Zoos and Wildlife Parks Australia: Best Sanctuaries & Parks

Giraffe at Taronga Zoo – Best Zoos in Australia

Explore the Best Zoos, Wildlife Parks, and Animal Sanctuaries Across Australia

Zoos and Wildlife Parks in Australia offer some of the most fascinating wildlife experiences on Earth. Whether you’re meeting kangaroos and koalas, spotting Tasmanian devils, or learning about native birdlife and reptiles, each state provides something unique for animal lovers, families, and eco-conscious travellers.

Why Australia’s Zoos and Sanctuaries Are Worth Visiting

Beyond world-famous city zoos, Australia is home to a rich network of wildlife parks, ethical animal sanctuaries, and rehabilitation centres. Many are involved in conservation, education, and breeding programs for endangered species. Visitors can get up close to native creatures in naturalistic settings, participate in feeding sessions, or join guided tours that reveal the stories behind each animal’s care and protection.

Whether you’re travelling with kids, chasing unique photography moments, or looking to support ethical wildlife tourism, there’s something on this list for everyone.

How This Guide Helps You Plan

This state-by-state guide features top wildlife parks, conservation centres, and rescue facilities that welcome visitors. Each entry includes opening hours, key animal highlights, and links for planning your visit. From must-see icons like Taronga and Australia Zoo to lesser-known gems tucked into national parks or regional towns, this list will help you discover Australia’s most rewarding animal encounters.

Best Zoos and Wildlife Parks in New South Wales (NSW)

Name
Address
Opening Hours
Animal Focus
Visitor Info
777 Renshaw McGirr Hwy, Darlington Point NSW 2706
Guided tours by appointment
Exotic and native animals
Provides safari-style tours in horse-drawn carts.
163 Glenraphael Rd, Wingham NSW 2429 (Barrington Tops)
Tours by appointment
Endangered Australian species
Conservation facility focusing on breeding and rewilding programs.
55 Mitchells Ln, Somersby NSW 2250
Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Reptiles, native mammals
Offers interactive exhibits and live shows.
217 Kildare Rd, Doonside NSW 2767
Daily: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Native Australian wildlife
Home to one of Australia’s largest collections of native animals.
209 Ryde Rd, West Pennant Hills NSW 2125
Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Koalas and native Australian animals
Offers close encounters with koalas and other wildlife.
55 Mogo St, Mogo NSW 2536
Daily: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Exotic and endangered species
Houses a diverse range of animals; focuses on conservation.
Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088 (Sydney)
Daily: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Native and exotic animals
Iconic zoo with harbour views; offers various wildlife experiences.
Newell Hwy, Dubbo NSW 2830
Daily: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Large exotic animals
Open-range zoo featuring safari-style exhibits.
75 Hughes Rd, Helensburgh NSW 2508
Daily: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Native and exotic animals
Features hands-on experiences and animal encounters.
43 Pokolbin Rd, Nulkaba NSW 2325
Daily: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Native and exotic animals
Features interactive feeding experiences.

Best Zoos and Wildlife Parks in the Northern Territory (NT)

Name
Address
Opening Hours / Visitor Info
Animal Focus
Notes / Website
Larapinta Dr, Alice Springs NT 0870
Daily: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Desert plants and animals
Immersive desert wildlife experience.
58 Mitchell St, Darwin NT 0800
Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saltwater crocodiles and reptiles
Cage-of-Death crocodile experiences.
Kakadu Hwy, Jabiru NT 0886
Park open daily; visitor centres 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Native wildlife, crocodiles, birds
Large national park with abundant wildlife viewing.
Cox Rd, Berry Springs NT 0838
Daily: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Native wildlife of NT
Wildlife displays, walking trails, bird aviaries.

