Serpentarium Wildlife Park Tasmania
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Serpentarium Wildlife Park Tasmania

4.9
·326 reviews·St Helens, Australia

An intimate wildlife park in Tasmania offering hands-on reptile encounters and a chance to connect with native animals.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Anytime

Intimate and engaging experience

CrowdLow
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Serpentarium Wildlife Park Tasmania

Serpentarium Wildlife Park Tasmania

Best Time

Anytime

Intimate and engaging experience

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An intimate wildlife park in Tasmania offering hands-on reptile encounters and a chance to connect with native animals.

4.9
(326 reviews)

"Absolutely amazing experience, the snake and lizard handling part is an absolute must. Highlight of our visit."

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TIP

🐍 Get Hands-On!

Don't shy away from the reptile handling; it's a highlight and a great way to overcome fears!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kids Love It!

Children are often captivated and may want to visit multiple times.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Reptile Handling Sessions

Reptile Handling Sessions

Main exhibit area

Get hands-on with friendly pythons and lizards. A must-do for an unforgettable, confidence-boosting experience!

Anaconda Encounter

Anaconda Encounter

Specific exhibit

See and learn about the impressive Eric, the Green Anaconda. Monthly feeding sessions are a special event.

Wallaby and Joey Interaction

Wallaby and Joey Interaction

Outdoor enclosures

Meet and feed charming wallabies and their joeys. A delightful experience for all ages.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Reptile Encounters

Get ready for up-close experiences with snakes and lizards! The Serpentarium is known for its hands-on sessions, so be prepared to interact with these fascinating creatures. It's a highlight for many visitors, even those with initial anxieties.

Plan for a Memorable Visit

This wildlife park, though not vast, offers an intense and memorable experience. The owners are passionate and knowledgeable, ensuring both visitors and animals benefit. Consider visiting multiple times if you have kids who are captivated!

Best Times

When
Anytime
Why
Intimate and engaging experience
Crowd
Low
When
Monthly feeding days
Why
See Eric the Anaconda feed
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Hello Tasmanian folks! Me and my SO are dropping for about a week! Thinking of taking the east coast side of the island. What's interesting along the route? Things I've sorta have in mind and more questions are in thread :)

🐍 Get Hands-On!

Don't shy away from the reptile handling; it's a highlight and a great way to overcome fears! Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kids Love It!

Children are often captivated and may want to visit multiple times. Reddit

❤️ Friendly Owners

The owners are incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and passionate. Ask them anything!

💰 Senior Discounts

Seniors can enjoy a special discount, making it an accessible experience for all ages. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🐍 Get Hands-On!

Don't shy away from the reptile handling; it's a highlight and a great way to overcome fears! Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kids Love It!

Children are often captivated and may want to visit multiple times. Reddit

❤️ Friendly Owners

The owners are incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and passionate. Ask them anything!

💰 Senior Discounts

Seniors can enjoy a special discount, making it an accessible experience for all ages. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(326 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Serpentarium Wildlife Park for its intimate, hands-on experiences and the passion of its owners. The park is lauded for its clean, natural exhibits and the opportunity to interact closely with a variety of reptiles and native animals. While small, the experience is described as intense, memorable, and highly recommended, especially for families and those looking to overcome reptile anxieties.

"Absolutely amazing experience. The zoo is fairly small overall, but the exhibits are excellent. The animals all look incredibly healthy and happy. The exhibits are clean and really natural looking with fun additions to the decor. The owners are knowledgeable, friendly, kind and so super patient with even the youngest of kids. The snake and lizard handling part is an absolute must. Highlight of our visit. Would definitely visit again."

Beck Hill

"This place is totally wonderful ! We're seniors who visited without any kids and we had the best time imaginable. It's total joy to have contact with these lovely creatures and the staff are very caring and informative. The place is small but the experience is intense and memorable. If you've ever had any anxieties about reptiles, this place is the cure !! Seniors discounts too."

Jennifer Bailey

"On our first trip to St Helens, I took my 8-year-old son to the wildlife park, hoping it might spark his interest. During our week in town we ended up visiting twice—because the experience completely exceeded our expectations.

Mathew and Jen have created a truly special place that fosters both learning and hands-on interaction, benefiting not only visitors but also the animals in their care. From the moment we walked in and were greeted by Indian Star tortoises on their enrichment stroll, we knew this was something unique.

We met cherished pythons (including Mickey, the very friendly anaconda), lizards, a freshwater crocodile, wallabies, joeys, and even a bossy duck—each encounter was unforgettable. What surprised me most was my own transformation: I arrived content just to watch my son handle the snakes from a safe distance, yet left happily walking around with a python draped over my shoulders, admiring their “sweet and inquisitive” expressions.

Thank you, Mathew and Jen, for the time and passion you invested in sharing your knowledge with my son. Visiting twice in one week still wasn’t enough for him—he’s already begging me to plan our return to St Helens!"

Shannon Affleck

What People Like

Hands-on reptile handling
Knowledgeable and friendly owners
Clean, natural exhibits

What People Dislike

Park size (can be small)

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Serpentarium Wildlife Park is located in St Helens, Tasmania. It's accessible by car, and is a notable stop along the east coast route. Many visitors include it as part of a scenic drive through the region. Reddit

Yes, St Helens is a well-known town on Tasmania's east coast, and the park is generally easy to locate within the town. Check local signage upon arrival.

Tasmanian roads are generally well-maintained. The drive to St Helens is scenic, offering beautiful coastal views. Be mindful of wildlife on roads, especially at dawn and dusk.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information before your visit. This ensures you don't miss out on any experiences.

