With three busy children—Cassie, aged 8, Vivi, aged 6, and Elliot, aged 5—home for the holidays, finding activities they all enjoy can be quite the challenge. We decided to venture out to Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park in Sydney for the first time, which is home to more than 2,000 Australian native animals. The kids met the dingoes, echidnas, wombats, Tasmanian devils and plenty more. Here’s what we found…
Taking three energetic kids to a wildlife park might sound daunting, but our day at Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park in Sydney was a fun-filled half-day trip and extremely hands-on. The highlight for the kids was the close-up encounters with the animals.
Vivi was over the moon when he got to pat a koala, and he hasn’t stopped talking about it since. Cassie, who is utterly fascinated by Tasmanian devils, loved watching one running around in front of her. Elliot, my youngest, couldn’t get enough of the crocodile and would have sat by him all day if we let him.
They all grabbed their animal passports at the beginning and took them around with them to stamp off each one they came across. This not only provided plenty of fun, but made sure we didn’t miss a thing as we wandered.
Amazing animals at Featherdale
Kangaroo & Wallaby Feeding!
Feeding the babies out of their hands
As soon as we stepped into the park we were met with the kangaroos. The kids spent half an hour alone in this section and just loved feeding them all. They each had one cup of feed (and went through mine as well!), making it their mission to get the little baby one to eat out of their hands (which they all achieved)!
Koalas
Getting a photo with the koala
This was a highlight of the day. You can walk through and check the koalas out in the trees, but also have the opportunity to get your photo taken with one. We went nice and early and didn’t have to wait at all, and the kids loved taking their time and getting to pat the cuddly koala. They pulled out blocks so the kids could get up close to him, as he happily munched away on some leaves while they took the photo.
Reptiles
The reptile house was lots of fun to wander through, spotting different snakes, lizards and more. But the highlight was the crocodile at the end. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a feeding day, but that didn’t stop Elliot from sitting and watching as the crocodile swam around with its head above water (it was hard convincing him to move on).
Wombat
They loved seeing the wombat walking around
While we have come across wombats at wildlife parks before, this is the first time we have seen one running out in the open and the kids all loved it. The wombat was scurrying from one edge of his enclosure to the other while the kids watched on enjoying every minute of it.
Echidnas
The kids enjoyed a one-on-on with a keeper
The kids loved spotting the echidna towards the end of the visit and were lucky enough to have a one-on-one with a keeper who just happened to be in the enclosure at the time feeding them. She answered all the kids questions about how sharp their spikes were, what they liked to eat and what their names were. Handy hint, they tell each of the three echidnas apart with nail polish in their back!
Birds
The aviary is home to a diverse array of birds, including:
- Emu
- Cassowary
- Red Tailed Black Cockatoo
- Kookaburra
- Lorrikeet
The Farmyard
The Farmyard is always a hit with the kids! All three loved going in and patting the cows, goats and more as they got to peak in at the bunnies and more.
Get unlimited entry at three NSW wildlife parks with The Ultimate Explorer Annual Pass
Unleash boundless adventures with the Ultimate Explorer Annual Pass. Discover over 3000 animals in three parks across New South Wales – from meerkats in the Hunter Valley, the gorillas at Mogo and the quokkas at Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park and so much more!
As an Ultimate Explorer, you can pat fluffy koalas, hand-feed giraffes, kangaroos, camels, ostriches and lorikeets for a whole year – and all in New South Wales!
Delve deep into the wonders of the animal kingdom with your new Ultimate Explorer Annual Pass – unlimited visits to our 3 extraordinary wildlife parks across New South Wales, enjoy 20% off all purchases in our parks, over $330 in sign-up bonuses and more!
Your Ultimate Explorer membership unlocks incredible discounts and includes a free personal animal encounter or a chance to be a zookeeper for a day. You can sign up as a primary member for $130 and sign-up for additional members for only $60 each. Additional members can be any combination of up to 8 adults or children – family or friends, mothers’ group, grandparents and grandkids and cousin visits – even playgroups! It’s the best value around!
Ultimate Explorer
$130 for primary member (*$60 for additional members – up to 8 in total)
Get ready for awesome perks with the Ultimate Explorer membership – and visit all 3 Australian Wildlife Parks locations -Featherdale Sydney, Mogo and Hunter Valley Wildlife Park. For just $130, you become the main member, and each extra member is just $60.
Grab your family, friends, grandparents, cousins, and even playgroup pals – up to 8 of them! Plus, you score discounts and a cool chance to meet animals or be a zookeeper for a day. It’s the ultimate fun deal for everyone!
Super Explorer
$110 for primary member (*$50 for additional members – up to 8 in total)
Go for the Super Pass at Featherdale because it’s like a wildlife adventure buffet! You get to pick two parks from Featherdale, Mogo, or Hunter Valley.
It’s your ticket to a customised, super-fun wildlife experience. Whether you love Aussie animals, unique animals in Mogo, or the wild side of the vines in Hunter Valley, the choice is yours!
PLUS as a Super Explorer, you’ll get access to their great local perks, deals and bonuses at your favourite local businesses too!
Classic Explorer
$90 for primary member (*$40 for additional members – up to 8 in total)
The Classic Explorer Pass allows you to have a ‘home base’ wildlife park – your choice of Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, Mogo Wildlife Park or Hunter Valley Wildlife Park.
The Classic Explorer Pass offers unlimited visits to that park for 12 months. 12 months to explore your favourite park, 365 days a year. To thank you for your support, they’ll offer you 10% off park purchases and other great benefits.
Book Now: Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park
Ready to meet and get closer to some of Australia’s most unique and amazing wildlife?
- Address: Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, 217-229 Kildare Road, Doonside, Sydney
- Opening hours: 9am-4pm every day, onsite parking and cafe
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
