Hunter Valley Wildlife Park

Nestled in the heart of wine country, Hunter Valley Wildlife Park offers a surprising dose of Australian wildlife amid the vineyards. This family-run sanctuary is home to over 200 native animals, including kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and a walk-through aviary. It's a relaxed, hands-on experience that pairs perfectly with a day of cellar-door hopping.

Highlights & What to See

• Koala Encounter – Get up close with these sleepy marsupials in a dedicated viewing area; photo opportunities are a given.
• Walk-through Kangaroo Enclosure – Hand-feed friendly kangaroos and wallabies (feed is available at the entrance).
• Reptile House – Spot frill-necked lizards, pythons, and the park’s resident saltwater crocodile, ‘Big George’.
• Dingo Display – Learn about Australia’s wild dogs during daily keeper talks (check times on arrival).
• Nocturnal House – See bilbies, quolls, and other bush creatures in a dimly lit environment that mimics night.
• Wombat Burrow – Watch these rotund diggers waddle about; the park has a successful breeding program.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours to comfortably see the main exhibits and catch a keeper talk. The park is compact, so you can easily combine it with a morning of wine tasting or a lunch at a nearby vineyard. If you have kids, they’ll want extra time in the petting area and playground.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hunter Valley Gardens – 10 minutes south; a spectacular 60-acre display garden with themed sections and a shopping village.
• Pokolbin – The epicentre of Hunter Valley wine country, dotted with cellar doors, restaurants, and cheese shops.
• Rothbury – Home to historic wineries like Tyrrell’s and Broke Road, plus the Hunter Valley Zoo.
• Broke – A quieter wine subregion with boutique cellar doors and the scenic Brokenback Range backdrop.
• Cessnock – The nearest town for supplies, cafes, and the Cessnock Regional Art Gallery.

Please check official sources for current details.