The Australian Reptile Park

The Australian Reptile Park, located on the Central Coast, around 1 hr drive from Sydney City is one of the nation’s top attractions and definitely one of the best activities for children in NSW. Set in tranquil bushland, it is a hands-on zoo with loads of native and exotic critters, unique exhibits and exciting wildlife shows.

Creepy crawly lovers will love The Lost World of Reptiles and Spider World where they can witness venomous snake and funnel web spider milking every day. The park is also home to plenty of cuddly creatures like kangaroos, koalas and wombats for those who prefer their animal encounters more cute than creepy, and this park also provides a unique opportunity to see Tasmanian devil babies. Kids are well catered for with stacks of interesting wildlife shows including croc feeding, up close and personal animal experiences and a children’s playground.

Ellaslist opinion: Although the Australian Wildlife Park is a bit of a drive it’s certainly worth a day trip. It very child-friendly with great facilities for kids, lots of opportunities for nose to snout animal encounters and daily shows featuring a huge range of creatures from crocs to koalas. It is educational as well as entertaining as the park is home to mainly native Australian animals and it is a wonderful place to introduce children to our local fauna. You could really spend a whole day here quite happily as you can break up your visit with a trip to the children’s playground and a bbq or picnic on the peaceful grounds of the park (beware of roaming kangaroos and emus!). Highly recommended as a great day out with the kids!

Admission: Visit the website for latest admission pricing

Facilities: Baby change facilities are available and the park is accessible with a pram.  The Hard Croc Café serves hot and cold meals and there are picnic grounds and barbeques.

Getting There: Travel on the Sydney – Newcastle freeway, take the Gosford exit and follow the signs. Less than one-hour north from Sydney’s Harbour Bridge and south from Newcastle and only two minutes from Gosford exit.