intouch Magazine
6 days ago
The sanctuary serves as both a nature reserve and a conservation centre where visitors can experience the Australian bush environment and learn about koala protection efforts.
The sanctuary, a partnership between Port Stephens Council and the dedicated volunteers of Port Stephens Koala Hospital, is on a mission to save these iconic creatures. It provides world-best practice standards of care to sick, injured, and orphaned koalas to give them the best opportunity to be returned to the wild. The sanctuary is pulling out all stops this winter school holidays to create an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
Your journey begins with the Sanctuary Story Walk, an immersive trek that will have you feeling like a true-blue Aussie explorer. As you wind your way through the natural bushland, every step reveals a new chapter in the fascinating life of koalas. You'll learn about their unique diet, sleeping habits (spoiler alert: they sleep a lot!), and the challenges they face in the wild.
But the real showstopper? The Sanctuary SKYwalk. This one-of-a-kind 225-metre-long elevated pathway and viewing platform offers visitors a unique ‘treetop’ perspective into the koala’s natural habitat. It's not just a perfect photo opportunity but also a fun educational experience that you won't find anywhere else.
For the junior detectives in your group, the School Holidays Koala Sanctuary Scavenger Hunt is an absolute must. Armed with a set of clues, kids (and kids at heart) can scour the sanctuary grounds, piecing together a mysterious phrase about these fascinating creatures.
When your tummy starts rumbling after all that exploring, make a beeline for the Fat Possum Café for a gourmet burger, fresh salad or a barista-made coffee and the chance to sit back and take in the relaxing atmosphere. But the adventure doesn't stop when the sun goes down. For the ultimate Aussie experience, book yourself into one of the sanctuary's luxury glamping tents. As night falls, the bush comes alive with the sounds of nocturnal creatures. And when you wake up to the soft morning light filtering through the gum leaves? Pure magic.
You'll have plenty of opportunities throughout your visit to chat with the sanctuary's passionate staff and volunteers. During the Educational Sanctuary Talks, you'll get the inside scoop on the challenges facing koalas in the wild and learn how you can help ensure their survival. Check out the School Holiday timetable below.
Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, a family looking for a fun day out, or just someone who can't resist the sleepy charm of a koala, the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary promises an adventure you'll never forget. It's more than just a day trip – it's a chance to connect with nature, learn about conservation, and maybe, just maybe, fall head over heels in love with Australia's most iconic animal.
Don't miss out on this wild experience. Book your tickets now and get ready for a koala-ty time at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary! Visit www.portstephenskoalasanctuary.com.au.