If you’re looking for a family-friendly day out near Sydney, Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary is a hidden gem that offers an immersive and authentic wildlife experience. Just a 60-minute drive from the city, this sanctuary gives visitors the chance to interact with Australian wildlife in their natural habitat, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional zoos.
If you love animals but aren’t a fan of zoo environments, this is the perfect place for you. Set on 80 acres of lush Australian bushland, Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary is home to free-roaming kangaroos, emus, and wallabies. The sanctuary provides a haven for many rescued animals, now living out their days in a caring and safe environment. From koalas to Tasmanian devils to flying foxes, the sanctuary features a wide range of native animals that can be seen up close. The free-roaming roos and emus offer incredible opportunities for interaction and photography, making it a fantastic destination for animal lovers of all ages.
We recently visited the sanctuary with the whole family and we all left with wonderful memories. The sanctuary has an organic, non-commercial feel to it, which adds to its charm. Unlike many attractions with concrete paths and overly sanitized environments, this sanctuary embraces the wild Australian bush. You’ll walk along natural dirt tracks, surrounded by the authentic sounds and sights of the wilderness.
Many of the animals, like kangaroos and emus, roam freely around the park, creating a fun and spontaneous experience as you interact with them in their natural setting. Other animals, such as Tasmanian devils, pythons, and flying foxes, are housed in enclosures for safety.
And if you have little ones with you, don’t miss the petting zoo! It’s filled with friendly chickens, ducks, rabbits, and, of course, the charming llama, giving kids a fun, hands-on experience they’ll absolutely love.
For those interested in reptiles, the sanctuary also hosts a fascinating reptile show. Here, you can touch a lizard, snake, or turtle, making it an exciting opportunity to learn about these incredible creatures up close. Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary truly offers something special for animal lovers of all ages!
In addition to the wildlife, the sanctuary also offers walking tracks that lead to ancient Aboriginal sites, adding another layer of cultural and historical richness to the experience. These trails are a great way to connect with nature while learning about Australia’s Indigenous heritage. It’s not just about the animals—it’s about the land and its stories, too.
This sanctuary is not a highly commercialised attraction, so don’t come expecting pristine paved paths or a gourmet café. Instead, embrace the raw beauty of the Australian bush. The café is simple, and the walking trails are natural, but the trade-off is worth it for the authentic wildlife encounters you’ll experience.
We also found some comments about kangaroos lying on dry dirt amusing. This is exactly what kangaroos do in the wild! There’s no perfectly manicured green grass in the bush, and that’s what makes this place so special—it’s real, it’s raw, and it’s a true reflection of Australia’s natural landscape.
Our experience at Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary was unforgettable, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic wildlife experience. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or even solo, it’s a beautiful reminder of what the real Australian bush has to offer.
So, pack some snacks, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready for a day of adventure. The kangaroos, wallabies, and all their furry, feathered, and scaly friends are waiting to meet you!
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M from Nepaliaustralian
XOXO
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