Zoos and Wildlife Sanctuaries

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Brisbane
Visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Brisbane to cuddle a koala & feed the kangaroos. The Brisbane koala park has a wide range of native animals.
Explore the Best Zoos, Wildlife Parks, and Animal Sanctuaries Across Australia
Australia is home to some of the most unique and fascinating wildlife on the planet, and there’s no better way to experience it up close than by visiting the country’s top zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, and rehabilitation centres. Whether you’re meeting kangaroos and koalas, spotting Tasmanian devils, or learning about native birdlife and reptiles, each state offers something special for animal lovers, families, and eco-conscious travellers. This comprehensive, state-by-state guide highlights the best wildlife parks, conservation centres, and rescue facilities that welcome visitors — complete with opening hours, location details, and animal specialities — making it easier than ever to plan your next wildlife encounter in Australia.
Zoos, Wildlife Parks & Sanctuaries in New South Wales (NSW)
Name | Location | Opening Hours | Animal Focus | Visitor Info |
---|---|---|---|---|
Taronga Zoo | Sydney | Daily: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM | Native and exotic animals | Iconic zoo with harbor views; offers various wildlife experiences. taronga.org.au |
Taronga Western Plains Zoo | Dubbo | Daily: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Large exotic animals | Open-range zoo featuring safari-style exhibits. taronga.org.au |
Featherdale Wildlife Park | Doonside | Daily: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Native Australian wildlife | Home to one of Australia’s largest collections of native animals. featherdale.com.au |
Australian Reptile Park | Somersby | Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Reptiles, native mammals | Offers interactive exhibits and live shows. reptilepark.com.au |
Symbio Wildlife Park | Helensburgh | Daily: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Native and exotic animals | Features hands-on experiences and animal encounters. symbiozoo.com.au |
Koala Park Sanctuary | West Pennant Hills | Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Koalas and native Australian animals | Offers close encounters with koalas and other wildlife. koalapark.com.au |
Mogo Wildlife Park | Mogo | Daily: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Exotic and endangered species | Houses a diverse range of animals; focuses on conservation. mogowildlifepark.com.au |
Altina Wildlife Park | Darlington Point | Guided tours by appointment | Exotic and native animals | Provides safari-style tours in horse-drawn carts. altinawildlife.com |
Hunter Valley Wildlife Park | Nulkaba | Daily: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Native and exotic animals | Features interactive feeding experiences. huntervalleywildlifepark.com.au |
Aussie Ark | Barrington Tops | Tours by appointment | Endangered Australian species | Conservation facility focusing on breeding and rewilding programs. aussieark.org.au |
Zoos, Wildlife Parks & Sanctuaries in the Northern Territory (NT)
Zoos, Wildlife Parks & Sanctuaries in Queensland (QLD)
Name | Location | Opening Hours | Animal Focus | Visitor Info |
---|---|---|---|---|
Australia Zoo | Beerwah | Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Native and exotic animals | Founded by Steve Irwin; offers wildlife shows and encounters. australiazoo.com.au |
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary | Currumbin | Daily: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Native Australian wildlife | Features interactive experiences and shows. currumbinsanctuary.com.au |
David Fleay Wildlife Park | Burleigh Heads | Daily: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Native Australian animals | Showcases animals in natural habitats. parks.des.qld.gov.au |
Wildlife Habitat | Port Douglas | Daily: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Native wildlife in natural environments | Offers immersive habitats and wildlife encounters. wildlifehabitat.com.au |
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary | Fig Tree Pocket | Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Koalas, kangaroos, and other native species | World’s first and largest koala sanctuary. koala.net |
Wildlife HQ Zoo | Woombye | Daily: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Native and exotic animals | Home to over 200 species; offers animal encounters. wildlifehq.com.au |
Billabong Sanctuary | Nome (Townsville) | Daily: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Native Australian wildlife | Features interactive wildlife experiences. billabongsanctuary.com.au |
