🇦🇺 I Got to Hold a Koala for 1 Minute in Cairns! 🐨

Spent 2.5 days in Cairns, and here’s how I made my koala cuddle dream come true! 📅 Itinerary ⚪️ Day 1: Great Barrier Reef helicopter tour ☑️ 🔵 Day 2: Mission "Hold a Koala" 🔍 Pre-Trip Research Before arriving, I dug deep into how to hold a koala in Cairns: 1️⃣ Kuranda Rainforest Day Tour (via Taobao) Required buying a rainforest tour + zoo ticket on-site + hoping for koala availability ❌ (Too expensive & uncertain!) 2️⃣ Hartley’s Crocodile Park Only offered "breakfast with koalas" (no holding) ❌ 3️⃣ Backup Plan: The Pier Shopping Center in Cairns CBD (but not guaranteed) ⭐ Our Winning Strategy (For Koala Lovers Only!) ✅ Book in Advance: Reserved the "Koala Encounter" (A$21 for a photo) via Koala Gardens for 11:00 AM (Other slots: 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM) Upgraded to "Holding Experience" (A$31) at the counter upon arrival! ✅ Getting There: Uber from CBD (~A$60) – Taxis cost A$40 more! Arrived at 9:40 AM (park opens at 9:30 AM) – First in line! ✅ The Big Moment: 10:30 AM koala hold (1 full minute! 💕) Staff took professional photos and let my friend snap pics too. Note: Koalas grip tight – my arms were scratched but worth it! ✅ Bonus Fun: Fed kangaroos 🦘 & met other Aussie wildlife. A$21 entry ticket = Great value! 🚂 Return Options: Uber back (~A$60) OR take the Kuranda Scenic Railway (A$55/person) #AustraliaTravel #CairnsAdventures #KoalaCuddle #GreatBarrierReef #TravelTips