Glen Forest Animal Sanctuary

Nestled in the lush hinterland of the New England region, Glen Forest Animal Sanctuary offers a heartwarming encounter with rescued native Australian wildlife. This not-for-profit sanctuary provides a safe haven for kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, and a variety of birds, many of which have been injured or orphaned. The sanctuary's ethos of care and rehabilitation allows visitors to get up close to these animals in a serene bushland setting, making it a must-visit for families and wildlife enthusiasts seeking an ethical and educational experience.

Highlights & What to See

• Guided Feeding Sessions: Join the keepers during feeding times to hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies – a gentle and unforgettable interaction.
• Wombat Encounters: Meet the resident wombats up close; their playful antics and curious nature are a delight.
• Bird Aviary: Stroll through a walk-through aviary filled with colourful lorikeets, rosellas, and other native birds that may land on your shoulder.
• Nocturnal House: Observe shy nocturnal species like bilbies and gliders in a specially lit environment that mimics twilight.
• Bush Tucker Garden: Learn about Indigenous plants and their traditional uses in a small garden near the entrance.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors find that 2–3 hours is ample to explore the sanctuary at a relaxed pace, including a guided feeding session and time in the aviary. If you have a particular interest in wildlife rehabilitation, you could easily stretch this to half a day by attending the keeper talks and lingering in the picnic area. The sanctuary is best visited in the morning when the animals are most active.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Dorrigo National Park – A 40-minute drive east, this World Heritage-listed rainforest offers spectacular waterfalls and canopy walks.
• Bellingen – A charming artsy town with a vibrant café scene and the Bellingen River for a refreshing swim.
• Coffs Harbour – An hour’s drive south, known for its beaches, the Big Banana, and the Solitary Islands Marine Park.
• New England National Park – Head west for dramatic escarpment views and wildflower walks, about 1.5 hours away.
• Guy Fawkes River National Park – A rugged wilderness area with excellent hiking and wild river scenery, around an hour north-west.

Please check official sources for current details.