Welcome to Koala Hospital Port Macquarie

The Koala Hospital is the world's first rehabilitation facility dedicated solely to the care and conservation of wild koalas.

First established in 1973 by a concerned local couple who cared for injured koalas in their home, the hospital is set in the beautiful grounds of Macquarie Nature Reserve and has been in operation since 1973. Entry is free.

It comprises a front section of open enclosures with non releasable koala patients who live permanently on site and who are available for the public to see (all have a story to tell). A screened off area houses all the sick and injured koala patients preparing for release to the wild. The hospital has an eight ward intensive care building plus around thirty outdoor rehabilitation enclosures. There is a education exhibit filled with information and interactive displays on all things "koala". A viewing window into the hospital clinic allows the visitors to see koalas being treated under anaesthesia etc.

A fully stocked gift shop is available to purchase many varied souvenirs with all proceeds going to koala rehabilitation. There is a guided tour at 3pm every day and visitors are encouraged to come anytime between 7.30 am and 4.30 pm seven days a week, 364 days a year (not Christmas Day). Tours can be booked for other times but must be done well in advance and will require a donation. There are toilet facilities, and lovely grounds/picnic tables for picnic lunches.

The hospital is a research centre and works alongside the Dept Veterinary Pathology -University Sydney, the Wildlife Genomics department of the Australian Museum, University Sunshine Coast and numerous other universities when requested.
The hospital also sit on a number of advisory panels for the NSW Government and Port Macquarie Hastings council.

The hospital is a training organisation and conducts training workshops on koala rehabilitation anywhere in Australia. The Koala Hospital is the contracted training organisation for WIRES NSW koala carers.

The Koala Hospital sells a Koala Rehabilitation Manual which has been sold throughout Australia and internationally. It can be purchased online or at the hospital shop.

We take veterinarians, vet nurses, researchers, zookeepers and wildlife carers for training/work experience. The Koala Hospital also financially supports some university research programmes and treatments including medications of koalas from other locations.

The Koala Hospital runs totally on donations and do not receive government funding. The annual costs are climbing the more we help others and we rely on the public to support us. All bequests are welcomed as well.

We will be pleased to see you any day.