Hello Koalas Gallery + Gift Shop
9 Jul 2024 In The Media
Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail wins National Art Awards
25 Feb 2024Media Release Feb 2023 – Australian Street Art Awards Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail WIns National Art Tourism Award Share this Press Releases
Hello Koalas named in top 10% of attractions worldwide
24 Aug 2021Being named in the world’s top 10% of attractions for one of the toughest years tourism has known says something pretty special about Port Macquarie’s Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail. Hello more.. Press Releases
$3 Million funding for Cowarra nature-based tourism precinct
29 Jul 2021Guulabaa – Place of Koala is an exciting partner-project we are undertaking in Cowarra State Forest! In The Media
Hello Koalas Festival features drawcard treasure hunt event
20 Sep 2020This year’s Hello Koalas Festival will feature a search and rescue treasure hunt, artist market and window displays. The festival, now in its fourth year, celebrates Australia’s much-loved koala and more.. In The Media
Big Koala
18 Sep 2020BIG statues are a big part of the big Aussie road trip and now it’s Port Macquarie’s turn, with plans for the Big Koala …. In The Media
Tribute to firefighters a work of art
20 Aug 2020In the midst of the January bushfires that came within a kilometre of her home, 12-year-old Jessica Miles found herself reflecting on the bravery of firefighters protecting lives and property more.. In The Media
Frankie the Firefighter koala sculpture joins the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail
17 Aug 2020A young woman’s bright idea to thank hard-working firefighters has become a reality after a new koala sculpture was unveiled in Port Macquarie. Frankie the Firefighter is the brainchild of more.. In The Media
Next big thing: Work under way on big koala for Port Macquarie as ‘an icon for our region’
14 Jun 2020“We have tagged ourselves (in Port Macquarie) as Australia’s capital for koalas and we see the Big Koala as signifying that status.” In The Media
Hello Koalas Wins Gold at NSW Tourism Awards
5 May 2020Super proud of Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail (Port Macquarie) winning Gold for Cultural Tourism last night at the @NSWTourismAwards. A wonderful recognition for project director Margret Meagher, our amazing artists, sponsors more.. News
Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail exhibition at Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens, October 3
25 Sep 2019The successful Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail is heading to Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens. Twenty four of the hand-painted – and popular – koalas will take pride of place in the more.. In The Media
2019 Mid North Coast Winners – NSW Business Chamber
22 Sep 2019Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail creator Margret Meagher accepted the award for Excellence in Innovation at the Mid North Coast Regional Business Awards gala at Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges. Hello Koalas more.. In The Media
Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail scores gold at Destination North Coast Regional Tourism Awards
22 Sep 2019The Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail has added to its “significant number of awards” after claiming gold for cultural tourism at the Destination North Coast Regional Tourism Awards. In The Media
Hello Koalas Festival 2019 presents Cars for Koalas Show and Shine
22 Sep 2019Proud car owners travelled from as far as Sydney, Tamworth and Newcastle to display their vehicles in the Cars for Koalas Show and Shine. Just over 30 cars were on more.. In The Media
Caring for our Koalas and Environment Symposium to kick of three-day festival in Port Macquarie
3 Jun 2019Everyone is looking forward to the 2019 Hello Koalas Festival. In The Media
Kempsey Shire’s koala population to be highlighted at Hello Koalas event in Port Macquarie
31 May 2019A day dedicated entirely to discussing koala care and research at Port Macquarie on Thursday June 6 is attracting state-wide attention. The Hello Koalas Caring for our Koalas and our more.. In The Media
Hello Koalas a hit in Canberra
27 Feb 2019#PortMacquarie‘s #HelloKoalas are making quite a hit in the capital! Twenty of our fantastic #HelloKoalasSculptures are making their home in Canberra this March at the beautiful #AustralianNationalBotanicGardens. Discover how you can more.. In The Media
Arts / Koalas take over the Botanic Gardens
25 Feb 2019FORGET about Edna Everage’s “Hello Possum” it was all koalas this morning on the lawns of the Australian National Botanic Gardens as a pop-up sculpture trail was unveiled to the more.. In The Media
Silver for Hello Koalas at NSW Tourism Awards
23 Nov 2018EVERYONE, including NSW Tourism, loves Port Macquarie’s Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail which last night won Silver for Cultural Tourism at the 2018 NSW Tourism Awards. Hello Koalas was also a more.. News
Hello Koalas on the Today Show
22 Jul 2018Following the Hello Koalas Festival, Hello Koalas founder Margret Meagher featured on the Channel 9 Today show with a selection of Hello Koalas Sculptures and friends. Port Macquarie turned on. more.. In The Media
Lady Lola makes the news!
