ZOOS & ANIMAL PARKS AUSTRALIA

Trevena Glen Farm is a celebrated family farm experience located at 1100 Winn Road, Mount Samson in the Moreton Bay region, just 35 minutes from Brisbane's CBD, airport, and cruise terminals. Family-owned and operated for over 40 years, the farm features ten different animal species for interactive encounters and offers horse riding lessons, pony rides, and miniature train experiences across its scenic grounds. A spectacular multi-storey treehouse playground provides entertainment for children of all ages, while an onsite cafe caters to visitors throughout the day. Trevena Glen also delivers specialized programs including school excursions, NDIS-supported services, equine-assisted learning, and corporate team-building events. Birthday parties and wine-tasting experiences further highlight the farm's versatility as a premier agritourism destination in southeast Queensland.

Iris Lodge Alpacas is an eco-certified farm sanctuary set on 93 acres of beautiful countryside in Jilliby on the Central Coast of New South Wales, approximately one hour north of Sydney. Home to over 145 alpacas, 12 llamas, and a variety of other beloved animals, the farm treats all residents as cherished pets rather than commercial livestock. Visitors can enjoy the signature Brunch with Alpacas and Alpaca Meet and Greet experiences, where they hand-feed and interact closely with these gentle, curious animals. The property also offers full farm visits, school tours, corporate retreats, and Boho picnic experiences in a stunning natural setting. As a carbon-negative operation powered by solar energy and rainwater harvesting, Iris Lodge Alpacas combines meaningful animal connections with a commitment to sustainability and accessibility, welcoming families, couples, seniors, and tour groups seeking authentic agritourism on the New South Wales coast.

Steve McEwan's Reptile World is an educational reptile centre located inside the iconic Big Banana Fun Park at 351 Pacific Highway in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia. The walk-through display features Australia's most well-known venomous snakes, pythons, lizards, turtles, and a resident saltwater crocodile named Snappy, offering a fascinating insight into how these remarkable species have adapted to thrive across Australia's diverse landscapes. Visitors can pat a lizard or cuddle a python during daily reptile encounter sessions with photos available, making it a hands-on experience suitable for curious travellers of all ages. Reptile World also provides mobile reptile education displays, reptile rescue services, and community outreach, blending entertainment with genuine conservation awareness in the heart of the popular Coffs Coast holiday region.

Echo Farm is a family-owned farm attraction located at 249 Tollner Road in Mount Gambier, South Australia, offering visitors a nostalgic step back in time through interaction with a variety of farm and native animals. Housed on a historic property featuring a 1940s farmhouse and antique displays, the attraction provides a self-guided farm trail that allows guests to explore at their own pace. Visitors begin with an informative induction talk before setting off to meet and feed the animals, with knowledgeable staff available to assist throughout. The venue caters to families, school groups, and individuals, with customised group visits bookable in advance. A smoke-free environment, enclosed walking shoe requirement, and calm, unhurried atmosphere make Echo Farm a welcoming destination for all ages. It is a wonderful way to experience working farm life and connect with animals in the scenic surrounds of South Australia's Limestone Coast region.

Windy Park Alpacas is a tranquil and charming alpaca farm situated in Pipers River in the George Town Council area of northern Tasmania. The farm is home to a delightful collection of animals including alpacas, peacocks, geese, chickens, goats, sheep, guinea pigs, rabbits, and a pig, all living on a scenic rural property. Visitors are welcomed for guided farm tours led by knowledgeable guides who share fascinating insights about alpacas, their history, and the farm's sustainable practices. Guests can feed, pat, and take leisurely walks with the resident alpacas for a truly hands-on experience. The on-site Alpaca Boutique stocks a range of alpaca-themed products including warm garments and handcrafted gifts made from alpaca fleece. Open most days of the week, Windy Park Alpacas offers an affordable and memorable outing for families, animal lovers, and those seeking a peaceful escape in the beautiful Tasmanian countryside.

Jirrahlinga Dingo Conservation and Wildlife Education Centre is a not-for-profit wildlife sanctuary located near Castlemaine in central Victoria, approximately one hour from Melbourne. The sanctuary is home to 128 dingoes as well as over 200 native Australian animals including koalas, wombats, reptiles, and a wide range of other species. Visitors can enjoy ranger-led daily presentations and small-group hands-on encounters that bring guests face to face with the animals while keepers share conservation information and fascinating animal facts. Jirrahlinga is particularly committed to dingo conservation and wildlife education, offering targeted programs for school groups and families alike. The sanctuary is open Thursday through Tuesday from 10am to 4pm and offers group discounts for parties of ten or more. Visitors can also sponsor animals, volunteer, or donate to support ongoing conservation initiatives. Jirrahlinga is a deeply purposeful attraction blending genuine wildlife care with an inspiring educational mission.

The Australian Wildlife Sanctuary in Bargo, New South Wales, is a heritage-listed, 90-hectare wildlife refuge and charity situated on Tharawal Country within the Wollondilly Shire, south of Sydney. Founded in 1962 by conservationist Dr Thistle Stead AM, the sanctuary is home to rescued, non-releasable, and threatened native species including kangaroos, koalas, emus, wombats, snakes, lizards, wallabies, and a wide variety of native birds. Visitors can participate in Wild Encounters to meet and feed resident animals such as bare-nosed wombats, long-neck turtles, and emus, and can also join nocturnal sanctuary tours to discover pythons, possums, potoroos, gliders, and more after dark. Educational programs, wildlife experiences, and special events make the sanctuary a meaningful and memorable destination for families and conservation supporters.

Altina Wildlife Park is a safari-style zoo and conservation reserve situated in Darlington Point, New South Wales, in the Riverina region. The park specialises in the conservation of endangered species and features a diverse collection of both native Australian and exotic animals, including African lions, red pandas, Tasmanian devils, rhinos, meerkats, kangaroos, emus, parrots, and goannas. A distinctive feature of Altina is its horse-drawn Clydesdale wagon tours, which take visitors through the large animal exhibits in a relaxed and scenic manner, while the smaller animal and reptile sections can be explored independently on foot. The park actively participates in breeding programs for endangered species and welcomes new arrivals regularly. Altina offers a unique and leisurely wildlife experience in a rural setting for families and animal enthusiasts throughout the Riverina.

Taralga Wildlife Park is a diverse and family-friendly wildlife park located in Taralga, in the Upper Lachlan Shire of New South Wales, open Thursday to Monday and every day during school holidays. The park is home to over 700 birds and animals across more than 100 species, including white kangaroos, quokkas, five species of wallaby, emus, camels, deer, alpacas, llamas, donkeys, and a spectacular range of birds such as macaws, black cockatoos, pheasants, and a wedge-tailed eagle. With more than 50 exhibits, highlights include a friendly wombat named Bridget, a resident dingo named Rinnie, and the beloved Friendship Farm where children can feed and pet miniature ponies, mini goats, sheep, rabbits, and guinea pigs. The park's welcoming atmosphere and wide variety of animals make it an excellent day out for families exploring the Southern Tablelands region.

Bredl's Wildlife is a hands-on wildlife farm experience located in Bloomsbury, Queensland, between Mackay and Airlie Beach. Established in 1956, this family-operated attraction spans 175 acres and offers guided tours featuring a remarkable range of Australian and exotic animals. Visitors can handle snakes, lizards, and baby crocodiles, hand-feed kangaroos, emus, and cassowaries, and witness the park's large resident saltwater crocodiles being hand-fed. The experience emphasises personal interaction over a typical zoo setting, with limited group sizes ensuring an intimate encounter. Bookings are essential for the Monday to Saturday sessions, and the passionate, knowledgeable staff make it a memorable destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts visiting the Mackay region of Queensland.

Warrnambool Wildlife Encounters is an intimate, hands-on wildlife experience located at Cudgee, near Warrnambool in Victoria, positioned along the famous Great Ocean Road. The family-owned park offers fully guided sessions of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, during which guests can get up close with a wonderful range of native Australian animals including koalas, wombats, kangaroos, dingoes, and snakes. The emphasis is firmly on interaction — visitors are welcome to feed and pet many of the animals at no additional cost, creating warm and memorable connections with Australian wildlife. Session capacities are intentionally kept small to ensure the highest quality experience, and bookings are recommended. Operating Wednesday to Sunday with multiple daily sessions, this charming park is an excellent family destination for those exploring Victoria's south-west coast.

Reptile Encounters is an interactive wildlife education provider based in Burwood, Victoria, serving the Melbourne metropolitan area for over a decade. The organisation offers engaging, curriculum-aligned wildlife shows and experiences featuring Australian native animals including crocodiles, snakes, lizards, frogs, insects, ring-tail possums, and tawny frogmouths. Its programs are delivered by degree-qualified presenters and cater to a wide range of audiences, from preschool and primary school incursions through to secondary students, birthday parties, corporate events, and private zoo tours. The emphasis is on hands-on encounters designed to reconnect people with nature, support wellbeing, and create lasting educational impact. Volunteer opportunities are also available for those passionate about wildlife. Highly regarded by schools and families across Melbourne, Reptile Encounters makes Australian wildlife accessible and exciting in an educational setting.

