Residents around Wellington Point are being encouraged to keep an eye out for young koalas as the annual dispersal season begins across Redlands Coast.
Running from July to December, this seasonal movement sees young koalas leave their mothers to find their own territory. Redland City Council says each young koala that successfully establishes a home range helps build a stronger, more resilient wild population, making this a vital period for the future of the local species.
A stronghold for local koala habitat
Wellington Point is well known for its healthy koala habitat, including the Geoff Skinner Wetlands. The area has previously hosted Council-guided educational walks alongside University of the Sunshine Coast research teams to help residents recognise koala behaviour and appreciate the role local bushland plays in supporting the population.
Even outside these conservation zones, koalas regularly move through nearby residential neighbourhoods and parks as they search for food trees and suitable new territory.
Knowing when a koala needs help
Seeing a small koala alone does not necessarily mean it is orphaned or abandoned.
Young koalas typically head out on their own at about 18 months of age. Because they are smaller than adults, they can easily be mistaken for lost joeys. However, Council advises that a healthy koala roughly the size of a football or larger is old enough to be travelling independently.
If a koala appears sick, injured, or at immediate risk, residents should contact the Redlands 24-hour Wildlife Rescue Service on (07) 3833 4031 and follow the advice of trained rescuers.
Simple steps to protect travelling wildlife
While koalas spend most of their time in eucalyptus trees, they must travel on the ground to move between habitat patches. This ground movement peaks during dispersal season, increasing their vulnerability to vehicles and domestic pets.
Motorists can assist by slowing down near bushland, particularly between dusk and dawn when wildlife is most active. Homeowners can also help by keeping dogs secured at night and providing koala-friendly fence and pool escape routes where practical so wandering animals do not become trapped.
Sightings support local conservation
Residents who spot a healthy koala are encouraged to record the sighting through the Redlands Coast Koala Watch program.
These community reports help Council map wildlife movement alongside ongoing scientific research, directly supporting local conservation efforts. The presence of these young animals is a proud reminder that Wellington Point has a unique natural environment that remains a vital sanctuary for native wildlife.
Published 15-July-2026
