Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary, Calga: Hours, Address, Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary Reviews: 4.5/5
Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary
Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary
4.5
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
If you love animals but you don't like to see them in zoos, this working wildlife sanctuary is a wonderful place to visit. Only an hour north of Sydney city, you can meet kangaroos, emus and wallabies living free in 80 acres of Australian bush. Natural camps house koalas, wombats, Tasmanian devils, dingoes, flying foxes, echidnas, pythons, cockatoos and all their feathered, furry, scaly and spiky friends. Follow the walking tracks to visit ancient Aboriginal sites. Open every day from 9:30am to 5pm, or book an overnight ranger-led Wild Night Out. Fun and safe for children and adults alike. This is not an intense commercial experience with concrete paths and play areas. This is the real Australian bush.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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from A$30.00
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4.5
252 reviews
Excellent
171
Very good
56
Average
13
Poor
6
Terrible
6
WilderAussie
5 contributions
Good stop on the way out of Sydney
Feb. 2021 • Solo
Good couple of hours hanging out with the animals.
Pros:
-Great to get so close to the wallabies.
-There’s a couple of bush walks around the sanctuary if you want a longer walk.
Cons:
The animal talks were literally 2 minutes.
Pros:
-Great to get so close to the wallabies.
-There’s a couple of bush walks around the sanctuary if you want a longer walk.
Cons:
The animal talks were literally 2 minutes.
Written 25 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
LDN100
Sydney, Australia98 contributions
Great stop on the way to the Hunter Valley!
Mar. 2021
Stopped off on the drive from Sydney to the Hunter Valley, and it was a very welcome stop! Lovely little sanctuary, love that all of the animals are rescued and in their forever home. Really lovely staff too, we went to a few talks and we were one of two couples there, it was really lovely to get to quiz them about the animals so closely! Learnt a lot in a short amount of time. Would be great to go back and do the trail walks.
Written 7 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Rachael T
Cronulla, Australia141 contributions
Great overnight Australian experience!
Feb. 2021
Stayed here with my boyfriend for the Wild Sleep Out and Wild Night Out: Sunset Tour.
The staff were all super friendly, helpful and welcoming. Our room was spacious and very clean with kangaroos and wallabies right outside the rooms. I highly recommend doing the Sunset Tour, we met all the animals that were living in the sanctuary and got to feed and interact with them. We especially enjoyed meeting and feeding the Tasmanian Devil! Great place to go as a couple or family! There are so many animals to interact with. We weren't expecting much but it really did exceed our expectations and we highly encourage everyone to go and support this park!
The staff were all super friendly, helpful and welcoming. Our room was spacious and very clean with kangaroos and wallabies right outside the rooms. I highly recommend doing the Sunset Tour, we met all the animals that were living in the sanctuary and got to feed and interact with them. We especially enjoyed meeting and feeding the Tasmanian Devil! Great place to go as a couple or family! There are so many animals to interact with. We weren't expecting much but it really did exceed our expectations and we highly encourage everyone to go and support this park!
Written 2 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kimbo3000
Sydney, Australia47 contributions
Awesome day out interacting with Australian wildlife
Nov. 2020 • Friends
We spent a fab day here with friends, learning lots and interacting with all of the animals.
Behind the scenes, you can really see how the animals are cared for and how much work goes into running the place.
All of the animals have names and unique characters. We loved interacting with them.
The accomodation looks pretty good too, so we will come and stay next time.
Thanks for a great day out and also for how much effort you put into running the sanctuary.
Cheers,
Kim
Behind the scenes, you can really see how the animals are cared for and how much work goes into running the place.
All of the animals have names and unique characters. We loved interacting with them.
The accomodation looks pretty good too, so we will come and stay next time.
Thanks for a great day out and also for how much effort you put into running the sanctuary.
Cheers,
Kim
Written 30 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Eyal S
1 contribution
Best day for families
Oct. 2020
We had a great day in Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary. The visit was relaxed, the kids joined activities offered by the sanctuary. There are animals running around that make the place feel real, unlike a zoo. The prices are very reasonable and there was no massive crowd.
We had the best day !!!
We had the best day !!!