Darling Downs Zoo is a wildlife destination located in Pilton, approximately two hours west of Brisbane in Queensland's Darling Downs region. The zoo is home to a diverse range of animals including big cats such as Sumatran tigers and leopards, primates, crocodilians, birds, reptiles, and other mammals, with daily free keeper talks and a variety of paid animal encounters that often sell out in advance. A dedicated free-roaming native wildlife sanctuary on the property allows guests to experience Australian animals in a more natural setting, and seasonal experiences like the Zoofari Night Tour provide memorable after-dark wildlife adventures. The zoo's Species Preservation Foundation is a government-approved charity actively supporting endangered species conservation. Open daily from 9am to 4pm and closed only on Christmas Day, Darling Downs Zoo offers wildlife education and unforgettable encounters for the whole family.

The Reptile House is a dedicated reptile exhibit located within Perth Zoo in South Perth, Western Australia. Originally opened on World Environment Day in 1997, this climate-controlled building contains 17 carefully designed exhibits that replicate the natural habitats of reptile species from across Australia and around the world. Visitors can observe a captivating variety of lizards, snakes, and other reptiles displayed in immersive settings that bring their natural environments to life. The exhibit is open daily as part of a visit to Perth Zoo, which operates from 9am to 5pm, and is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for visitors of all ages and abilities. As part of Perth Zoo's broader commitment to wildlife conservation and education, the Reptile House offers a fascinating window into the diverse and often misunderstood world of reptiles.

Dreamworld Corroboree is a registered zoo and wildlife precinct within Dreamworld theme park at Coomera on Queensland's Gold Coast, home to over 800 native and barnyard animals. Visitors encounter iconic Australian species including koalas, kangaroos, dingoes, rare bilbies, and saltwater crocodiles, as well as tigers at the famous Tiger Island exhibit. Daily wildlife talks, hands-on animal encounters, and the option to cuddle a koala or feed a tiger make it one of Australia's most interactive wildlife experiences. The precinct also celebrates Indigenous culture through presentations on traditional music, fire-making, and cultural practices. The Dreamworld Wildlife Foundation supports tiger conservation and other programs, giving visitors a meaningful connection to wildlife protection alongside the excitement of one of Australia's most popular theme parks.

Sydney Zoo is a modern zoological facility located in Eastern Creek, western Sydney, featuring over 150 species from around the globe. The zoo showcases diverse exhibits including an African Boardwalk, Primate Boulevard, an Asian precinct with elephants and tigers, an extensive aquarium, and one of Australia's largest reptile and nocturnal houses. Interactive experiences include animal encounters with giraffes, lions, and koalas, as well as Keeper For a Day programs and daily keeper talks. The venue is family-friendly with free parking and fully accessible, level pathways. Sydney Zoo actively supports conservation initiatives spanning wildlife trafficking prevention, shark protection, and habitat restoration, positioning itself as a destination that combines entertainment with meaningful wildlife education and preservation efforts.

Tasmania Zoo is a wildlife facility located in Riverside, near Launceston, Tasmania, boasting the largest collection of rare, exotic, and native species in the state. With over 100 animal species and the second-largest primate collection of any private Australian zoo, the park offers a rich variety of encounters. Visitor experiences include animal encounters, keeper talks, feeding times, and the popular Jurassic Swamp exhibit. Tasmania Zoo cares for injured and orphaned wildlife unable to return to the wild, and is affiliated with the Zoo and Aquarium Association, participating in species management programs alongside other Australasian institutions. The zoo supports international conservation efforts including the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program and the Red Panda Network, open daily from 10 am to 4 pm for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo, located in Dubbo in central New South Wales, is a major open-range wildlife attraction featuring iconic and endangered animals from around the world. The zoo houses hippopotamuses, cheetahs, rhinos, lions, giraffes, tigers, and Asian elephants across expansive safari-style exhibits designed to replicate natural habitats. Visitors can enjoy behind-the-scenes tours and close-up animal encounters, hire bikes or boats to explore the grounds, and stay overnight in luxury Zoofari Lodges overlooking African savannahs. A state-of-the-art Wildlife Hospital operates on-site, and the zoo serves as a living classroom offering educational programs for all ages. Taronga conducts significant conservation research and field work protecting Australian and global wildlife, blending adventure tourism with genuine environmental advocacy.

The Funky Farm is a boutique wildlife sanctuary located in Hastings on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, Australia, and is renowned as one of Australia's most hands-on wildlife experiences. Operating exclusively by appointment for small-group guided tours, the sanctuary allows visitors to interact directly with a variety of native Australian animals including wombats, kangaroos, dingoes, snakes, and reptiles. Rather than passive observation, guests are encouraged to pat animals and participate in feeding experiences under qualified supervision, creating genuinely memorable encounters. The farm is closed Mondays and Tuesdays and also offers birthday party packages through its partner service, Aussie Wildlife Displays. Its intimate, personalised approach to wildlife education makes it a distinctive destination for families and tourists seeking authentic connections with Australian fauna on the Mornington Peninsula.

Serpentarium Wildlife Park is an indoor reptile attraction located at 5 West Street in St Helens on the east coast of Tasmania. Specialising in exotic captive-bred reptiles, the climate-controlled facility features notable species including green anacondas, reticulated pythons, Indian star tortoises, and a variety of snakes and lizards. A daily keeper presentation at noon offers visitors the opportunity to handle snakes and feed tortoises in an engaging, educational setting. The venue also displays Indigenous artefacts alongside a gem and crystal collection, adding cultural and geological interest. Rio's Cafe operates on-site during afternoon hours. Aiming to raise awareness of reptiles and support conservation and nature appreciation, the Serpentarium is open seven days a week from 11 am to 3 pm and caters to visitors of all ages and abilities.

Koala Park Sanctuary is one of Sydney's oldest wildlife attractions, operating since 1930 at 84 Castle Hill Road in West Pennant Hills, New South Wales, Australia. Set across 10 acres of rainforest and eucalypt groves, the sanctuary is home to koalas, kangaroos, wombats, dingoes, and a variety of other native Australian animals. The facility offers seven free animal encounters every day, giving visitors the chance to meet iconic species up close, and also features Billy Tea and Sheep Shearing demonstrations that celebrate Australian rural heritage. Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM including public holidays (except Christmas Day), the sanctuary welcomes school groups, families, and tour parties, and also hosts children's birthday parties and special events. Complimentary parking is available throughout the year.

Alice Springs Desert Park is an acclaimed environmental education facility and wildlife park located just seven kilometres from the heart of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, Australia. Spanning 1,300 hectares of spectacular Central Australian landscape, the park showcases native animals and plants representative of the region's desert environments across three distinct habitats: Desert Rivers, Nocturnal House, and Woodland. Visitors can walk among free-ranging kangaroos, observe the mysterious Nocturnal House where bilbies, mala, and thorny devils are on display, and watch spectacular free-flying birds of prey demonstrations at the base of the MacDonnell Ranges. Evening nocturnal tours led by expert guides reveal the secret lives of desert animals by spotlight, while daily presentations by local Aboriginal guides offer insight into the ancient cultural connections to this remarkable landscape.

Paradise Country is an authentic Australian farm experience located in Oxenford on Queensland's Gold Coast, just 20 minutes north of Surfers Paradise. Part of Village Roadshow Theme Parks, the attraction opened in 2005 and invites visitors to meet koalas, kangaroos, dingoes, emus, sheep, meerkats, and many more Australian animals in a friendly, interactive setting. Guests can cuddle a koala, hand-feed kangaroos, visit the baby animal nursery, and enjoy a full program of live shows including the action-packed Australian Stock Horse display, a sheep herding demonstration with working dogs, and the Shearing Shed show featuring Shaun the Sheep's Aussie Adventure. Traditional Outback activities such as damper making and billy tea complete the experience, making Paradise Country a wonderful celebration of Australian rural life and wildlife for families and visitors of all ages.

Hammond Park is a beloved community park and wildlife attraction located on Memorial Drive in West Lamington, Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. The park offers a well-shaded, grassed environment where visitors can observe a range of wildlife in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Alongside its resident animals, the park features a historic rotunda, an ornamental pond, a children's playground, and a castle structure that adds a whimsical element for younger visitors. Facilities include BBQ areas, a cafe, picnic tables, shelters, public toilets, and water fountains, making it ideal for family outings and community gatherings. The park is open year-round with extended hours during the warmer months, and serves as a cherished green space and free leisure destination for residents and travellers exploring the Goldfields region of Western Australia.

Lyell Deer Sanctuary is a family-run animal rescue and wildlife sanctuary set in the Samford Valley in Mount Samson, approximately 30 minutes north of Brisbane in the Moreton Bay region of Queensland, Australia. The peaceful property is home to over 50 rescued animals, including red, fallow, rusa, and chital deer, as well as goats, cows, chickens, guinea pigs, peacocks, and cats. Rather than a traditional zoo, the sanctuary places emphasis on rescue and rehabilitation, particularly for feral deer, and welcomes visitors on weekends from 10 AM to 4 PM. Guests can hand-feed, cuddle, and interact with the resident animals in a tranquil rural environment, and admissions directly support the ongoing care and rescue operations. Lyell Deer Sanctuary offers a meaningful and educational wildlife encounter for families and animal lovers.

Symbio Wildlife Park is a popular wildlife park set on 20 acres of lush, manicured gardens in Helensburgh, New South Wales, conveniently located between Sydney and Wollongong. The park is home to a rich variety of native Australian species including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, echidnas, dingoes, and little penguins, alongside exotic animals such as red pandas, cheetahs, ring-tailed lemurs, meerkats, and monkeys. Visitors can take a selfie with a koala, hand-feed friendly kangaroos, explore an extensive reptile collection featuring snakes, lizards, and crocodiles, and enjoy the farmyard area. Symbio offers immersive animal encounters, guided tours, educational talks, and feeding experiences throughout the day, along with a splash park, adventure playground, onsite cafe, and picnic areas, making it a comprehensive family destination for wildlife lovers of all ages.

