LAKE INNES ATTRACTION FIELD GUIDE
Guulabaa at Lake Innes: Koalas, Canopy Play and a Big Sculpture in Cowarra State Forest
A day-access attraction run by Koala Conservation Australia featuring Wildnets Adventure Park, forest pathways and the Big Koala sculpture—useful for planning a visit, learning about conservation, and timing your entry.
Guulabaa at Lake Innes: Koalas, Canopy Play and a Big Sculpture in Cowarra State Forest.
Adventure brief
Guulabaa at Lake Innes: Koalas, Canopy Play and a Big Sculpture in Cowarra State Forest
Guulabaa sits inside Cowarra State Forest at Lake Innes as a focused hub for koala conservation and public education. The site combines wildlife care and breeding work with public attractions — from canopy-based play at Wildnets Adventure Park to forest pathways and the now‑prominent Big Koala sculpture — creating an accessible point to learn about and support endangered koalas.
Set against the tranquil backdrop of Cowarra State Forest near Lake Innes, New South Wales, Guulabaa Wild Breeding Centre offers visitors a unique chance to connect deeply with one of Australia's most iconic animals—the koala. This emerging destination, operated in partnership with the Bunyah Land Council and Forestry Corporation of NSW, combines conservation, education, and adventure in a way that few places in the region can match. Though the Koala Visitor & Education Centre is slated to open in December 2024, guests can already experience the heart of Guulabaa through the Wildnets Adventure Park, forest pathways, and the famous Big Koala sculpture.
Visitors are welcomed to observe the resident koalas from carefully designed viewing decks, where the natural habitat remains undisturbed, ensuring the wellness of these vulnerable marsupials. Guulabaa’s Wild Koala Breeding Program is the first of its kind in the area, serving as a vital effort to safeguard koala populations amid increasing environmental pressures. Educational displays and interactive presentations allow visitors to understand the complexities of koala conservation, from the preparation of their specialized diet to the workings of the newly developed koala clinic.
The center’s location within Cowarra State Forest means that beyond the focus on koalas, visitors can stroll serene forest trails shaded by native eucalyptus, offering an immersive Australian bush experience. The opportunity to snap a photo with the iconic Big Koala sculpture adds a touch of local charm, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Wildnets Adventure Park, accessible onsite, invites thrill-seekers to bounce among the treetops, making the venue suitable for all ages and interests. Meanwhile, supporting the Bunyah Land Council’s cafe and artisan shop ensures that guests are directly contributing to the sustainability and cultural heritage of the local community.
Lake Innes, the closest town, provides convenient accommodations and acts as the gateway for travelers eager to explore this unique wildlife sanctuary. Guulabaa stands out as a beacon of hope for endangered koalas and a special destination for visitors who want to engage with authentic conservation efforts while enjoying a memorable outdoor adventure in one of New South Wales' most peaceful natural settings.
Route Schematic
On-site route and stops
The site is organized around visitor attractions and conservation facilities; typical stops include the admission/visitor area, play installations, and interpretive points.
Entry & Visitor Access
All-day entry is available within operating hours; this is where admissions and information about the centre are handled.
Wildnets Adventure Park
Treetop play installations and adventure elements provide active recreation within the forest setting.
Big Koala Sculpture & Forest Pathways
Sculpture and surrounding paths offer interpretation, photo opportunities and a quieter way to experience the site.
Suitable for general public visitation; check operator notices on-site as attractions and centre operations are managed by Koala Conservation Australia and partners and may be subject to change.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Wildnets Adventure Park
Wildnets Adventure Park is a key public attraction at Guulabaa, offering treetop play and a lively complement to the centre’s conservation focus.
The Big Koala Sculpture
The Big Koala sculpture provides a focal photo opportunity on the site and helps anchor the visitor trail through the forest.
Wild Breeding and Education
Guulabaa is presented as a wild breeding centre and education hub where visitors can both enjoy attractions and support work for endangered wildlife.
What the day feels like
What a visit feels like
A visit to Guulabaa mixes light outdoor recreation with conservation engagement: wander forest pathways, take in sculpture and play elements, and connect with the centre’s koala-focused programming run by Koala Conservation Australia.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this visit suits
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
All-day entry is available between 8:30am and 4:00pm.
The site’s meeting and access point is Guulabaa Way within Cowarra State Forest, Lake Innes.
The attraction is operated by Koala Conservation Australia in partnership with local stakeholders.
No specific gear requirements were provided in the verified details.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When can I visit Guulabaa?
All-day entry is available between 8:30am and 4:00pm.
Where is the meeting or entry location?
The meeting location is Guulabaa Way in Cowarra State Forest, Lake Innes.
Who operates the Wild Breeding Centre?
Koala Conservation Australia operates the attraction.
What attractions are on site?
Verified attractions include Wildnets Adventure Park, forest pathways and the Big Koala sculpture alongside the Wild Breeding Visitor & Education Centre.
Is the Koala Visitor & Education Centre open?
The provided information contains both a reference that the Koala Visitor & Education Centre opens in December 2024 and a separate reference stating the Koala Conservation Wild Breeding Visitor & Education Centre is now open.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-05T19:26:41.591Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.