Exciting times for the Koala Hospital Port Macquarie

Established in 1973 by local residents Jean and Max Starr, the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital has been a cornerstone of koala conservation for over five decades. As Australia's first dedicated koala hospital, it has treated and rehabilitated more than 5000 sick and injured koalas during its rich history, playing a pivotal role in preserving this iconic species. This was never more evident than during the 2019-2020 Black Summer Bushfires where teams worked around the clock – 24/7 – for more than 7 weeks treating bushfire affected koalas, and all sorts of wildlife.

Over the years, the hospital has expanded its operations, including collaborations with local wildlife care groups to treat a variety of native animals. Despite these efforts, the facility has aged and is now in need of significant redevelopment to continue its vital work effectively.

In September 2024, Koala Conservation Australia lodged a development application for the hospital's redevelopment, marking a major step forward for this project. We’re excited that we now have an approved DA, and construction is expected to commence in mid-2025. We expect to resume operation at the Koala Hospital Port Macquarie by Christmas 2026.

During this transitional period, the hospital will temporarily close to accommodate the redevelopment efforts. To ensure the continued care of our koalas – exhibit, rescued and those in various stages of rehabilitation, all daily operations and resident koalas will be relocated to the new Wild Koala Visitor Centre at Guulabaa – Place of Koala. This state-of-the-art facility is now open to the public, with the first joeys of the breeding program announced in January 2025.

The redevelopment plans for the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital include:

Improved koala care housing

• Modern veterinary facilities
• Larger, more contemporary enclosures for our exhibit koalas and hospital patients
• Accessible raised walkways and landscaping for an improved visitor experience
• A large museum and gift shop
• New facilities for staff and volunteers

A key feature of the development is a raised, accessible walkway that will weave among the gum trees, guiding visitors through interactive and informative educational experiences. Along the way, visitors can rest among the trees while observing koalas, listening to birdlife, speak with and learn from our incredible team of volunteer guides, and watch our dedicated team and volunteers care for the koalas.

We acknowledge that this period of transition may cause some inconvenience, and we appreciate your understanding and support as we undertake these necessary improvements. Our commitment to koala conservation remains steadfast, and we are confident that the redeveloped hospital will enhance our ability to care for these precious animals and educate the public about their importance.

We will continue to provide updates on the redevelopment progress and any changes to our operations. In the meantime, we encourage you to visit our Wild Koala Visitor Centre at Guulabaa – Place of Koala to learn more about our conservation efforts and meet some of our resident koalas.

Thank you for your continued support during this exciting time of growth and transformation. If you would like to discuss a donation or partnership with Koala Conservation Australia please contact our Fundraising Manager.