Territory Wildlife Park is a world-class wildlife park and conservation facility set within 400 hectares of natural bushland at Berry Springs, approximately 31 kilometres south of Darwin in the Litchfield area of the Northern Territory, Australia. Opened in 1989, the park showcases the unique flora and fauna of the Top End across diverse habitats including monsoon forest, woodland, and wetlands. Highlights include a spectacular free-flight bird of prey show, a large nocturnal house where visitors can observe quolls, sugar gliders, and bats, a vast walk-through monsoon rainforest aviary, an aquarium housing turtles, sawfish, freshwater crocodiles, and a 3.8-metre saltwater crocodile, and a Woodland Walk where hand-raised wallabies roam freely. A free shuttle train and natural walking paths connect the park's exhibits across a 4-kilometre loop, with a cafe, picnic areas, and a children's playground rounding out the experience.

Denmark Animal Farm and Pentland Alpaca Stud is a hands-on animal farm and wildlife park located in Denmark, in the Great Southern region of Western Australia. Originally established as a dairy farm and open to the public since 1990, it was one of the first alpaca farms in Western Australia and remains home to approximately 50 alpacas alongside a diverse range of animals including koalas, rabbits, chickens, and joeys. Visitors can pat, cuddle, and feed the friendly animals, with daily koala feeding at 10 AM and bottle-feeding of farm babies at 3 PM. The property also features a craft gallery showcasing ceramics and art, an alpaca boutique offering fleece, yarn, and alpaca garments, and a kiosk with refreshments and a shaded picnic area with gas BBQs, making it a welcoming destination for families and travellers exploring Australia's south west.

Swan Valley Cuddly Animal Farm is a charming family attraction located at 128 John Street, Henley Brook in Western Australia's picturesque Swan Valley wine region, just 30 minutes from the Perth CBD. The farm provides guests of all ages with the opportunity to get close and personal with a wonderful variety of friendly animals including rabbits, guinea pigs, goats, camels, and alpacas in a delightful outdoor country atmosphere. Activities include tractor and train rides, a bouncy castle, bottle and bucket feeding sessions, a merry-go-round, and a children's playground, ensuring a full day of entertainment for families. The onsite Feed Shed Cafe is open daily from 9:30 AM to 4 PM and serves refreshments throughout the visit. The farm is open every day except Christmas Day, making it a popular year-round destination for Perth families and visitors to the Swan Valley.

Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Tasmania's leading wildlife sanctuaries, family-owned and passionately operated since 1979 in the Meander Valley, in the heart of Tasmania's stunning wilderness. The sanctuary is dedicated to the care, rehabilitation, conservation, and education of the island's unique native species, including Tasmanian devils, spotted-tailed quolls, wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, and a variety of bird species. Three free interactive guided tours are offered daily at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM, providing memorable opportunities to meet wildlife up close and witness Tasmanian devil feeding demonstrations. As one of Australia's longest-running Tasmanian devil breeding facilities, Trowunna actively participates in five conservation breeding and rewilding programs. The Trowunna Experience offers a special half-day immersive keeper program for those seeking an even deeper connection with these remarkable animals.

Discover Deadly is an engaging undercover reptile education centre located in the Carbunup River area near Busselton in the Margaret River Region of Western Australia. The facility is home to over 40 species of reptiles, amphibians, arachnids, and birds, including venomous snakes, fork-tongued lizards, large constricting pythons, a spectacular saltwater crocodile, and an array of spiders. Visitors are guided by a passionate team who bring the animals to life, bust common myths surrounding Australia's infamous venomous wildlife, and offer cuddles and photo opportunities with some of the centre's most popular residents. A live reptile show runs every Saturday at 10:30 AM, and a nature play area featuring a life-size 3D snakes and ladders game adds family entertainment. Barista-made coffee, garden exploration, and a welcoming atmosphere make Discover Deadly a memorable experience for wildlife enthusiasts of all ages.

Cohunu Koala Park is a family-run wildlife sanctuary set on 14 hectares of natural bushland in Byford, approximately 40 minutes south of Perth in Western Australia. Founded in 1972 and open to visitors since 1975, the park is renowned for its friendly, up-close animal encounters and welcoming atmosphere. Resident animals include koalas, wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, quokkas, echidnas, dingoes, llamas, alpacas, deer, ostriches, emus, freshwater crocodiles, over 30 talking parrots, and an array of other birds and farm animals. Visitors can cuddle a koala and have their photo taken between 10 AM and 4 PM, hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, and explore the park's grounds. A volunteer-built miniature railway operates on most weekends and public holidays, and life-size dinosaur replicas are scattered throughout the park, adding extra excitement for younger guests.

Landsdale Farm is a hidden gem in Darch in the northern suburbs of Perth, Western Australia, operated by Strive Together WA as an inclusive community farm open seven days a week. Visitors of all ages can connect with friendly farm animals including goats, donkeys, cows, sheep, alpacas, rabbits, and guinea pigs, many of which roam freely in shaded, grassed areas and welcome gentle interaction and feeding. Daily animal feeding sessions, tractor rides, a gnome trail, and two playgrounds provide a full day of family-friendly activities, while Kerrie D's Cafe serves fresh food and barista-made coffee onsite. Landsdale Farm also offers school excursions, community programs, and a vocational Certificate II in Animal Care for years 10 to 12 students, making it both a popular leisure destination and a meaningful educational resource for the Perth community.

Zoodoo Zoo, located in Richmond in Tasmania's Southern Midlands region, is a privately owned wildlife park that has been welcoming visitors since 1999. The park features an impressive mix of native Australian and exotic animals, including Tasmanian devils, wombats, quolls, possums, free-roaming kangaroos and wallabies that guests can hand-feed, as well as African lions, zebras, camels, meerkats, monkeys, and porcupines. A walk-through bird aviary, reptile exhibit, and safari bus tour add to the variety of experiences on offer. The safari tour takes visitors close to larger animals such as emus, camels, and zebras for a memorable encounter. Situated close to the historic village of Richmond and within easy reach of Hobart, Zoodoo Zoo is a popular family destination that combines interactive wildlife experiences with a broad and diverse animal collection.

Birdland Animal Park was a beloved wildlife park situated in Batemans Bay on the New South Wales South Coast, operating for many decades before closing in October 2024. Set in a natural bushland environment adjoining Joes Creek, the park was known for its wide variety of native Australian birds and animals, including kangaroos, koalas, emus, cassowaries, wombats, diamond pythons, galahs, and lorikeets. Visitors could enjoy hands-on encounters in open enclosures, walk-through kangaroo areas, and miniature train rides, making it a distinctive and family-friendly destination. The park also operated an orphanage for rescued native wildlife. With its emphasis on interactive experiences and its peaceful bush setting, Birdland Animal Park was a cherished attraction on the South Coast and a fond memory for generations of visitors.

Ipswich Nature Centre, nestled within the beautiful Queens Park in Ipswich, Queensland, is a free-entry wildlife attraction managed by Ipswich City Council that cares for over 200 animals across more than 42 native species. Visitors can explore lush landscaped gardens and bushland-style exhibits home to dingoes, wallabies, wombats, bilbies, quolls, emus, water dragons, and a vibrant rainforest bird aviary. A charming barn with chickens, goats, and other farmyard animals adds to the family-friendly atmosphere, and a petting zoo gives younger visitors a chance for hands-on interaction. Guided animal encounters are available for school groups and visitors wanting a closer look at Australia's unique wildlife. The historic 1891 rotunda serves as the welcoming entrance, and the centre is open Tuesday through Sunday, making it an accessible and rewarding outing for families and nature lovers across the greater Brisbane region.

Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, set in Knockrow in northern New South Wales near Byron Bay, is a registered charity and wildlife attraction that places conservation and education at the heart of every visit. Guests can experience interactive encounters with iconic Australian animals including koalas, barn owls, tawny frogmouths, sugar gliders, and a variety of reptiles. Daily keeper talks, free-flight bird presentations, and hands-on animal experiences make each visit engaging and memorable. The sanctuary invests every dollar of revenue back into wildlife conservation projects and environmental education programs, and offers school holiday activities, birthday party packages, and customised school group programs for children aged five to eighteen. On-site facilities include a water splash park, mini golf, a children's playground, a cafe, and retail shopping, making it a well-rounded destination for families seeking a fun and meaningful wildlife experience in the beautiful Northern Rivers region.

The Peach Farm Campground is a charming 55-acre animal rescue farm and camping destination located in the Clarence Valley of northern New South Wales. The property is home to a collection of friendly rescued and hand-reared farm animals, many with names and endearing personalities, including donkeys, ducks, lambs, chickens, and other farmyard favourites. Visitors staying at the campground can participate in morning egg collections and animal feeding sessions, making it a wonderfully hands-on experience for families and animal lovers. Most animals were raised from a very young age and love interaction with guests. The surrounding Clarence Valley landscape, with its natural bushland and birdlife including black swans and wallabies, adds further appeal to this peaceful rural retreat. The Peach Farm offers a warm and unhurried escape where the connection between people and animals is central to the experience.

