Narrandera’s favourite furry locals are back in the spotlight this spring, with the return of the Koala Festival on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September 2025 – a weekend of bushland experiences, wildlife encounters, and nature-fuelled fun in the Riverina.

Since 1972, Narrandera’s koala colony has grown from 19 reintroduced koalas to over 300, roaming the river red gums, making this one of Australia’s longest running and most successful conservation stories.

“Koala Festival is a celebration of everything people love about Narrandera – our wildlife, our river country and our community,” says Narrandera Shire Council Mayor, Cr Neville Kschenka.

“It’s a weekend for visitors and locals to get outdoors, experience the reserve in new ways, and be part of a conservation story that’s lasted over 50 years.”

Saturday’s Koala Fest at Brewery Flat Reserve kicks off from midday with koala habitat tours, bushwalks, kayak tours, reptile encounters and hands-on workshops. Festival-goers can refuel with food vans and relax to live tunes throughout the afternoon, before a riverside Light Show under the stars.

On Sunday, sleep-in, grab your coffee, and join the Narrandera Koala Count at 10am – Australia’s longest-running citizen science event where you can make a real difference in protecting one of the country’s most iconic species. This family-friendly event offers guided walks through the Narrandera Flora and Fauna Reserve with expert tips on how to spot koalas in their natural habitat.

Set against the scenic backdrop the Murrumbidgee River, the Koala Festival is a celebration of conservation, community, and Australia’s cutest koala colony.

Visitors are encouraged to turn their weekend into a koala-fuelled Riverina escape, with local stay options and full event program details to be announced via the Narrandera Tourism website and social channels.

Website: www.narrandera.com.au
Facebook: @narrandera.tourism
Instagram: @narranderatourism