Australian Reptile Park — Attraction in Somersby

An Unforgettable Family Day at the Australian Reptile Park – A Must-Visit on the Central Coast

Our recent visit to the Australian Reptile Park in West Gosford was nothing short of spectacular. We went with our grandchildren and came away with lifelong memories, huge smiles, and a renewed appreciation for Australian wildlife. Whether you're an animal lover, a curious child, or a grandparent along for the ride, the park truly offers something for everyone. Over the course of 4.5 hours, we explored, interacted, learned, and laughed—an experience we’ll treasure for a long time.

A Warm Welcome from Exceptional Staff

From the moment we walked through the entrance, we were greeted by some of the friendliest and most welcoming staff we’ve encountered at any attraction. The team at the Australian Reptile Park clearly love what they do, and it shows. They were not only cheerful and approachable, but also incredibly knowledgeable. Throughout our visit, we asked a number of questions—ranging from animal habits and diets to conservation efforts—and every staff member we spoke to was enthusiastic and informed. We saw kangaroos lounging contentedly in the walk-through area, koalas nibbling on eucalyptus leaves, and of course, plenty of reptiles—each in thoughtfully designed enclosures that seemed to mirror their natural habitats. The park does an excellent job of balancing public interaction with animal welfare, and it’s heartening to know that behind the scenes, there is also a strong commitment to conservation and breeding programs.

Incredible Displays and Interactive Experiences

Our grandchildren were absolutely enthralled from beginning to end. The displays are dynamic, educational, and hands-on—just what kids need to stay engaged. One of the highlights for them (and us!) was the opportunity to get up close and personal with a range of reptiles, including snakes and lizards. The staff did a fantastic job of facilitating these experiences in a way that was safe and enjoyable for everyone.

The spider and snake venom extraction displays were fascinating. It’s not every day you get to see such important work happening right in front of your eyes. These programs are vital in the production of life-saving antivenom, and it was both thrilling and humbling to witness that process and understand the role the park plays in public health and education.

Another standout moment was the Elvis the crocodile exhibit—one of the park’s most famous residents. Watching him glide through the water and learning about his backstory was both exciting and educational. The kids were amazed (and maybe a little intimidated!) but couldn’t stop talking about him afterward. The layout of the park is thoughtfully planned. We stopped for lunch at the on-site café, which offered a decent variety of food options. The food was tasty and satisfying, and there was something for both adults and picky eaters. We enjoyed burgers, chips, and drinks—classic theme park fare, but done well.

The only slight downside of the day was that the food was on the pricey side. While not unexpected for an attraction like this, it might be something to keep in mind if you're visiting with a larger group or on a tighter budget. That said, the quality was good, and there were areas for picnicking if you’d prefer to bring your own food.

Perfect for All Ages

One of the things we appreciated most was how inclusive and multi-generational the park experience is. As grandparents, we sometimes find it difficult to keep up with very active attractions, but here we felt completely at ease. There was plenty to do at a relaxed pace, and the joy of watching our grandchildren interact with animals and learn so much made the experience all the more special for us Whether you're a local or visiting from out of town, don't miss the opportunity to spend a day here. We can’t recommend it highly enough, and we’re already planning our next visit—with more...

Some of the exhibits were nice, I liked the birds and the reptile/invertebrate/amphibians. The croc show was nice.

However my two biggest issues are how hot it gets, lack of proper shade and seating, makes it extremely uncomfortable anytime during the summer/on a sunny day.

And the keepers themselves, they all seem to be in their late teens/early twenties, which on its own is not an issue however they all seem to be fresh out of school and with a lack of senior keepers there, no one seems to know what they're doing.

Non of the keepers I saw actually out in the open seemed to have any real experience handling animals. The biggest red flag was how they treated their contact animals, there was a baby alligator that ppl could pay to have their photo taken with, that alone is fine. However the keeper was standing out in the hot sun with no water and no breaks, the poor thing was clearly distressed the whole time and they just kept it out there in the open for like 30 minutes (standard practice should be no longer than 15 minutes at a time, that's why you have multiple animals and rotate them so they can have adequate breaks)

Another example was the Tasmanian devils, they had 3 young joeys, maybe around 9 months old iirc, and the keeper was chasing them around their enclosure for ages trying to catch them for a photoshoot, when he had finally caught one, it was screaming in distress and clearly was not enjoying being in it's pouch, they didn't even give it any treats as compensation :( I just felt it was very clear these animals were not adequately trained or desensitised to handling. And the manner of which they were caught was also very poorly done and I just know those poor things are going to grow up to be aggressive to humans because of their lack of training.

A smaller complaint was their lack of communication with patron's, not being upfront about various experiences being paid or free, a really manipulative marketing tactic that I find extremely off-putting. Alongside them continuing to sell food for the kangaroos despite it being in the low 30s and non of the roos actually being out in the open for people to interact with. The time I was there I saw one single kangaroo, and it was way to hot to be interested in interacting with people, they need to improve their break areas as well, when the roos don't want interaction their only place to rest is behind the the Komodo building in between the fence, which is a very cramped area, with air cons pointed right towards the roos, blowing hot air their way.

Overall I would not recommend coming here as the upsides do not excuse the downsides, and I do not feel as if they deserve their animals as they do not treat them with the respect they deserve. I don't feel comfortable supporting them and will not be returning in the future. It is a huge shame as it could be a lovely zoo but the failure of the employees and management ruin the experience for anyone knowledgeable in...

My recent visit to the Australian Reptile Park left me absolutely awestruck, and I can't recommend it enough! This fantastic wildlife haven offers something for everyone, making it a perfect family day out.

🐨 The koalas were undeniably the stars of the show, with their fluffy charm and irresistible cuteness. I could have watched them for hours.

🐍 The snake exhibits were a thrilling and spine-tingling experience. The diversity of these reptiles was astonishing, and I couldn't help but feel a healthy dose of respect for these serpentine creatures.

🦆 The platypus, with its swift underwater manoeuvres, was a delightful surprise. Witnessing this unique Australian animal in action was a memorable moment.

🐊 The Komodo dragon, while intimidating, was a sight to behold. Its sheer size and majesty were truly imposing.

🦘 The energy and playfulness of the kangaroos were infectious. I couldn't resist interacting with these iconic Aussie marsupials.

🐊 The crocodiles, as always, were as imposing as ever. The park's croc exhibits are a true testament to the power of these prehistoric reptiles.

The on-site café served some fantastic food, offering the perfect opportunity to refuel and relax during our visit. The frog statue made from mosaic tiles near the café is an intricate masterpiece, a testament to the attention to detail throughout the park.

The only disappointment during our visit was not being able to see the Tasmanian Devil, as it was not in its enclosure. Nonetheless, the Australian Reptile Park is a place I would gladly visit again and again. It's a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and animal lovers, offering an unforgettable wildlife experience.

⚠️ Tip: Don't forget to check the schedule for animal feeding and educational talks; they add an extra layer of depth...