Bunbury Wildlife Park, managed by the City of Bunbury in South Bunbury, Western Australia, is an interactive wildlife attraction where visitors can get up close with a diverse range of Australian native animals. The park is home to kangaroos, dingoes, quokkas, birds, reptiles, marsupials, and various mammals housed within natural-style habitats. Guests can hand-feed birds and farm animals, participate in keeper talks, and enjoy behind-the-scenes wildlife encounters that offer genuine insight into animal care and behaviour. Community engagement is encouraged through the Park Parent volunteer program, which invites locals to support animal welfare and conservation at the park. Committed to responsible animal husbandry, the park has demonstrated its dedication to animal health with proactive precautionary measures in response to current biosecurity concerns. Bunbury Wildlife Park offers an educational and enjoyable outing for families throughout the South West of Western Australia.

The Farmyard at Terella is a delightful animal farm experience set on 69 acres of rural land at North Arm on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, attached to the Terella Brewing estate. Open on weekends and during school holidays, the farmyard is home to a charming mix of rescued, surrendered, and orphaned animals that have been hand-raised, including goats, pigs, sheep, chickens, ducks, rabbits, guinea pigs, miniature horses, and a bearded dragon. Visitors of all ages can pat the animals, hold the chickens and rabbits, and interact closely with the resident creatures in a relaxed and caring environment. The farmyard operates with a strong ethos of animal welfare, with many animals arriving as rescues and growing up as part of the Terella family. Combined with the surrounding brewery and hinterland scenery, The Farmyard at Terella offers a fun and wholesome outing for families exploring the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, located in Anna Bay in the Port Stephens region of New South Wales, is an innovative marine wildlife facility spanning 1,000 square metres and containing two million litres of water across two lagoon environments. Home to 86 species including zebra sharks, reef sharks, rays, sea turtles, moray eels, and a variety of fish, the facility offers visitors a range of interactive experiences from general entry with hand-feeding opportunities to wading encounters, snorkelling adventures, and expert-guided keeper experiences. The Fingil and Tropical lagoons are designed for close-up animal observation alongside educational presentations. Conservation is central to the attraction's mission, with an on-site Sea Shelter programme rescuing and rehabilitating sea turtles and ongoing support for marine protection research. School programmes, educational resources, and year-round activities make Irukandji an engaging destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts throughout the Hunter Valley and beyond.

Oakvale Wildlife Park, situated in Salt Ash in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales, is an accredited zoological facility open daily from 10am to 5pm that offers families and wildlife lovers an engaging array of interactive experiences. The park is home to a diverse collection of Australian native animals including koalas, Tasmanian devils, cassowaries, reptiles, and a variety of farm animals. Visitors can enjoy Farmyard Feeding sessions, reptile talks, guided tractor tours, and hands-on koala encounters, as well as splash around at Splash Bay during warmer months. Oakvale's conservation commitment is demonstrated through its Save Our Wildlife Program, which supports threatened species globally. Holding accreditation from the Zoo and Aquarium Association and recognised by NSW Tourism Awards, the park balances quality wildlife encounters with a genuine dedication to environmental stewardship, making it a standout destination for nature-focused family outings in regional New South Wales.

Pets and Critters is a family-run petting zoo based in Bowraville on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, bringing the joy of animal interaction to families and communities across the Nambucca Valley, Coffs Coast, and surrounding regions. Operating from their home farm, the attraction invites visitors to meet, feed, and interact with a variety of friendly animals in a welcoming and educational environment. The team at Pets and Critters is dedicated to fostering respect and care for animals of all kinds, sharing their passion with visitors of all ages. The attraction is also available for private bookings, making it a popular choice for children's parties, school excursions, and community events. Nestled in the lush hinterland of the Mid North Coast, Pets and Critters provides a relaxed and personal animal experience that is distinctly different from larger commercial wildlife parks.

Glen-Forest Tourist Park and Vineyard is a family-operated wildlife park, animal farm, and vineyard destination located in Green Patch on the Lower Eyre Peninsula of South Australia, approximately 15 minutes from Port Lincoln. The park is home to an impressive variety of Australian wildlife and farm animals including koalas, dingoes, kangaroos, emus, wombats, camels, horses, water buffalo, ostriches, and peacocks. Highlights include a walk-through bird aviary where guests can hand-feed rainbow lorikeets, as well as hands-on encounters with baby animals in the farmyard. Free BBQ facilities, picnic areas, a refreshment kiosk, wine tastings from the on-site vineyard, and an 18-hole mini-golf course make Glen-Forest a relaxed and diverse day out for families. Its casual and welcoming atmosphere, combined with the stunning Eyre Peninsula landscape, makes it a memorable destination for visitors to South Australia's Coral Coast region.

Dolphin Marine Conservation Park, now operating as Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, is a marine wildlife facility established in 1970 at Coffs Harbour on the New South Wales mid-north coast. It is the only place in Australia where visitors can experience close encounters with bottlenose dolphins, endangered Australian sea lions, little blue penguins, freshwater turtles, and local reef fish all in one location. Daily marine carer talks, animal presentations, in-water dolphin and seal experiences, and land-based meet-and-greet encounters with penguins and sea lions offer a range of engaging activities for visitors of all ages. The sanctuary plays a vital conservation role, rescuing and rehabilitating hundreds of sea turtles each year, participating in the Australasian Species Management Program, and successfully breeding more than 14 Australian sea lion pups. Under new family ownership since late 2023, the sanctuary continues to evolve as a holistic marine wildlife centre dedicated to animal welfare, education, and conservation.

Solitary Islands Aquarium is a public aquarium located at Southern Cross University's National Marine Science Centre in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, open on weekends and daily during NSW school holidays. The aquarium showcases the spectacular marine life of the Solitary Islands Marine Park, featuring colourful clownfish, sea anemones, crayfish, lionfish, angelfish, tangs, butterfly fish, octopus, sea stars, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and the popular resident Curly the Gloomy Octopus. A hands-on touch tank gives visitors the opportunity to interact directly with marine invertebrates, while a theatrette screens locally produced marine videos and educational presentations. Interactive games, microscopes, guided tours with qualified marine guides, and theme-based exhibits round out the experience. The aquarium is particularly popular with families and school groups seeking an accessible, educational, and engaging introduction to the unique marine environments of the NSW mid-north coast.

Dolphin Discovery Centre, situated on the shores of Koombana Bay in Bunbury, Western Australia, about two hours south of Perth, is Australia's premier wild dolphin experience and a not-for-profit ecotourism organisation. The bay is home to a community of over 100 wild bottlenose dolphins that regularly visit the Dolphin Interaction Zone in the shallow waters of the beach, offering visitors a free and extraordinary opportunity to observe and interact with wild dolphins each morning from 8am to noon. The centre also offers daily Dolphin Eco-Cruises into the bay and, from November to April, Swim with the Dolphins tours for an intimate marine encounter. The world's only 360-degree Digital Dolphinarium, interactive displays, a 3D and 2D theatre, virtual reality experiences, and interpretive exhibits on the Koombana Bay environment make for a rich and immersive visit. Every purchase supports the centre's conservation, research, and education programmes.

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is a major marine attraction located in the heart of Melbourne's CBD on the banks of the Yarra River, showcasing thousands of marine animals across 12 themed zones. Highlights include the Penguin Playground, home to king and gentoo penguins in a sub-Antarctic environment complete with real snow and ice, and the Crocodile Lair, featuring Pinjarra, a massive saltwater crocodile viewable from a dramatic 360-degree walkway. The Mermaid Garden oceanarium houses nurse sharks and stingrays, while the Coral Atoll dazzles with clownfish, blue tang, and vibrant tropical reef species. The Ocean Invaders exhibit spans 300 square metres of jellyfish displays, and Seahorse Pier showcases delicate seahorses and sea dragons. Rainforest Creatures, Rocky Shores, and a Grey Nurse Shark display further broaden the range of experiences. SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is a captivating family destination that combines world-class marine exhibits with an educational and entertaining visitor experience.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, located at Darling Harbour in the heart of Sydney, is one of Australia's most iconic marine attractions, home to more than 4,000 animals from over 300 species representing the world's largest variety of Australian aquatic life. Visitors can explore a spectacular range of themed zones including the Great Barrier Reef exhibit, which holds 1.7 million litres of water and over 400 creatures, and the Sydney Harbour Exhibit showcasing the rich biodiversity beneath one of the world's most famous waterways. The world-first Penguin Expedition Boat Ride takes guests on a raft through a colony of king and gentoo penguins, while the Jurassic Seas zone reveals living fossils including lungfish, hagfish, and moray eels. Thirteen species of shark, a rescued dugong named Pig, stingrays, jellyfish, seahorses, and hundreds of tropical fish complete the extraordinary collection. The Discovery Rockpool and interactive touch experiences make SEA LIFE Sydney a must-visit family attraction in the heart of Darling Harbour.

AQWA, the Aquarium of Western Australia, is located at Hillarys Boat Harbour approximately 20 kilometres north-west of Perth and is home to over 400 species of marine life across more than 45 unique displays, all dedicated exclusively to the native marine life of Western Australia's 12,000-kilometre coastline. The aquarium is themed as an immersive underwater journey along WA's coast, with distinct zones including the Great Southern, Shipwreck Coast, Perth Coast, and Far North. Australia's largest single aquarium and underwater tunnel forms the centrepiece of the Shipwreck Coast exhibit, which holds three million litres of water and is home to sandbar sharks, eagle rays, and diverse reef fish. One of the world's largest living coral reef exhibits showcases stunning corals and reef fish from Rottnest Island. Featured animals include rare leafy and weedy seadragons, moon jellyfish, saltwater crocodiles, octopus, cuttlefish, and rescued sea turtles. A major $13 million expansion, due for completion in 2027, will add new exhibits, a cinema, and expanded conservation facilities.