1 Jun 2018Stop Press: Lady Lola will be appearing at the Hello Koalas Festival MamaMia Music and Dance Party. 6.30 June 8th Panthers Port Macquarie. MamaMia – Here we go again! Hello more.. News
Press release: Celebrate Koalas at the Hello Koalas Festival
23 May 2018Announcement of the NSW Government’s $45 million package to protect the state’s threatened koala population is reason to celebrate, and the best place to party is at the Hello Koalas more.. News
Say Hello to Cars & Coffee – June 10
29 Apr 2018Another festival Highlight! Hello Koalas Festival Cars and Coffee Meet at Douglas Vale Historic Homestead and Vineyard, Sunday 10 June, 2018, 8.30am to 10.30am, Live bands from 9am, Devonshire tea, more.. News
Ranger Riley on the loose.
19 Dec 2017Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail is the region’s most popular attraction with widespread support from local business, government and community organisations, including the acclaimed Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, more.. News
Download the latest trail map here
19 Dec 2017Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail is the region’s most popular attraction with widespread support from local business, government and community organisations, including the acclaimed Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, more.. News
Hello Koalas Festival – Celebrating Koalas Everywhere!
1 Jun 2017Hello Koalas Festival is believed to be the world’s first festival celebrating Australia’s iconic species, the koala, with the specific objective of promoting koala care and conservation. Designed as an more.. Press Releases
Mrs LESLIE WILLIAMS, MP for Port Macquarie informs the House of Representatives
31 Mar 2017Mrs LESLIE WILLIAMS, MP for Port Macquarie informs the House of Representatives of a very exciting event that is gathering momentum in the Port Macquarie-Hastings area on 28 May 2013 In The Media
2016 Greater Port Macquarie Business Awards nominee: Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail
31 Mar 2017Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail is the signature cultural/tourism attraction for Port Macquarie-Hastings, encompassing 50+ sculptures, hand painted by artists, and sponsored by business and community. In a very short space more.. In The Media
Volunteers recognised for great work
31 Mar 2017Leslie Williams MP presents volunteers with certificates of appreciation. Local volunteers have been recognised and presented certificates of appreciation at a morning tea at the CWA rooms on December 6. Local more.. In The Media
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Scoop found!
31 Mar 2017PORT Macquarie’s search for its missing koala has finally come to an end. Scoop, the Port News sculpture from the iconic Hello Koalas tourist trail, has been found, after a more.. In The Media
NSW Tourism Award honours for Hastings tourism businesses
31 Mar 2017TOURISM businesses from the Hastings took home gold, silver and bronze in the NSW Tourism Awards. The Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail won bronze in the tourist attractions category. The awards promote and more.. In The Media
Where to see Hello Koalas
31 Mar 2017FIFTY large-scale sculptures, manufactured in fibreglass and hand-painted and decorated by celebrity artists, professional artists and community groups, now dot our landscape. It travels from the mountains of Comboyne through more.. In The Media
Hello Koala’s Ranger Riley has a new gig
31 Mar 2017The Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail has claimed numerous business and tourism awards but is now moving into a new phase of awareness raising. At an artist’s talk at Sea Acres more.. In The Media
Funds to Promote Tourism
14 Feb 2015When Regional Tourism Minister John Barilaro was in Port Macquarie recently to announce $693,000 funding through the Regional Visitor Economy Fund to the North Coast Destination Network, the Minister and more.. In The Media
Port Macquarie Public Art damaged by vandals
15 Jan 2015Four more sculptures on Port Macquarie’s popular “Hello Koalas’ trail have been damaged by vandals. In The Media
More Hello Koala Trail vandalism
13 Jan 2015VANDALISM of the koala public sculptures across the Hastings and Camden Haven has reached new lows. Another four of the immensely popular koalas located along the Town Green were damaged more.. In The Media
Leaving a local mark on Paris
8 Jan 2015Former Boorowa local, Sophie Corcoran has left her artistic mark on Paris recently. The young artist has been involved in the Greater Port Macquarie’s ‘Hello Koalas Sculpture Project,’ which has more.. In The Media
Hello Koalas!