Best Zoos and Wildlife Parks in Queensland (QLD)

Name
Address
Opening Hours
Animal Focus
Visitor Info & Website
Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah QLD 4519
Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Native and exotic animals
Founded by Steve Irwin; wildlife shows & encounters.
120 Billabong Sanctuary Dr, Nome QLD 4816
Daily: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Native Australian wildlife
Interactive wildlife experiences.
Cooberie Station, QLD (remote, contact for directions)
Daily: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Native Australian wildlife
Hands-on wildlife experiences.
28 Tomewin St, Currumbin QLD 4223
Daily: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Native Australian wildlife
Interactive experiences and wildlife shows.
Palm Beach Rd, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Daily: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Native Australian animals
Animals in natural habitats.
708 Jesmond Rd, Fig Tree Pocket, Brisbane QLD 4069
Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Koalas, kangaroos, native species
World’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary.
Cnr Upper Dawson Rd & Hugh St, Rockhampton QLD 4700
Daily: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Native and exotic animals
Free entry; houses 60+ species.
34-54 Dickson Rd, Port Douglas QLD 4877
Daily: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Visitor Centre 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Native wildlife in immersive habitats
Offers wildlife encounters and educational talks.
255 Mapleton Falls Rd, Woombye QLD 4559
Daily: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Native and exotic animals
Over 200 species with animal encounters.
Fraser Coast, QLD (contact for location)
By appointment only
Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation
Focus on injured wildlife care and rehab.
Koala with joey – Zoos and Wildlife Parks Australia

Best Zoos and Wildlife Parks in South Australia (SA)

Name
Address
Opening Hours / Visitor Info
Animal Focus
Notes
19 Thornton Rd, Blair Athol SA 5084
Visits by appointment
Koalas and native wildlife
Rehabilitation facility and koala hospital
Shepherds Hill Rd, Belair SA 5052
Daily access
Native wildlife
Popular park with walking trails and native animal viewing
Flinders Ranges, SA (remote, contact for directions)
By appointment only
Native wildlife
Remote conservation and rehabilitation centre
Mount Lofty Summit Rd, Crafers SA 5152
Daily: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Native Australian animals
Walk-through park with koalas, kangaroos, emus; immersive, conservation-focused zoo
435 Playford Hwy, Cygnet River SA 5223
Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Native Australian animals
Wildlife rescue centre with close encounters
730 Mt Lofty Summit Rd, Crafers SA 5152
Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Native birds & small mammals
Wildlife in a botanical garden setting
Riddoch Hwy, Monarto SA 5254
Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Large exotic & native animals
One of the world’s largest open-range zoos; safari tours available
345 Parra Wirra Rd, One Tree Hill SA 5114 (Near Adelaide)
Public access
Native wildlife & birds
Habitat and walking trails with wildlife viewing
60 Mt Barker Rd, Mylor SA 5153
By appointment only
Native wildlife
Education & rehabilitation-focused sanctuary

Best Zoos and Wildlife Parks in Tasmania (TAS)

Name
Address
Opening Hours
Animal Focus
Visitor Info
593 Briggs Road, Brighton TAS 7030
Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Native Tasmanian wildlife
Close encounters with Tasmanian devils and other wildlife
4055 Cradle Mountain Road, Cradle Mountain TAS 7306
Daily: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tasmanian devils & quolls
Guided tours with conservation focus

Best Zoos and Wildlife Parks in Victoria (VIC)

Name
Address
Opening Hours
Animal Focus
Visitor Info
243-235 Fussell Street, Ballarat VIC 3350
Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Native wildlife
Interactive experiences with koalas
4061 Ararat-Halls Gap Road, Halls Gap VIC 3381
Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Native & exotic animals
Largest regional zoo in Victoria
415 Mount Duneed Road, Barwon Heads VIC 3227
Daily: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Koalas & native animals
Focus on rescue and rehabilitation
50 Lenne Road, Kyabram VIC 3620
Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Native animals
Variety of native species in natural settings
1650 Bass Highway, Grantville VIC 3984
Daily: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Koalas & native animals
Close koala encounters; small mammals
Elliott Avenue, Parkville VIC 3052
Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Native & exotic animals
Australia’s oldest zoo with diverse species
550 Tyabb-Tooradin Road, Pearcedale VIC 3912
Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Native wildlife
Evening tours to see nocturnal animals
2115 Phillip Island Road, Cowes VIC 3922
Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Native animals
Feeding and interactives with wildlife
K Road, Werribee South VIC 3030
Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
African & Australian animals
Safari tours in open-range setting