Cairns Aquarium is a world-class public aquarium in the heart of Cairns, Queensland, that opened in 2017 as the only aquarium on Earth dedicated exclusively to the aquatic wildlife of Tropical North Queensland's two World Heritage-listed ecosystems, the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. The aquarium is home to more than 15,000 animals displayed across 71 exhibits and 10 distinct ecosystems, ranging from freshwater streams and mangrove boardwalks to coral reef oceanariums and open-ocean displays. Notable features include Australia's only ten-metre Deep Reef Tank, a 360-degree oceanarium, a 20-metre underwater tunnel, and Australia's largest freshwater exhibit. Visitors encounter estuarine crocodiles, pig-nosed turtles, freshwater stingrays, giant mud crabs, pythons, reef sharks, colourful coral fish, and much more. Daily animal presentations, keeper talks, shark and ray feeds, and a marine touch tank create an engaging, educational visit for families, nature enthusiasts, and visitors of all ages exploring Far North Queensland.

Ocean Park Aquarium is a privately operated oceanarium and marine attraction located approximately ten kilometres south of Denham in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area of Western Australia. Established originally in the early 2000s as a pink snapper rehabilitation centre, the facility has grown into a major tourism destination featuring an impressive range of marine life from the pristine waters of Shark Bay. The flagship attraction is the 3.5-megalitre Shark Lagoon, the largest such exhibit in Western Australia, where visitors observe sandbar sharks, sicklefin lemon sharks, and tiger sharks alongside kingfish, trevally, and estuary cod, with six public shark feeds daily. Indoor aquarium displays showcase coralfish, butterflyfish, clownfish, lionfish, stonefish, moray eels, stingrays, sea snakes, octopus, and crustaceans. Expert-led guided tours, conducted by marine biologists and ocean enthusiasts daily from around 9:15am, bring the wonders of Shark Bay's marine environment to life. Ocean Park has earned multiple tourism and education awards for its eco-friendly approach and high-quality visitor experiences.

National Zoo and Aquarium is a privately owned 19-hectare zoo and aquarium situated in Yarralumla at the western end of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. Home to over 1,200 animals from more than 200 species, the zoo features an exceptional collection that includes Australia's largest assembly of big cats, as well as primates, giraffes, zebras, reptiles, birds, and native Australian species such as kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats. The aquarium component offers an additional dimension to the visitor experience, rounding out a truly comprehensive animal encounter. A twelve-hectare open-range exhibit expansion, which opened in 2017, gives many animals more naturalistic spaces to roam. The zoo runs school tours, family programs, and weekend educational activities for children aged eight to sixteen, and is home to Jamala Wildlife Lodge, where guests can stay overnight in immersive themed accommodation surrounded by the zoo's animals. Receiving no government funding, the National Zoo and Aquarium relies entirely on visitor support to sustain its operations and conservation activities.

Aquasearch Aquarium is a unique tropical marine aquarium and aquaculture facility located at Nelly Bay on Magnetic Island, North Queensland, making it the only marine display available for viewing on the island. Established in 1998 by marine biologist Dr Richard Braley, a world expert on giant clams, the facility combines a working marine biology laboratory and aquaculture research operation with a public display. Visitors can view tanks showcasing a colourful variety of hard and soft corals, coralliomorphs, anemones, trochus, and diverse coral reef fish. The display tanks are also used for breeding marine anemone fish and selected freshwater fish. Operating on an honesty-box entry system, the aquarium offers an intimate and unhurried experience quite unlike larger commercial facilities. Aquasearch provides a fascinating glimpse into the marine research world for visitors to Magnetic Island, complementing the island's renowned natural attractions including its coral reefs and national park wildlife.

Marineland Croc Park, known as Marineland Melanesia, is a historic wildlife attraction situated on Green Island, a coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef off Cairns in Far North Queensland, and the only coral cay in the world home to crocodiles. First established in 1954 and expanded in 1971 when the Craig family brought their remarkable collection of crocodiles and Melanesian tribal artefacts to the island, the park offers daily interactive wildlife shows at 10:30am and 1:30pm. The park is home to up to 15 freshwater and saltwater crocodiles and features one of the world's largest collections of Melanesian tribal art. An impressive range of aquarium displays showcasing local reef species, as well as a well-stocked gift shop, complement the crocodile exhibits. Open seven days a week from 9am to 4pm, Marineland Croc Park provides a fascinating and unique wildlife encounter for visitors arriving on Green Island from Cairns, blending natural history, cultural heritage, and live animal presentations in one iconic Great Barrier Reef destination.

The Mermaid's Cave is a family-friendly marine museum and aquarium located just 600 metres from the iconic Busselton Jetty in Western Australia. The attraction showcases thousands of sea shells, ocean treasures, and interactive displays featuring a fascinating array of aquatic species including seahorses, pufferfish, eels, boxfish, and lionfish, all housed in beautifully curated aquariums. Visitors can use on-site microscopes to examine marine specimens up close, and a dedicated "deadly aquarium" highlights some of the ocean's most dangerous creatures. Coloring stations and interactive drawing walls make the experience engaging for younger guests, while a well-stocked gift shop offers local art, jewelry, and sustainable ocean-themed merchandise. The venue combines education with entertainment, making marine science accessible and enjoyable for visitors of all ages seeking an indoor coastal experience near Busselton.

Werribee Open Range Zoo is a vast safari-style wildlife destination in Melbourne's western region, operated by Zoos Victoria. The zoo's expansive savannah habitats are home to giraffes, white rhinos, cheetahs, hippos, and other iconic African and Asian species, all viewable aboard a free safari bus that traverses the open grounds. Visitors can upgrade to Deluxe Safari Adventures or book the Slumber Safari for an overnight stay among the animals. Educational keeper talks, interactive play spaces, and family-friendly facilities including cafes make it ideal for all ages. The zoo is currently also hosting an immersive animatronic dinosaur exhibition. As a Zoos Victoria facility, Werribee plays an active role in conservation, including participation in the Australasian breeding program for southern white rhinos.

Monarto Safari Park is one of Australia's premier safari-style conservation parks, set on expansive grounds near the Rural City of Murray Bridge in South Australia and operated by Zoos SA, a not-for-profit organisation. The park is home to lions, giraffes, cheetahs, white rhinos, zebras, chimpanzees, meerkats, and many more species, all accessible via the Zu-loop bus system that circles the property. Visitors enjoy free daily keeper talks, giraffe feeding experiences, meerkat meet-and-greets, scenic walking tracks, and on-site dining. An on-site resort allows for overnight stays in the heart of the wildlife park. As a conservation charity, Monarto supports endangered species breeding programs and environmental education initiatives, and membership grants unlimited visits to both Monarto and Adelaide Zoo.

Melbourne Zoo is one of Australia's oldest and most beloved zoological parks, situated in the heart of Melbourne, Victoria, and operated by Zoos Victoria. The zoo is home to a diverse collection of animals including giraffes, tigers, snow leopards, red pandas, spider monkeys, and hundreds of other species presented across a variety of immersive habitat exhibits. Guests can enjoy the Butterfly House, outdoor play spaces, and specialty dining, as well as premium experiences such as overnight Roar 'n' Snore camping and up-close animal encounters. Seasonal events like the animatronic dinosaur exhibition add extra excitement for families. As a conservation-focused organisation, Melbourne Zoo conducts wildlife research and runs educational programs for schools and the public, with membership offering unlimited entry across four Victorian zoos.

Serendip Sanctuary is a peaceful wildlife reserve near Lara, just outside Geelong in Victoria, managed by Parks Victoria. Set within the open grassy woodlands and wetlands of the Western Volcanic Plains, the sanctuary is home to over 150 bird species, Eastern Grey Kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and a variety of reptiles that can be observed in natural surroundings. Visitors can explore via walking trails, bird hides, and a new Sensory Garden featuring five accessible nature spaces, making the site welcoming for people of all abilities. The sanctuary operates daily educational programs for school groups and families. Conservation efforts at Serendip focus on habitat restoration and the management of threatened species, in partnership with organisations such as Zoos Victoria. Picnic areas with barbecue facilities add to the family-friendly atmosphere.

Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park is an award-winning wildlife park located about 50 minutes southeast of Melbourne in Pearcedale, Victoria. Home to over 70 species of Australian wildlife, including many endangered animals, the sanctuary allows visitors to hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, encounter koalas, wombats, dingoes, and a wide variety of birds and reptiles. Highlights include keeper talks, behind-the-scenes tours, and the highly popular lantern-lit night tours that reveal Australia's fascinating nocturnal wildlife. For deeper engagement, the park offers "Keeper for a Day" programs and comprehensive school education packages. Moonlit Sanctuary is committed to wildlife conservation through its threatened species programs and the Koala Corridor Project, combining responsible ecotourism with meaningful environmental education in a serene bushland setting.

