Taree Wildlife Park

Tucked away in the lush Manning Valley, Taree Wildlife Park is a charming, family-run sanctuary that offers an intimate encounter with Australia’s native animals. Unlike larger commercial zoos, this park feels like a genuine wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre, where wallabies, koalas, and crocodiles are cared for with evident passion. The shady bushland setting and friendly keepers make it a relaxing stop for anyone wanting to get up close with iconic Aussie creatures without the crowds.

Highlights & What to See

• Koala encounters – Meet the park’s resident koalas and learn about their conservation; you can even have your photo taken with one (handling is supervised and ethical).
• Free-roaming wallabies and kangaroos – Wander through the walk-through enclosure where friendly macropods hop right up for a feed (food available at the entrance).
• Reptile house – Come face-to-face with saltwater crocodiles, pythons, and goannas; the keeper talks are both educational and entertaining.
• Wombat and dingo displays – See these often-elusive animals up close during scheduled feeding sessions.
• Bird aviary – Stroll among colourful lorikeets, cockatoos, and kookaburras in a walk-through aviary; the birds are bold and will happily perch on your arm.
• Hands-on farmyard – A hit with kids, this area lets you pat guinea pigs, rabbits, and even a friendly pony.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend about 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the park, which is just the right amount to see the daily keeper talks and wander through the enclosures at a leisurely pace. If you have little ones who want to linger in the farmyard or feed the wallabies twice, allow up to 3 hours. The park is compact, so you can easily combine it with a morning at the nearby Manning River or a lunch stop in Taree town centre.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Old Bar – A relaxed coastal village with a beautiful patrolled beach and a rock pool, perfect for a post-wildlife swim.
• Crowdy Bay National Park – Dramatic coastal heath, sea cliffs, and the iconic “Diamond Head” walking track; great for a short bushwalk.
• Taree town centre – Explore the Manning River walkway, heritage buildings, and local cafés such as the popular Bent on Food.
• Wingham Brush – A rare remnant of lowland subtropical rainforest with a boardwalk and abundant flying foxes; a 15-minute drive from the park.
• Port Macquarie – 30 minutes north, offering the Coastal Walk, Billabong Zoo, and the historic port area.

Please check official sources for current details.