Australia · WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES & ZOOS

The 15 Best Wildlife Parks & Sanctuaries in Australia

41 tours  ·  from $15 a head

A koala is asleep twenty hours a day and a wombat is nocturnal, so the keeper talks are what make the visit. These 15 cover the big sanctuaries and the day trips that bundle one in, with entry prices and which ones allow a photo.

All Inclusive Blue Mountain,Scenic World,Lunch,Koalas,ferry - Starting at Circular Quay and heading west
Blue Mountains Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours in Sydney, Wildlife Parks in Sydney, Wildlife Sanctuaries & Zoos

All Inclusive Blue Mountain,Scenic World,Lunch,Koalas,ferry

1.All Inclusive Blue Mountain,Scenic World,Lunch,Koalas,ferry

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7,832 reviews · from $204Our pick

Travel from Sydney to the Blue Mountains in a small group, visit the Three Sisters, ride Scenic World’s railway, Skyway, and Cableway, eat a dietary-friendly lunch, meet Australian wildlife, then return by ferry. Guides such as Kat, Axel, Grant, and Rin add local stories and steady care throughout the long day.

“The tour was absolutely brilliant from start to finish! Tony, our guide, was incredibly informative and such a lovely guy — he really made the day special. The Blue Mountains were breathtaking, Sydney Zoo was fantastic, the food was delicious, and the boat trip back was the perfect, relaxing end to an amazing day. Highly recommend!”

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Blue Mountains Small-Group Tour from Sydney with Scenic World,Sydney Zoo & Ferry - Echo Point and the Three Sisters
Blue Mountains Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Sydney, Wildlife Parks in Sydney, Wildlife Sanctuaries & Zoos

Blue Mountains Small-Group Tour from Sydney with Scenic World,Sydney Zoo & Ferry

2.Blue Mountains Small-Group Tour from Sydney with Scenic World,Sydney Zoo & Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,709 reviews · from $161

This 10-hour small-group trip combines the Three Sisters, Scenic World’s Skyway, Cableway and Railway, a Blue Mountains village, Sydney Zoo and a ferry ride to Circular Quay. You start at 6:45 am, travel with a guide such as Phil, Scott or Rod, and return to central Sydney around 5 pm.

“Guide was great and it was an entertaining experience. Don't like being forced to give extra verbage.”

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Blue Mountains Adventure: Scenic World, Zoo & Koala Photo - Glenbrook gives you a gentle start
Blue Mountains Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours in Sydney, Wildlife Parks in Sydney, Wildlife Sanctuaries & Zoos

Blue Mountains Adventure: Scenic World, Zoo & Koala Photo

3.Blue Mountains Adventure: Scenic World, Zoo & Koala Photo

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,062 reviews · 10h 30m · from $144

Spend 10.5 hours visiting the Three Sisters, Scenic World, Katoomba Cascades, Cahill’s Lookout, Leura, and Sydney Zoo. Three Scenic World rides, a koala photo, hotel pickup, and a Sydney Harbour ferry are included. Guides such as Ronnie, Adrian, Piotr, Karen, and Chris are known for adding local stories and keeping the busy day on track.

“Lovely guide who was interesting and knowledgeable. A great trip seeing some amazing sites.”

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From Melbourne: Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos - Moonlit Sanctuary is the hands-on highlight
Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Tour Reviews, Tours in Melbourne, Wildlife Parks in Melbourne, Wildlife Sanctuaries & Zoos

From Melbourne: Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos

4.Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,932 reviews · 12 hours · from $112

Spend 12 hours with Wine Hop And Coastal Tours visiting Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary, Nobbies, and Phillip Island. Guides such as Dirk, Simon, Matt, and Charlie lead the day in English, with time to feed kangaroos, see koalas, walk the coast, and watch little penguins return after dark. Expect a long, full day in a small vehicle.

“Overall, the trip was interesting with many diverse stops from marquee vistas (beaches) to wildlife sightseeing. The penguin parade was fun despite a low count of penguins, about 10! You cannot control mother nature.”

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Sydney: Taronga Zoo Tickets - The Australian Walkabout and Native Wildlife
Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Sydney, Wildlife Parks in Sydney, Wildlife Sanctuaries & Zoos

Sydney: Taronga Zoo Tickets

5.Taronga Zoo Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,551 reviews · 1 day · from $38

Take a full-day trip to Taronga Zoo, reached in about 12 minutes by ferry from Circular Quay. Follow nine trails through Australian and exotic animal habitats, watch Free Flight Birds and seal presentations, and see giraffes with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge behind them. Entry includes keeper talks and daily presentations, but transport, food, and special animal encounters cost extra.

“I had an awesome experience at Taronga Zoo!! I highly recommend for all ages.”