8 Jan 2015You won’t see these guys sleeping in the trees or being bad mannered with the tourists, but you will definitely be able to see them because a one metre high, more.. In The Media
John Williamson backs koala trail
8 Jan 2015It would have seemed almost criminal not to have Port Macquarie Koala Hospital patron John Williamson involved in the Hello Koalas Public Sculpture Trail which becomes a reality in the more.. In The Media
Blue koala comes with a message
8 Jan 2015Artist and sculptor Kerry Smith-Taughkin has designed a “Dementia Koala” to take its place on the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail to be launched in September. In The Media
Wauchope businesses back Hello Koala Project
8 Jan 2015The Wauchope Community has mobilised to ensure that Wauchope is included on the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail In The Media
Koala Sculpture proving popular
8 Jan 2015The “Granny Square” design painted on its koala sculpture will welcome people and symbolise the warmth and care provided by the staff of Wauchope Hospital. In The Media
Hello Koala Trail has local input
7 Jan 2015The Hello Koalas project, which is developing a “sculpture trail” of 50 artistically decorated koala sculptures through the Hastings region, is sending one of its “blank” koala figures to Wauchope more.. In The Media
Hello Koalas launch
7 Jan 2015NSW Premier Mike Baird made a brief appearance in Port Macquarie on Monday for the unveiling of the 50 colourful critters that will form the Hello Koalas Public Sculpture Trail. In The Media
Oma gone: Maybe forever?
6 Jan 2015On Saturday December 20 at around 10pm local police were informed that OMA the Hello Koala sculpture was stolen from Longworth Park. In The Media
Oh, Hello Koalas
6 Jan 2015The koala trail around the Hastings has been installed. Will you see them all? Share your photos with us! In The Media
Big is better when it comes to koalas
6 Jan 2015Big is beautiful and those infamous big landmarks that dot the Australian landscape are set to get a new sibling in Port Macquarie.Yes folks, the Big Koala is coming! In The Media
Be a tourist in our backyard
6 Jan 2015Do you have relos visiting for the school holidays? Are the kids already bored? Why not be a tourist in your own backyard? In The Media
Call for Koala artists
6 Jan 2015A Kaleidoscope of colourful mosaics is artist and dance teacher Francesca O’Donnell’s vision for one of the 50 sculptures which will form the Hello Koalas Public Art Project. In The Media
Hello Koalas invasion is now complete
6 Jan 2015An army of 50 large-scale koala sculptures have taken over local vantage points and landmarks these school holidays. In The Media
Port News’ very own koala ready for the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail
6 Jan 2015Work has started on the Port News’ very own koala for the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail being launched in September. In The Media
Stolen Hello Koala returned
6 Jan 2015Crowing on social media undid those who allegedly stole Hello Koalas sculpture Starry Soul from the Town Green early on Monday. In The Media
NSW Premier Mike Baird in Port Macquarie to launch the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail
6 Jan 2015NSW Premier Mike Baird will come face to face with 50 sculptured koalas at Emerald Downs Golf Club on Monday. In The Media
Your Hello Koalas pictures
6 Jan 2015Fifty large-scale sculptures, manufactured in fibreglass and hand-painted and decorated by celebrity artists, professional artists and community groups, now dot our landscape. In The Media
Editorial: Protecting our koalas
6 Jan 2015When the Port Macquarie News informed our readers about the theft of one of the Hello Koala sculptures, the outpouring of support from the community was overwhelming. In The Media
Watch out for giant koalas
6 Jan 2015Macleay Valley artists have contributed to a spectacular art project involving giant koalas. In The Media
Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail
6 Jan 2015Explore Port Macquarie along a sculpture trail featuring one of Australia’s most beloved animals. In The Media
Hello Koalas
6 Jan 2015Port Macquarie Hastings Council is principal sponsor of the Hello Koalas project. Cr Mike Cusato believes the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail will be an important local attraction. In The Media
Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail
6 Jan 2015On 8 September 2014, local communities will wake to the enigmatic smiles and whimsical designs of the 50 large scale fibreglass koalas sculptures residing in various locations across the Port more.. In The Media
Koalas set to break the mould
5 Jan 2015In September 2014 the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail will take tourists and residents on a journey across the Hastings, its hinterland and the Camden Haven. In The Media
The Trail Blazers
5 Jan 2015Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail welcomes its inaugural Community Champions! In The Media
Hello Koalas Sculpture Project Official Launch by the Hon. Premier Mike Baird and Special Preview Ceremony.
