Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park
Get up close with Australia's unique wildlife! Feed kangaroos, hug wombats, and meet koalas at this intimate park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Get up close with Australia's unique wildlife! Feed kangaroos, hug wombats, and meet koalas at this intimate park.
"An intimate wildlife park where you can truly get up close and personal with Australia's amazing animals."
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Experience
Beat the crowds and see animals at their most active by arriving right at opening. :clock1:
🚗 Plan Your Transport
Featherdale is a bit out of the city. Allow ample travel time, especially if using public transport. :bus: :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wombat Hugs & Encounters
Animal Encounter Area
Get up close and personal with Australia's iconic marsupials, including the chance to hug a wombat!
Koala Cuddles
Koala Exhibit
Meet and greet the adorable koalas, a quintessential Australian wildlife experience.
Kangaroo Feeding
Kangaroo Enclosure
Hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies in a naturalistic setting.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Up-Close Encounters
Plan Your Journey to Doonside
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Experience
Beat the crowds and see animals at their most active by arriving right at opening. :clock1:
🚗 Plan Your Transport
Featherdale is a bit out of the city. Allow ample travel time, especially if using public transport. :bus: :car:
📸 Capture Amazing Photos
Get up close for incredible wildlife shots, especially during feeding times.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park tickets in advance. :ticket:
Best zoo/wildlife sanctuary to get up close with a kangaroo/koala
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Experience
Beat the crowds and see animals at their most active by arriving right at opening. :clock1:
🚗 Plan Your Transport
Featherdale is a bit out of the city. Allow ample travel time, especially if using public transport. :bus: :car:
📸 Capture Amazing Photos
Get up close for incredible wildlife shots, especially during feeding times.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park tickets in advance. :ticket:
🦘 Feed the Kangaroos
Enjoy a memorable experience feeding the kangaroos and wallabies. :handpointingright:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park for its exceptional up-close encounters with Australian native animals, particularly kangaroos, koalas, and wombats. The intimate setting and opportunities for hand-feeding are frequently highlighted as major positives. Some travelers note the park's location requires a significant travel time from the city center.
"About an hour outside Sydney, this animal park is a great way to see some of Australia’s iconic wildlife up close—kangaroos, koalas, crocodiles, and a variety of birds. It’s very convenient for a day trip from the city, though it can get a bit crowded with tourists. I visited as part of a tour, which made it easy and enjoyable. For anyone short on time who wants a taste of Australia’s unique animals, this is definitely a worthwhile experience."
Mo K
"Affordable place to bring your little kids and especially if you’re an animal lover. You can get up close the different native Australian animals. They look well taken care of and because it’s a sanctuary (and not a zoo), they have some pretty strict rules. I enjoyed my visit here very much, wished I had bought the kangaroo food before they sold out though. Friendly staff as well who will give explanations on the different animal. Quite easy to reach via public transport from Sydney Cbd. Book your tickets in advance to speed your entry."
khrhms
"The best wildlife park I have been to. Was visiting from the United States and I was impressed with the wildlife and staff. Many animals to see and interactive exhibits. Friday was busy with several school classes there but had a great time."
Ross McAvoy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park by train and bus. Take a train from Sydney CBD to Doonside Station, which is about a 1-hour journey. From Doonside Station, it's a short walk or bus ride to the park. Driving is also an option, with parking available on-site.
Yes, Featherdale Wildlife Park is accessible by public transport. Trains run to Doonside Station, and local buses can take you the rest of the way. It's recommended to check transport schedules in advance.
The travel time to Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park from Sydney CBD can vary, but generally expect around 1 to 1.5 hours by public transport or car, depending on traffic conditions.
Yes, Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park offers parking for visitors. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot. :car:
Yes, Featherdale Wildlife Park is located in Doonside, which is near Blacktown. It's often referred to as Featherdale Blacktown or Featherdale Doonside.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park tickets online through their official website or at the park's entrance. Booking online in advance is often recommended to save time. :ticket:
Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park typically opens at 8:00 AM and closes around 5:00 PM. It's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening hours, especially for public holidays.
Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park may offer discounts for students, seniors, and children. Check their website for current pricing and any available concession rates. Some TikTok videos mention student discounts.
Absolutely! Featherdale Wildlife Park is renowned for its up-close animal encounters. You can feed kangaroos, get close to koalas, and even hug a wombat.
Yes, Featherdale Wildlife Park can easily fill a full day, especially if you plan to participate in animal encounters and explore all the exhibits. Allow at least 2-3 hours for a visit.
🎫 🦘 Onsite Experience
Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park is home to a wide array of Australian native animals, including kangaroos, koalas, wombats, Tasmanian devils, emus, various bird species, and reptiles.
Yes, Featherdale Wildlife Park has scheduled animal feeding times throughout the day. Arriving early, around opening, is a great time to see keepers feeding kangaroos and other animals.
While you can get very close to koalas and take photos, direct holding of koalas might be restricted for their welfare. Featherdale offers experiences that allow you to get up close.
The best photo opportunities are during animal feeding times and close-up encounters with kangaroos, koalas, and wombats. The park's design allows for intimate shots.
Yes, Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park provides picnic areas, making it a great spot for a family outing. You can bring your own food and enjoy a meal amidst the wildlife. :sandwich:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park has a cafe that offers a selection of food and beverages for visitors. :coffee:
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks to Featherdale Wildlife Park. There are designated picnic areas available for you to enjoy your meal. :apple:
The cafe at Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park typically offers a range of snacks, light meals, and drinks. Options may include sandwiches, pastries, and hot beverages. :croissant:
📸 📸 Photography
The best times for photography are early in the morning when animals are most active and the light is softer, and during feeding times when animals are gathered. :sunrise:
Tripods are generally allowed, but it's always a good idea to check the park's specific photography policy upon arrival or on their website to ensure compliance. :camera:
A telephoto lens is recommended for capturing close-ups of animals from a distance, while a wider lens can be useful for capturing animals in their habitat or for group shots. :lens:
Yes, Featherdale is known for its close encounters, allowing for excellent photographic opportunities with koalas and kangaroos.
While generally permitted, avoid using flash photography directly at animals as it can disturb them. Always be mindful of the animals' well-being. :no_flash:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The chance to hug a wombat is a unique experience that kids will talk about for ages. To make the most of your family visit, aim to arrive early to avoid the biggest crowds and ensure the kids have plenty of energy for all the exciting exhibits. Consider packing snacks and drinks, although there is a cafe on-site.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Arriving early is key, as the morning light is often ideal for photography, and animals tend to be more active. Consider bringing a telephoto lens to get those intimate portraits of the animals, but also a versatile zoom lens to capture them in their environment. Be mindful of the animals' welfare; avoid using flash photography directly at them, as it can be disruptive. [^no_flash] The park's layout allows for various angles, and with patience, you can capture some truly memorable wildlife shots.
🇦🇺 First-Time Visitors to Australia
Featherdale is a great way to tick off those 'must-see' Australian animals from your bucket list.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Up-Close Australian Animal Encounters
One of the most sought-after experiences is the opportunity to hug a wombat, a rare and memorable chance to interact with these gentle marsupials.
These encounters are managed with the animals' welfare in mind, ensuring a safe and ethical experience for both visitors and wildlife. Redditors often highlight the value of arriving early, particularly around opening hours, as this is when keepers are often feeding the animals. This leads to more active and accessible animals, enhancing the photographic and interactive opportunities.
Navigating Featherdale: Tips from Visitors
To maximize your experience, arriving at opening time is a recurring tip.
When it comes to tickets, purchasing them online in advance is a common recommendation to streamline your entry and potentially secure better prices.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit