🌿 A ripper day out with friendly roos, cheeky critters & a massive croc, perfect for the whole fam, mate!
Ballarat Wildlife Park in Ballarat East is a top-notch family-friendly wildlife sanctuary where you can get up close and personal with over 300 animals including free-roaming kangaroos, koalas, and a giant saltwater crocodile named Crunch. The park offers interactive animal presentations, hand feeding opportunities, and a relaxed, clean environment with friendly staff passionate about conservation. Ideal for families with kids, tourists, and locals alike, it’s a manageable size with plenty to see and do without feeling overwhelming. The onsite café and picnic spots round out a great arvo out in native bushland.
📍 Park Information
📍 Address | 250 Fussell St, Ballarat East VIC 3350 (No entry on, Richards St), Ballarat East VIC 3350, Australia |
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📞 Phone | +61 3 5333 5933 |
🌐 Website | Website |
⭐ Rating | 4.6/5 (4420 reviews) |
🏙️ City | Ballarat East |
🗺️ Coordinates | Google Map Link |
🏗️ Facilities |
🕐 Opening Hours
Day | Hours |
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Wednesday | 09:00-05:00 |
Thursday | 09:00-05:00 |
Friday | 09:00-05:00 |
Saturday | 09:00-05:00 |
Sunday | 09:00-05:00 |
Monday | 09:00-05:00 |
Tuesday | 09:00-05:00 |
⭐ What Makes This Park Special
Family Playground Fun ✅
This wildlife park is a bonza spot for kids, with heaps of interactive fun like hand feeding friendly kangaroos and patting koalas. The little ones will be stoked to meet cheeky meerkats, wombats, and even get involved in animal presentations that run regularly throughout the day. Parents rave about how gentle and approachable the kangaroos are, making it a safe and memorable experience for toddlers and older kids alike. The reptile house and croc shows add some thrilling moments, keeping the young ones entertained and educated. It’s a perfect place to wear comfy shoes and spend a few hours exploring with the family.
Beautiful Views That'll Take Your Breath Away 🌅
Set across 10 hectares of native bushland, Ballarat Wildlife Park offers a peaceful and natural setting that’s a treat for the eyes. Visitors enjoy wandering through clean, well-maintained grounds where animals roam freely in a relaxed environment. The open spaces with kangaroos hopping about and koalas lazing in gum trees create a genuine Aussie bush vibe. The park’s layout is easy to navigate, allowing families to soak up the fresh air and scenic surroundings without feeling rushed or crowded. It’s a lovely spot to chill out, have a picnic, and enjoy the calm atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle.
Up Close Aussie Wildlife Encounters 🦘
Ballarat Wildlife Park is a standout for getting close to iconic Aussie animals. The star attraction is the large mob of free-roaming kangaroos that are super friendly and love a good feed from visitors. The park also boasts Victoria’s largest captive koala colony, plus wombats, emus, dingoes, Tasmanian devils, and cheeky meerkats. For reptile fans, there’s a reptile house with snakes, lizards, and frogs, plus Crunch, the massive 5-metre saltwater crocodile who stars in an exciting daily show. The staff’s passion shines through in the well-cared-for animals and educational presentations, making it a top spot for wildlife lovers of all ages.
Easy Access & Family-Friendly Facilities 🚗
Visitors appreciate the ample parking and clean, accessible facilities at Ballarat Wildlife Park. The park offers public toilets, bubblers for a quick drink, picnic shelters, and a licensed café with good coffee and simple meals to refuel after exploring. The grounds are stroller-friendly and well maintained, making it easy for families with young kids or prams to get around. The staff are friendly and helpful, adding to the hassle-free experience. Whether you’re popping in for a couple of hours or spending the whole day, the practical amenities make it a comfortable and enjoyable outing for everyone.
💬 What Visitors Are Saying
- The kangaroos were friendly, and the ostriches were nice, too.
- The park itself was clean, simple, and very well maintained.
- The cafe had a small menu, but the meals and coffee were both really good.
- We had a fantastic day at Ballarat Wildlife Park! It was my daughter’s dream to pat a kangaroo.
- Ballarat Wildlife Park is a must-visit with kids! See the biggest crocodile in Australia (over 5m long!).
- The staff were all incredibly kind and clearly love what they do.
- The park is well laid out, very clean & relaxing.
- The kangaroos are already well fed by everyone so, they aren’t interested in more food.
- Ample parking and facilities without the glamour.
- Animal presentations every half hour from 10a.m to 3.30 p.m. on weekend.