Guulabaa – Place of Koala is the world’s first purpose-built wild koala breeding and rehabilitation centre, located in Cowarra State Forest, New South Wales. Born from the devastation of the 2019–2020 Black Summer Bushfires, which displaced or killed an estimated 3 billion animals, including 64,000 koalas, Guulabaa was created as a direct response to a critical biodiversity crisis. The 25-hectare sanctuary integrates conservation, cultural heritage, education, and regenerative design into a unique model for sustainable development.

This project represents a groundbreaking collaboration between Forestry Corporation of NSW, Gensler, Koala Conservation Australia, and the Bunyah Local Aboriginal Land Council. At the core of Guulabaa is a wild koala breeding program that prioritises naturalistic environments and minimal human contact to ensure animals can be safely released back into the wild. Complementary to its conservation mission, Guulabaa also serves as an educational and eco-tourism destination, engaging the public through immersive learning and storytelling experiences that connect people to Country.

Sustainability is embedded at every level, from passive design strategies and low-impact construction to the incorporation of Indigenous-led cultural burning practices, which reduce bushfire risk and regenerate the forest. Innovative use of fire-resilient native hardwoods, approved through regulatory collaboration, demonstrates the potential of locally sourced timber in high-risk zones. With elevated walkways, modular construction, and integrated community programming, Guulabaa is a place of habitat restoration and a blueprint for resilient, inclusive, and nature-based design.

Image Courtesy Forestry Corporation of NSW