Best Butterfly Encounters For Kids Near Sydney

  • Family

What is it about kids and butterflies? Is it their colourful beauty? Their non-threatening nature? Their fascinating metamorphosis from caterpillar to beautiful winged creature? No one ever tells this insect to go away, nor are there repellent sprays on the shelves to get rid of them, in fact, having one land on you is a privilege!

All kids go through a butterfly phase at some point (there are some adults I know who are still in it) so we discovered some places were they can get up close and personal with their favourite insect...

Coffs Harbour Butterfly House

Think Coffs Harbour is just for bananas? No way! The far north coast is a paradise for butterflies. Coffs Harbour Butterfly House offers visitors the opportunity to stroll amongst hundreds of live Australian butterflies in an indoor subtropical rainforest setting. Experience the world of butterflies as they fly, court, mate, sip nectar or rest in the light showing off their fascinating colours and patterns. Then lose yourself in the outdoor maze where kids can have fun hunting for the hidden butterfly clues.

Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Kuranda

Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Kuranda
 

It's a bit of a drive but for true butterfly lovers, it's just a quick flap of the wings up to far north Queensland. The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is the largest butterfly flight aviary and exhibit in Australia and prides itself on providing a world-class wildlife experience in the tropical north, and the expert guides will take you on a free 30-minute tour. The all-weather experience is home to over 2,000 magnificent tropical butterflies including the electric blue Ulysses, the majestic green and yellow Cairns Birdwing and the Monarch butterfly - and they all are hand-reared on the premises.

Grow Your Own!

Can't venture out to any of these locations? No worries! Buy your own butterflies and set up a colony at home. Butterfly Adventures is an Australian company who can send you your very own live Chrysalis Kit. Kids will love to watch a stunning butterfly emerge from the kit over 4-6 weeks. Simply hang and keep the chrysalis away from direct sun, and mist it with water once a day. Teach your kids about the amazing metamorphosis of the butterfly life cycle - and then release into the wild! Kits start at $40.

More Animal Adventures In Sydney

Best Dinosaur Experiences in Sydney
Best Animal Activities And Petting Zoos In Sydney
Visit A Dog Cafe In Sydney

Have you signed up to our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!

Main image: Kylie Purtell
 

Reviews