The Koala Trail Preview

Cross the road to the park. Always give way to vehicles. Amenities include all-ability toilets- which are the only public toilets on the Trail, BBQs, picnic tables, playground and often, koalas in trees! Keep an eye out for koala scat or poo on the ground as this is a good sign that a koala is in a tree above you.

Ahead are five tall totem poles bearing the shields of the five clans of the Gunaikurnai people of Gippsland. Take a moment here to pause and reflect on the cultural heritage of this land.

Keep on the path past the covered BBQ area, about 100 metres, until you reach the next Koala Trail sign.

Cross the road and follow the path into the residential area along 6th Avenue. Walk about 200 metres to the junction with 5th Parade. Across the road is the Island Community Hall. As you explore the Koala Trail, remember that it takes you through residential streets and past people’s homes. Please do not enter private property.

Turn left up 5th Parade, past the hall on your right.

Watch out for ferry traffic as you cross the Eighth Avenue junction.

Continue straight along 5th Parade, past 10th Avenue, until you reach the junction with 12th Avenue. Keep looking up — koalas can often be spotted in the trees above you.

Remember - Koalas are wild animals. They may look cuddly, but they have strong claws.

Please do not approach, touch, or try to handle them.

At the top of 5th Parade, you’ll see the Welcome to Tatungalung Country sign. You are now in the main koala habitat area — this is one of the best places to spot wildlife along the trail.” If you see a koala that looks injured or in distress, please call the local island wildlife shelter.

You’ll find the contact numbers on every Koala Trail post, or click the button below to call.

Take the path to the right. On your left you will see the northern entrance to the Nature Trail Loop. You can add this detour to your walk now or leave it for another visit. It adds 30 minutes to your walk. Keep to the path winding through the manna gums and red gums. Koalas could be resting in any tree — so keep your eyes peeled. Ahead you’ll see another sign — the southern entrance to the Nature Trail Loop.

After about 300 metres, you’ll reach the junction of 10th Avenue and 3rd Parade. Here, a sign marks the start of the Abbey Loop. It adds about 20 minutes to your walk.

For the main Koala Trail, continue down 3rd Parade. Cross 8th Avenue, 6th Avenue, and finally 4th Avenue. Ahead, you’ll see the lake — the McMillan Strait.

Turn right and follow the boardwalk. This path takes you through a precious coastal saltmarsh ecosystem. Listen for bird calls and notice the unique plants. This habitat is vital for both wildlife and the health of the Gippsland Lakes, which are protected by the international RAMSAR treaty. The boardwalk leads you back to the ferry terminal. Your walk along the main Koala Trail is complete.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this peaceful walk and seen plenty of koalas in their natural habitat.

The Koala Trail is free for everyone to enjoy. It is cared for by community volunteers who give their time to keep it safe, welcoming, and beautiful.

If you have enjoyed your walk and would like to help us to continue this work, please consider making a donation. Funds go directly to the care and upkeep of the trail, protecting koalas and other native flora & fauna for the future.