HE may be a real-life hero to his girlfriend, Hollywood starlet Hayden Panettiere, but actor Milo Ventimiglia will be just as happy to snuggle up to a koala in her absence

In town with his co-star Masi Oka to promote the Seven series Heroes, the small screen talents are trying to fit in some sight-seeing on their whirlwind two-day visit to Oz.

And topping the list of Aussie experiences is to get up close and personal with some furry friends.

“Masi wants to hug a wombat but I’d love to hold a koala. They sleep 22 hours a day, eat eucalyptus leaves and just hang out. I want to spend some time with that guy.” Ventimiglia said.

Heroes fans can meet the pair at JB Hi-FI in The Galeries Victoria, on George Street, Sydney, where they will be signing DVDs from 1.15pm today.