Seeing a koala is impressive and all that, but have you ever thought about seeing one peacefully nestled atop a eucalyptus tree in its natural habitat without spending a cent? That is why you just have to explore the 9-hectare Tilligerry Habitat Reserve on the Taniba Bay foreshore.

Showcasing the beauty of Port Stephens year-round, this crown reserve goes beyond being a vital sanctuary for koalas with its network of walking trails, allowing you to walk environmentally consciously on tracks and boardwalks among diverse native flora and fauna while keeping your eyes peeled up at the tree branches.

While spotting a koala in the wild is never guaranteed, visiting early morning or late afternoon makes it easier as koalas are most active during cooler times of the day, although they do sleep between 18 to 20 hours.

Other tricks to spotting the koala include sniffing out their musky scent and paying specific attention to the eucalyptus trees, koalas' favorite food source.