Ballarat Wildlife Park (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Ballarat Wildlife Park?
Kids up to 12 can hand-feed kangaroos, join Junior Keeper programs and watch daily shows; pram-friendly paths and change tables help parents, though supervision is vital around free animals.
Positives:
- Hands-on encounters: Multiple daily talks let kids touch or feed animals up close.
- Stroller-friendly paths: Wide, gently sloping walkways are easy with a pram or stroller.
Challenges:
- Limited shade: Some animal areas have little cover—bring hats and water bottles.
- Weekend crowds: Shows fill up fast on weekends—plan to arrive early.
What is so special about Ballarat Wildlife Park for with kids?
- Feed free-roaming kangaroos in a safe paddock
- Book a family koala photo for a memorable keepsake
- Enjoy daily keeper shows with reptiles, dingoes & meerkats
- Relax at shaded picnic spots near wildlife habitats
Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours
Why 3-4 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Gives enough time to hand-feed kangaroos, attend shows, enjoy a picnic and do an optional koala encounter without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Ballarat Wildlife Park
Hand-feed kangaroos:
Walk among free-roaming kangaroos and feed them
Tip: Buy two small bags of feed (approx. AUD 6 each) at the entrance so each child gets their own.
Family koala photo:
Pose beside a koala for a professional souvenir
Tip: Book the AUD 80 encounter online in advance to secure a midday slot before peak heat.
Keeper feeding shows:
Watch dingoes, meerkats, reptiles and crocodiles at work
Tip: Check the daily schedule on arrival and arrive 5 minutes early for front-row viewing.
Shaded picnic break:
Relax under eucalyptus trees by the kangaroo paddock
Tip: Bring your own packed lunch or grab café sandwiches to maximize play time.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Admission (2 adults + 1 child 5–12) | AUD 89.5 |
| Family lunch at café | AUD 60 |
| Kangaroo feed (2 bags) | AUD 12 |
| Koala encounter (up to 4 guests) | AUD 80 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 241.5 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
When is the best time to visit Ballarat Wildlife Park?
Summer: wear sunscreen and hats; arrive before 10am to beat heat. Winter: schedule shows around midday when wildlife is most active.
How to Maximize Your Visit to Ballarat Wildlife Park
- Plan around shows: Download the daily schedule at entry and map your route to catch back-to-back talks.
- Buy feed early: Pick up kangaroo food at the entrance to avoid long lines later.
- Save the map: Screenshot the park map from the website to locate toilets and cafes quickly.
Map of Ballarat Wildlife Park
Address: 250 Fussell St, Ballarat East VIC 3350 (No entry on, Richards St), Ballarat East VIC 3350, Australia
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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 ...
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
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