Written 10 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Dianne H
Gosford, Australia22 contributions
Great animal wild life sanctuary
Oct. 2020 • Family
We visited this park last week and I was delighted that it wasn't so busy and not too many people there, even though it was a long weekend. Our 3 Grandkids enjoyed it very much and they had a go at boomerang throwing. The only downside to this park is the uneven ground with many tree roots and rocks there to trip you over. Our grandkids nearly went over quite a few times, luckily they were all wearing good shoes.
Written 3 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Detritus
Sydney, Australia125 contributions
Great experience
Sep. 2020
Loved the Boomerang throw - was only a dollar to try it out and the kids loved it!
The rest of the park is quite small and if you walk quickly, you can finish it all in about 30 min - but that isn't the point. We took our time with each exhibit, fed the goats and what not. Did a bit of walk at the back and we finished up in about 2 hours.
I would recommend people to bring their own food as there isn't any here to buy.
The rest of the park is quite small and if you walk quickly, you can finish it all in about 30 min - but that isn't the point. We took our time with each exhibit, fed the goats and what not. Did a bit of walk at the back and we finished up in about 2 hours.
I would recommend people to bring their own food as there isn't any here to buy.
Written 28 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
crockery
washington49 contributions
Cabin stay was magnificent!
Jun. 2020 • Solo
The cabins are a lovely place to stay for a few days. I’m posting a photo of a peacock standing on the veranda of my cabin one morning, peering inside through the blinds! One of the big perks of staying there is exploring the park after dark, when many of the animals are very active. Another is getting a ‘behind the scenes’ look at how a sanctuary works, which is fascinating. The park itself is very well managed with knowledgeable staff who take very good care of the animals. It’s just a lovely place to be - I highly recommend it!
Written 17 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lisa
4 contributions
A lovely sanctuary with a variety of animals- and very knowledgeable staff.
Jun. 2020 • Family
A wonderful small and compact park that has a variety of animals. My child wanted to pat a Koala and we booked ‘speed dating’ with Gumnut the koala. Sarah, the handler was exceptionally knowledgeable about the marsupial and taught us some interesting and new facts. She was patient and kind to our very excitable 3 year old.
We also enjoyed visiting the other animals from Tonka the wombat and the reptile presentation was hands on and interesting. The presenter (sorry I forgot your name) had amazing customer service and was engaging.
Shout out to Casey for showing our family the Pygmy possum which was adorable.
The aboriginal walkabout was a great way to end the visit as you could see animals in a natural habitat whilst learning about the First Nations people.
We can’t rate the kiosk as we brought our own food.
The care, genuine love and consideration for these animals and how professionally they were treated was refreshing and we look forward to seeing them on our next visit- we will be return visitors.
We also enjoyed visiting the other animals from Tonka the wombat and the reptile presentation was hands on and interesting. The presenter (sorry I forgot your name) had amazing customer service and was engaging.
Shout out to Casey for showing our family the Pygmy possum which was adorable.
The aboriginal walkabout was a great way to end the visit as you could see animals in a natural habitat whilst learning about the First Nations people.
We can’t rate the kiosk as we brought our own food.
The care, genuine love and consideration for these animals and how professionally they were treated was refreshing and we look forward to seeing them on our next visit- we will be return visitors.
Written 21 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Vikkitombles
Adamstown, Australia37 contributions
Wonderful experience
Jun. 2020 • Family
We went with our extended family and had a great time. It was perfect for the kids aged between 3-9. They loved the spotlighting and campfire on the first evening. Sarah, our ranger was fantastic and the kids especially enjoyed exchanging animal stories that night around the campfire. The cabins were clean, comfortable and well equipped. All the staff were great and very interactive. The next day we enjoyed a beautiful walk through the Australian bush and did a few more rounds of the animals in the cages. All the cages were very clean and well cared for.
The wild kangaroos and emus were very happy to let the kids pet them which is fairly unique. The BBQ facilities were good and you could buy a coffee or snack if you wanted to. The reptile show after lunch was fantastic and very interactive. Overall, it is an excellent well run facility. I can wait to return with the rest of the family!
The wild kangaroos and emus were very happy to let the kids pet them which is fairly unique. The BBQ facilities were good and you could buy a coffee or snack if you wanted to. The reptile show after lunch was fantastic and very interactive. Overall, it is an excellent well run facility. I can wait to return with the rest of the family!
