Koala Park Sanctuary Sydney — Attraction in Sydney

Our visit to Koala Park Sanctuary in Sydney was an unforgettable wildlife experience that offered a unique and up-close encounter with some of Australia’s most iconic native animals. Nestled in a peaceful, leafy setting just a short drive from Sydney city, the sanctuary provides a natural and family-friendly environment where animals are lovingly cared for and guests are warmly welcomed.

The Koala Presentation was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our visit. We had the rare opportunity to get close to these sleepy marsupials, learn about their habits, conservation status, and even take some memorable photos. The keeper shared fascinating insights about koalas’ eucalyptus diet and sleeping patterns, making the experience both educational and engaging for all ages.

Next came the charming Dancing Cockatoo, who put on an entertaining show that had the crowd laughing and clapping. This talented bird’s antics added a touch of humor and amazement to our day. Equally adorable was the Walking Wombat, calmly waddling around during the keeper talk. It was a delight to watch this gentle, nocturnal creature roam freely under the safety of its handler.

We also encountered a stunning Australian Pelican, known for its large beak and graceful stance near the water areas. The sanctuary’s Shetland Pony was a hit with younger visitors—friendly, gentle, and perfect for introducing kids to animals.

Seeing the Dingo up close was fascinating. As Australia’s native wild dog, the dingo is often misunderstood, and the sanctuary helps shed light on its role in the ecosystem. The Black Cockatoo, with its striking plumage and loud calls, was another unique sight, showcasing the diversity of Australia’s birdlife.

We enjoyed hand-feeding the Red Kangaroos, who were incredibly calm and welcoming. Sharing space with these gentle giants was a joyful experience. The Swamp Wallaby and Red-necked Wallaby also roamed freely in their designated areas, allowing for peaceful interaction and observation in a relaxed setting.

Color and vibrance came alive with the flock of Rainbow Lorikeets, whose bright feathers and playful behavior were mesmerizing. Watching them dart around the trees and perch on branches added a burst of tropical energy to our walk through the sanctuary.

An unexpected surprise was seeing the Grey-headed Flying Fox, Australia’s largest bat species. Hanging upside down in the trees, these creatures were a remarkable sight. The staff provided educational information about their crucial role in pollination and maintaining forest ecosystems.

Finally, the majestic Indian Peacock, with its iridescent feathers and regal walk, added a touch of elegance to the park. Its periodic display of its colorful fan left visitors in awe and cameras clicking.

Overall, Koala Park Sanctuary offers a deeply enriching, fun-filled day perfect for families, nature lovers, and international visitors. With its well-maintained paths, knowledgeable staff, and close animal encounters, the sanctuary stands out as a must-visit destination in Sydney. It provides not just entertainment but also valuable lessons in conservation and appreciation of Australia’s...

I wouldn’t even give this zoo a one star, but it’s my only option. My visit to the zoo was highly anticipated as it was my first time there. I was looking forward to a memorable experience, engaging with wildlife in a positive setting. Unfortunately, my expectations were not met, leaving me profoundly disappointed and concerned about the welfare of the animals housed there.

Upon observation, it appeared the animals were in dire need of interaction and proper care. The environment was noticeably unkempt, with overgrown grass and habitats that did not reflect a suitable living condition for wildlife. Specifically, kangaroos were seen resting in less than ideal conditions, surrounded by mud and their enclosures lacked cleanliness. It was distressing to notice animals foraging for food in such settings, an indication of inadequate nutritional provision.

Moreover, I noticed a deceased rat in a wombats water source was alarming, alongside the noticeable foul odor from another pelican aquatic environment, pointing towards a need for improved cleanliness and maintenance.

I had hoped for a closer interaction with some of the animals, like koalas, only to learn that such experiences were restricted due the concerns that they might have a heart attack, which was surprising and led to further disappointment. The “koala show” was about 10 minutes of looking, until the worker got bored and wrapped it up. Additionally, the conditions in which some animals, like the dingoes, were kept raised questions about their well-being, due to the limited space and lack of essential resources such as water.

Understanding the significant investment in the wildlife housed within the zoo, it raises concerns about prioritizing their living conditions and welfare. It is a heartfelt belief that these animals deserve to thrive in environments that closely mimic their natural habitats, ensuring their health and happiness.

My love and respect for animals have shaped my perspective on their treatment and care. The current state of the zoo has left me with a heavy heart, leading me to advocate for a thorough evaluation and necessary improvements in the management and care of the animals. It is with hope that such changes would align with the best practices in animal welfare, ensuring a nurturing and enriching environment for all wildlife...

There's a reason the park is almost always empty.

Terrible to see the animals kept in the conditions they're in. No wonder Koala Park has had so many RSPCA cases held against them. I overheard the old lady at the reception desk talking so rudely to and about the zoo keepers there, it made you feel really displaced. She wasn't much nicer to the guests either. Do they even train their front of house on customer service? She was the first person we met when we walked in - not a good first impression.

The wallabies are kept on dirt with no grass for grazing, and the wire cages on most of the enclosures looked plain hazardous. All the koalas had dirty bottoms, and one of the dingoes was kept in a concrete run the whole time we were there.

The entire place looked run down and unkempt. We'd tried using the website before we came, and it was just absolutely embarrassing to try and navigate it. It looked like it was made when the internet was first released - the plug ins didn't even work. These days it's so easy to create well marketed websites (and not to mention menus for their kiosk) that it makes no sense that they haven't updated it. Do they want to keep their business open, or are they hoping someone will shut them down for them?

The bathrooms we had to use were muddy and disgusting, not to mention portable buildings! We looked around for a real bathroom block but the one we found was boarded up - looked like it had been for a while too. There were footprints on the toilet seats and mess everywhere - do they even hire professional cleaners? I guess public hygiene isn't important to them. I had to make my toddler put on hand sanitizer as soon as we walked out. Gross.

The lady who did the "shows" was very lovely, but always late to the talks. We came up with our son and we felt very overlooked just because we didn't come on a tour bus like the rest of the visitors to the park. You can bet we will not be returning. Don't waste your money by supporting animal abusers like these guys. Very disappointing that a private zoo would stoop to lows...