Going to Australia and skipping a koala hug? Unthinkable! Koalas are more than just adorable fluffballs—they're an iconic symbol of Australia’s unique wildlife. These cuddly creatures can only be found in the wild in southeastern and eastern Australia. Sadly, their numbers are dwindling due to deforestation, drought, disease, and the devastating impact of climate change. Bushfires, which have become more frequent, pose a serious threat to their survival.

Driving through Australia, you’ll often spot road signs warning of koalas nearby, but in reality, these wild encounters are becoming increasingly rare. Despite keeping an eye out, I had never seen one in the wild—until I visited Gorge Wildlife Park in Cudlee Creek, nestled in the scenic Adelaide Hills. And not only did I finally meet a koala, but I also got to HUG one! A truly unforgettable experience!

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Gorge Wildlife Park, South Australia

Since I often visit Adelaide, I sometimes find myself stuck in the same routine. So, this time, I craved something different—something uniquely Australian. Hugging a koala! With that goal in mind, I went to Google: Where can I hug a koala in South Australia? My first thought? Adelaide Zoo. But to my disappointment, while they have koalas, you can only see them from a distance. No cuddles allowed.

Then, I stumbled upon Gorge Wildlife Park—and when I saw the magic words "hug a koala," my eyes lit up! Even better? The entry fee was cheaper than the Adelaide Zoo. So, what makes Gorge Wildlife Park stand out? Besides the rare chance to hold a koala, it’s home to an array of iconic Australian wildlife, including quokka, dingoes, wombats, and even albino kangaroos—a sight you won’t easily find elsewhere! And here’s the best part: you can hand-feed friendly kangaroos as they lounge under the sun. Now that is the kind of experience I was looking for!

The entrance fee to Gorge Wildlife Park was a steal—only A$24! But of course, I couldn’t pass up the chance to hold a koala, which came with an additional A$15 fee. And since I wanted the full experience, I also grabbed an A$10 pack of kangaroo food to hand-feed the friendly roos.

Koala-hugging sessions are available twice a day, at 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM. But here’s an important tip: if the temperature hits 32°C, the session is canceled to protect the koalas from heat stress. So, if cuddling a koala is on your bucket list, avoid visiting in the peak of summer. Extreme heat can be dangerous for these adorable creatures, and in severe cases, even fatal.

Unlike big, commercialized zoos, Gorge Wildlife Park has a more intimate and authentic feel. This family-run sanctuary has been caring for animals since 1965, making it a true hidden gem for wildlife lovers. As I walked in, I immediately noticed how peaceful the atmosphere was—no flashy tourist traps, just a well-maintained park with clean facilities, including restrooms and a cozy dining area. While the food options weren’t particularly varied, they were decent enough to fuel my adventure.

Of course, the koalas and kangaroos were the stars of the show, but do you know what made my heart race with excitement? Interacting with the Capuchin monkeys and otters! These little entertainers stole the spotlight with their playful antics. The Capuchins even put on a show if you offer them food! To feed them, you have to place food in a bowl tied to a rope outside their enclosure—then, like a mini circus act, they skillfully pull up the bowl just like drawing water from a well.

Falling in Love with Koalas

After seeing so many fascinating Australian animals, I have to admit—koalas stole my heart. Maybe it’s because Tasmanian devils and wombats were fast asleep when I visited (they’re nocturnal, after all), but there was something about koalas that completely enchanted me. The name "koala" comes from the Dharug language, spoken by the First Nations people, derived from the word "gula" or "gulamany," meaning "not drinking." That’s because koalas rarely need to drink water—they get most of their hydration from the eucalyptus leaves they munch on all day.

Speaking of munching, koalas move slowly, much like sloths, and spend 18–20 hours a day sleeping in tree branches. No wonder they’re often spotted perched in trees along Australian roads—they’re just napping in their natural habitat! Koalas are leaf-eating animals, especially Eucalyptus leaves. When it was finally my turn to hold a koala (a fluffy little guy named Jimmy), he was completely unfazed by my excitement—too busy happily chewing on his eucalyptus leaves.

Sadly, koalas face serious threats in the wild. Bushfires have always been a part of the Australian landscape, but climate change has made them more frequent and intense, putting koalas at greater risk. The 2019–2020 bushfires were devastating, wiping out nearly 3 billion animals, including countless koalas.

Holding Jimmy made me realize how fragile and precious these creatures are. I wasn’t just hugging a koala—I was holding a piece of Australia’s wild beauty, a gentle soul that deserves to be protected.

How to Get There

Address: 30 Redden Dr, Cudlee Creek SA 5232

It’s just a 40-minute drive from Adelaide, but here’s the catch—you’re heading into pretty remote territory. If you’re relying on an online taxi, be warned: getting there is easy, but finding a ride back? That’s another story. You might just end up making friends with the local wildlife while waiting for a lift!

Website: https://gorgewildlifepark.com.au/

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