Oakvale Wildlife Park
Oakvale Wildlife Park
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Ultimate Hands-On Experience. Set on 25 acres of open natural bushland, Oakvale Wildlife Park is 100% Australian family-owned and operated. At the park, you will find an endless menagerie of Australian natives, domestic farm and exotic animals such as koalas, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, goats, sheep, rabbits, alligators and ostriches. Plus many, many more. Established in November 1979 by Jeff and Elaine Sansom and later passed down to their son Kent Sansom in 1995. Oakvale Wildlife Park has remained a family-owned and operated business for more than 42 years. Since 1979 the farm has undergone countless changes. However, one thing that remains the same is our commitment to providing an opportunity for our customers to learn about our native wildlife and how we can protect it. We strive to provide a fun, safe, educational, accessible and value-for-money experience for the whole family.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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4.5
245 reviews
Excellent
153
Very good
73
Average
13
Poor
6
Terrible
0
Lola81Singapore
Singapore, Singapore167 contributions
Apr. 2022 • Solo
This is probably my fav attraction at port Stephens as a solo traveller! I love animals and am amazed how up close we could get with them in this spacious park. I enjoyed myself with a field of kangaroos where some of them were not shy in exploring my bracelet, hair and clothings at all! The animals feeding were great fun too, feeding those cute goats with a milk bottle, only to have 10 of them fighting for that bottle all over you:) I had a great time at the park and would recommend it to everyone- adult or kid. If you love animals, this is the best park to visit.
Written 14 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Lola81Singapore,
Thank you for taking the time to write a review about your visit to the park.
We are delighted to read you enjoyed your visit and were able to immerse yourself in what we have on offer at the park.
The goats are cheeky but a lot of fun to interact with and the kangaroos definitely love our visitors.
We do hope we can welcome you back to the park in the future.
Kind Regards,
Oakvale Team
Written 19 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Grapeful One
9 contributions
Mar. 2022 • Family
Overpriced and seems like animals are neglected! Volunteers everywhere but no one is brushing the horses or cleaning up the poop...
Written 13 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Sheena D,
Thank you for taking the time to review Oakvale Wildlife Park in relation to your recent visit.
We value all feedback on our guest's visits and we would love the opportunity to address any concerns you have about our animal welfare; please do give us a call to discuss the matter further.
In respect of your comments in relation to equids. Our Ponies and Donkeys receive regular grooming, however like other equids, they like to roll around in dirt mounds. This is a natural behaviour of which they should be given the opportunity to perform, and our enclosures facilitate that behaviour. Also, like Canines and many other animals, Equids will shed their coat and this process is not completed in just one day, which could give the impression of a poor coat when patchy areas are visible from time to time. Regarding any faeces you may have identified, I can assure you their enclosures are cleaned daily. And just to reiterate, we would not be given the accreditation if the welfare of any of our animals or conditions they reside in was compromised in any way.
If you have any concerns during a visit, please feel free to approach a member of our friendly team who will be happy to address them with you.
Oakvale wildlife park is a member of the ZAA (Zoo and Aquarium Association) organisation and as such, we are required to maintain a high standard of animal care in order to meet the scrutiny of inspections carried out by ZAA at Oakvale Wildlife Park to pass the accreditation process for this prestigious membership. In addition, Oakvale has recently been awarded 3rd place for Best Tourist Attraction in Australia, which is a substantial achievement that recognises our outstanding work.
Regards,
Oakvale Team
Written 23 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
esm1981
Melbourne, Australia35 contributions
Dec. 2021 • Friends
We had a great time at Oakvale Wildlife park. We arrived in time to feed the baby lambs and goats their bottles which the kids (and me!) loved. After a tractor ride we then walked around the park feeding the various animals. There were Kangaroos, pony’s, cows, rabbits, camels, donkeys, lemurs and wallabies.
The kids then had a cool down in the splash park and a play on the playgrounds before we attended 2 presentations on reptiles and Koalas. The kids were able to get photos taken with lizards, snakes and koalas.
We waved to the 2 alligators on the way out and had a car full of happy and exhausted kids.
The kids then had a cool down in the splash park and a play on the playgrounds before we attended 2 presentations on reptiles and Koalas. The kids were able to get photos taken with lizards, snakes and koalas.