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From Brisbane: Australia Zoo Transfer and Entry Ticket - The early Brisbane pickup and one-hour drive
Private Drivers, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Brisbane, Wildlife Sanctuaries & Zoos

From Brisbane: Australia Zoo Transfer and Entry Ticket

6.Australia Zoo Transfer and Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,539 reviews · 9 hours · from $126

Travel from selected Brisbane hotels to Australia Zoo in an air-conditioned vehicle with guides such as Steve or Bruce. Your $126 ticket includes transport, entry, a brief wildlife hospital visit, and about six hours inside the zoo for crocodile shows, animal talks, kangaroos, koalas, and more.

“Our guide Steve was telling us so many funny stories during the drive that we could really enjoy the ride. Additionally he perfectly instructed us on how we should go through the zoo to have the best possible outcome. Really recommend this tour”

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Brisbane River Cruise with entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary - Three hours among Lone Pine’s koalas and Australian wildlife
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Brisbane, Wildlife Sanctuaries & Zoos

Brisbane River Cruise with entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

7.Brisbane River Cruise with entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,522 reviews · from $82

Cruise from Southbank to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary with commentary from the captain, then spend three hours among koalas, kangaroos, platypus, birds, and reptiles. The round-trip boat ride, sanctuary admission, and onboard cafe make this a simple family outing. Food and koala-touch encounters cost extra.

“Fantastic customer service, coffee, food and commentary on board. Air conditioned and prices exceptional.”

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From Sydney: Blue Mountains, Scenic World, Zoo, & Ferry Ride - Scenic World: railway, Skyway, and cableway
Blue Mountains Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours in Sydney, Wildlife Parks in Sydney, Wildlife Sanctuaries & Zoos

From Sydney: Blue Mountains, Scenic World, Zoo, & Ferry Ride

8.Blue Mountains, Scenic World, Zoo, & Ferry Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,484 reviews · 10 hours · from $139

Spend 10 hours touring the Blue Mountains in a minivan of up to 20 people. Visit Echo Point, ride all three Scenic World attractions, stop for lunch in a mountain village, see koalas, wombats, and kangaroos at Sydney Zoo, then take the Parramatta River ferry beneath the Harbour Bridge to Circular Quay. Guides include Scotty, Phil, Lloyd, Rod, and Brian.

“Rain and fog, no view of the Three Sisters, but a really fun day”

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Blue Mountains: Three Sisters, Scenic World and Wildlife park - The early Sydney departure and ride west
Blue Mountains Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours in Sydney, Wildlife, Wildlife Parks in Sydney, Wildlife Sanctuaries & Zoos

Blue Mountains: Three Sisters, Scenic World and Wildlife park

9.Three Sisters, Scenic World and Wildlife park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,481 reviews · from $182

Leave Sydney early for the Blue Mountains, where you’ll visit Echo Point, ride all three Scenic World attractions, walk through rainforest, enjoy lunch, and finish at a wildlife park. Guides including Sean, Ella, Luke, Mick, and Tom add local stories and humor. Hotel pickup is available from selected Sydney hotels.

“Thanks to our guide Sean for this fantastic day. His knowledge and humor made this excursion an unforgettable day. He managed to drop us off everywhere in time to be ahead ofthe horde of tourists. Highly recommanded if you want to discover the Blue Mountains. 😎👍 Erik”

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From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade & Koalas Tour - The Nobbies brings cliffs, ocean, and open space
Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Melbourne, Wildlife Parks in Melbourne, Wildlife Sanctuaries & Zoos

From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade & Koalas Tour

10.Phillip Island Penguin Parade & Koalas Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,408 reviews · 9h 30m · from $123

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island with an English-speaking guide such as Fiona, Peter, or Graham. Visit the Koala Conservation Reserve, The Nobbies, Cowes, and the Penguin Parade. Expect about 300 kilometers of driving, a late return, cold coastal air, and an optional Penguin Plus upgrade for closer penguin views.

“The guide was great, everything was timed well and logistics explained well. And the attractions were as advertised. The only confusing part was figuring out which of the three buses on the street was the correct one to board at the outset, especially since the correct bus was around the corner from where the app said it would be.”

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Brisbane River Cruise and Koala Sanctuary Visit - What you see from Southbank to Lone Pine
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Brisbane, Wildlife Sanctuaries & Zoos

Brisbane River Cruise and Koala Sanctuary Visit

11.Brisbane River Cruise and Koala Sanctuary Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,397 reviews · 5h 30m · from $81

Take the MV Mirimar II from Southbank to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, with live English commentary from the captain, café service, and 75 minutes of river scenery each way. You get three hours at the sanctuary to see koalas, feed kangaroos, visit Platypus House, and catch wildlife presentations. Optional koala encounters cost extra.

“It was a super experience so pleased to see the ongoing care all the animals receive. Boat was comfortable and staff all kind and attentive.”

