Go Wild At The Top Animal Encounters & Nature Adventures in Western Sydney

When it comes to a fun day out adventuring with the family, nothing beats the feeling of fresh air in your lungs, sun beaming down on your face, the call of birdsong… and maybe even the roar of a lion nearby.

Those looking for a spot that ticks all those boxes should look no further than Western Sydney, with this peaceful green oasis just half an hour from Sydney’s CBD and home to world-class zoos, vast parklands and great outdoor escapades for the kids to enjoy.

Go Wild At The Top Animal Encounters & Nature Adventures in Western Sydney

Looking for some easy ways to ditch the screens and get your family reacquainted with the beauty of Mother Nature? Here they are! Explore the best wildlife attractions and nature wonderlands in Western Sydney and go wild.

Sydney Zoo

If you’ve got the kind of cubs who go doe-eyed at the sight of anything with fur and feathers, Sydney Zoo is guaranteed to get them excited.

Home to over 4,000 animals from all over the world, explore the African Boardwalk with lions, cheetahs, zebras and meerkats, and pay a visit to the Australian habitat to frolic with free-range kangaroos and wallabies.

With the largest Reptile & Nocturnal House in the world, along with an aquarium, this easily walkable zoo (no hills or steps!) makes for a great day out.

Location: 700 Great Western Hwy, Eastern Creek

Bungarribee Trail

If little legs, low energy levels and short attention spans mean lengthy bushwalks are out of the picture, exploring the easy and accessible 4.6 kilometre Bungarribee Trail is a fabulous option for the whole family.

Taking around 90 minutes along sealed pathways (perfect for prams and scooters), this beautiful walk meanders through magical Sydney Western Parklands and its wetlands that are home to native birds, animals and wildflowers.

Location: Eastern Road, Bungarribee Park

Bushcare Volunteering

Looking for a great way to see Australian flora and fauna in its natural habitat? Better yet, doing it in a feel-good way that teaches kids about the beauty of nature, along with the importance of giving back to the community? Try Bushcare Volunteering!

Volunteering for a Bushcare group might be just the thing. Volunteer Bushcare groups meet every month for three hours at various reserves around Blacktown City, and you can expect to be put to work with planting, mulching, weed removal, regeneration works and litter collection. Junior volunteers are welcome but require the presence of an adult.

Locations: various reserves around Blacktown City

Featherdale Wildlife Park

Getting up close to some of Australia’s most iconic animals is easy at family favourite Featherdale Wildlife Park.

Spread over seven acres with over 2,000 animals from over 260 species, little ones will love making friends with wallabies and kangaroos in the three walk-throughs, petting one of the 50 koalas in residence and feeding inquisitive farm animals.

There are also over 60 rare and endangered animals and a giant saltwater crocodile to check out, too. Best of all, they’re open 365 days from 8 am (great news for those early risers!) and kids 15 and under get free entry on their birthday.

Location: 217-229 Kildare Rd, Doonside

Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre

For an animal encounter of a different and much more permanent kind, Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre (BARC) is definitely worth a visit for those looking to add a furry friend to their home.

This state-of-the-art $30 million facility provides shelter for 135 dogs and 230 cats, providing a modern and spacious place for the community to visit and adopt animals.

Not ready to make the commitment? You can also apply to foster a cat or dog in preparation for them finding their fur-ever home.

Location: 20 Owen St, Glendenning

The Great West Walk

There’s no better way to get out and about in nature than using your own two feet, but if you’re not feeling inspired, The Great West Walk is here to take the guesswork out of your wandering.

A 140 kilometre winding route that spans reserves, parks, bush trails and footpaths, The Great Winding Walk stretches between Parramatta and Katoomba with 34 kilometres found within Blacktown City and spanning suburbs such as Maryong, Rooty Hill and Mount Druitt.

Pack a bag, grab the kids and download manageable sections of the map to tackle each weekend, and you’ll be amazed at what you’ll find in your own backyard!

More Western Sydney Gems

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Top Free Things to Do with Kids in Blacktown
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