5 Jan 2015The NSW Premier, the Hon. Mike Baird was special guest at the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail Preview Ceremony for over 200 artists, sponsors and supporters at Emerald Downs Golf Course more.. In The Media
The Bear Essentials
5 Jan 2015When you mix koalas and food, most people would think gum leaves, but in Port Macquarie they are thinking tourists. In The Media
Koalas colour Port’s world
5 Jan 2015PORT Macquarie, four hours drive north of Sydney, has become home to the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail, featuring 50 one-metre high koala sculptures. In The Media
Koala sculptures attract Tourists
2 Jan 2015THE koala sculptures dotting our landscape are a hit with the influx of holidaymakers. In The Media
Students get to say hello to koalas
3 Dec 2014 In The Media
Kidnapped koala Starry Soul back in place on Port Macquarie’s Town Green
21 Nov 2014STARRY Soul is at last back on his plinth at Town Green, among his fellow Hello Koala Public Sculpture Trail friends, thanks to a French tourist and public outcry in more.. In The Media
Westport Public School workshop targets threatened species
17 Nov 2014Threatened wildlife species of Australia were highlighted at a workshop for Westport Public School students at Sea Acres Rainforest Centre. In The Media
Exploring Greater Port Macquarie – simply GREAT!
17 Nov 2014 “Jet and Lola were both mesmerised by the creatively decorated Bago Blossum, who stands a metre tall…” In The Media
Take your pick of snot bombs, Lego and a giant koala trail these school holidays
17 Nov 2014They breed their koalas big in Port Macquarie. Starting these school holidays 50 of them, each standing 1m tall, will be scattered throughout the koala capital of Australia. Next time more.. In The Media
Pick of the Bunch
17 Nov 2014Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail features in the “pick of the bunch” as part of the School Holiday Planner. In The Media
Crusader Koala inspires in the classroom
17 Nov 2014Hello Koalas Sculpture project began another chapter in its success story with the launch of an exhibition and a pilot extension education program initiated by Hello Koalas Community Champion, Sea more.. Press Releases
Your Guide to Regional NSW – October 2014 to April 2015
13 Nov 2014The new Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail celebrates Greater Port Macquarie’s claim to being the koala capital of Australia. Along the trail, you’ll see beautifully-painted koala sculptures. In The Media
Port Macquarie’s Hello Koalas drives tourism
13 Nov 2014The Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef and koalas remain Australia’s big tourist drawcards and Port Macquarie is claiming the title of home of the koala. In The Media
Port Macquarie New South Wales Mid Coast
13 Nov 2014The work of the Koala Hospital has been a key inspiration for a magical new arts and culture project for the region. The Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail is due to more.. In The Media
Cute and Creative but not so cuddly
13 Nov 2014It’s not everyday you can see 50 koalas in one place. Especially koalas that stand 1m tall. From September, Port Macquarie will become home to a bold new event, the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail, featuring 1m more.. In The Media
Say hello to koalas in Port Macquarie
10 Nov 2014Hello Koalas is a lead story with image in this newsletter focussed on tourism and event industry news. In The Media
Take in the Art of the New
10 Nov 2014Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail is featured as a must-do attraction in 2015. In The Media
Bear North for a koala cluster
10 Nov 2014 In The Media
Imagine all the people. The Hello Koalas Sculpture Project has truly captured the public’s attention
10 Nov 2014SITTING inconspicuously in the Zebu Bar at the Rydges Port Macquarie, you can’t help but notice their behaviour. Not more than 50 metres away along the Hastings River shoreline path more.. In The Media
Missing Koala found
10 Nov 2014There’s been a happy ending to the case of Port Macquarie’s missing koala sculpture.The much loved “Starry Soul” has been returned after it was stolen on Sunday night, and is more.. In The Media
Hello Koalas in the Camden Haven
31 Oct 2014The Trail is a new way for visitors to explore the region and see each of the koalas, which are hand painted and decorated by local and interstate artists. The more.. In The Media
Hello Koalas, a colourful creative ageing study
31 Oct 2014 In The Media
Koala trail pays tribute to backers
31 Oct 2014A TRAIL of metre high koalas in highly visible locations across the Hastings, Camden Haven and hinterland will represent the amazing creativity of many local artists and showcase the community more.. In The Media
A Life of Creativity
31 Oct 2014ARTISTIC extraordinaire Francessca O’Donnell has lived a life as vivid as the awe- inspiring pieces she breathes life to. In The Media
Hello Koalas
31 Oct 2014Sponsored by Forestry Corporation of NSW, this sculpture design has been a true labour of love for Pauline Roods. In The Media
Beagle is a Hero After Saving Koala Joey
31 Oct 2014 In The Media
Koala Food Secured
