Launched September 2014 by the NSW Premier, Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail encompasses over 80 large scale one metre high fibreglass koala sculptures, dotted across the Greater Port Macquarie landscape from the mountains to the sea. The hand painted sculptures have been created by selected local artists in a dazzling display of original artwork.

Hello Koalas is a bold, ambitious and imaginative sculpture project, which celebrates one of Australias iconic animals the Koala. Above all, it is designed to generate a sense of fun and surprise for everyone who comes across one of the creatively decorated koalas resting in parkland, lazing by the sea, waiting outside the shops, or playing with children.

The award winning Hello Koalas project is inspired by the highly successful Larkin With Toads public art project in Hull UK in 2010 and has been conceived by Arts and Health Australia, a national organisation based in Port Macquarie.

Most recently, Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail won Gold at the 2019 NSW Tourism Awards for Cultural Tourism and represented NSW at the 2019 Australian Tourism Awards, achieving 4th place out of a national field of 8 finalists. Hello Koalas was also a finalist in the 2019 NSW Business Awards in the category of Excellence in Innovation.

The Hello Koalas Sculptures are located across the Port Macquarie-Hastings Local Government Area. A free Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail Guide is available from many tourism outlets, including the Visitor Information Centre at the Glasshouse in Clarence Street. Check out the range of unique souvenirs and gifts at the Hello Koalas Shop online.

Introducing Hello Koalas newest family member, “Olly The Blue-Eyed Boy”, by local artist Pauline Roods – our 80th sculpture on the Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail.

For some time, I have been wanting to create a Hello Koalas sculpture as you would find one in the wild.

Koalas usually have round, dark brown eyes. Koalas with blue eyes are rare, which makes Olly very special indeed. And he is named after two special little boys – my grandson and the artists grandson!