
Oakvale Wildlife Park
A 25-acre wildlife park in Port Stephens offering close encounters with kangaroos, koalas, and farm animals, plus playgrounds and a water park.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals are active, fewer crowds

Oakvale Wildlife Park
Best Time
Animals are active, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 25-acre wildlife park in Port Stephens offering close encounters with kangaroos, koalas, and farm animals, plus playgrounds and a water park.
"A brilliant day out for 3 generations, with hand-feeding baby farm animals being a big win!"

🎯 Arrive Early for Active Animals
See kangaroos and koalas at their most active by arriving at opening time.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Lunch
You can bring your own food, or purchase coffee and lunch on-site.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kangaroo & Koala Encounters
Various enclosures
Feed kangaroos and get up close with koalas, including opportunities to see them with joeys.

Farm Animal Hand-Feeding
Farmyard area
Bottle-feed lambs and goats, milk cows, and interact with other gentle farm animals.

Playgrounds & Water Park
Designated areas
Spacious playgrounds for kids and a seasonal water park offer fun breaks from animal viewing.

Tractor Trailer Rides
Park grounds
Enjoy free tractor trailer rides that offer a scenic tour of the wildlife facility.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit: Best Times & What to Expect
Animal Encounters & Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Active Animals
See kangaroos and koalas at their most active by arriving at opening time.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Lunch
You can bring your own food, or purchase coffee and lunch on-site.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the 25-acre park.
💧 Water Park Fun (Seasonal)
Don't forget swimwear if visiting during warmer months for the water park.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Active Animals
See kangaroos and koalas at their most active by arriving at opening time.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Lunch
You can bring your own food, or purchase coffee and lunch on-site.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the 25-acre park.
💧 Water Park Fun (Seasonal)
Don't forget swimwear if visiting during warmer months for the water park.
📸 Capture the Moments
Plenty of photo opportunities with animals and family fun.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Oakvale Wildlife Park for its refreshing, family-friendly atmosphere and excellent hands-on animal encounters, particularly hand-feeding kangaroos and farm animals. The park is noted for its cleanliness, friendly staff, and ample amenities like playgrounds and BBQ facilities. Some guests expressed a desire for even more diverse animal species and interactive experiences beyond feeding.
"Refreshing experience, nice place for kids and families. Clean bathrooms and great coffee. Parking was sufficient and spacious. Staff was friendly. Would love to see more animals and more hands on experiences apart from feeding, milking etc."
Syed Ahmed Shah
"We had a brilliant day here, 3 generations of family.
Clean, well kept amenities including BBQ s, children's playgrounds, and best of all handfeeding baby farm animals was a big win.
The free tractor trailer rides really showcase this Wildlife facility, highly recommended for younger kids and primary age.
You can purchase coffee and lunch, or bring in your own food ✅️"
Wendy Winsome
"Haven't been to Oakvale farm for years, and thought I'd take my grand daughter. She, and I both loved it. The animals are well looked after and very gentle."
Lee Petrie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Oakvale Wildlife Park is located in Salt Ash, Port Stephens, NSW. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. If coming from Sydney, it's approximately a 2-hour drive. Public transport options are limited, so driving is generally recommended.
Yes, there is sufficient and spacious parking available at the park, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! Oakvale Wildlife Park is a popular day trip destination from Sydney, offering a great escape into nature and animal encounters.
The most common route from Sydney involves taking the M1 Motorway north and then following signs towards Nelson Bay/Port Stephens. Oakvale is well-signposted once you enter the Port Stephens area.
Yes, the Port Stephens region offers a wide range of accommodation, from hotels and resorts to holiday parks and camping, making it easy to extend your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Oakvale Wildlife Park is typically open daily from 10 AM. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening hours, especially during public holidays or seasonal changes.
Admission prices vary for adults, children, and families. You can purchase tickets online in advance or at the gate. Consider an annual membership if you plan to visit multiple times.
Yes, tickets can be purchased at the entrance gate upon arrival. However, booking online in advance might sometimes offer discounts or guarantee entry during peak times.
Discounts may be available for seniors, students, or group bookings. Keep an eye on their website or social media for any special offers or promotions.