We waved to the 2 alligators on the way out and had a car full of happy and exhausted kids.
Written 28 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear esm1981,
Thank you for taking the time to review your recent visit to Oakvale Wildlife Park.
It is wonderful to hear you and your family had a great day out at the park and were able to immerse yourself in all we have on offer.
Gus and Rosco our alligators love an end of day wave!
We look forward to welcoming you and your family back to the park in the future.
Regards,
Oakvale Team
Written 23 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sotiris V
Sydney, Australia799 contributions
Nov. 2021 • Family
A hidden gem. Great for kids and adults. The park is small enough not to tire you out but large enough to present a good selection of animals. The kids will have a great time feeding the animals and enjoying the setting and waterpark. The staff are friendly and presented several informative shows with local animals. Highly recommended. Great day out. Can spend several hours.
Written 26 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear sotirisv868,
Thank you for taking the time to review your recent visit to the park.
It is wonderful to hear that you and your family had an excellent time at the park. We do hope we can welcome you back to the park again in the future.
Regards,
Oakvale Team
Written 19 December 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
nadiak97
Sydney, Australia128 contributions
Nov. 2021 • Couples
-Would highly recommend Oakvale for kids and adults
-Park was highly interactive
-Could pat and feed most animals
-Feed bags were $3
-Bottle feeding for goats/lambs was included
-Enough bottles were provided for everyone to have a go
-Tractor ride included in the ticket was also informative
-Lots of animals were free roaming
-Can spend 1.5-2 hours easily
-Plenty of parking available
-Park was highly interactive
-Could pat and feed most animals
-Feed bags were $3
-Bottle feeding for goats/lambs was included
-Enough bottles were provided for everyone to have a go
-Tractor ride included in the ticket was also informative
-Lots of animals were free roaming
-Can spend 1.5-2 hours easily
-Plenty of parking available
Written 21 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear nadiak97,
Thank you for your review of your recent visit to Oakvale Wildlife Park.
We look forward to welcoming you and your family back.
Regards,
Oakvale Team
Written 19 December 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
stevenbenson87
Lake Macquarie, Australia30 contributions
Mar. 2021 • Friends
Excellent customer service highly recommended lots to see and do good for families will definitely be back well worth a visit
Written 9 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear stevenbenson87,
Thank you for taking the time to review your recent visit to Oakvale Wildlife Park along with your kind words about our park and staff.
It is delightful to read you enjoyed a full day out at the park and utilised all that we have on offer.
We do look forward to welcoming you and your family back to the park again soon.
Kind Regards,
Oakvale Team
Written 27 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robyn F
Newcastle, Australia245 contributions
Apr. 2021 • Family
We had a great day with the grandchildren. The animals and staff were friendly and cared for. I loved the way the goats and piglets had the bottle feeding under control and knew what to do which helped the children. I hadn't been there for 20 years and was so impressed with the way the farm was set out and organized. It was a wonderful day and the splash pool cooled the children off nicely. Very impressed.
Written 14 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Robyn F,
Thank you so much for taking the time to review your recent visit and your kind words.
There have been many changes in the last 20 years and it is wonderful that you and your family had a great day out at the park.
We do hope to see you again in the future.
Regards,
Oakvale Team
Written 14 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alicia
Sydney, Australia2 contributions
Feb. 2021 • Family
Located at Salt Ash, Oakvale Wildlife Park and Splash Bay is a must to see whether you need to pass time at the airport, heading to the Bay or your kids are going stir crazy at home. Lot's of variety of animals and hands on fun.
We also did the animal encounter Lemurs with keeper Angus.
Negatives in the Feeding area troufs would be great so kids small and big could put the food in and not waste it/make mess. An area for the smaller kids (height restrictions) even if its only open for set time to give the smaller kiddies a chance.
Biggest negative is the toilets and not having a parent change toilet for breastfeeding, nappy changing and micro for bottles.
A suggestion if you purchase your tickets online having a separate line available for those people to cut the cue.It's abit unfair to line up and wait while people decide what to purchase. Also when you enter the park offer if you like to buy a bag to feed the animals it's $2 and saves time coming back for it.
Overall it's value for money and a great family day there is something for everyone. A must would be to do an encounter and tractor ride.
We also did the animal encounter Lemurs with keeper Angus.
