20ten Wildlife

1. WARRAWONG SANCTUARY, SA
This reserve proudly has only Australian native flora and fauna. With an active and successful breeding program with many of the species having been re-introduced into the area as a result of this sanctuary.

The experience is better enjoyed the slower and quieter one moves through the area. Many Australian animal species are predominantly brown in colour and can be quite skittish so visitors are encouraged to keep their eyes and ears open. Joining a guided dawn or nocturnal walk will help make the most of this park.

The most famous residents are the breeding platypus, while it cannot be guaranteed that visitors will see this creature, it is more likely here than any other “wildlife” area.

Web
www.warrawong.com
Cost
Self Guided Free 9am – 4pm daily
Animal show $5/$3
Dawn/Nocturnal Tour $25/$15
Getting there
23 km from Adelaide, drive up the South Eastern Freeway to the Stirling exit, turn right onto Avenue Road and follow the signs.

2. MARAPANA WILDLIFE PARK, WA
This is a great family destination, with 15 hectares of petting zoo allowing visitors of all ages to enjoy a truly personal experience with countless species of animals and birds.

There are set times during the day where visitors can learn about and pat different Australian species including snakes, koalas and the only native Australian dog; the dingo.

There is lots of space for family picnics, bbqs are provided as well as the famous Koala Café. Talking of koalas, visitors can join the Koala Experience. This program allows visitors to meet all of the parks resident koalas, pat them, cuddle them and take as many photographs as they can.

Web
www.maparana.com
Cost
Entry $16/$13/$9 from10am – 5pm
Koala Experience $20
Getting there
60km south of Perth drive along the Kwinana Freeway taking the Karnup exit.

3. FEATHERS SANCTUARY, NT
A sanctuary with a difference in that it is residential experience. This is not a place for a day trip, entry into the sanctuary is by booking one of the private accommodation huts.

What a way to relax though, in the peaceful surrounds of Australian habitat that is alive with the colours and sounds of native birds. Join the hosts each evening stroll around the grounds feeding the birds and learning more about each species.

Web
www.featherssanctuary.com
Cost
Huts: $330/night inc breakfast
Getting there
From Darwin airport cross over McMillan’s Road then turn left onto Freshwater Road

3. AUSTRALIA ZOO, QLD
It would be remise to have a list of Australian zoos and wildlife parks without including what is arguably the most famous of them all; Australia Zoo. Owned and operated by the Irwin family (Steve Irwin, Crocodile Hunter).

Their ethos is about conservation through education so there are numerous interactive and demonstrative programs available, additional charges may apply. If you time your visit you can make sure you either see or avoid performances by Bindi Irwin, depending on your preferences. There is a complete program of entertainment planned in the Crocoseum complementing the keeper talks and animal shows

There is not enough room to list all the awards won by Australian Zoo, so let’s just agree that they are very good at what they do.

Web
www.australiazoo.com.au
Cost
Entry $55/$44/$33
Tour packages upto $1000 prices available on booking
Getting there
150 km north of the Gold Coast take the Pacific Highway to the Gateway arterial Road then the Bruce Highway then take the Steve Irwin Way exit and follow the signs
QR Cityrail offers a daily train service from Brisbane
Croc Express (bus) does daily hotel pickups from Brisbane and Gold Coast.
Courtesy coach operates from Noosaville.

4. AUSTRALIAN REPTILE CENTRE, ACT
One thing Australia is known for is the vast array of animals that can kill you and this is one place where you can safely see many of the “Fauna of Death”.

The enclosures show the reptiles living in habitats comparable to their natural environment. The Snake Tales program is a demonstrative discussion introducing people to Australian snakes. The Centre includes a prehistoric display highlighting now extinct, Australian reptile species.

Web
http://www.angelfire.com/biz2/repcen/main.html
Cost
Entry $6/$5/$3 from 10am – 5pm daily
Getting there
15km north from Capital Hill along Commonwealth Highway. Continue onto Northbourne Avenue, turn left onto Burton Avenue and follow the signs.

5. TARONGA PARK SANCTURAY – TARONGA ZOO, NSW
With the reputation of being Australia’s most popular zoos Taronga now boasts the birth of the first elephant born in Australia. Luk Chia was born pre-dawn on 4 July 2009 and is now welcoming hundreds of visitors each day.

The animal collection comes from all corners of the world and ranges from the very small to the very big. If you did not get to see the platypus at Warrawong Sanctuary, then make sure you enter the Platypus House, whilst “wild” viewing is guaranteed.

