Ballarat Wildlife Park
Get close and personal with 100’s of the tamest kangaroos you’ll ever meet, plus check out koalas, wombats, Tassie Devils, crocodiles and more – the Ballarat Wildlife Park is no major zoo but it is a surprising find nestled in the back streets of Ballarat.
When: 9am – 5.30pm daily (except Christmas day)
Where: Cnr of York & Fussell Streets, BALLARAT EAST
Cost: Adults $29.50, child (aged 4-15) $16.50, family $78.50
Review
We had no expectations before we arrived at the Ballarat Wildlife Park – it turned out to be one of those unexpected gems.
Practically everywhere you turn there are kangaroos (except inside the enclosures and buildings). They are the most relaxed, well fed and docile kangaroos you’ll ever meet – they are unperturbed by excited, noisy, boisterous children and they are more than happy to approach you for food and/or a pat. This was delightful and none of us tired of their attention while we were there.
As well as the kangaroos there were koalas, Tasmanian Devils, wombats, emus, eagles and a reptile house (boasting a huge crocodile – the newest edition to the park).
Throughout the day there are a number of live presentations. We were in time for the feeding of the Tassie Devils and the eagles (although just before the eagle presentation Charlie slipped over in a huge muddy puddle – the kid won’t walk on the path – and so Charlie and I missed the eagles as we were organising a change of clothes). The Devils were in fine form growling and pouncing, gnashing teeth and ripping into their 1/4 rabbit carcasses. The eagles (I was told by the others) were impressive – they also received 1/4 rabbit and their talons and beaks made swift work of their dinners.
In late 2013, a five-metre-long super crocodile ‘Crunch’ was introduced to a brand new million-dollar crocodile enclosure at the Ballarat Wildlife Park. Visitors can see Crunch perform in a daily feeding show. There is also a reptile enclosure that features some huge snakes (shudder), turtles and saltwater crocs.
Guided tours run every day at 11am and animal shows running weekends, school holidays and public holidays from 1.30pm. Throughout the week they have ‘Meet the Keeper’ running from 1.30pm.
Ballarat Wildlife Park is one of the attractions included in the Ballarat Pass – purchase a pass and enjoy entry to four great venues as well as other discounts.
Check out other things we have done in Ballarat:
Disclaimer: Meetoo travelled to Ballarat in July 2015 as guests of Visit Ballarat and we were provided with a Ballarat Pass to review. All views are our own. All details were correct at time of publishing.