Australian Reptile Park

Must Do Experiences

• Hand-feed friendly kangaroos and wallabies in the open roaming enclosures.

• Watch the thrilling and educational venomous snake and spider milking demonstrations.

• Confront your fears by viewing the deadly Sydney funnel-web spider and redback spiders from a safe distance.

• Meet the park's resident platypus and learn about Australia's unique monotremes.

Hidden Gems

• Seek out the free-roaming peacocks and emus that wander the park pathways and often surprise visitors.

• Visit the Platypus House early in the morning when these shy, nocturnal creatures are most active and visible.

• Check the daily schedule for the lesser-known koala talk, where keepers share fascinating insights into their diet and habitat.

What Makes it Special

• It is home to the only Sydney funnel-web spider venom milking program in the world, which has directly contributed to life-saving antivenom research.

• The park goes beyond reptiles, offering a comprehensive showcase of virtually every iconic Australian animal, from mammals to birds.

• Interactive and hands-on animal encounters are designed to be highly educational while maintaining a safe, welcoming environment for all ages.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

The best time to visit is right when the park opens in the morning, as the animals are most active during the cooler hours and you can easily secure a good spot for the popular keeper talks. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather for exploring the outdoor exhibits, while summer visits are best tackled early to avoid the midday heat.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Use a polarizing filter or adjust your angle to minimize glare when photographing the reptiles and spiders behind glass enclosures.

• The open kangaroo and wallaby enclosures provide excellent opportunities for natural, unposed wildlife portraits during the soft morning light.

• Avoid using flash photography, especially in the dimly lit Platypus House and nocturnal animal exhibits, to prevent startling the sensitive creatures.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

Australians value wildlife conservation, so visitors are encouraged to respect the animals by keeping noise levels down and strictly following the keepers' instructions during interactive encounters. Tipping is not mandatory in Australia, but it is always appreciated if the cafe staff or guides provide exceptional service. Please stay on the designated pathways and do not attempt to touch any wildlife unless explicitly invited to do so by a park ranger.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• During the Australian school holidays, the park hosts extended daily schedules with extra keeper talks, special animal feeding sessions, and junior ranger programs.

• In spring, visitors can often spot adorable baby animals, including joey kangaroos and newly hatched reptiles, as part of the seasonal breeding programs.

• Around Halloween and spooky seasons, the park occasionally runs Creepy Crawlies themed weekends that focus on educating the public about misunderstood arachnids and reptiles.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Always keep your hands inside the enclosures and only touch animals when directly supervised and instructed by a trained wildlife keeper.

• Stay on the marked paths and boardwalks, as the park is situated in a natural bushland setting where wild, unmanaged insects or snakes may occasionally pass through.

• Supervise young children closely, especially near the open water features and free-roaming animal zones, to ensure both their safety and the well-being of the wildlife.