Little Raymond Island in the Gippsland Lakes is one of the best places to see wild koalas and you can get there for free. Jump on the ferry (no charge for walkers and cyclists) from Paynesville and follow the Koala Trail through its gum trees.

Before you know it, you’ll be cooing at the sight of furry friends resting in the nook of the eucalypts, smug in the knowledge you've not paid any cash to see them. Its population has boomed since 16 male and 26 female koalas were relocated from Philip Island to Raymond Island in 1953 to aid conservation of the species.

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