Ballarat Wildlife Park (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Ballarat Wildlife Park?
What makes it 70% Baby-Friendly: Babies enter free and paths suit strollers; high chairs and a change table exist, but no dedicated nursing room and sudden animal noises may unsettle infants, so check with staff before visiting.
Positives:
- Stroller friendly: Most paths are flat boardwalks and wide dirt tracks suitable for prams.
- Baby facilities: There is a baby-change table in the accessible toilet behind the café and high chairs in the café.
Challenges:
- Limited shade: Some areas lack cover, so bring a sunhat and extra water for your baby.
- Encounter restrictions: Close-contact animal encounters are not suitable for babies; check age rules before booking.
What is Ballarat Wildlife Park?
- A wildlife park established in 1985, spanning 32 acres on the outskirts of Ballarat in regional Victoria
- A sanctuary for over 400 species of native Australian mammals, birds and reptiles—including kangaroos, koalas and crocodiles
- A family-owned conservation facility dedicated to wildlife protection and habitat preservation
What is so special about Ballarat Wildlife Park for with baby?
- Feed free-roaming kangaroos with your baby
- Enjoy short, sheltered animal presentations
- Use stroller-friendly paths and baby-change facilities
- Relax in shaded picnic areas beside wildlife
- Let your little one play in the sandpit
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Long enough to feed kangaroos, attend a short animal show and rest with your baby without rushing.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Ballarat Wildlife Park
Kangaroo encounter:
Walk through the free-roaming kangaroo area and hand-feed kangaroos.
Tip: Buy a food bag at the entrance (about AUD 5) and move slowly so kangaroos feel safe.
Short animal presentations:
Join the 30-minute talks near the reptile house or meerkat area to hear sounds and see movement.
Tip: Check the daily schedule on arrival and choose a shaded spot close to the entrance for easy stroller access.
Toddler sandpit play area:
Let your baby explore the small fenced sandpit near the café.
Tip: Bring spare clothes and wipes as sand can get everywhere.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Ballarat Wildlife Park
- Arrive early: Get there at opening to avoid crowds and secure shaded picnic spots.
- Pack snacks: Bring your own baby snacks and water to save time in the café queue.
Reviews of Ballarat Wildlife Park
Megan
Visiting the zoo was such an amazing experience! It was a little under an hour and a half from Melbourne, but totally worth the drive if you have the time. The kangaroos roam free, and we even got to see a baby kangaroo up close. The koalas were adorable, and the tree kangaroo encounter was incredible. He was so gentle and soft. We called right at 9 AM to book both the koala and tree kangaroo enco...
Alliluddin Shaik
Great place for a family day out! Plenty of reptiles to see, along with magnificent Sumatran tigers 🐅. You can even hand-feed kangaroos! Don’t miss the thrilling “Crunch” moment when feeding crocodiles, it’s a real highlight. Perfect spot to visit with kids!
Alexcia Miller
Had such an excellent time, you can buy kangaroo feed bags for $4 on entry, they're all very docile and sweet. Make sure you bend down far enough so they can snack comfortably. The reptiles are gorgeous and there is a huge alligator they do feedings for depending on the day as well as other feeding times and animal experiences you can explore on their website. Please remember to be quiet and respe...
Alexandra Brewin
We had a fantastic day at Ballarat Wildlife Park! It was my daughter’s dream to pat a kangaroo, and it absolutely came true – the animals were so friendly and gentle. The staff were all incredibly kind and clearly love what they do, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The park itself was clean, simple, and very well maintained, and it was great to see how well the animals are cared for....
Lingfeng Liu
Ballarat Wildlife Park might just be the most enjoyable zoo I’ve ever visited. It’s not the biggest, but the experience was incredibly fun and interactive. Being able to walk among the free-roaming kangaroos and feed them was such a highlight — they were so gentle and friendly! The staff were lovely and very knowledgeable, and we got to see iconic Australian animals like koalas, wombats, and even ...
When is the best time to visit Ballarat Wildlife Park (Melbourne, Australia)?
Summer days can be hot; arrive early, use sun protection and refill water bottles at bubblers. In winter, dress your baby in layers for outdoor talks.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 adult tickets | AUD 70 |
| Kangaroo feed bag | AUD 5 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 75 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Ballarat Wildlife Park
Address: 250 Fussell St, Ballarat East VIC 3350 (No entry on, Richards St), Ballarat East VIC 3350, Australia
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Ballarat Wildlife Park (Melbourne)?
About Ballarat Wildlife Park
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+61 3 5333 5933Explore Popular Things to Do
🇦🇺 Australia, with baby
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!