Generally, re-entry policies vary. It's best to inquire at the entrance or customer service desk upon arrival if you anticipate needing to leave and return later in the day.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Oakvale is home to a diverse range of animals, including kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, wombats, emus, various farm animals like sheep and cows, and reptiles.
Yes, Oakvale is renowned for its hands-on experiences. You can hand-feed kangaroos, bottle-feed lambs and goats, and even milk cows.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic destination for families with young children, offering interactive animal encounters, playgrounds, and tractor rides.
The park features spacious and well-maintained playgrounds, providing ample space for children to play and burn energy.
Yes, Oakvale has a water park that is open seasonally. It's a great way to cool down during warmer months.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and enjoy picnics within the park grounds. There are also BBQ facilities available.
Oakvale offers a cafe where you can purchase coffee, lunch, and snacks. The menu typically includes items suitable for families.
While specific menus can change, cafes at attractions like Oakvale often have a selection of vegetarian options. It's best to inquire directly or check their current menu if you have specific dietary needs.
Yes, there is a cafe on-site that serves a variety of food and beverages.
Oakvale is a popular spot for children's birthday parties, offering a fun and memorable experience with animal interactions and play areas. Contact the park directly for party packages.
📸 📸 Photography
The kangaroo and koala enclosures offer fantastic photo opportunities. The farmyard and tractor rides also provide charming backdrops for family photos.
Yes, photography is encouraged! However, always be mindful of the animals' well-being and avoid using flash photography directly at them, especially during shows or close encounters.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. Professional photography or filming for commercial purposes may require prior permission.
A camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing wildlife from a comfortable distance. However, a smartphone is perfectly adequate for most visitors.
Selfies are possible in designated areas, particularly during supervised animal encounters where staff can guide you on safe and appropriate interactions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds and ensure more personal interaction time with the animals. The park's layout is generally easy to navigate with strollers, and the on-site cafe offers kid-friendly options. Don't forget swimwear for the seasonal water park if the weather is warm!
🇦🇺 Wildlife Enthusiasts & Photographers
Arriving early is key to catching animals at their most active, especially kangaroos during their morning grazing. While professional photography may require permission, amateur photographers will find plenty of stunning subjects. Remember to be patient and respectful of the animals' space to get the best shots.
🎒 Budget-Conscious Travelers
Consider purchasing an annual family membership if you live locally or plan to visit multiple times, as this can be more cost-effective than individual day tickets. Weekday visits often mean fewer crowds and potentially a more relaxed experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Oakvale: Animal Encounters
Beyond the farm animals, Oakvale is a sanctuary for native Australian wildlife. You can get up close with koalas, often seeing them with their joeys, and learn about their conservation from knowledgeable keepers. The park's commitment to providing a naturalistic environment allows animals to roam freely, enhancing the visitor experience and promoting a deeper appreciation for wildlife.
While the focus is on interaction, Oakvale also emphasizes education. Reptile shows and keeper talks provide fascinating insights into the lives and behaviors of the animals. This blend of fun and learning makes Oakvale Wildlife Park an engaging destination for all ages, fostering a connection with the natural world.
Family Fun Beyond the Animals
During warmer months, the seasonal water park becomes a major draw for families looking to cool off. With slides and splash zones, it’s a perfect spot for kids to have a refreshing adventure. Complementing these attractions are the free tractor trailer rides, which offer a relaxed and scenic tour of the park's grounds, allowing visitors to see more of the wildlife and enjoy the picturesque setting.
The combination of interactive animal experiences, engaging play areas, and seasonal water fun makes Oakvale Wildlife Park a comprehensive destination for a family day out. It’s a place where both parents and children can create lasting memories.
A Glimpse into Oakvale's History and Ethos
The park spans 25 acres in the beautiful Port Stephens region, offering a spacious and natural environment for its diverse animal inhabitants. The emphasis is on allowing animals to roam freely, fostering a more naturalistic setting that benefits both the animals and the visitor experience. This approach sets Oakvale apart, offering a more immersive and less restrictive environment compared to some other wildlife parks.
Oakvale's commitment extends beyond just entertainment; it aims to educate and inspire visitors about wildlife conservation and the importance of respecting the natural world. Through its hands-on approach and dedication to animal welfare, Oakvale Wildlife Park has become a cherished destination for locals and tourists alike.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit