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Victoria
The ultimate guide to Ballarat Wildlife Park
Jessica Taylor Yates
July 05, 2023
Ballarat Wildlife Park is a must-visit destination for animal lovers. Here's everything you need to know about this amazing wildlife park in Victoria.
Privately run by the Parker family and their team, the Ballarat Wildlife Park was created as a place for environmental conservation and recreation for Australia’s native animals in 1985.
Set on 15 hectares of natural bush in the Ballarat region, the park was created to let animals and people come together in an educational and friendly atmosphere.
Featuring up close animal encounters, feedings, educational talks and tours, adults and children alike will enjoy the experience of learning more about our native animals in the wildlife setting.
Whether you’re looking for a day trip just 90 minutes out of Melbourne, or you’d prefer to make a weekend stay in Ballarat to experience all the region has to offer, here’s everything to know about one of Victoria’s most fascinating wildlife parks.
Close encounters of the animal kind. Image: Visit Victoria.
Everything you need to know about Ballarat Wildlife Park
What is there to see at Ballarat Wildlife Park?
Ballarat Wildlife Park is home to over 400 species of native Australian animals, including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, wombats, cassowaries, crocodiles, and Tasmanian devils.
Visitors can get up close and personal with these animals in their natural habitats, and can even hand-feed some of them during a special animal encounter.
At the koala enclosures, visitors can see these adorable marsupials up close, and learn about their unique biology and behaviour. The park also has a wombat enclosure, where visitors can watch these burrowing animals live in action.
The reptile house is home to Victoria's only Komodo dragons, plus a variety of exotic snakes, lizards, and crocodiles, where there are also opportunities for talks and professional photos.
Visitors can also see a range of bird species, including emus, cockatoos, and cassowaries, as well as some international animal guests like the Sumatran-Siberian tigers.
There's plenty of cheeky creatures to encounter at Ballarat Wildlife Park. Image: Visit Victoria.
The Park provides a unique kangaroo feeding experience. Image: Visit Victoria.
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Are there daily talks and feedings at Ballarat Wildlife Park?
Visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour, daily talks, and watch feedings for a variety of animals, including the Meerkats, and Tasmanian devils, as well as presentations on penguins, tigers, dingoes and reptiles.
Group and VIP tours can also be arranged in advance.
Additionally, the park offers a ‘Junior Keeper Program’, where kids aged 6-15 can shadow a zookeeper and learn about the daily care and feeding of the animals (bookings required).
What special experiences are there at Ballarat Wildlife Park?
For a truly unique experience, visitors can book a 'meet the meerkats encounter,' getting up close and personal with these curious and social animals.
Those looking to get in on the action can also book a 'tree kangaroo encounter,' and hand-feed this unique animal.
The animal encounters provide an opportunity for a professional photo with a Ballarat Wildlife Park resident, such as a meerkat, koala, wombat, snake, or giant tortoise.
The park also offers koala and wombat encounters for visitors who want to get up close and personal with our iconic native wildlife.
Can I buy food and drink at Ballarat Wildlife Park?
Ballarat Wildlife Park has an on-site licensed cafe which serves a range of hot and cold foods, snacks, and drinks.
There are also picnic areas throughout the park, where visitors can bring their own food and enjoy at the outdoor seating in the company of the roaming kangaroos.
Can I buy any souvenirs at the Ballarat Wildlife Park?
As well as the animal encounters photos, there is a souvenir shop on site for those who would like to take a piece of the park home.
Visitors can also elect to sponsor an animal, providing ongoing funds for their food, maintenance, vet visits, and breeding programs.
Take the opportunity to feed a Sumatran tiger. Image: Visit Victoria.
There are daily experiences, including watching wild crocodiles in action. Image: Visit Victoria.
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Does Ballarat Wildlife Park do any conservation work?
Ballarat Wildlife Park works closely with a number of conservation organisations to protect and preserve Australia's unique wildlife.
The park also offers educational programs for schools and community groups as an environmental classroom, and participates in breeding programs for endangered species.
A visit to Ballarat Wildlife Park helps to support their conservation efforts.
What are Ballarat Wildlife Park's opening hours?
Ballarat Wildlife Park is open seven days a week, from 9am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day).
How much are Ballarat Wildlife Park tickets?
As of 2023, tickets to Ballarat Wildlife Park are priced from $38.50 for an adult, with optional additional experiences adding to the price.
Please note that all children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
