The Guulabaa Place of Koala tourism precinct is now officially open in the Cowarra State Forest, following a $6.1 million investment from the Australian and NSW Government’s Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.

The word Guulabaa means “Place of Koala” in local Gathang, the language of the Biripi people of the Mid North Coast.

The newly opened project allows visitors to enjoy the Cowarra State Forest, and new connected facilities, including:

• Australia’s world first wild Koala breeding facility
• Bunyah Local Aboriginal Land Council’s café
• Bunyah Bilbay Aboriginal art gallery
• The Big Koala, part of Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail
• WildNets treetop playground, which has already attracted over 90,000 customers in its first two years.

Funding also delivered forest viewing decks, signage, site fencing, construction of toilet facilities, sealed road access, and water and electricity connection.

Forestry Corporation NSW has led the way maximising the public and conservation benefits of Cowarra State Forest to deliver a thriving tourism and koala conservation, precinct and showcasing the qualities of renewable timber production.

Timbers for the project have been generously supplied for this project by Coffs Harbour Hardwoods, Big River Timbers, Hurford Hardwood, Weathertex, Ironwood Australia, Hayden Timbers, Pentarch Forestry and Machin’s Sawmill.

The project represents a partnership in forest management, bringing together local organisations committed to showcasing Aboriginal heritage and cultural practices, forest ecology and koala conservation, forest timber products, plus art and design for the visiting public.