We offer you a comfortable stroll around the Park’s facilities. You will have the opportunity to see some of Australia’s most famous native wildlife up close.
The family-owned Ballarat Wildlife Park is home to over 100 kangaroos that you can hand-feed, as well as 35 koalas and wombats. It also has an exhibit of the world’s smallest emus and the opportunity to watch ‘CRUNCH,’ the Super-Croc, feed. In the tiger sanctuary, you can see Kai and Akasha – the Sumatran/Siberian Tigers.
Enjoy a lunch at our licensed cafe, or bring a picnic and enjoy it on our outdoor tables and chairs surrounded by Kangaroos.
While you’re at the Park why not ask one of our friendly staff members about our “Animal Encounters”, which is a professional photo taken of you with an animal as a souvenir for your home?
Ballarat Wildlife Park, a privately owned business, is run by the Parker family. The single-day pass allows access to daily animal presentations, the souvenir shop and café. Sovereign Hill is only 4 minutes away from the Ballarat Wildlife Park!
Ballarat Wildlife Park lies in the beautiful gum tree forest on the outskirts of Ballarat. It is only four kilometres from Sovereign Hill.
Greg Parker founded the park in February 1985 out of a passion for conserving wildlife and the environment. The Parker family has long understood the importance of allowing animals and people to interact in a relaxed, friendly and educational atmosphere.
The tiger sanctuary is a state-of-the-art facility where visitors can feed friendly Kangaroos, Wombats and ‘Crunch,’ the five-metre Super Croc, as well as Kai, the Sumatran/Siberian Tiger.
The incredible keepers will immerse you in the animal world with their presentations on conservation and animals.
You will find Southern Cassowaries in the park as well as Giant Tortoises and Emus. Find Snakes, Frogs, and Lizards in the reptile house.
The park is home to a colony of Little Penguins, the smallest penguins in the world. Marvel at the cheeky Meerkats digging and exploring.
Animal Encounters allow you to spend time with an animal one-on-one. You can pet a koala or cuddle a Wombat. A snake will be wrapped around your shoulders. Or you could even feed a Tiger! All encounters come with a professional photograph as a souvenir of the experience.
Ballarat Wildlife Park is a beloved destination located in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, renowned for its immersive wildlife experiences and dedication to conservation and education. Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Victorian countryside, this family-owned park offers visitors a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with some of Australia’s most iconic native animals, as well as a diverse array of exotic species from around the world. From cuddly koalas to towering giraffes, Ballarat Wildlife Park promises an unforgettable adventure for visitors of all ages, combining interactive animal encounters, informative exhibits, and stunning natural scenery.
Ballarat Wildlife Park: Information
History and Legacy: Ballarat Wildlife Park traces its origins back to the 1960s when it was established as a sanctuary for injured and orphaned wildlife by the Parker family. Over the years, the park has grown and evolved into a world-class wildlife attraction, with a strong focus on conservation, education, and animal welfare. Today, it remains a family-owned and operated business, with a passionate team of staff and volunteers dedicated to providing exceptional care for its resident animals and delivering memorable experiences for visitors.
Native Australian Wildlife: One of the main highlights of Ballarat Wildlife Park is its impressive collection of native Australian wildlife, which includes kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, emus, and a variety of reptiles and bird species. Visitors can stroll through spacious enclosures and hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, getting up close and personal with these iconic marsupials while learning about their behaviour, habitat, and conservation status from knowledgeable park staff.
Koala Encounters: For many visitors, the highlight of their visit to Ballarat Wildlife Park is the chance to meet and cuddle with a koala. The park is home to a resident koala population, and visitors have the opportunity to pose for photos and interact with these adorable marsupials under the guidance of experienced wildlife handlers. This hands-on experience offers a rare opportunity to learn about koalas up close and contribute to their conservation through educational programs and awareness initiatives.
African Safari Experience: In addition to its native Australian wildlife, Ballarat Wildlife Park is also home to a diverse collection of exotic animals from Africa and beyond. Visitors can embark on a virtual African safari as they encounter majestic lions, graceful giraffes, playful meerkats, and other African species in spacious, naturalistic enclosures that mimic their native habitats. Guided tours and informative talks provide insights into the behaviours, adaptations, and conservation challenges facing these fascinating animals in the wild.
Educational Programs: Ballarat Wildlife Park is committed to promoting environmental awareness and conservation education through a variety of interactive programs and initiatives. The park offers guided tours, wildlife presentations, and school excursions that provide visitors of all ages with opportunities to learn about the importance of biodiversity, habitat conservation, and sustainable living practices. These educational programs aim to inspire a sense of stewardship and responsibility towards protecting the natural world and its inhabitants for future generations.
Conservation and Research: As a licensed wildlife park and accredited member of the Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA), Ballarat Wildlife Park actively participates in conservation and research initiatives aimed at protecting endangered species and their habitats. The park supports a range of conservation projects both locally and internationally, including breeding programs, habitat restoration efforts, and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation programs. Through partnerships with conservation organizations and academic institutions, the park contributes valuable data and resources to scientific research and conservation efforts around the world.
Visitor Experience: Ballarat Wildlife Park offers a range of amenities and facilities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visitor experience. These include picnic areas, cafés, gift shops, and children’s play areas, as well as wheelchair-accessible pathways and amenities for visitors with disabilities. Guided tours and interactive animal encounters can be booked in advance for individuals, families, and groups, providing personalized experiences tailored to specific interests and preferences.
Community Engagement: Ballarat Wildlife Park actively engages with the local community through a variety of outreach programs, volunteer opportunities, and special events. The park hosts regular family-friendly events, conservation workshops, and fundraising initiatives that encourage community participation and support for wildlife conservation efforts. Through these community engagement activities, the park fosters a sense of connection and shared responsibility towards protecting the natural world and its inhabitants.
In conclusion, Ballarat Wildlife Park is a treasured destination that celebrates the beauty and diversity of the natural world while promoting conservation, education, and animal welfare. With its immersive wildlife experiences, informative exhibits, and commitment to environmental stewardship, the park offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with nature, learn about wildlife conservation, and make a positive impact on the future of our planet. Whether meeting cuddly koalas, feeding kangaroos, or embarking on an African safari adventure, visitors to Ballarat Wildlife Park are sure to leave with memories that will last a lifetime.