Rockhampton Zoo | Rockhampton | Daily: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Native and exotic animals | Free entry; houses over 60 species. rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au |
Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary | Woodbury (Yeppoon) | Daily: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Native Australian wildlife | Offers hands-on wildlife experiences. cooberriepark.com.au |
Wildlife Rescue Fraser Coast | Maryborough | By appointment | Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation | Focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife. facebook.com/wildliferescuefrasercoast |
Zoos, Wildlife Parks & Sanctuaries in South Australia (SA)
Name | Location | Opening Hours / Visitor Info | Animal Focus | Notes / Website |
---|---|---|---|---|
Monarto Safari Park | Monarto (near Murray Bridge) | Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Large exotic and native animals | One of the largest open-range zoos worldwide. monartosafari.com.au |
Cleland Wildlife Park | Crafers (Adelaide Hills) | Daily: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Native Australian animals | Walk-through park with koalas, kangaroos, emus. clelandwildlifepark.sa.gov.au |
Adelaide Zoo | Adelaide | Daily: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Native and exotic animals | Historic zoo with pandas and a large variety. adelaidezoo.com.au |
Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park | Kangaroo Island | Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Native Australian animals | Wildlife rescue and encounters. kiwildlifepark.com.au |
Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary | Mylor | By appointment only | Native wildlife, conservation | Education and rehabilitation programs. warrawongwildlife.com.au |
Scarborough Wildlife Sanctuary | Scarborough (Adelaide) | By appointment only | Native Australian wildlife | Rehabilitation and education focus |
Parra Wirra Conservation Park | Near Adelaide | Public access, self-guided walks | Native wildlife, birds | Wildlife habitat and walking trails |
Mount Lofty Botanic Garden Wildlife | Crafers | Open daily 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Native birds and small mammals | Native wildlife in botanical garden setting |
Adelaide Koala and Wildlife Hospital | Blair Athol | Visits by appointment only | Koalas and native wildlife | Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation |
Belair National Park Wildlife Areas | Belair (Adelaide) | Open daily | Native wildlife | Popular park with native wildlife viewing |
Blinman Wildlife Sanctuary | Flinders Ranges | By appointment only | Native wildlife | Remote conservation and rehabilitation |
Zoos, Wildlife Parks & Sanctuaries in Tasmania (TAS)
Name | Location | Opening Hours | Animal Focus | Visitor Info |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary | Brighton | Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Native Tasmanian wildlife | Offers close encounters with Tasmanian devils and other species. bonorong.com.au |
Devils@Cradle | Cradle Mountain | Daily: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Tasmanian devils and quolls | Provides guided tours focusing on conservation efforts. [devils |
Zoos, Wildlife Parks & Sanctuaries in Victoria (VIC)
Name | Location | Opening Hours | Animal Focus | Visitor Info |
---|---|---|---|---|
Melbourne Zoo | Parkville | Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Native and exotic animals | Australia’s oldest zoo; features a wide variety of species. zoo.org.au/melbourne |
Healesville Sanctuary | Healesville | Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Native Australian animals | Specializes in conservation of native species. zoo.org.au/healesville |
Werribee Open Range Zoo | Werribee | Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | African and Australian animals | Offers safari tours and open-range exhibits. zoo.org.au/werribee |
Moonlit Sanctuary | Pearcedale | Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Native Australian wildlife | Offers evening tours to see nocturnal animals. moonlitsanctuary.com.au |
Ballarat Wildlife Park | Ballarat | Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Native Australian wildlife | Features interactive wildlife experiences. wildlifepark.com.au |
Halls Gap Zoo | Halls Gap | Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Native and exotic animals | Victoria’s largest regional zoo; houses over 160 species. hallsgapzoo.com.au |
Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary | Barwon Heads | Daily: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Koalas and native Australian animals | Focuses on rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife. jirrahlinga.com.au |
