Guulabaa interpretation has been developed in partnership with Forestry Corporation NSW, Bunyah Local Aboriginal Land Council (BLALC), Koala Conservation Australia (KCA), WildNets and Hello Koalas. A big thank you to Justin Black (formerly with Forestry) for getting this project off the ground and progressing it with stakeholders, architects and builders.
Guulabaa – Place of Koala is an award-winning tourism precinct on the NSW Mid North Coast. It offers visitors opportunities to learn about koala conservation, Aboriginal culture, modern forestry, have a treetop adventure, relax and enjoy forest walks or picnic under the eye of The Big Koala sculpture. Guulabaa means ‘place of koala’ in local Gathang, the language of the Biripi people, the Traditional Owners of the land on which Guulabaa sits.
This nature-based tourism precinct is a place where people, koalas, forest, culture, adventure come together. Where ‘caring for country’ underpins everything.
Guulabaa interpretation
- Forestry Corporation NSW (FCNSW)
- 2021 to present
- interpretation plan, logo design, entry statement, signage design, illustrative screens design, research and story writing.
Guulabaa – Place of Koala
Koala Hospital
Koala Conservation Australia will operate the world’s first wild koala breeding centre. Here you can see Koalas first-hand, understand and learn about these amazing creatures whilst supporting local conservation efforts too.
WildNets tree top playground
WildNets offer visitors a unique treetop experience where they can discover a variety of games. Inflatable horses, suspensions bridges, ball pits, slides, pods, tree houses and more await visitors to the giant bouncy netted rooms of WildNets, an all ages, all-ability experience. The octagon-shaped tree houses include 6 panels of educational information. One treehouse is about the Biripi aboriginal people and the second is about Forestry’s management practices in protecting the koalas and other native animals and plants at Cowarra State Forest.
Award – Excellence in Specialised Tourism 2023 & 2024
WildNets Adventures wins GOLD for the second year in a row at the North Coast Tourism Awards 2024.
WildNets Adventures wins GOLD for Excellence in Specialised Tourism at the North Coast Tourism Awards 2023.
Award – Best Tourism & Attraction 2024
WildNets wins best ‘Tourism & Attractions’ at the Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards 2024.
Forestry Corporation
The Hub at Guulabaa is a series of architecturally designed decks which allow visitors to relax and enjoy the forest canopy views. From the decks of this forest-based tourism precinct, visitors can view the koalas in the pens and trees of the adjacent Koala Hospital. Guulabaa’s creation is a testament to the power of collaboration, supported by an exceptional team of partners. The project is a joint effort, combining expertise and resources from various organisations to establish a world-class, nature-based tourism experience. This collective endeavour ensures that every aspect of Guulabaa, from its conservation initiatives to visitor facilities, reflects a commitment to preserving natural heritage and fostering sustainable tourism. The synergy among partners has been pivotal in bringing this unique vision to life, making Guulabaa a remarkable destination for all.
Community Design Award 2024 – Guulabaa wins Gensler Community by Design Award, which recognises projects that showcase the transformative impact of design excellence in a community. See video
Hello Koalas
The Big Koala, part of Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail, is 2.5 metres high and painted by local artist Pauline Roods. The Big Koala is an iconic landmark, greeting visitors as they enter form the carpark. A great spot for a happy-snap too! Artwork elements from Pauline’s beautiful painting have been used as interpretive graphics on other print material.
Award – Best Landmark Sculpture 2023
The Big Koala – Spirit of all Koalas – wins Best Landmark Sculpture at Australian Street Art Awards 2023 (Artists: by Pauline Roods and John Belfield)
Bunyah Café – opening soon
Run by the local Biripi mob, the Bunyah Café at The Hub will offer refreshments to visitors.
