The word “koala” comes from the Dharuk word gula. Closely related words appear in other Australian Aboriginal languages, including:

• In the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Aborigines called Koalas by the word Cullawines
• Near Sydney, Aborigines called Koalas by the word Koolahs
• In the Murray Region, Aborigines called Koalas by the word Karbors
• Other Aboriginal names for Koalas include: Bangaroos, Koolewongs, Narnagoons and Colos