Phillip Island Wildlife Park | Cowes | Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Native Australian animals | Offers opportunities to feed and interact with wildlife. phillipislandwildlifepark.com |
Maru Koala and Animal Park | Grantville | Daily: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Koalas and native Australian animals | Provides close encounters with koalas and other wildlife. marukoalapark.com.au |
Kyabram Fauna Park | Kyabram | Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Native Australian animals | Features a variety of native species in natural settings. kyabramfaunapark.com.au |
Zoos, Wildlife Parks & Sanctuaries in Western Australia (WA)
Name | Location | Opening Hours / Visitor Info | Animal Focus | Notes / Website |
---|---|---|---|---|
Perth Zoo | South Perth | Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Native & exotic animals | Large, well-established zoo. perthzoo.wa.gov.au |
Caversham Wildlife Park | Whiteman Park, Perth | Daily: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM | Native Australian wildlife | Koala, wombat, kangaroo encounters. cavershamwildlife.com.au |
Armadale Reptile & Wildlife Centre | Armadale (Perth Hills) | Daily: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Reptiles, birds, mammals | Great reptile displays. armadalereptilecentre.com.au |
Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre | Lesmurdie (Perth Hills) | Open days, school holidays, and tours by booking | Native wildlife rehabilitation & education | Booked tours only. kanyana.org.au |
Cohunu Koala Park | Byford (near Perth) | Daily: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Koalas, emus, kangaroos, parrots | Koala photos available. cohunu.com.au |
Discover Deadly | Carbunup (near Busselton) | Thurs–Sun: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Reptiles and deadly Australian creatures | Educational focus. discoverdeadly.com.au |
Bunbury Wildlife Park | Bunbury | Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (seasonal) | Native animals | Family-friendly walk-through park. bunburywildlifepark.com.au |
FAWNA Inc. (Forest & Wildlife Association) | Busselton area | By appointment only | Wildlife rehabilitation | Rescue centre; tours by booking. fawna.com.au |
Dolphin Discovery Centre | Bunbury | Daily: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Marine wildlife, dolphins | Interactive displays & tours. dolphindiscovery.com.au |
Kangaroo Haven | Kununurra (East Kimberley) | By appointment only | Kangaroo rescue & release | Wildlife rescue tours. Facebook or kangaroohaven.com.au |
Broome Bird Observatory | Broome | Daily access, tours available | Birdlife (shorebirds) | Birdwatching haven. broomebirdobservatory.com |
Eagles Heritage | Margaret River | Daily: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Birds of prey | Flight displays daily. eaglesheritage.com.au |
Sunflowers Animal Farm | Margaret River | Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Farm animals & wildlife | Great for kids. sunflowersfarm.com |
Yanchep National Park Koala Boardwalk | Yanchep (north of Perth) | Park open daily | Koalas and native wildlife | Koalas on display in natural setting. parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au |
W.A. Birds of Prey Centre | Near Perth / traveling | Mobile & static displays | Raptors & owls | Educational events. wabirdsofprey.com |
Emu Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary | Kalbarri | By appointment or guided tour | Emus and other wildlife | Small private sanctuary |
Uralla Wildlife Shelter | Albany region | Private shelter – tours by arrangement | Wildlife rehabilitation | Bookings essential |
Native Animal Rescue | Malaga (Perth) | Not open daily – educational tours only | Wildlife rehab & education | Education programs for schools. nativeanimalrescue.org.au |
Plan Your Next Wildlife Experience in Australia
From iconic institutions like Australia Zoo and Taronga Zoo to lesser-known wildlife sanctuaries and ethical rehabilitation centres, every corner of Australia offers opportunities to connect with its remarkable fauna. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly parks, bird observatories, marine life centres, or hands-on conservation experiences, this guide brings together the most visitor-accessible wildlife attractions in one place. Don’t forget to check hours, book in advance when needed, and support local efforts in wildlife care and conservation. Use this list to inspire your next unforgettable Australian wildlife adventure.
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Australian Mammals
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Australian Reptiles
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