31 Oct 2014THE final contracts are being prepared for the purchase of a 93 hectare parcel of fertile bushland at Maria River to provide food security for the Hastings’ koala population. In The Media
Hello Koalas Inspires
31 Oct 2014The Hello Koalas Sculpture Project has received over 150 artist design submissions.The challenging task now is selecting just 50 for the large scale one-metre high fibreglass koala sculptures that will more.. In The Media
Colourful Koalas Represent Region
30 Oct 2014 In The Media
Giant koala sculptures on tour in Hastings
30 Oct 2014 In The Media
Hello Koalas Official Launch
30 Oct 2014A bright red metre high koala sculpture and its white glazed partner have been causing a stir around the town. In The Media
Metre-High Koalas to inhabit prominent sites as part of the Hello Koalas Project
30 Oct 2014September 2014 will see the proliferation of 50 or more metre-high koalas inhabiting prominent sites throughout the Local Government Area. In The Media
Hello Koalas is an exciting new local initiative
30 Oct 2014Hello Koalas is an exciting new local initiative that will bring national and international attention to our very own official Koala Sculpture Trail In The Media
Video: From Hull to Oz Warts and all
30 Oct 2014It stopped people in their tracks before hopping off with a string of plaudits. But now a Hull project has spawned a successor – 10,000 miles down under. In The Media
Port Macquarie Koala Trail excites Weekender TV crew
30 Oct 2014SYDNEY Weekender reporter Mel Symons was surrounded by koalas on Thursday as the television show filmed a segment on the Hello Koalas Public Sculpture Trail, to air on Prime7 in more.. In The Media
Hello Koalas trail features on the BBC Travel Show
30 Oct 2014The Hello Koalas sculpture trail featured in the latest BBC Travel Show’s ‘Global Guide’ of noteworthy cultural events happening around the world. In The Media
Port Macquarie’s Hello Koalas drives tourism
30 Oct 2014 In The Media
“Bago Blossum The Amaze-ing Koala” at Bago Vineyards featured in Your Guide to Regional NSW
30 Oct 2014“Your Guide to Regional NSW”, produced by Destination NSW has been inserted into more than 2 million newspapers across Australia in October and a further 280,000 have been inserted into more.. In The Media
Full page editorial on Hello Koalas
30 Oct 2014A full page of Hello Koalas editorial is in ‘Holidays with Kids’ magazine this Spring. HWK has a huge readership of over 600,000. This issue is currently on sale in more.. In The Media
Hello Koalas Sculpture Project features in Tourism Australia’s “Australian Stories”
30 Oct 2014 In The Media
Vandals attack koala sculptures
28 Oct 2014TWO koala sculptures were damaged in what is believed to be random vandalism on Friday night. The Port News’ koala sculpture, Scoop, was damaged as was Celtic Koala when the more.. In The Media
Hello Koalas makes The BEST FOR 2015
28 Oct 2014Hello Koalas makes The BEST FOR 2015 in yesterday’s Escape.com.au magazine!! In The Media
Hello Koalas and Wauchope Profiled on BBC
28 Oct 2014This month Linda Hall, Hello Koalas project manager, received a surprise email from BBC UK TV. The producer had heard about the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail and wanted to include more.. In The Media
Wauchope Businesses Back Hello Koala Project
27 Jun 2014THE Wauchope Community has mobilised to ensure that Wauchope is included on the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail. This public art community project comprises of 50 large scale one-metre high fibreglass more.. Press Releases
Laurieton Elders Vote for Favourite Hello Koalas Design
16 Jun 2014Residents living at The Whiddon Group Laurieton, a residential aged care service, will vote on their favourite design from the Hello Koalas sculpture project next Tuesday. The residents will choose more.. Press Releases
Meet Some of the New Port Macquarie Koala Family and their Artists
3 Jun 2014On 8 September when the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail opens locals and visitors to Port Macquarie alike will be able to finally see the 50 large one-metre high fibreglass koala more.. Press Releases
Wild!Rhino Sculpture Trail
31 Mar 2014Hello Koalas is pleased to be collaborating with Taronga Park Zoo in promoting the Wild! Rhino Sculpture Trail in Sydney and across regional NSW in Katoomba, Bathurst, Orange, Cowra, Parkes more.. Press Releases
Iconic Australian singer/songwriter John Williamson picks up his paintbrush to help save the Koala
27 Mar 2014Iconic Australian singer/songwriter John Williamson is set to pick up his paintbrush in aid of helping to save Koalas for the new Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail soon to be launched more.. Press Releases
Hello Koalas Heads to Houston, Texas, USA!
9 Mar 2014The Hello Koalas Sculpture Project, an initiative of Arts and Health Australia, is proud to be participating in the Global Alliance for Arts and Health conference at Texas Children’s Hospital, more.. Press Releases
“Hello Koalas” says the NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell
28 Feb 2014Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams and Margret Meagher, Executive Director, Arts and Health Australia have welcomed the funding commitment from NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell Share this Press Releases