Gorge Wildlife Park is a privately owned sanctuary nestled within 14 acres of shaded bushland at Cudlee Creek in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia, established by the same family in 1965. The park boasts one of the largest privately owned collections of Australian animals, including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, wombats, echidnas, Tasmanian devils, quokkas, dingoes, emus, cassowaries, and fairy penguins. Exotic animals such as American alligators, meerkats, otters, camels, and several species of monkeys add to the variety on offer. A free-range colony of rainbow lorikeets delights visitors, and a reptile house showcases snakes, lizards, and frogs. Daily koala encounters allow guests to hold or pat koalas, while animal presentations feature meerkats, lemurs, and tortoises. The park is a welcoming destination for families and wildlife lovers of all ages.

Ballarat Wildlife Park is a family-owned and operated zoo set in a relaxed bushland environment near the historic Sovereign Hill precinct in Ballarat East, Victoria. The park is home to over 100 free-roaming kangaroos that visitors can hand-feed, more than 35 koalas, wombats, emus, and a colony of little penguins. Exotic species including tigers housed in a state-of-the-art sanctuary, crocodiles, meerkats, reptiles, and a variety of birds add further variety to the experience. Daily animal presentations and hands-on animal encounters, complete with professional photos, are popular with guests of all ages. A fully licensed cafe and picnic areas round out the facilities. The park has earned recognition for animal welfare and tourism excellence, taking home the 2024 Silver Victorian Tourism Award for Best Major Attraction.

Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary is a historic conservation reserve located in Mylor, approximately 17 kilometres southeast of Adelaide in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia. Established in 1969 on land that was progressively fenced to exclude feral predators, the sanctuary has become a refuge for a remarkable range of Australian wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, bandicoots, potoroos, bettongs, and an extraordinary variety of birds. Warrawong is believed to be the only remaining location of platypus on mainland South Australia, making it a site of significant conservation importance. The sanctuary was revived under new ownership in 2017 and reopened to the public, inviting visitors to explore its feral-free environment and encounter native species that are rarely seen elsewhere in the region.

Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park is a highly regarded wildlife park located in Doonside in Sydney's western suburbs, approximately 40 kilometres from the CBD. The park is celebrated for housing one of the world's largest collections of Australian fauna, with around 2,000 individual animals across 260 species, including koalas, wombats, Tasmanian devils, dingoes, quolls, echidnas, and a vast range of kangaroos, wallabies, and native birds. The park cares for the largest collection of koalas in New South Wales and is a recognised leader in koala medical care, with around 50 koalas spread across six habitat areas. Visitors can enjoy personal koala experiences, penguin encounters, quokka meet-and-greets, and kangaroo feeding throughout the day. Open seven days a week, Featherdale is an accessible and engaging destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a heritage-listed, not-for-profit zoological garden situated on 27 hectares in Currumbin on Queensland's Gold Coast. Originally established in 1947 as a bird sanctuary, the attraction is world-renowned for its spectacular daily feeding of large flocks of free-flying wild rainbow lorikeets. The sanctuary is home to more than 1,400 animals across a diverse range of native and exotic species, including kangaroos, koalas, Tasmanian devils, wombats, echidnas, reptiles, American alligators, freshwater crocodiles, and the famous saltwater crocodile Boss Hog. An on-site Wildlife Hospital provides veterinary care for injured and endangered native animals. Conservation, research, and education are at the core of the sanctuary's mission, with funds reinvested into critical wildlife programs including breeding initiatives for species such as the critically endangered Kroombit tinker frog.

Cleland Wildlife Park is a remarkable 35-hectare open-range wildlife reserve set in the scenic Adelaide Hills, just 20 minutes from the Adelaide city centre in Crafers, South Australia. Unlike many conventional zoos, the park features very few enclosures, allowing animals to roam freely through natural bushland habitats where visitors can walk alongside them. Guests can feed and interact with kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, potoroos, echidnas, dingoes, and a wide range of native birds. Cleland is one of only a handful of places in the world where visitors can hold a koala, with a range of koala experiences on offer from public sessions to exclusive private encounters. The park supports conservation through education and habitat preservation, and its unique free-roaming format offers an immersive and authentic Australian wildlife experience for all ages.

Blackbutt Reserve is a beloved 182-hectare nature reserve in Kotara, Newcastle, New South Wales, offering free entry to its well-regarded wildlife exhibits, scenic walking trails, and family recreation facilities. The award-winning wildlife exhibits feature spacious, modern enclosures accessible via an elevated boardwalk with interpretive signage, allowing close-up views of koalas, wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and a diverse array of native bird species including parrots, owls, and doves. Wildlife feeding sessions and reptile shows provide hands-on educational opportunities, while dedicated volunteers and staff provide insights into each animal's diet, habitat, and conservation needs. Picnic areas, barbecue facilities, and a range of walking trails through native bushland make Blackbutt Reserve an ideal family outing in the heart of Newcastle's suburbs, open daily from 10am to 4:30pm.

Billabong Zoo: Koala and Wildlife Park is a 10-acre wildlife park and koala breeding centre located in Port Macquarie, New South Wales, offering an engaging mix of native Australian and exotic species. The park features over 100 species of mammals, reptiles, and birds, with highlights including koalas, kangaroos, saltwater crocodile Shrek, snow leopards, red pandas, meerkats, and little penguins. Macropod Meadow, a free-roaming kangaroo and wallaby walk-through, is open throughout the day for hand-feeding experiences. Personal animal encounters with cheetahs, red pandas, snakes, and penguins provide unforgettable close-up moments under the supervision of knowledgeable zookeepers. Daily keeper presentations and educational programs complement the experience, making Billabong Zoo a popular destination for families visiting the Mid North Coast of New South Wales.

The Australian Reptile Park is a wildlife sanctuary on the Pacific Highway in Somersby, on the Central Coast of New South Wales, open daily and widely regarded as one of Australia's premier reptile and wildlife attractions. The park houses one of the country's largest reptile collections, featuring nearly 50 species including snakes, Komodo dragons, turtles, tortoises, tuataras, American alligators, and crocodiles, as well as Australian mammals such as kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, wombats, Tasmanian devils, quokkas, and echidnas. Signature exhibits include the Lost World of Reptiles, Spider World, Frog Hollow, and the Weigel Venom Centre, where the park plays a vital role in collecting snake and spider venom for the production of antivenom, a lifesaving service it has provided since 1958. The park has won multiple national tourism awards and is celebrated for its hands-on educational experiences and conservation work.

Tamworth Marsupial Park is a free-entry, 14-hectare nature park located in East Tamworth, New South Wales, just a five-minute drive from the town centre. The park provides a delightful setting where visitors of all ages can get close to a variety of native Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, possums, emus, and cockatoos. A free-flight aviary allows guests to observe a range of native birds in a natural environment, while Indian peacocks can be hand-fed throughout the grounds. An adventure playground with separate areas for younger and older children makes the park an ideal family outing. The Kamilaroi Walking Track winds through the park, connecting it with the Tamworth Botanic Garden, Oxley Lookout, and Flagstaff Mountain. Barbecue facilities and accessible amenities are available, and the park is open daily from 8am to 4:45pm at no cost.

Maru Koala and Animal Park is a family-run wildlife attraction located on the Bass Highway in Grantville, Victoria, just 15 minutes from Phillip Island. The park is home to a wide variety of Australian native animals including koalas, wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, Tasmanian devils, dingoes, emus, crocodiles, echidnas, quokkas, a cassowary, and numerous birds and reptiles, with interactive keeper talks and wildlife presentations offered daily. Visitors are invited to hand-feed and pat many of the animals, creating memorable close encounters for guests of all ages. The park is complemented by Pirate Pete's Mini-Golf, an 18-hole themed course set across Australian landscapes, and the Homestead Bistro, which overlooks the animal park. Maru provides an accessible and entertaining wildlife experience as part of a Phillip Island and Bass Coast visit.

Mogo Wildlife Park is an exceptional wildlife destination located in the village of Mogo on the New South Wales South Coast, within the Eurobodalla region. The park is home to over 250 animals and holds the distinction of housing Australia's largest collection of primates, including western lowland gorillas, silvery gibbons, siamangs, and various lemur species housed on purpose-built islands. Other remarkable residents include endangered snow leopards, Rothschild's giraffes, southern white rhinos, white lions, cheetahs, tigers, and red pandas. Visitors can take a boat cruise to the primate islands to hand-feed cotton-top tamarins and ring-tailed lemurs, and enjoy immersive animal encounters with meerkats, tigers, and more. Mogo Wildlife Park is dedicated to conservation of rare and endangered species and delivers a world-class wildlife experience in a beautiful coastal setting.

Australia Zoo is a world-famous zoological park set on over 110 publicly accessible acres in Beerwah on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, and is celebrated as the home of the Crocodile Hunter, the late Steve Irwin. Founded in 1970 and now operated by the Irwin family, the zoo is home to over 1,200 animals representing species from across Australia, Africa, South-East Asia, and beyond. Visitors can explore themed precincts including the African Savannah, the South-East Asia exhibit, Bindi's Island, the Kid's Zoo, a saltwater crocodile exhibit, a kangaroo enclosure, a rainforest aviary, and extensive reptile exhibits. Daily wildlife shows and up-close animal encounters make every visit memorable. Australia Zoo is a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation and contributes to numerous local and international programs aimed at protecting endangered species and their habitats.

Phillip Island Nature Parks is a world-renowned conservation organisation and ecotourism destination on Phillip Island, Victoria, most celebrated for the nightly Penguin Parade, where hundreds of Little Penguins return from the sea to their sand-dune burrows at dusk. Home to the largest little penguin colony in the world, the parks provide viewing platforms, underground viewing facilities, and guided ranger experiences to allow visitors to witness this spectacular natural event. Beyond the penguins, the parks encompass Seal Rocks, the Nobbies Centre, the Koala Conservation Centre, and Churchill Island Heritage Farm. The organisation is a global leader in little penguin research and also studies Australian fur seals and coastal birds. All proceeds are reinvested into vital conservation programs including habitat protection, wildlife rescue, and revegetation, supporting both wildlife and community wellbeing on the island.

