Glen Forest Animal Park

Nestled in the lush green hills of the Southern Highlands, Glen Forest Animal Park offers an intimate, hands-on wildlife experience that feels a world away from the city. This family-run sanctuary lets you get up close with native Australian animals in a serene, forested setting. It's a perfect stop for travellers seeking a genuine encounter with kangaroos, wallabies, and other iconic creatures, without the crowds of larger zoos.

Highlights & What to See

• Walk among free-roaming kangaroos and wallabies – you can hand-feed them in a spacious paddock, making for unforgettable photos and gentle interactions.
• Meet the koalas – join a keeper talk to learn about their habits and conservation, and get a chance to pat one (bookings recommended).
• Hold a wombat or a python – the park's daily animal encounters let you get hands-on with a variety of species, from reptiles to marsupials.
• Watch the farmyard show – sheep shearing, working dogs, and bottle-feeding lambs offer a glimpse of rural life, popular with kids.
• Explore the native bird aviary – colourful lorikeets and cockatoos may land on your shoulder as you walk through.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 2–3 hours here, which is enough to feed the kangaroos, attend a couple of keeper talks, and wander the grounds at a relaxed pace. If you're travelling with children or have a strong interest in wildlife, plan for half a day – the park's quiet setting makes it easy to linger. Arrive early in the morning when animals are most active and the park is less crowded.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Bowral – just 10 minutes' drive, this charming town offers boutique shopping, excellent cafés, and the famous Dirty Janes vintage market.
• Fitzroy Falls – a 20-minute drive to a stunning waterfall in Morton National Park, with easy walking trails and lookouts.
• Mittagong – gateway to the Southern Highlands wine region, with cellar doors and scenic vineyards.
• Berrima – a historic village with sandstone buildings, galleries, and the acclaimed Berkelouw Book Barn.

Please check official sources for current details.