A variety of educational and experiential programs are also on offer including Roar & Snore, which provides a sleepover experience and a range of indigenous programs.

Web
www.taronga.org.au/taronga-zoo
Cost
Entry $49/$28/$20
Tours from $45
Roar &Snore from $216/$166.60
Getting there
Ferry from Circular Quay and definitely the easiest way to get there.
Driving cross the bridge travel along Bradfield Highway turning right onto Military Road then right onto Belmont Road then follow the signs

6. WINGS WILDLIFE PARK, TAS
Home of the Tasmanian devil, the largest carnivorous marsupial in the world; with the facial tumour disease devastating Tasmania’s devil population wildlife parks and zoos like this one may be their last refuge.

This is the largest wildlife park on the Apple Isle and includes an impressive aquatic collection and extensive aviaries. A variety of accommodation options are also available including powered camping sites, cabins and backpacker units. Meaning this can be a base for tourists taking some of Tasmania’s other spectacular locations.

Group and private tours are available for additional costs.

Web
www.wingswildlife.com.au
Cost
Entry $17/$8
Accommodation $5 -$105/night
Getting there
42km west of Devonport along Bass Highway get off at the Gawler Road exit then a series of right turns onto Gunns Plains Road, South Riana Road, and finally Windass Road.

7. GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK, QLD
The biggest coral reef in the world, it is definitely worth visiting this natural wonder. The choices of how visitors want to experience this stunning reef are endless with numerous companies providing crises, snorkelling, scuba diving, helicopter and light aircraft flight experiences. Many providers include accommodation options

Ultimately it will depend on personal preference and bank balance. Perhaps choose a company that is actively supporting the conservation of this most beautiful of parks to help prevent it from dieing out.

Web
www.reeftrip.com
google “Great Barrier Reef” to find other providers
Cost
Day trip with snorkelling $!65
Costs will vary depending on type and length of activity
Getting there
Check the start location of your chosen tour, many will start from Cairns.

8. WEERIBEE OPEN RANGE ZOO, VIC
Can’t afford an African safari holiday? Then here is the next best thing. Roaming through large open enclosures (no cages) will see rhinos, giraffes, zebra, monkeys, hippos and large cats displaying their natural behaviours.

In addition to basic entry, a variety of tours are also available including lion feeding and an open vehicle safari. Throughout summer a series of African rhythm musical performances are also available.

Web
www.zoo.org.au/WerribeeOpenRangeZoo
Cost
Entry $24.40/$18.50/$12.10
Open Vehicle Safari $75/$65/$60 (inc entry)
Getting there
35km west of Melbourne along the Princes Freeway, take the Werribee South exit to K Road
Trains from Southern Cross Station to Werribee (Werribee line) then a bus to the zoo
Werribee Park Shuttle busses run daily from the Victorian Arts Centre.

9. BUTTERFLY HOUSE, NSW
The indoor rainforest means this attraction is accessible all year round. With over 400 butterflies from about 17 different Australian species visitors will be able to enjoy butterflies fly, feed, flutter and possibly even mate.

Guides can lead visitors through the 273 square meters house to help identify different species and explain the biology of a most unusual creature.

In addition to the glasshouse the 4-acre property also has an outside rainforest garden that is attractive to butterflies and children alike. Parents can also take their children to the garden maze (and perhaps leave them there while sipping a drink in the team room.

Web
www.butterflyhouse.com.au
Cost
Entry $14/$12/$7.50
Getting there
9km south of Coffs Harbour, drive along the Pacific Highway to the Lyons Road exit, follow Tourist Drive 8 then turn right onto Strouds Road.

10. SEAL BAY CONSERVATION PARK, SA
Home of the Australian Sea-Lion, join a guided walking group to get the answers to all of the questions people ask about these loveable beasts. Sticking to the board walks it is worth taking the time to explore the dunes to see the seals and get the close up photos as they sleep wherever they chose!

The beach is where the excitement is as visitors can see the seals play in the water, move in the cumbersome and yet fast manner across the sand and fight over territory and mates.

If you have made your way to Kangaroo Island and are interested in sea lions and seals it is also worth the drive to Flinders Chase National Park at the western end of the island to see the New Zealand Fur Seal colony. A much smaller animal than the Australian Sealion, is it also a lot more active close to the shore

Web
www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/sanpr/sealbay/index
Costs
Beach tour $27.50/$22/$16.50
Boardwalk $12.50/$10$8
Sunset tour $50/$40/$30
Getting There
47km south west of Kingscote Kangaroo Island, drive along Playford Highway continue left onto Birchmore Road which becomes South Coast Road then follow the signs.