Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

In a sun-bleached corner of the Australian outback, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary offers a profoundly different kind of travel experience—one centred on compassion, rescue, and the quiet joy of animal companionship. This is not a zoo, but a haven for abandoned and injured wildlife and domestic animals, where travellers can volunteer, cuddle a rescued kangaroo, or simply witness the transformative power of care. Set against a backdrop of red dirt and eucalyptus, the sanctuary invites you to slow down and connect with the creatures that call this rugged land home.

Highlights & What to See

• Meet the kangaroos and wallabies up close in open enclosures—these gentle marsupials, many rescued from roadside accidents, are remarkably trusting and will happily accept a pat or a feed.
• Help care for orphaned joeys during a feeding session; visitors can bottle-feed baby kangaroos under staff supervision, a heart-melting encounter that underscores the sanctuary’s mission.
• Walk with the sanctuary’s resident emus—these curious birds often follow guests along the paths, offering a comical and unforgettable photo op.
• Visit the reptile house to see rescued blue-tongue lizards, bearded dragons, and pythons, each with a story of recovery.
• Join a hands-on volunteer session (book ahead) to clean enclosures, prepare food, or assist with animal enrichment—a rewarding way to give back while travelling.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for a half-day visit (3–4 hours) to fully immerse yourself in the sanctuary’s daily rhythm. Arrive in the morning for the main feeding rounds (around 10–11am) when animals are most active. If you’re keen to volunteer, allocate a full day—the sanctuary offers half-day and full-day volunteer programs that include lunch with the team. The site is compact but rich in stories, so don’t rush; linger in the shade of the gum trees and chat with the passionate keepers.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Girilambone State Conservation Area—a short drive north offers rugged bushwalking and a chance to spot wild kangaroos in their natural habitat.
• Nyngan—a classic outback town with a fascinating historical museum and the mighty Macquarie River for a scenic picnic.
• Bourke—further west, this historic river port on the Darling River is steeped in Aboriginal and pastoral heritage, ideal for a day trip.
• Dubbo—about two hours south, Dubbo’s Taronga Western Plains Zoo is a world-class wildlife experience, perfect for a multi-day loop combining animal encounters.
• Warrumbungle National Park—a detour east leads to spectacular volcanic peaks, dark-sky stargazing, and walking trails through ancient landscapes.

Please check official sources for current details.