Written 20 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Can you hold a koala with the hire a ranger?
Tassin
Calga, Australia
In NSW it is illegal to hold a koala, however at our talks we will get you as close as possible tot he Koalas.
We have a koala talks at 12pm and 2.30pm each day, or you can book a speed date, which is a 10 minute private encounter and times are available throughout the day, Please visit our website to make a booking.
Thank you
Artemis74
Wassenaar, The Netherlands1 contribution
How accessible is the park when you are in a wheelchair?
Tassin
Calga, Australia
Many people using wheelchairs visit our animals and they assure me that, although the paths are bumpy as the ground is compressed earth, they are doable. Many animals hang around the visitor centre so, if you don't want to go far, you can spend time with the free-ranging kangaroos and emus, as well as the koalas and the petting zoo animals. If you need any help you can ask any one of our staff to give you a hand. You won't however, be able to reach the Aboriginal sites as the bush paths are just natural tracks and there are also steps.
Hai... rencananya ingin ke Australia wal Kab out wildlife park, tapi saya tidak tahu bagaimana ke sana, saya nginap di daerah harbour darling dan berapa tiket yg harus saya beli?
Tassin
Calga, Australia
We are located about an hour north of Sydney, but we are not on a public transport route, therefore you will either need to drive, or catch hire a taxi, which can be exceptionally expensive. The closest station is Gosford. Please note that you may be able to get an Uber to the park, however they will not return you to the station.
Walkabout Park is just a few hundred meters off the M1 Pacific Motorway just south of Gosford.
Regards
The Walkabout Team
Kaleb G
Southwest Oklahoma
Is the "Personal Ranger Hire" the best option for a couple to have a great experience for a few hours; to include personal time with Koala, and Kangaroos?
We are looking at visiting Saturday 7 October from about 9 AM until around 1 PM. Is that a doable time to have a great experience?
Mark S
Greater Sydney, Australia579 contributions
Hi there; the rangers are extremely knowledgable and you'll surely get a lot out of a private tour with your two hour window.
The park is small and you'll easily be able to walk about with comfort.
The Koalas are very popular - and supper cute, and I think now days it is recognised they get stressed being handled lots by the public....So, ask the Keepers if you can handle the Koalas - if that's important to you.
You can also check on line with other wild life parks if you can BOOK ahead and be guaranteed to be able to hold the Koalas if that is on You "bucket List".
Good Luck...have a great time on your trip to Australia.
Kaleb G
Southwest Oklahoma
What is the best mode of transportation to visit the park from North Sydney?
Walkab0utPark
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park is not on a public transport route and therefore the closest station is at Gosford, either train or bus. A taxi fare from Gosford is approximately $45 one way, so is pretty expensive.
We suggest that a less expensive option for a group, is to book a hire car instead which is approximately $40.00 per day for a small car.
If you do choose to drive, we are located approximately 1 hour north of Sydney off the M1, just south of Gosford.
DO take the Calga Interchange exit from the M1 onto Peats Ridge Road, you will find the park on the left of Peats Ridge Road, just off the M1.
Kadd L
Sydney, Australia16 contributions
HI,
Yes, is there a restaurant or café? Is there a picnic area where we can bring our own lunch?
Thank you.
Kadd
Walkab0utPark
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Hi there,
We have kiosk style catering on site with a basic menu of hot food including fish & chips, pies, sausage rolls etc. We also have ready made sandwiches and wraps, soft drinks, ice-cream, snacks and tea and coffee.
You are also welcome to bring your own picnic or use our free bbq's.
Lisa V
The Entrance, Australia17 contributions
How much are the overnight experiences? Do I need my own tent?
Walkab0utPark
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
There are a range of overnight packages including staying in our permanent camp ground with our canvas tents or staying in our eco cabins, offering en-suite accommodation.
You DO NOT bring your own tent
I see on your website that I can register for a pre-paid personal encounter, but there is not an option for a koala encounter. Will there be an option to pet a koala and how to I pre-register ?
Walkab0utPark
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
We have ranger talks offering up-close encounters with our animals every half and hour throughout each day.
Should you require a more personal, ranger-led encounter, these are available and can be booked online by clicking the red booking button.
Thank you