Best Zoos and Wildlife Parks in Western Australia (WA)

Name
Address
Opening Hours
Animal Focus
Notes
Private shelter, Albany Region, WA (tours by arrangement)
Private; tours by arrangement
Wildlife rehabilitation
Bookings essential for shelter tours.
306-312 South Western Highway, Armadale WA 6112
Daily: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Reptiles, birds, mammals
Noteworthy reptile displays.
Broome Road, Broome WA 6725
Daily access; tours available
Birdlife (shorebirds)
Excellent for birdwatching enthusiasts.
1 Washington Avenue, Bunbury WA 6230
Daily (seasonal): 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Native animals
Family-friendly walk-through wildlife park.
Whiteman Park, 233 Drumpellier Drive, Whiteman WA 6068
Daily: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Native Australian wildlife
Close-up encounters with koalas and kangaroos.
185 Nettleton Road, Byford WA 6122
Daily: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Koalas, emus, kangaroos, parrots
Koala photo ops available.
1/1 Bussell Highway, Carbunup River WA 6280
Thurs–Sun: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Reptiles & other native wildlife
Educational focus showcasing deadly creatures.
1 Koombana Drive, Bunbury WA 6230
Daily: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Marine wildlife, dolphins
Interactive displays and dolphin experiences.
100 Bessell Road, Margaret River WA 6285
Daily: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Birds of prey
Daily flight shows featuring raptors.
By appointment only, Busselton Area, WA
By appointment only
Wildlife rehabilitation
Rescue centre offering booked tours.
120 Lemnos Street, Lesmurdie WA 6076
Open days, school holidays; tours by booking
Native wildlife rehabilitation
Booked tours only for rehabilitation centre.
By appointment only, Kununurra (East Kimberley), WA
By appointment only
Kangaroo rescue & release
Wildlife rescue tours by appointment.
106 Benara Road, Malaga WA 6090
Educational tours only
Wildlife rehab & education
School programs and educational outreach.
20 Labouchere Road, South Perth WA 6151
Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Native & exotic animals
One of Australia's premier zoos.
Yanchep Beach Road, Yanchep WA 6035
Park open daily
Native wildlife, including koalas
Koala viewing in natural bushland plus flora trails.
Mobile & static displays; various locations near Perth, WA
Mobile & static displays; educational events
Raptors & owls
Educational raptor shows and displays.

Plan Your Wildlife Adventure

Australia’s wild side is one of its biggest drawcards — and there’s no better way to experience it than by visiting the country’s best zoos, sanctuaries, and conservation parks.

Tips for a Meaningful Visit

Many of the facilities listed here play vital roles in wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and rewilding programs. Booking ahead, especially at smaller or appointment-only sanctuaries, ensures you don’t miss out and helps operators plan for animal wellbeing. Check if special tours, keeper talks, or animal encounters are available — they’re often highlights of the experience.

Visiting these parks isn’t just a fun day out — it supports important work in protecting native species and educating future generations.

Ready to Explore?

From the tropical rainforests of Queensland to the open plains of Victoria and the vast landscapes of the Northern Territory and Western Australia, every region offers something extraordinary. Use this guide to discover ethical, educational, and unforgettable animal experiences across the country.

More Wildlife Adventures in Australia

Kookaburra

Australian Birds

Quokka Australia

Australian Mammals

Manta Ray

Australian Marine Animals

Crocodile

Australian Reptiles

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Zoos and Wildlife Parks Australia: Top Animal Sanctuaries & Ethical Encounters

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