They are often in backyards in Ruse and Bradbury and the gum forests of Wollondilly are also attracting them.

Last month, a group of workers found a koala they call Lucky in Technology Drive in Appin.

Lucky had crept into their work compound overnight seeking food. He was trapped behind the barb wire fence.

Koala expert and tracker Robert Close, of the University of Western Sydney, said the koalas are still spreading and more sightings can be expected.

``It seems they're dispersing further south from Campbelltown breeding areas and north from breeding areas near Wilton and the Cataract River Catchment,'' he said.

``We're getting regular road-kills around Pheasants Nest and Wilton and more live reports from Mittagong.''

The local koala-breeding area is among eucalyptus trees and water gums along the Georges River.

As the number of koalas along the river continues to grow, it seems they're heading further along the banks in a quest for new accommodation.

``We have 140 koalas from Campbelltown that have been tagged,'' Dr Close said.

``If half of those are females, we can expect to see 50 to 70 new cubs a year.

``My feeling is if koalas are on the rise in Campbelltown, they'll be on the rise in other areas.''

So if you live among feeding trees like grey gums and forest red gums, or your house is somewhere near a creek or river, you could soon expect a visit from a travelling koala.

Dr Close has been tracking and monitoring koalas in the area for years. The Advertiser sponsored his early research work.

Dr Close wants Wollondilly residents to keep a watch for the koalas. ``Keep an eye out on the roads and attend to any unusual dog barking.

``It may indicate that a koala is paying your home a visit.''

Report koala sightings: UWS pager, 99629996.