentioned above, is so rushed and unprofessional that it doesn’t come out properly anyway! That’s what happens when they give LESS THAN ONE MINUTE of time for the photo with a koala.
5) The employees are super bitter and miserable... maybe even as much as the animals.
I left this place feeling depressed and ripped off.
It is a very small animal park, with very small enclosures for said animals, who seem pretty unhappy overall. There is only so much eating an animal can do, so when the wallabies have had a bunch of food force-fed to them by humans all morning, it is understandable why they go and try to hide (but, sadly, there is no place for them to really get away from the pesky humans)
Then there is the koala photo, which is TERRIBLE. I know you’re thinking “I gotta do it. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” DON’T DO IT.
1) It costs an additional fee that is MORE than the already-expensive cost of admission.
2) What do you get for that fee? Do you get to cuddle the koala? No. You get to wait in a long line of people being pushed through like a cattle call... then they have you stick your arms and body in a certain pose, whereupon they place a SLEEPING koala (that they just woke up for this purpose, so its eyes aren’t even open — I honestly felt bad for it) onto your arms, and then snap a photo so quickly you don’t even have time to smile for the camera.
3) The photographer is terrible. Not a pro at all... some kid who stands behind the camera, doesn’t care if you are even ready for the photo, doesn’t give you a chance to see what it looks like... nothing. They say that they will also take a picture of you on your phone, BUT when they did so, they rushed it so badly that the photo is a blurry, spinning, sideways mess! When I showed the photographer that fact (because they refused to take a photo on both of our phones, despite the fact that we paid extra for a “couple” photo), he shrugged and said “Sorry, we can only do one photo. That’s the policy.” (I have attached the photo so you can see what kind of garbage you will be getting for a cost of $36! And it’s not like I was using some weird model of phone... it’s an iPhone 7+)
4) The “couple” photo is a RIPOFF. Ostensibly, it saves you $12 because normal price for a single photo is $24 (couple is $36)... BUT it actually just WASTES $12. Here’s why: you get NOTHING for that extra $12 you are paying. The second person just stands in the background — they do not get to interact with the koala in any way. Nope, you don’t get to pet it... you can’t even TOUCH it. Not even once. But surely, since there are two of you and you paid extra, they would at least snap a photo on each person’s phone, right? NOPE! They also claim it is “policy” to only take one phone photo... which, as I mentioned above, is so rushed and unprofessional that it doesn’t come out properly anyway! That’s what happens when they give LESS THAN ONE MINUTE of time for the photo with a koala.
5) The employees are super bitter and miserable... maybe even as much as the animals.
I left this place feeling depressed and ripped off.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We used to be able to click on the review to get in touch but can't get that to work. Please email admin@koalagardens.com as the details as described don't sound like us.
Written October 1, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MsSjvivi22
58 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
As an animal lover, I always have this dilemma where I'm not sure if I should go or support somewhere that doesn't treat animals properly. However, sometimes my desire to actually be up close and person, hold and touch it, takes over this fact and we end up at one of these excursions.
It was $50 for the butterfly garden, koala bears and birds. $25 or so for a photo and to hold a Koala and snake and you're able to split it to 2 people for the photos. (I can't remember the exact price but it wasn't unreasonable).
They also take photos for you with your own camera if you buy a photo, so that was a big plus. All places should do this.
It was HOT there. Animals were lazy. They had Kangaroo food but they weren't hungry.
Koala photos was kind of sad since the trainer kept pulling the koala by the arms every time they switched people. I don't know if that could be great for its joints.
The birds were really cool since they would land on you, but most of them were full as well. Remember their claws are sharp, so don't come in if you have sensitive skin.
Butterfly exhibit was also really pretty and we got landed on a few times. This made us partially forget what jerks we are to support something like this.
I really hope they take great care of the Koalas there. They had a ton though, so I think they get rotated out.
It was $50 for the butterfly garden, koala bears and birds. $25 or so for a photo and to hold a Koala and snake and you're able to split it to 2 people for the photos. (I can't remember the exact price but it wasn't unreasonable).
They also take photos for you with your own camera if you buy a photo, so that was a big plus. All places should do this.
It was HOT there. Animals were lazy. They had Kangaroo food but they weren't hungry.
Koala photos was kind of sad since the trainer kept pulling the koala by the arms every time they switched people. I don't know if that could be great for its joints.
The birds were really cool since they would land on you, but most of them were full as well. Remember their claws are sharp, so don't come in if you have sensitive skin.
Butterfly exhibit was also really pretty and we got landed on a few times. This made us partially forget what jerks we are to support something like this.
I really hope they take great care of the Koalas there. They had a ton though, so I think they get rotated out.
