Koala Park Sanctuary
The Koala Park Sanctuary offers visitors the opportunity to see and photograph Australian wildlife up close in natural surroundings
Located north of Sydney in the West Pennant Hills The Koala Park Sanctuary is a family run sanctuary that was first created back in the 1920's. The sanctuary was created out of the concern of Noel Burnet that the Koala Bear may become extinct if it continued to be hunted by the fur trade in such large numbers. It officially opened to the public in October of 1930.
Still being operated by Noel's daughter this sanctuary is one of only a few places in the world where you can see Koalas living in their natural surroundings. Today, however, you can also see Peacocks, Cockatoos, Emus, Kangaroos, Wombats, Echidna, Rainbow Lorrikeet, Wedge-Tailed Eagles, Dingoes and more here.
The Koala Park Sanctuary has a kiosk serving a selection of snacks and beverages and a restaurant serving BBQ lunches.
There are numerous options for getting to the park from Sydney, however, our directions below will get you there with just one train followed by one bus which will drop you off right by the park entrance. The entire journey will take a little over one hour varying according to the time of day.
Nearby attraction: Lane Cove National Park
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesKoala Park Sanctuary Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: 84 Castle Hill Rd, West Pennant Hills NSW 2125, Australia
Phone: (02) 9484 3141
Official Website: Koala Park Sanctuary
Koala Park Sanctuary Reviews
Rated
out of 5 New favourite place to go- koala park. Honestly this place is incredible for toddlers so interactive and not too big so you can be there about 3 hours and see and do so much. They can feed kangaroos, goats, sheep. She held a Guinea pig and pat a lizard. You can go in the koala enclosure for inclusive of ticket price and take a photo with a koala. Pat dingos as they go for a walk around the park with their handler. Honestly best place I’ve taken my toddler in Sydney. And she’s been to both zoos, aquarium and wildlife world. The staff are incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and kind. You can tell they really love the animals they are caring for. The park is stunning and really well maintained. I would say just put your child in gumboots if you go on a rainy day so they can jump in puddles and go in to see the goats in their enclosure. You won’t regret the up close and personal experience you get here.
Also please bear in mind when reading people’s reviews that this is an opinion peace. I’m coming at this from a great day out for a family who like interacting with animals which isn’t something you get places like Taronga. We also have 2 young children and this was perfect for us. If you don’t want animals to touch you and prefer the more caged observer experience then a zoo is probably more your vibe.
Stephanie Muir - 3 weeks ago
The sanctuary is a simple and old fashioned family program.
You can have your tickets online or at the place (by the time I went, the online option was not working with apple pay). At the counter you will be able to buy some food to feed the animal for an extra $3 (one sack of food will be more than enough for a family to enjoy the experience, believe me).
The staff are friendly and the place is simple. Right next to the entry, there is a cafe with a simple and delicious food.
There are not too many animals, but for the $35 entry ticket, it is more than fair. Adding to that, you will be able to feed and pet some animal, like the kangaroos. During the day, there are some moments where you will be able to get closer to the Koalas and also absorb really interesting information about them, provided by the well trained staff (and you will not need to spend more money to that).
I think that, tough it is a simple structure the place offers, it is really a enjoyable experience for a fair price. Highly recommend!
Mário Neto - 5 months ago
This is very expensive for the amount of animals that you get to see. It cost me the same amount to get into Sydney Zoo and there’s way more to see at Sydney Zoo. Same story with Taronga Zoo. While it was lovely to see the animals, I just didn’t think I was getting value for money. I would actually encourage people to go to one of the above mentioned Zoo’s or even Symbio before going here. I will say the amenities are good here ie toilets and parking. It’s also wheelchair accessible.
Nerine Cummins - a month ago
It was my first time seeing koalas and kangaroos, and it was super worth it!!! I absolutely loved everything about the park, including the reptiles. I would and will recommend it to everyone who wants to have a good time with the family (oh, remember to bring food to do a picnic).
Beatriz Coser - 3 months ago
I have visited here twice and I enjoy visiting the animals especially the Kangaroos and birds, You have a great selection of creatures.
However I was disappointed when I entered the gift shop and saw Hats made from Kangaroo Leather, Don't understand why a Wildlife Conservation park is selling Unethical products made from Australia's own Native Fauna and therefore contributing to the largest Kill of land-based Wildlife in the world.
I otherwise had a lovely time and would be happy to visit again and recommend to fellow animal-lovers once this place phases out Kangaroo products.
Iesha Spelled with an 'i' - 4 months ago
Directions
Train and Bus Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
---|---|---|
T1 | Pennant Hills + Bus #632 | 0 minutes |
How to get to Koala Park Sanctuary by Train and Bus
By Train and Bus: From Monday thru Saturday take the T1 North Shore & Northern Line train from either Wynyard, Town Hall or Central Station to Pennant Hills Station. On Sundays take any train going to Central Station first and transfer to the T1 North Shore & Northern Line train to Pennent Hills there. Exit and cross over the tracks and catch Bus #632 for the 8 minute ride to the park.
Note: that some T1 trains don't go straight through but require a transfer at Chatswood or at Epping Station. This works fine, but you may want to make sure you take a straight through train to keep things simple and avoid the need to transfer. Use the real-time directions link below to view all the options including platform numbers.
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