Admission fees are reasonable, and there are often senior discounts available, making it an affordable outing for various visitors. Reddit

While advance booking might not always be necessary due to the park's size, it's a good idea to check their policy, especially during peak seasons, to secure your entry.

Yes, the park hosts monthly feeding sessions for Eric the Green Anaconda, which is a popular event. It's worth checking their schedule for these unique opportunities. Reddit

Absolutely! The park is designed to be engaging for everyone, from young children to seniors. The hands-on experiences are particularly memorable for kids. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can encounter a variety of reptiles, including pythons, lizards, and even a freshwater crocodile. They also have wallabies, joeys, and other native Tasmanian wildlife. Reddit

Yes, the park is renowned for its interactive sessions where you can safely hold snakes and lizards. It's a highlight for many visitors, even those initially apprehensive. Reddit

While the park is not large, the experience is intense and memorable. Many visitors find a few hours is sufficient, though some, especially families, may wish to spend longer or revisit. Reddit

Reviews consistently praise the cleanliness and naturalistic design of the exhibits, with animals appearing healthy and happy. Reddit

The owners and staff are frequently described as knowledgeable, friendly, patient, and passionate about the animals and educating visitors. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Information on on-site dining is limited, so it's advisable to check directly with the park or plan to bring your own snacks and drinks, or dine in nearby St Helens.

Typically, most wildlife parks allow visitors to bring their own food and drinks for consumption in designated areas. It's always good practice to confirm this policy.

St Helens offers a range of cafes and restaurants, providing various options for meals before or after your visit to the Serpentarium.

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally encouraged. Capturing your interactions with the reptiles and other animals can create lasting memories.

While generally allowed, be mindful of flash photography, as it can disturb some animals. Always follow staff instructions regarding photography during handling sessions.

The interactive reptile handling sessions offer fantastic photo opportunities. Also, the naturalistic exhibits provide great backdrops for capturing the animals.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Serpentarium Wildlife Park is an absolute hit with families. Kids are enthralled by the hands-on reptile handling sessions, where they can safely interact with snakes and lizards. The opportunity to feed wallabies and joeys is another major draw, creating unforgettable memories. The owners' patience and passion for educating children make the experience both fun and informative, often leading to repeat visits within the same trip. Reddit

Beyond the direct interactions, the park's well-maintained and naturalistic exhibits provide a stimulating environment for young minds. The chance to see and learn about a freshwater crocodile and potentially witness the monthly feeding of Eric the Green Anaconda adds an extra layer of excitement. It’s a compact yet incredibly engaging experience that sparks curiosity and a love for wildlife in children.

🧑‍🦳 Seniors and Travelers

The Serpentarium Wildlife Park offers a delightful and accessible experience for seniors and travelers. The senior discounts make it an affordable outing, and the intimate nature of the park means less walking and more focused engagement. Visitors of all ages, including seniors without children, have reported having an 'absolute best time imaginable', enjoying the joy of contact with the animals and the informative staff. Reddit

The park's ability to help overcome anxieties about reptiles is a significant draw for many. The patient guidance from the owners ensures a comfortable and positive interaction, turning potential apprehension into a memorable and confidence-building experience. It's a chance to connect with nature in a unique and personal way, making it a standout stop on any Tasmanian itinerary.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Serpentarium Experience: More Than Just Snakes

The Serpentarium Wildlife Park in Tasmania offers a unique and intimate encounter with reptiles and other native wildlife. Unlike larger zoos, its strength lies in its personal touch and hands-on opportunities. Visitors consistently rave about the knowledgeable and passionate owners, Mathew and Jen, who create a welcoming atmosphere and share their deep understanding of the animals. This personal connection is what transforms a typical zoo visit into a truly memorable experience, even for those who might initially feel apprehensive about reptiles. Reddit

The park excels at fostering both learning and direct interaction. From observing Indian Star tortoises on enrichment walks to meeting cherished pythons and wallabies, each encounter is designed to be engaging. The hands-on reptile handling sessions are a particular highlight, allowing visitors to overcome fears and appreciate the 'sweet and inquisitive' expressions of snakes. This immersive approach has led many, including children, to visit multiple times within a single trip, eager for more interaction. Reddit

Beyond the snakes, the park also features other native Tasmanian animals, including wallabies and joeys, offering a broader glimpse into the local fauna. The exhibits are noted for being clean, naturalistic, and well-maintained, ensuring the animals are healthy and happy. The monthly feeding of Eric the Green Anaconda is a special event that draws significant interest, providing a rare opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures up close. Reddit

Overcoming Reptile Anxiety: A Serpentarium Specialty

For individuals who harbor anxieties about snakes and other reptiles, the Serpentarium Wildlife Park in Tasmania is often cited as a place that can help overcome these fears. The patient and informative approach of the staff is key to this transformation. They guide visitors through interactions with a gentle demeanor, demystifying the creatures and highlighting their unique characteristics. This supportive environment allows even the most hesitant visitor to gradually build confidence.

Many reviews mention how the park's intimate setting and the owners' expertise create a safe space for exploration. The opportunity to safely hold a python or lizard under supervision is a powerful experience that can fundamentally change one's perception of these animals. Visitors often leave surprised by their own newfound comfort and appreciation, transforming apprehension into fascination. Reddit

The park's success in this regard is a testament to its mission of education and fostering respect for wildlife. It's not just about seeing animals; it's about understanding them and realizing that many reptiles are not the fearsome creatures they are often portrayed to be. This makes the Serpentarium a valuable destination for anyone looking to challenge their preconceptions and connect with nature on a deeper level.

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