The 10 Best Zoos & Aquariums in New South Wales, Australia

April 17, 2022 Rosalyn Ihle

New South Wales (abbreviated as NSW) is a state on the east coast of Australia. It borders Queensland to the north, Victoria to the south, and South Australia to the west. Its coast borders the Tasman Sea to the east. The Australian Capital Territory is an enclave within the state. New South Wales' state capital is Sydney, which is also Australia's most populous city. In March 2017, the population of New South Wales was over 7.8 million, making it Australia's most populous state. Just under two-thirds of the state's population, 4.67 million, live in the Greater Sydney area. Inhabitants of New South Wales are referred to as New South Welshmen.
Restaurants in New South Wales

1. Altina Wildlife Park

Sturt Highway, Darlington Point, New South Wales 2680 Australia +61 412 060 342 [email protected] http://www.altinawildlife.com
Excellent
93%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 211 reviews

Altina Wildlife Park

Reviewed By iloveyoukingjulian

went to altina with a couple others for a horse drawn cart tour. the tour guide was very knowledgeable, funny and easy to understand which was great. they have a great variety of animals and we will defo be going back as soon as we can. 10/10 recommend.

2. Marine Discovery Centre

Boundary Street Newman Senior Technical College, Port Macquarie, New South Wales 2444 Australia +61 2 6580 3800 [email protected] http://www.portmacquariemdc.com.au/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

Marine Discovery Centre

3. Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Obley Rd, Dubbo, New South Wales NSW 2830 Australia +61 2 6881 1400 [email protected] http://taronga.org.au/dubbo
Excellent
66%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,514 reviews

Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Experience the ultimate zoofari at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo! Whether you walk, drive or ride around the Zoo's five kilometre circuit on hired bikes or carts, there's so much to see and do. The Zoo is home to hundreds of rare and endangered animals including giraffes, rhinos, elephants and big cats. Daily keeper activities (included in zoo entry) and special tours deliver magical experiences you will never forget. Tickets are valid for two consecutive days, giving you ample time to experience all that is on offer. The Zoo's free access Savannah Visitor Plaza includes shop, playground and cafe overlooking Savannah Lake and Primate Island, home to Black-handed Spider Monkeys and Ring-tailed Lemurs. For the ultimate zoofari, experience African style Zoofari Lodge, self-contained Savannah Cabins, or go bush camping at Billabong Camp.

Reviewed By gkrkz_2000

Fantastic day... they have adapted to covid with safety measures and QR codes to watch videos rather than live zoo keeper talks. Hired a golf buggy which was great - but you can only hire for 3 hours which only got us half way around. So after returning it ended up walking most of the zoo again anyway. Next time I would hire bikes instead - flat, easy to get around. Talk bottled water not many places to refill. Totally worth the trip!! Pleasantly surprised by Dubbo overall!

4. Taronga Zoo

Bradleys Head Road, Mosman, New South Wales 2088 Australia +61 2 9969 2777 https://taronga.org.au/taronga-zoo
Excellent
54%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6,980 reviews

Taronga Zoo

Taking a ferry directly from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo, located in the suburb of Mosman, is the first unexpected joy of visiting the animal park. Once there, the leisurely trails and opportunity to see some of Australia's distinct wildlife become apparent, as does the striking view of the Harbour Bridge from the seating at the aerial bird show. Advance booking can give you the chance to see koalas up close, or stay overnight and 'camp' in the zoo.

Reviewed By chikta2006 - London, United Kingdom

There is so much to see here! I had the pleasure of visiting on my birthday. Its $1 entry and you are requested to make a donation to the Zoo as you enter. You must pre-book to get the deal. Parking as always in SYDNEY is expensive but its great to park with no stress and stay hours without thinking about it - its a flat fee for the day. We went throughout the entire park from 10 until around 3pm. A particular highlight was the Bird show and how well the ladies explained the birds and interacted with the crowds... and the views across Sydney when you watch the Giraffes. We saw all the other animals and finsihed with the Seals show at 2pm, make sure you go there as again its so professional. The ZOO is clean!! We finsihed by taking the cable car from bottom to top then exit through the main entrance. Such a great day out and you shouldnt leave Sydney without the visit.

5. Mogo Wildlife Park

222 Tomakin Rd, Mogo, New South Wales 2536 Australia +61 2 4474 4930 [email protected] http://mogozoo.com.au
Excellent
74%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 984 reviews

Mogo Wildlife Park

Reviewed By dorisv714 - Sydney, Australia

Recommended to me by a work colleague and so glad we came as the girls and my hubbie enjoyed our visit and loved all the animals and zoo keeper talks.Our grandaughter also fed the giraffes and was so excited to have done this.The meercats are so cute and would have loved a close up encounter but too overpriced so glad to see them outside their glass space.Would recommend this to all as it was a great day out with Mogo town down the road.

6. Australian Reptile Park

Pacific Highway, Gosford, New South Wales 2251 Australia +61 2 4340 1022 [email protected] http://www.reptilepark.com.au/
Excellent
61%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 931 reviews

Australian Reptile Park

The Australian Reptile Park is the best family FUN day out! Exciting wildlife shows, loads of animal interaction and great customer service is what we are famous for! •Meet Elvis, the crankiest crocodile in Australia •Walk with Hugo, the giant 165kg Galapagos tortoise •See reptiles up-close and meet loads of cuddly Aussie animals •Professional photos with furry and scaly new friends •Venomous snake and funnel web spider milkings •Children's reptilian adventure playground •Animal Encounters - get up close and personal with our animals •Kids 2 Keeper junior zoo keeping workshops for kids 3-18yrs •Behind the Scenes tours •Hand feed friendly free-range kangaroos •Great value! •FREE parking, on-site café, picnic areas, free gas BBQ's Open : 9am - 5pm 364 days a year (closed Christmas day) Find us : 2 minutes off M1Freeway (Gosford exit), follow the signs

Reviewed By NanetteT_13

A recent visit was thoroughly enjoyed with our grandchildren. The presence of informative animal keepers, interactive walks with dragons, turtles and realistic dinosaurs were wonderful. Keepers were encountered cuddling baby Tasmanian devils, koalas, owls and snakes. The animal enclosures allowed close up viewing, with most animals quite active. The various walks allowed pram and wheelchair access. The anti venom collection from funnel webs and snakes was outlined by a delightful guide, Katja. She was passionate and keen to share the value of the program. What an amazing young lady! The milking of the funnel webs was amazing and a real highlight. The facility offered healthy snacks and the gift shop was well positioned. Parking convenient and the genuine passion of those working at the park made the day perfect.