Greenough Wildlife and Bird Park is a family-owned wildlife park and rescue centre located approximately 30 kilometres south of Geraldton in the Mid West region of Western Australia. Operating for over 30 years as both a visitor attraction and a rehabilitation facility for injured Australian wildlife, the park is home to kangaroos, dingoes, emus, crocodiles, cockatoos, owls including the south boobook, tawny frogmouths, a variety of reptiles, and farmyard animals. Notable residents include Priscilla the ostrich and Douglas the crocodile, whose feeding sessions are a visitor highlight. Guests can hand-feed kangaroos, hold friendly lizards, and enjoy close encounters with the park's diverse residents in an informal, welcoming setting. The park is open six days a week and provides a unique wildlife experience for travellers journeying along Australia's Coral Coast.

Great Ocean Road Wildlife Park is a privately owned, 39-acre wildlife sanctuary set just 15 minutes from the Twelve Apostles in Princetown, Victoria, offering an intimate and naturally immersive encounter with Australian native animals. Visitors can hand-feed and interact with free-roaming kangaroos, wallabies, and emus in open paddocks, and meet resident koalas, dingoes, wombats, squirrel gliders, and potoroos along a gentle 45-minute bushland walk. The park's Dingo Education sessions are a popular highlight, providing visitors with genuine insight into one of Australia's most iconic and often misunderstood native animals. The emphasis throughout is on spacious, healthy surroundings for the animals and a calm, natural experience for guests. Located along one of the world's most scenic coastal drives, the park is an ideal stop for families and nature lovers exploring the Great Ocean Road.

The Tasmanian Devil Unzoo is an innovative wildlife experience located at Taranna on the Tasman Peninsula, approximately an hour's drive from Hobart, Tasmania. Operating on an "unzoo" philosophy, the attraction has removed traditional cages, fences, and aviaries, returning its grounds to natural bushland and installing nesting boxes to allow wildlife to roam freely. Visitors can join expert-guided nature walks to come face-to-face with resident Tasmanian devils, hand-feed forester kangaroos, and encounter wallabies, echidnas, native parrots, wattlebirds, and nearly 100 wild bird species along easy bushland trails. The half-day Devil Tracker 4WD Eco-Tour takes guests into nearby forest to observe one of the last isolated, disease-free wild devil populations in the world through night cameras. The Unzoo plays a critical conservation role in preserving the endangered Tasmanian devil and its unique island ecosystem.

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park is a hands-on wildlife park located at Seal Bay on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, renowned as one of the island's must-do wildlife experiences. Visitors can cuddle koalas, hand-feed kangaroos, watch penguins glide through their pool, and observe playful dingoes, making it an ideal destination for families and nature lovers alike. The park also offers access to the associated Raptor Domain, where birds of prey put on spectacular flying demonstrations. Animal adoption programs add an extra layer of engagement for those wishing to support the animals long-term. Set amid the natural landscapes of Kangaroo Island, the park provides an authentic encounter with Australia's most iconic native species in a welcoming, self-guided environment.

Paruna Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary managed by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) near Gidgegannup, Western Australia, dedicated to the protection and recovery of threatened native species. As part of AWC's network of sanctuaries, Paruna focuses on controlling introduced predators and invasive species to create safe havens for animals such as numbats, red-tailed phascogales, bilbies, and a wide range of native reptiles, birds, and amphibians. The sanctuary supports world-leading wildlife reintroduction programs, strategic fire management, and ongoing scientific monitoring. AWC's conservation work across its sanctuaries collectively protects a significant proportion of Australia's native mammal, reptile, bird, and amphibian species, making Paruna a meaningful site for those interested in on-the-ground conservation in the Perth Hills region.

Gumbuya World is Victoria's expansive family theme park and wildlife destination, situated in Tynong North about 50 minutes southeast of Melbourne in the Shire of Cardinia. The park blends thrilling rides with genuine wildlife encounters across four themed zones: Oz Adventure with rollercoasters, Outback Explorers with family rides, the Wildlife Trail, and Oasis Springs water park featuring eight water slides. Guests can meet over 70 native Australian animals including koalas, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, and pythons through interactive experiences and the popular Wildlife by Night program. Educational incursion programs and self-guided wildlife trails make Gumbuya World a great choice for school groups and families seeking a day that combines entertainment with appreciation for Australian native fauna. The park acknowledges the Bunurong people as the traditional custodians of the land.

Hamilton Island Wildlife is a wildlife park and nature experience located on the resort side of Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays, Queensland, offering guests close-up encounters with a remarkable variety of Australian animals. Visitors can meet kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, cassowaries, snakes, lizards, and a giant saltwater crocodile, with knowledgeable keeper-guided tours running twice daily. The park offers specialised animal encounter experiences, including reptile sessions and koala meet-and-greets, while upholding ethical wildlife practices. VIP private experiences provide an intimate 30-minute session with animal handlers and a souvenir photo. A single admission ticket grants unlimited access throughout a guest's stay, making it a wonderful complement to a Whitsunday island holiday for families and wildlife enthusiasts of all ages.

Phillip Island Wildlife Park is a 60-acre open-range wildlife park located just two kilometres from Cowes on Phillip Island, approximately 90 minutes southeast of Melbourne, Victoria. The park is home to more than 100 species of Australian animals, and visitors can hand-feed and interact with free-roaming kangaroos and wallabies, observe koalas from a raised boardwalk at eye level, and encounter emus, cassowaries, owls, and brilliantly coloured parrots. Families particularly enjoy seeing bats hanging upside down, koala joeys peeking from their mothers' pouches, and the variety of marsupials exploring their natural surroundings. Kangaroo food is included in the admission price, ensuring an immediate and memorable experience for visitors of all ages in a relaxed and accessible setting.

Caversham Wildlife Park is a privately owned and family-operated Australian wildlife attraction located within Whiteman Park near Perth, Western Australia. Established in 1988, the park is home to over 200 species and more than 2,000 animals, birds, and reptiles, offering a rich variety of hands-on encounters including koala cuddles, wombat meetings, kangaroo feeding, and penguin demonstrations. The Reptile House and Farm Show run throughout the day, providing entertainment and education for visitors of all ages. A recommended visit of three to four hours allows guests to explore the full range of exhibits covering birds, mammals, marsupials, and reptiles. Caversham Wildlife Park is committed to wildlife conservation through fundraising and educational initiatives, including school excursion programs and animal adoption schemes.

David Fleay Wildlife Park is a Queensland government-operated wildlife park situated in West Burleigh, Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast, just 15 minutes from Gold Coast Airport and about an hour from Brisbane. Named after pioneering naturalist David Fleay, the park focuses on Queensland native and threatened species, including koalas, kangaroos, platypus, cassowaries, tree kangaroos, bilbies, dingoes, bridled nailtail wallabies, and the rare fat-tailed dunnart. Visitors can stroll along peaceful boardwalks and wetland paths, watch the spectacular Fleays in Flight birds of prey show, and explore the Reptile House and Nocturnal House. The park is particularly notable as the only wildlife venue where guests can observe the bridled nailtail wallaby, a species once believed extinct. With its natural habitats and conservation focus, it offers a meaningful wildlife experience for families and nature enthusiasts.

Kanga Tours is a unique wildlife sightseeing experience based at the Gisborne Golf Club in Gisborne, Victoria, about 45 minutes northwest of Melbourne. Guides lead small groups on comfortable five-seater golf buggies through the scenic course, where approximately 200 wild Eastern Grey kangaroos roam freely across the fairways, ranging from large males to tiny joeys. The tours offer a rare opportunity to observe these iconic marsupials in their natural behaviour against a backdrop of beautiful Mount Macedon views. Operating on Mondays and Fridays (weather and fire conditions permitting), Kanga Tours welcomes school groups, international visitors, and locals alike, with special arrangements available for larger parties. It is a charming and accessible way to experience Australian wildlife in a relaxed, natural setting.

Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary is a family-friendly Australian wildlife sanctuary set within a historic botanical garden established over 100 years ago in Yeppoon, Central Queensland. The park offers a variety of interactive animal encounters featuring koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles, reptiles, and parrots, along with a popular junior zookeeper program and daily animal shows at 1pm. Conservation is at the heart of the sanctuary, with more than 100 sick, injured, and orphaned animals rehabilitated and returned to the wild each year. Long-term care residents serve as ambassadors for their species, and the park runs successful breeding programs for koalas and cassowaries. Cooberrie Park accepts transfers from government departments and the RSPCA, making it a vital hub for wildlife care in the region and a wonderful educational destination for all ages.

Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is a 2,000-hectare privately owned conservation property situated on the western end of Kangaroo Island, South Australia, nestled between Kelly Hill Caves Conservation Park and Flinders Chase National Park. Founded in 1997, the sanctuary provides a genuine wilderness experience where native animals including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, possums, echidnas, and Rosenburg goannas roam freely across land rich with over 190 native plant species. Guided walking and driving tours operate during peak nocturnal activity periods, from dusk to dawn, offering exceptional wildlife spotting opportunities. The sanctuary also operates as an insurance colony housing koalas in partnership with Cleland Wildlife Park, and its remarkable post-2020 bushfire recovery stands as a testament to nature's resilience. Onsite beachfront cabin accommodation makes it an ideal retreat for those seeking an immersive nature experience.

