Symbio Wildlife Park

Tucked into the lush green foothills of the Illawarra escarpment, Symbio Wildlife Park is a family-friendly haven where you can get up close with Australian wildlife and exotic species alike. This intimate, well-laid-out park offers a relaxed alternative to larger zoos, with a strong emphasis on hands-on encounters and conservation. Whether you're hand-feeding kangaroos, watching a keeper talk about koalas, or spotting a cheeky meerkat, Symbio delivers a genuinely engaging day out that appeals to kids and adults.

Highlights & What to See

• Koala and kangaroo encounters: Stroll through the walk-through kangaroo enclosure and hand-feed the friendly roos, then cuddle a koala for a quintessential Australian photo op.
• Australian Walkabout: Meet emus, wallabies, and wombats in a natural bush setting, with keeper talks that reveal fascinating insights into their behaviour.
• Exotic animal precinct: Say hello to cheeky meerkats, graceful cheetahs, and a curious troop of ring-tailed lemurs – a highlight for those wanting to see beyond Australia's borders.
• Reptile House: Come face-to-face with saltwater crocodiles, pythons, and venomous snakes, plus learn about their vital role in the ecosystem.
• Daily keeper talks & shows: From the cheeky talk with the cockatoos to the big cat feeding, these interactive sessions are both educational and entertaining.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for at least 2–3 hours to comfortably see all the exhibits and catch a few keeper talks. If you have little ones who love the playground and petting area, or if you want to linger over a picnic (there are plenty of shaded spots), you could easily stretch it to a half-day visit. Arrive when the gates open to beat the crowds and enjoy the animals at their most active.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Sea Cliff Bridge: A scenic coastal drive on the Grand Pacific Drive – stop for photos of this iconic bridge clinging to the cliffs.
• Nan Tien Temple: Australia's largest Buddhist temple, with beautiful gardens, a vegetarian restaurant, and a serene cultural experience just 10 minutes away.
• Wollongong City Beach: After your wildlife fix, head to North Wollongong Beach for a swim or a stroll along the foreshore.
• Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk: Walk among the treetops of the rainforest canopy for a different perspective on the region's natural beauty, about 20 minutes inland.

Please check official sources for current details.