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Melbourne: Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour - Emerald Lake Is the Day’s Breathing Space
Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Melbourne, Train Experiences, Wildlife Parks in Melbourne, Wildlife Sanctuaries & Zoos

Melbourne: Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

12.Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,220 reviews · 8 hours · from $162

Travel from central Melbourne with an English-speaking guide such as Peter, Matty, David, or Emily. Ride Puffing Billy through the Dandenong Ranges, walk around Emerald Lake, see koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and platypus at Healesville Sanctuary, then finish with chocolate and Yarra Valley views. Lunch is extra.

“Our guide was excellent. The train ride was quite fun. Did not expect it to be so enjoyable. The sanctuary was an intimate experience with Australian animals. I appreciate this given how hard it has been to spot the animals in the wild. Our guide was knowledgeable and very attentive.”

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Sydney: Taronga Zoo Ticket with Return Ferry - Collecting your ticket at the harbour
Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Sydney, Wildlife Parks in Sydney, Wildlife Sanctuaries & Zoos

Sydney: Taronga Zoo Ticket with Return Ferry

13.Taronga Zoo Ticket with Return Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,142 reviews · 1 day · from $55

Spend a full day at Taronga Zoo with entry and a return ferry from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour. Explore at your own pace, see native Australian animals and rare species, and plan around free keeper talks and shows. The zoo is hilly, so bring walking shoes and check the ferry timetable before you go.

“Super easy process. The staff at the booth were very helpful & clearly explained where the meeting point was & which gate/ berth to wait at. Ferry was quick & on time. Loved Taronga Zoo as well. Gorgeous natural environments for the animals, lots of information. Take a hat & your walking shoes!! Highly recommend.”

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Great Ocean Road Tour Plus Koalas, Forest Walk and Morning Tea - Cape Patton and Apollo Bay bring the road into focus
Great Ocean Road Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Melbourne, Walking Tours, Wildlife Parks in Melbourne, Wildlife Sanctuaries & Zoos

Great Ocean Road Tour Plus Koalas, Forest Walk and Morning Tea

14.Great Ocean Road Tour Plus Koalas, Forest Walk and Morning Tea

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,068 reviews

Spend about 13 hours tracing Victoria’s Great Ocean Road from Melbourne. You’ll see wild koalas and parrots at Kennett River, walk among giant trees at Mait’s Rest, visit Gibsons Steps, the 12 Apostles, and Loch Ard Gorge, with guides such as Warren, Theo, Mat, or Fio leading the day.

“The tour was really good! We got to visit many places in one day, and the Great Ocean Road is absolutely beautiful. Our tour guide was super helpful and took great photos for us. The only downside is that the bus seats were a bit narrow, but overall it was a fantastic experience!”

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WILD Wombat and Kangaroo Day Tour, All Inclusive - Macquarie Pass brings forest and winding roads
Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Sydney, Wildlife Parks in Sydney, Wildlife Sanctuaries & Zoos

WILD Wombat and Kangaroo Day Tour, All Inclusive

15.WILD Wombat and Kangaroo Day Tour, All Inclusive

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 959 reviews · from $178

Leave Sydney for a 10.5-hour small-group trip through the South Coast and Southern Highlands. Guides Dave or Damon lead you to waterfalls, eucalyptus forests, wild wombats, kangaroos, and other native animals, with snacks, pub dinner, photos, and a short stargazing stop included.

“The scenic lookouts were lovely and not too taxing to get to. The bus was very comfortable. The animals encountered were in abundance and the tour guide was incredibly respectful of the animals and very knowledgeable. This was a great experience for us. Our guide took amazing photos of the animals and sent them on to us free of charge. Very good value for money and an excellent experience.”

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New in Wildlife Sanctuaries & Zoos

★ 4.5Adelaide Zoo: General Admission TicketsFrom $3380 reviews
★ 4.2Dolphin Sanctuary Mangroves Kayak TourFrom $3854 reviews
★ 4.1Dolphin Sanctuary Single or Double Kayak RentalFrom $2751 reviews
★ 4.0Kuranda Koala Gardens General Entry TicketFrom $1590 reviews
★ 4.0Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Admission TicketsFrom $2799 reviews
★ 5.0Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak TourFrom $55275 reviews
★ 4.3Kuranda Koala Gardens Park EntryFrom $1585 reviews
★ 4.8Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures: Hartley’s Koala BreakfastFrom $5678 reviews
★ 4.7Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak TourFrom $55143 reviews
★ 4.5Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tour AdelaideFrom $56355 reviews
★ 4.5Blue Mountains Adventure w Scenic World, Zoo, Koala Photo & FerryFrom $154407 reviews
★ 5.0Blue Mountains with Zoo, Koala Photo & Scenic WorldFrom $149449 reviews
★ 4.5Puffing Billy And Healesville Sanctuary Scenic TourFrom $163451 reviews
★ 4.8#1 Blue Mountains Tour Scenic World Waterfalls Wildlife ParkFrom $161445 reviews
★ 4.5Sydney Taronga Zoo Wild Australia ExperienceFrom $129492 reviews

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