Written November 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David C
Halifax, UK1 contribution
Nov 2013 • Couples
This is simply a commercial activity and the animals are kept in totally unsuitable environments. Some were showing clear signs of stress. The wombat was in a filthy enclosure with no sign of grass. A koala was being constantly handled by many visitors who were charged for the pleasure. It must have been handled by hundreds of people during the day. Other koalas were sat on tree stumps with no natural food or opportunity for natural activity. It was a poor quality experience, badly maintained with very poor animal welfare. Not a good experience for anyone who has compassion for animals
Written November 30, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks David for your review.
Firstly, if you'd spoken our keepers you'd be made aware of the koala handling rules where they are only held for a max of 30 minutes per day. So it is completely incorrect to suggested that an individual koala would be handled by 'hundreds' of people per day.
Clearly you may now know it, but wombats are famous for digging and yes they do get dirty doing this, its completely natural for them and they are nocturnal so Pugley may have been asleep or dozing when you visited. That's what wombat's do.
As for the koala enclosures, all enclosures including ours, have to comply with the Queensland legislation on enclosure design to ensure the highest levels of hygiene for the animals. These enclosures are kept scrupulously clean and they have to be for the health of the animals. Fresh gum leaves are provided to them every morning and afternoon. The husbandry requirements for many Australian species is different to what may take place in Zoo's or sanctuaries elsewhere in the world as they are different and unique. Hence their health and welfare requirements are different. We are a business and it is extremely expensive to care for and provide high quality wildlife care for our animals, but that Sir does not in any way suggest that we are indifferent to the welfare of the wildlife in our care.
Queensland has some of the most demanding wildlife husbandry standards of any location in the world and we comply with and exceed them. Feel free to go to our website and contact us directly to discuss your concerns and we'll be only too happy to go through everything you've raised in minute detail.
Written January 27, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Canucks301
Vancouver, Canada196 contributions
Dec 2015 • Family
Queensland is the only state that still allows koala cuddling. So if you are in Cairns this place is almost a must go. The only catch is you need to travel to Kuranda via train or skyrail. The park is really small and entrance fee is less than AUD 20. You should be able to get a 10% coupon from your hotel tour desk or tour operator.
The day we went there the place is not crowded and the staff gave ample time for us to take photos with our own cell phones, cameras, group photos with the cute little guy after the official photo that costs another AUD 20 per person. One last thing to mention normally the koala us only avaiable for photos between 11 or 11:30 am to 3 pm.
The day we went there the place is not crowded and the staff gave ample time for us to take photos with our own cell phones, cameras, group photos with the cute little guy after the official photo that costs another AUD 20 per person. One last thing to mention normally the koala us only avaiable for photos between 11 or 11:30 am to 3 pm.
Written December 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TRINA32752
Boston, MA22 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
Queensland is the only state in Australia where you are allowed to hold a koala. You can also feed kangaroos and Wallabys and get up close opportunities with wombats. It's a small experience but well worth a visit. I went early and saw everything in about 30 minutes. Holding the adorable Koala checked off another bucket list item!
Written November 12, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ctm7944
Phoenix, AZ18,550 contributions
Sep 2015 • Couples
Yes, we had the exciting opportunity to hold a koala.
This costs AUS $20 each to hold them, in addition to the regular admission fee.
For the $20 you get to hold them & a photo.You get a big (9 inch x 6 inch) photo.
But, this $20 also allows you to take photos with your own camera, which we did separately and together while holding the koala.
We saw 3 other koalas feeding very close, on a tree. These were also good (free) photo opportunities. So, if you do not want to pay to hold one, you can still get very good pics of them in the tree, which is pretty close to the low rail/fence.
There was also an opportunity to feed/pet kangaroos & wallabies. If we had not had the chance to feed them on our Daintree Rainforest Tour, then this would have also been a plus, for us.
There are snakes, crocs and other AUS animals. Takes about 30 minutes to walk around this small zoo.
There is a free shuttle bus to the Koala Gardens from the Scenic railway train station and the Skrail terminal. But, it is only a 10 minute leisurely stroll down Main St. (also listed as Coondoo St. on some maps)
Once you get to the end of Main St., it intersects with Therwine St., this is where a larger variety of eateries are located. The Koala Gardens, Butterfly Sanctuary & Birdlworld are across the road from Therwine St.
You have to walk thru the Heritage Market to in order to enter them.
Was it worth it, to us it was.
If you don't feel like walking back to the train or skyrail, the free shuttle bus is always an option.
This costs AUS $20 each to hold them, in addition to the regular admission fee.
For the $20 you get to hold them & a photo.You get a big (9 inch x 6 inch) photo.
But, this $20 also allows you to take photos with your own camera, which we did separately and together while holding the koala.
We saw 3 other koalas feeding very close, on a tree. These were also good (free) photo opportunities. So, if you do not want to pay to hold one, you can still get very good pics of them in the tree, which is pretty close to the low rail/fence.
There was also an opportunity to feed/pet kangaroos & wallabies. If we had not had the chance to feed them on our Daintree Rainforest Tour, then this would have also been a plus, for us.