7. Billabong Zoo: Koala & Wildlife Park

61 Billabong Drive, Port Macquarie, New South Wales 2444 Australia 6165851060 [email protected] http://www.billabongzoo.com.au
Excellent
55%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 855 reviews

Billabong Zoo: Koala & Wildlife Park

Reviewed By 213laurencey - Hemel Hempstead, United Kingdom

Today we visited Billabong zoo greeted by lovely ticket staff with big smiles and a lovely welcome. It has been one of the highlights of our holiday. The zoo keepers are not only amazing but very informative and show care and expertise in how they treat the animals. Always with the greatest respect I might add. Special thanks to Simonne no one knows more about Koalas than this young woman. Also she did several other animal talks given us a real insight to the work they do at the zoo and the importance of conservation. Thanks also to Brooke and her assistant we had a very informative chat about big cats she is an amazing young woman what an achievement working with these wonderful complex animals at such a young age. Also to Ashley excellent talk over the noise of traffic which wasn't easy about the stunning red pandas who obviously adore her. Shrek was fantastic and our jaws dropped at the skill of the presentation by both Keepers. Cafe offered lots of delights but we ended up with only having drinks and ice cream as the weather was too hot to eat a hot meal! Hope to visit again soon!

8. Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters

2 Jessie Rd, Port Stephens, New South Wales 2316 Australia +61 2 4982 2476 [email protected] http://www.sharkencounters.com.au
Excellent
72%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 306 reviews

Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters

Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters is an amazing experience of swimming and interacting with Sharks and Rays. The owners are passionate and dedicated to our Ocean's conservation and Marine Science. Every visitor can learn about the ocean depths and step outside their comfort zone by diving in with these amazing ambassador animals. Once you have experienced these majestic creatures individual personalities, you will have the confidence to take the next step and dive Looking Glass, a popular Nelson Bay shark dive site. Wondering about the name Irukandji? The Irukandji Jellyfish may be the most deadly thing in the world! Coming soon you will see them with your own eyes and learn about the Jellyfish blooms that are currently taking over the ocean like never in history. If you are after an out of this world experience that can be shared with the whole family (even tiny babies get a wetsuit and booties for a swim with the Sharks) then Irukandji is your next adventure waiting to happen.

Reviewed By beckyandjames83 - Broulee, Australia

Staff were all super friendly and knowledgeable. I highly recommend paying the extra to get in the water for the feedings so you can be up close and personal with these amazing creatures.

9. Symbio Wildlife Park

Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Helensburgh, New South Wales 2508 Australia +61 2 4294 1244 [email protected] http://www.symbiozoo.com.au/
Excellent
58%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 467 reviews

Symbio Wildlife Park

Symbio is Wollongong's own award winning, family owned zoo, set in 16 acres of bush parkland - famous for providing genuine hands-on encounters with the most fascinating creatures from Australia and around the world.At Symbio ...We'll get you closer!

Reviewed By 980grahamw - Lisbon, Portugal

Arrived at Symbio and while the car park was pretty full so much space inside to socially distance. Friendly smiling staff welcomed us and upon enquiring were told there was a red panda feeding experience available shortly. We happily paid for the experience and grabbed a great coffee while we waited a few minutes for the most amazing experience to begin. The following photos show how happy this experience made us . The kangaroo and goat feeding was amazing as well, so many koalas and cute little monkeys and a family of meerkats, too many to list Oh yeah the kids were laughing and screaming with delight in the new playground area and there’s also a waterpark that I imagine is well used on warmer days , If you havn’t been and want to do something special try the red panda feeding ❤️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

10. Hunter Valley Zoo

138 Lomas Lane, Nulkaba, Cessnock, New South Wales 2325 Australia +61 2 4990 7714 http://www.huntervalleyzoo.com.au/
Excellent
70%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 440 reviews

Hunter Valley Zoo

Hunter Valley Zoo is a private run zoo supported by its local families and business'. Set among the beautiful Hunter Valley it has 10 acres of land with everything from Native Australian animals to exotic animals such as monkeys and meerkats. Hunter Valley Zoo has picnic areas and free BBQ facilities so come and make it a family day out. We have special feed bags which can be used to feed our farmyard animals and our walkthrough kangaroo and bird aviary. Want something more? Hunter Valley Zoo now have encounters with Meerkats and Marmoset Monkeys and a species sponsor option. Visit our website or call us for more information.

Reviewed By amandafX630SS - Cowra, Australia

My family and I visited Hunter Valley Zoo recently while in Cessnock. We visited on 15/8/2020, we found the experience awesome. Family friendly, lots of animals to see to keep the kiddies amused with BBQ facilities. Due to Covid 19, there were sign in procedures and the tour groups weren't operating, but we had a very pleasant experience seeing the Meerkats, Lions etc. I would highly recommend travellers to visit. Oh, and you can purchase animal food to feed the animals as well!!!! :) Admission was reasonably priced also

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.