Beautiful view of Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park
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Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park

Sydney, Australia
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Beautiful view of Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park

Home to some of Australia’s most iconic animals, Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park delivers a rare blend of close encounters and natural charm. Sprawled across leafy grounds, the park gives visitors a direct window into Australia’s diverse fauna, from wallabies and wombats to little penguins paddling in shaded pools. Sydney’s flashy attractions may claim attention, but those looking for a grounded, heartfelt experience will find memorable moments wandering Featherdale’s winding paths and shady exhibits.

Visiting Info

Currency
Entrance fee
42 AUD
Hours
Opening hours
Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Contact Information

Location
Address
217 Kildare Rd, Doonside NSW 2767, Australia
Phone
Website

Planning your visit

Preparing for a visit to Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park means balancing convenience with a bit of strategy. The park, located in Doonside in Sydney’s west, draws families, school groups, and animal lovers year-round—thanks to hands-on activities and easy access from the city. Arriving early in the day ensures a more personal feel before the tour buses roll in. Strong sunscreen and walking shoes work best since most exhibits are outdoors. Pre-booking tickets online not only saves time but sometimes comes with bundled animal encounters, so check ahead for specials.

  • Best time to visit: Weekday mornings, especially in spring and autumn for mild weather and lighter crowds.
  • How to get there: Trains run from Sydney Central to Blacktown Station, followed by a short bus or taxi ride. There’s onsite parking for drivers.
  • Accessibility: The park is stroller and wheelchair friendly, offering pram hire and accessible amenities.
  • Average visit duration: Plan for two to three hours to see major exhibits without rushing.

Must see stuff

Featherdale’s big draw lies in the chance to get remarkably close—sometimes eye-to-eye—with over 2000 native animals. Koala country, just past the entrance, always steals the spotlight, where guests can gently pat a sleepy marsupial and snap souvenir photos. The walk-through wallaby yard lets kids mingle among friendly mobs while picture-perfect encounters with kangaroos, emus, and even cassowaries unfold nearby. Away from the crowds, the nocturnal house quietly reveals the secret lives of echidnas and bilbies, while the farmyard zone entertains toddlers with kid-friendly creatures. Throughout, staff offer daily wildlife talks, giving insight and storytelling that brings the bush to life.

  • Key sights or features: Koala sanctuary, walk-in wallaby yard, kangaroo and emu plains, reptile pavilion, nocturnal house, interactive farmyard.
  • Unique experiences: Hand-feeding kangaroos and wallabies, patting a koala, interactive wildlife shows, behind-the-scenes keeper talks.
  • Photo-worthy locations: Koala photo station, colorful lorikeet aviary, shady eucalyptus groves framing kangaroos, and the wetland pool for penguin shots.
  • Cultural or historical facts: Featherdale opened in 1972 on a former poultry farm and has grown into one of Sydney’s top wildlife parks, each year caring for rescued and endangered species.

Tips for your visit

Some simple steps can ensure a more rewarding and relaxed adventure at Featherdale. Arriving before 10am means smaller lines for animal encounters and more space to roam. Packing a refillable water bottle saves money, as drinks can be pricey, and Australia’s sun doesn’t let up even on mild days. While it’s tempting to touch every creature, feeding and patting is limited to marked areas—always follow staff instructions and signs to keep animals safe. Parents with young children will want prams for tired legs, but older kids may prefer to wander, as the park is largely flat and easy to navigate. Occasional crowds aside, the only real drawback can be hot afternoons when shady breaks and cold treats come in handy.

  • Best times to avoid crowds: Early weekday mornings and outside school holidays.
  • What to bring: Water, sunscreen, camera or smartphone, hat, sturdy walking shoes.
  • Local etiquette or rules: Only feed animals in designated zones. Always use hand sanitizer stations located throughout the park.
  • Safety or comfort advice: Watch children closely near open enclosures and keep hydrated during warmer months.