Become citizen scientists at the Great Koala Count at Whites Hill Reserve in Camp Hill this October 2026. Local Brisbane families can join guided morning survey teams along bushland tracks to spot wild koalas, help protect native wildlife, and enjoy morning tea, prize draws, and educational stalls back at the park playground.
Great Koala Count – Whites Hill Reserve
The Great Koala Count returns to Whites Hill Reserve, and is run by the Whites Hill – Pine Mountain Community Group Inc (WHPMCG).
Over the past few years, WHPMCG, together with other local groups and community members, has conducted large-scale koala counts throughout Whites Hill Reserve to help build a picture of the local koala population. Participants split into approximately six teams, each covering a different area of the reserve during a 1.5-hour guided survey. For the protection of the reserve and its wildlife, all groups stay on designated tracks at all times.
Previous counts have found 45 koalas in October 2023, 23 in May 2025, and 44 in October 2025.
The event schedule runs as follows: participants meet at the Band Stand beside the children’s playground at 7am, the count begins at 7:30am, and groups return to the meeting point by 9am. Following the count, a morning tea is held where results are tallied, sightings and survey sheets are shared, and short presentations, stalls and prize draws take place.
Registration costs $8 for adults and $5 for children, with proceeds donated to local koala rescue groups. Participants contribute to community efforts to record koala sightings and build understanding of the koalas living within the reserve.
Pets are not permitted. Some trails are unsealed, so sturdy, closed-in shoes are recommended, along with a broad-brimmed hat, a shirt with sleeves, and a water bottle. Binoculars are optional but useful.
Children under 16 must have a supervising guardian present, and all children must be supervised throughout. This is an outdoor event in a bushland environment, and participants are asked to read the safety information provided in their confirmation email carefully. Bookings are not accepted for groups larger than five people; larger groups are asked to contact the organisers directly.
Plan your visit
When: Sunday 11 October 2026, 7am for a 7:30 am start.
where: Whites Hill Reserve, 258 Boundary Rd, Camp Hill 4152
More information here