There are snakes, crocs and other AUS animals. Takes about 30 minutes to walk around this small zoo.
There is a free shuttle bus to the Koala Gardens from the Scenic railway train station and the Skrail terminal. But, it is only a 10 minute leisurely stroll down Main St. (also listed as Coondoo St. on some maps)
Once you get to the end of Main St., it intersects with Therwine St., this is where a larger variety of eateries are located. The Koala Gardens, Butterfly Sanctuary & Birdlworld are across the road from Therwine St.
You have to walk thru the Heritage Market to in order to enter them.
Was it worth it, to us it was.
If you don't feel like walking back to the train or skyrail, the free shuttle bus is always an option.
Written October 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I’m planning to take the train up and and down and am excited to cuddle a koala. Does it get too crowded to take a photo with the koala within the timeframe to make the return train? My main goal in visitin Australia is to hold a koala and I would be so sad to miss it.
Written July 29, 2024
We are traveling from Port Douglas and was wondering what is the best or most recommended travel to get there? Also, I didn't see where I can sign up for the koala holding and pictures with the general admission ticket. How do I do that?
Written June 5, 2024
How long should I allow to visit the Koala Gardens including a hold of a Koala? Currently booked on the Skyrail to be in the village between 11:30am and 2pm but could extend to 3:30pm if that isn’t enough time.
Written April 18, 2022
I'd like to get a photograph with a koala but would rather have a professional staff person hold the animal so it does not get stressed. Is a staff member available during the photo session to hold the koala?
Written March 5, 2020
Angela F
Clifton Beach, Australia
Many thanks. Firstly, due to the Australian Government restrictions our attraction is closed until further notice. Koalas in Queensland are held for no more than 30 minutes a day under the strictest guidelines in the country and these are adhered to to the letter. We will also be offering patting photos where the Koalas are on a branch as an option when we re-open. But to answer your question fully, if you'd like to stand with a keeper holding the Koala, we don't see that would be a problem but we are still closed at the moment.
Written March 25, 2020
Maya I
Zushi, Japan
could I book koala photo with entry tickets through tripadviser?
Written February 20, 2020
Angela F
Clifton Beach, Australia
Many thanks Itomaya. That is a very good question. T A has brought in a policy banning any Zoos which offer interactions with so called 'wild animals'. Our Koalas are not wild and we have spent hours trying to explain this to them as the vast majority were raised in captivity, our family having been the first in North Queensland to do so more than 30 years go. We think it is absurd, but it is out of our control and in the hands of lobbyists that don't understand the critical role Zoos play in the care and rescue of wildlife in Australia, especially now since the devastating fires. We truly wish someone from the company would listen to us.
Written March 1, 2020
Have the wildfires affected this attraction? Can they potentially affect it in the near future?
Written January 3, 2020
Angela F
Clifton Beach, Australia
Hello there. Short answer is no. Kuranda is in a lush rainforest. We actually are having rain now as the start of our wet season so we are all good.
Written January 4, 2020
What are the extra costs of cuddling a koala and getting a picture?
Written November 16, 2019
Angela F
Clifton Beach, Australia
Our Koala Holding photos are $24.00 retail. Under our animal welfare guidelines which we strictly comply with no Koala can be used for holding photos for longer than 30 minutes. Maintaining Koalas including all their care, food, keeper costs etc is very high so we have to pass that cost on. Our photos are done by a contractor and the proceeds are shared so we only receive a portion of the total retail price but feel it is very important for this significant experience that the photo be of high quality and done by a professional. You can also have photos taken on your own camera/device if time permits.
Written November 23, 2019
If I am visiting in November and want to hold a koala must I make a reservation in advance? How much does it cost to do that? Is it done during certain times or is it all day?
Written October 15, 2019
Angela F
Clifton Beach, Australia
No reservation is required. We have designated photo times which they will advise you of at reception.
Written November 23, 2019
Is this open even when it rains, and if so, does the rain effect the koala holding for picture ? Going in January so I’m a bit worried due to the constant rain. Cheers!
Written August 28, 2019
Angela F
Clifton Beach, Australia
No that is all fine. We have a specially constructed photographic area which is fully covered. Yes, it does rain some of the time in January in North Queensland just like it snows in the Northern Hemisphere during this time of year. Life is about living, rain, hail or shine. Nothing is every going to be 'perfect' and it is time for all travellers to come to terms with the fact that they should just be grateful for the fact that they are free to travel, explore and enjoy the world, wet or dry, hot or cold.
Written August 30, 2019
Angela F
Clifton Beach, Australia
Thanks. No we don't hold venomous snakes at Kuranda Koala Gardens but all these are at the Gallery of Living Art display at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures. This can be accessed via coach such as Cairns Tours, GTS, Beaches Meet and Greet.
Written September 8, 2019
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