Photo: Lauri Väin / CC BY 2.0
Walkabout Park is a wildlife sanctuary on the central coast of New South Wales, just north of Sydney and close to Port Stephens. It's a place to get up close with Australian animals in a natural bush setting, with a focus on conservation and hands-on experiences. The park is known for its free-roaming kangaroos and wallabies, and offers unique encounters that appeal to families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a genuine Aussie animal experience.
Highlights & What to See
- Free-roaming kangaroos and wallabies – Wander through the bush where these gentle marsupials hop freely; you can hand-feed them (food provided) and get memorable photos.
- Koala encounters – See koalas up close in their eucalyptus trees; the park offers scheduled koala talks and photo opportunities.
- Reptile and bird shows – Daily presentations featuring pythons, lizards, and native birds like kookaburras and cockatoos; informative and entertaining.
- Wombat and dingo encounters – Meet these iconic Australian animals in dedicated enclosures, with chances to learn about their habits and conservation.
- Bushwalking trails – Short walks through the property’s native vegetation, offering a chance to spot wild birds and enjoy the coastal hinterland scenery.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors spend 2–3 hours at Walkabout Park, which is enough to enjoy the animal encounters, attend a show, and leisurely explore the grounds. If you’re traveling with kids or are a keen wildlife photographer, you might want to allow up to half a day. The park is compact, so you don’t need a full day, but it’s easy to combine with other Port Stephens attractions.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Port Stephens – The stunning coastal region known for dolphin cruises, Tomaree National Park, and the dunes of Stockton Beach.
- Nelson Bay – The main town of Port Stephens, with great cafes, a marina, and whale watching (May–November).
- Anna Bay – Famous for its massive sand dunes and the chance to go sandboarding or quad biking.
- Myall Lakes National Park – A pristine area of lakes, rainforest, and beaches, perfect for kayaking and bushwalking.
- Hunter Valley – Australia’s oldest wine region, about an hour’s drive inland, offering winery tours, gourmet food, and hot air ballooning.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Anna Bay — AussieLegend / Public domain
- Tomaree National Park — AussieLegend / Public domain
- Stockton Beach — AussieLegend / Public domain
- Hunter Valley — Mfunnell / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Myall Lakes National Park — Eduardo M. C. / CC BY 2.0