Kuranda Koala Gardens is a boutique wildlife attraction situated within the Kuranda Heritage Markets in the famous rainforest village of Kuranda, Queensland, open daily from 9:30am to 4pm. The park showcases a wonderful selection of Australian native animals including koalas, quokkas, wallabies, wombats, crocodiles, and reptiles, with the option to pat a koala for a souvenir photo. A highlight is the rare nocturnal exhibit featuring night-loving marsupials such as the Greater Bilby, Northern Bettong, and various glider species. Families can enjoy affordable admission and the convenience of combo packages that pair a visit with nearby Birdworld and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. Kuranda Koala Gardens offers a compact yet memorable wildlife experience perfectly suited to a day exploring Kuranda's charming rainforest township.

The Big Rocking Horse Wildlife Park is a family-friendly wildlife attraction set across seven acres in Gumeracha in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia. Visitors can encounter a variety of native Australian animals including kangaroos, wallabies, and emus, alongside farm animals such as alpacas and miniature ponies, with aviaries housing colourful parrots and a dedicated guinea pig petting area. Guests can hand-feed many of the animals using food purchased on-site, making for a highly interactive and memorable visit. The wildlife park forms part of the broader Big Rocking Horse complex, which also includes the world's largest rocking horse, a cafe with picnic facilities, and a souvenir shop, creating a comprehensive and affordable recreational destination for families and visitors of all ages exploring the scenic Adelaide Hills.

Gresswell Hill Nature Conservation Reserve is a protected bushland reserve spanning 70 hectares across the suburbs of Bundoora, Macleod, and Watsonia in Melbourne's northeast, Victoria. The reserve protects important remnant River Red Gum woodland and endangered Box Woodland environments on the traditional Country of the Wurundjeri Peoples, providing vital habitat for wildlife including barking owls, swift parrots, sugar gliders, kangaroos, and echidnas. Visitors can enjoy bush walking, hiking, birdwatching, and nature-based play experiences, including a dedicated Nature Play area that encourages creative outdoor exploration for children. Easy walking tracks suitable for families with young children, along with morning birdwatching opportunities, make the reserve an accessible and rewarding natural escape within Melbourne's urban fringe, with pedestrian access gates and off-street parking available at Greenwood Drive.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is Tasmania's most popular wildlife park, located on a 9.7-hectare property in Brighton, just north of Hobart. Established in 1981, it is home to approximately 200 animals from 25 species, including eastern grey kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, wombats, sugar gliders, eastern quolls, echidnas, eastern bettongs, tawny frogmouths, and sulphur-crested cockatoos. Bonorong operates Tasmania's largest 24/7 Wildlife Rescue Service, funded entirely by visitor entry fees, and in 2018 opened Tasmania's first veterinary hospital dedicated exclusively to wildlife. The sanctuary is deeply committed to conservation through breeding programs, research, and community education, connecting visitors with wildlife to inspire direct action for the natural world. Guided tours, animal encounters, and feeding experiences ensure a meaningful and memorable visit for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and conservation supporters alike.

Crocodylus Park is a renowned crocodile and wildlife park located in Berrimah, just 15 minutes from Darwin's CBD in the Northern Territory. Founded by crocodile biologist Professor Grahame Webb in 1994, the park is home to over a thousand saltwater and freshwater crocodiles ranging from tiny hatchlings to massive adults, alongside an impressive collection of other wildlife including lions, meerkats, spider monkeys, marmosets, cassowaries, dingoes, emus, kangaroos, and a wide variety of snakes, turtles, and lizards. Highlights include exciting crocodile feeding shows, the popular jumping crocodile cruise, and interactive reptile encounters where visitors can hold baby crocodiles and snakes. Expert-guided tours at 10am, noon, and 2pm provide fascinating insights into crocodile biology, behaviour, and conservation, making Crocodylus Park an unforgettable and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

Secret Creek Sanctuary is a wildlife conservation precinct on Wiradjuri Country near Lithgow, New South Wales, in the foothills west of the Blue Mountains. Home to more than 200 native animals, the sanctuary is particularly celebrated for its reintroduction of the Eastern Quoll to NSW and houses species including koalas, Tasmanian devils, dingoes, brush-tailed rock-wallabies, and emus, with free-roaming wallabies wandering the grounds. A self-guided walking track winds through natural bushland and a secluded gully, passing enclosures and interpretive signage that tell the conservation stories of each resident species. The on-site Visitor Centre, part of the Gardens of Stone precinct, features native reptile exhibits, endangered frog displays, and freshwater fish tanks. After significant bushfire damage in 2019, the sanctuary was restored and re-opened in April 2025, offering a compelling and inspiring experience for nature-loving families and conservation enthusiasts.

East Coast Natureworld is a wildlife park and animal sanctuary set across 160 acres of parkland and lagoon in Bicheno, on Tasmania's scenic east coast. Funded entirely by entry fees and private donations, the sanctuary provides a refuge for injured and abandoned native wildlife, with residents including Tasmanian devils, quolls, wombats, echidnas, pademelons, owls, Cape Barren geese, cockatoos, and native and exotic parrots. Visitors can hand-feed free-ranging kangaroos, attend Tasmanian devil feedings, and join daily Meet-a-Keeper sessions at 10am and 3:30pm. A popular nightly Devils in the Dark tour offers a unique after-hours encounter with these fascinating marsupials. An onsite cafe and souvenir shop round out the experience, making East Coast Natureworld a welcoming and authentic wildlife destination for travellers exploring Tasmania's beautiful east coast region.

Urimbirra Wildlife Park is an open-range wildlife park set within native wetlands in Hindmarsh Valley, just five minutes from Victor Harbor on the Fleurieu Peninsula of South Australia. The park is home to over 400 Australian native animals, including two species of kangaroo, koalas, wombats, dingoes, cassowaries, echidnas, emus, pelicans, black swans, freshwater and saltwater crocodiles, and an impressive array of snakes, pythons, and lizards in the dedicated Reptile House. Free daily activities include a professional snake handling demonstration at 3pm and koala feeding sessions at 11am and 2pm, while visitors can also pat a kangaroo, feed an emu, and meet friendly farmyard residents including an alpaca, sheep, rabbits, and guinea pigs. Set among grand old gum trees with birds gracing a scenic lake, Urimbirra offers a delightful and accessible wildlife experience for families and visitors of all ages.

Central Gardens Nature Reserve is a bushland nature reserve managed by Cumberland City Council in Merrylands West, in Sydney's western suburbs, New South Wales. The reserve provides a green urban refuge featuring remnant native bushland and wetland habitats that support local wildlife, including birds and small mammals, within an otherwise densely populated urban area. Walking trails wind through the reserve, offering visitors opportunities for birdwatching, nature observation, and peaceful outdoor recreation close to the city. The reserve serves as an important ecological corridor and community green space, protecting native flora and fauna while providing an accessible natural environment for residents and families seeking a connection with nature in greater western Sydney.

Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary is a not-for-profit, volunteer-operated wildlife attraction located approximately 30 minutes from Hervey Bay near Maryborough in Queensland, offering visitors an up-close experience with a wonderful range of Australian native animals including kangaroos, emus, cockatoos, dingoes, snakes, and lizards. The sanctuary supports injured and orphaned wildlife through partnerships with rescue organisations and is dedicated to conservation and animal welfare through community involvement, volunteering, and donations. Families are well catered for with picnic areas, BBQ facilities, and bus parking, making it a relaxed and welcoming destination for school groups and day-trippers exploring the Fraser Coast region. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm, the sanctuary provides an affordable and meaningful wildlife encounter that directly supports the ongoing care and rehabilitation of local native species.

Armadale Reptile and Wildlife Centre is a specialist reptile and native wildlife attraction located in Armadale, south-east of Perth in Western Australia, open daily from 10am to 4pm (closed Wednesdays). Established in 1995, the centre displays over 70 species of mostly native reptiles and wildlife, including a large female saltwater crocodile, a broad range of snakes, lizards, turtles, tree frogs, cockatoos, dingoes, emus, marsupials, owls, and wedge-tailed eagles. Two hands-on reptile handling sessions run each day at 11am and 2pm, allowing visitors to touch and hold docile snakes and lizards. Owners Klaas and Mieke Gaikhorst have been rescuing and rehabilitating native animals for over 45 years, and their passion for dispelling fear and misunderstanding of reptiles infuses every aspect of the centre, making it a fascinating and educational destination for curious visitors of all ages.

Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary is a working wildlife sanctuary and heritage-listed Aboriginal cultural landscape located in Calga in the Central Coast hinterland of New South Wales, caring for rescued native animals since 2005. The sanctuary is home to more than 400 rescued animals across a diverse collection including koalas, Tasmanian devils, wombats, flying foxes, pythons, cockatoos, kangaroos, wallabies, emus, meerkats, servals, and small farm animals, many of which free-range across 80 acres of natural habitat. Visitors can walk among kangaroos and wallabies, enjoy self-guided exploration of the animal loop close to the Visitor Centre, and book private ranger-guided experiences or overnight cabin stays for a truly immersive encounter. The sanctuary also protects ancient Aboriginal sites dating back more than 4,000 years, offering a unique combination of wildlife conservation and cultural heritage for visitors to the Central Coast region.