Negatives in the Feeding area troufs would be great so kids small and big could put the food in and not waste it/make mess. An area for the smaller kids (height restrictions) even if its only open for set time to give the smaller kiddies a chance.
Biggest negative is the toilets and not having a parent change toilet for breastfeeding, nappy changing and micro for bottles.
A suggestion if you purchase your tickets online having a separate line available for those people to cut the cue.It's abit unfair to line up and wait while people decide what to purchase. Also when you enter the park offer if you like to buy a bag to feed the animals it's $2 and saves time coming back for it.
Overall it's value for money and a great family day there is something for everyone. A must would be to do an encounter and tractor ride.
Written 7 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear 1MummyPoppins,
Thank you for taking the time to review Oakvale Wildlife Park.
We value all feedback and have taken on board your suggestions for the feeding area and separate line up available for those who have purchased online. We are always looking at ways on how we can make our customer experience better for visitors.
The Lemur encounter is one of our most popular ones, they are just amazing to spend time with.
About the parent's room; we do have one located at our Splash Bay Water Park which has a seated area, change table and toilet facilities. Our second change table can be found near Reptile Ravine and a microwave available for guests to utilise next to our Tea Room. I have raised this comment with our management team in relation to more visible signage for these facilities.
We are glad that everyone had a great day out in the park and we do hope to see you again soon.
Regards,
Oakvale Team
Written 7 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
simonto
Sydney, Australia39 contributions
Jan. 2021 • Family
Spent about 2 to 3 hours with the kids . The zoo is not huge but has a good variety of animals. Goats, Kangaroos, ducks do roam around part of the park which you can pat and feed with their $2 bags.
The best part is feeding farm animals milk bottles and tractor ride. Not all the shows were available as we went on a weekday.
The best part is feeding farm animals milk bottles and tractor ride. Not all the shows were available as we went on a weekday.
Written 16 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Simonto,
Thank you for taking the time to write a review of Oakvale Wildlife Park.
Bottle-Feeding the baby farm animals is one of our most popular activities.
Regards,
Oakvale Team
Written 24 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
IntrepidTraveller98
Sydney, Australia52 contributions
Dec. 2020 • Family
We had an outstanding visit to this wildlife park! My 5yo daughter loves animals but as most Zoos are “looking only” experiences, this place really stood out. She got to feed goats, lambs and piglets, and was able to milk a cow! There are goats, ducks and wallaby’s just wandering around everywhere so she could feed them or cuddle them whenever she wanted. There are also plenty of great animals to look at, including cows, meerkats, camels, lemurs, alligators, birds, donkeys and miniature ponies.
It’s also not too big so we weren’t too exhausted but managed to see everything by lunch, then we got to use the great playground and splash pad after we had lunch. The afternoon was much quieter than the morning and so we stuck around to enjoy the feeding display again.
The grounds were lovely and clean, the animals looked very healthy and happy, and every single staff member we encountered was lovely and helpful. I highly recommend this place and will be back for sure!
It’s also not too big so we weren’t too exhausted but managed to see everything by lunch, then we got to use the great playground and splash pad after we had lunch. The afternoon was much quieter than the morning and so we stuck around to enjoy the feeding display again.
The grounds were lovely and clean, the animals looked very healthy and happy, and every single staff member we encountered was lovely and helpful. I highly recommend this place and will be back for sure!
Written 31 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Danielle F,
Thank you for taking the time to review your recent visit to Oakvale Wildlife Park along with your kind words about our park and staff.
It is delightful to read you enjoyed a full day out at the park and utilised all that we have on offer.
We have designed and developed the park so our guests can see, touch and feel a variety of animals, with around 70% of our animals that you can have a form of interaction with it is wonderful to hear that your daughter and yourself enjoyed this interaction.
We do look forward to welcoming you and your family back to the park again soon.
Kind Regards,
Oakvale Team
Written 3 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
how much does Oakville Wildlife Park cost ? And is it open between 19th November and 22nd November?
MrsWest84
Newcastle, Australia165 contributions
A family is $80, adult $28.50, pensioner/senior $24.50, child $16.50. You can get a discount using The Entertainment Book. There are also further discounts for groups of 20+ and those with disabilities and their carers. It’s open daily 10am-5pm except ANZAC Day and Christmas Day.
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