Cairns Koala Holding Guide: Tips to Avoid Mistakes & Enjoy Crocodile Park in One Day

Currently, there are 4 fantastic spots in Cairns where you can get up close and personal with koalas!

1. Cairns Zoom & Wildlife Dome in the city
📍The Pier, 1 Pier Point Rd, on the first floor of the pier mall, easily accessible from the Shangri-La Hotel (open from 9:30 to 4:30)
🔎This venue is home to 3 adorable koalas. Each koala only works for a brief 30 minutes a day, so there’s one session every hour.

You can purchase a ticket and receive a time slot card, then return at the designated time for your photo. Holding a koala is an incredibly soft experience, almost like hugging a weighted plush toy. The moment is fleeting—less than three seconds—and before you can fully smile, the photo is snapped, and it’s the next person’s turn [石化R]
[点赞R] This spot is conveniently located in the city and usually less crowded.

[弱R] It’s also the priciest option for photos, with two price options: entry + photo (adults $53, children $45, family photo $52) or just entry (price $20). The zoo itself is quite small, but the entry ticket allows you to come and go freely over three days. Besides koalas, there are only snake and bird displays, which might be a bit underwhelming, and you probably won’t feel the need to return.

2. Only their own camera can be used for taking photos, no mobile phones allowed, so there’s no chance to choose the photos [汗颜R]

2. Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
📍Captain Cook Hwy, Wangetti QLD 4879 (open from 8:30 to 17:00)
We booked a zoo day tour, which can be arranged on the same day. There are various day tour agencies in Cairns, offering morning and noon departures. We opted for the morning group and took the bus at noon, enjoying a scenic one-hour journey.

This zoo features shows at each time slot, primarily educational talks if you understand English well. Additionally, there’s a thrilling crocodile boat tour that lets you see these majestic creatures up close. Overall, the zoo is compact and can be explored in an afternoon.
[向右R] Regarding koala photos: The cost is around $30, but you can only take a photo with the koala (placing it on a tree, standing next to it), not holding it.

They also offer photos with baby crocodiles and snakes. Here, you can take photos with your own phone [偷笑R]

3. Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas
📍The Wildlife Habitat, Port Douglas Rd, Port Douglas QLD 4877 (open from 8:00 to 17:00)
Since we were staying in the city, Port Douglas was a bit too far for us to consider.

4. Kuranda Koala Gardens
📍Located within the enchanting Kuranda Rainforest Park, this place also offers the opportunity to hold a koala and take memorable photos.