Ballarat Wildlife Park (Ballarat East)

Set upon 32 acres of woodland is a collection of Australian native animals and reptiles which have been chosen for their educational and conservation potential. The Reptile collection features over 200 snakes, lizards, turtles, crocodiles and frogs.

The Ballarat Wildlife Park is situated only five minutes from Sovereign Hill and is the only regional zoo of its kind on such a large scale.

Activities include Guided Tours, Interactive Animal Shows, Reptile House, Koala Enclosure and Koala Nursery.

Opening Hours:

Opening Times

Cost:

Pricing and Tickets
For a discount check out Small Ideas

Review:

A lovely zoo in very relaxed surroundings with a nice open feel. The Wildlife Park would be an ideal destination for international visitors since it has almost exclusively Australian animals and birds. The zoo doesn't occupy a huge area and even small children should be able to walk around without getting too tired.

If you are interested in attending the keeper talks/shows it would be advisable to go in the afternoon since the number of shows in the morning is very limited. The shows also only operate on weekends, public holidays and school holidays. Unfortunately the Animal Shows and Meet the Keeper (see the animal keepers interacting with the animals during their daily rounds) can be scheduled at the same time and so some decisions will need to be made.

It is possible to pat and feed a range of animals including kangaroos, emus and koalas (during a keeper show). The kangaroos can be found in a range of areas of the zoo and it is very easy to get close to them. The alpacas are a lot more timid and you can't really get too close to them.

The prices at the Brolga Cafe were very reasonable. Hot food, sandwiches plus hot and cold drinks were available here. There are even alcoholic drinks available for parents - Cockatoo Cabernet anyone? If you look hard, you might be able to find the Spotted-Tailed Quoll in the enclosure beside the cafe. There are a limited number of outdoor unshaded tables near the cafe.