A true treasure in Western Sydney, Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park spans seven acres of native bushland, offering an unforgettable journey into Australia’s unique wildlife.
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Located in Doonside, just minutes from bustling Blacktown, Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park is home to over 2000 Australian native animals, including over 60 threatened species.
Renowned for its unforgettable animal encounters, Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park offers more than just a fun day out; it’s a truly enriching and educational experience. Meet adorable juvenile wombats, snap a smile with the famously cheerful quokka, or take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Reptile Pavilion. At Featherdale, there’s a wild adventure waiting for everyone.
We’ve put together the ultimate guide to Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, designed to help you plan the perfect day and make sure you don’t miss any of the must-see exhibits.
A park, not a zoo?
Featherdale proudly describes itself as a wildlife park rather than a zoo, with a mission to educate and inspire by immersing guests in the animals’ world. That philosophy shines through in its many up-close encounter experiences. Every interaction is designed with animal welfare at the forefront of mind, creating a safe, respectful environment where the animals determine their level of engagement, and their comfort always comes first.
Animal encounters
Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park takes pride in caring for the world’s largest collection of Australian native wildlife. Home to over 2,000 animals, including 68 endangered species, visitors can encounter everything from Tasmanian devils and Southern cassowaries to impressive saltwater crocodiles.
At Featherdale Wildlife Park, you can book unforgettable animal encounters that bring you face-to-face with some of Australia’s most iconic and beloved wildlife.
Reptile Encounter
The brand-new reptile encounter begins with exclusive access to the Crocodile Deck (if you’re brave enough), offering a rare, elevated view of Bruiser, Featherdale’s mighty saltwater crocodile. As he showcases his sheer size and prehistoric power, one of the park’s expert zookeepers shares fascinating insights into the world of Australia’s apex reptile.
From there, you’ll head behind the scenes of the Reptile Pavilion for a keeper-guided tour. Discover the secrets of these cold-blooded creatures, from their unique habitats and behaviours to their feeding habits, before meeting a selection of lizards and snakes up close. The experience includes a safe, keeper-led interaction and the chance to snap a memorable photo with a snake.
Price: $200 per person.
Wombat Encounter
One of Australia’s most beloved native animals, the wombat is famed for its fluffy frame and endearingly bumbling burrowing ways. Featherdale’s irresistibly cute juvenile Common Wombat is no exception. Step inside her spacious enclosure for an intimate, up-close encounter, where you can watch her happily nibble on her favourite treats while learning fascinating insights into her behaviour, habits and unique marsupial quirks from an expert keeper.
Price: $200 per person.
Koala Kindy Encounter
Did you know koalas get most of their hydration from the eucalyptus leaves they feast on? At Featherdale, you’ll have the rare opportunity to assist zookeepers with their daily eucalyptus feeds and enjoy a private, up-close encounter with these super cute marsupials. While cuddles aren’t permitted, you may have the chance to gently pat a koala under keeper supervision, and you’re welcome to capture plenty of photos and videos to remember the experience.
Price: $200 per person.
Penguin Encounter
Bird enthusiasts and fans of Happy Feet, this incredible encounter is for you! The Little Penguin is recognised as the smallest penguin species on earth, meaning that they’re also the most adorable penguin species. A friendly keeper will lead you into the Penguin Enclosure, where you’ll be able to hand-feed the penguins their morning tea of pilchards (a small, oily fish).
Price: $200 per person.
Farmyard Encounter
Maybe not as heart-raising as the reptile encounter, but also just as fun, the free farmyard encounter is perfect for families, youngsters and those young at heart. Interact with the animals and snap adorable photos with the fluffy alpacas, goats, sheep and ducks.
Price: Free.
Park schedule
You can check out the full park schedule here:
- 8:00am Park Opens – Hand feed wallabies & kangaroos ($5 a cup, as stocks allow)
- 8:00am Lorikeet Walk-In Opens
- 8:30am Koala Sanctuary & Photo Spot Opens Pre-Purchase or Buy on the Day
- 8:30am Featherdale Cafe Opens
- 9:15am Koala Kindy Encounter
- 9:45am Koala Kindy Encounter
- 9:45am Wrapped in Reptiles Talk + Meet & Greet
- 10:00am Penguin Encounter
- 10:15am Wombat Encounter
- 10:30am Quokka Selfie Encounter
- 10:30am Echidna Keeper Talk
- 10:45am Tasmanian Devil Keeper Talk
- 11:00am Quokka Selfie Encounter
- 11:00am Pelican Keeper Talk
- 11:15am Reptile Encounter
- 12-1pm Koala Sanctuary & Photo Spot (Closed for a Koala Nap)
- 12:00pm Crocodile Keeper Talk
- 12:15pm Pop-Up Encounter: Snake Meet & Greet (WEEKENDS ONLY)
- 12:45pm Cassowary Keeper Talk
- 3:00pm Featherdale Cafe – Light Snacks & Coffee Only
- 3:00pm Echidna Keeper Talk
- 3:30pm Penguin Encounter
- 3:30pm Lorikeet Walk-In Closes for the Night
- 4:00pm Last Ticket Sales
- 4:00pm Koala Photo Spot, Koala Sanctuary Boardwalk, Kangaroo Island, Café and all walk-through enclosures close
- 5:00pm Park Closes
How much are tickets?
Entry tickets to Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park are $49.00 for adults, $29.00 for children aged 3-15 years and children 2 and under go free.
You can save 10% on your ticket when you book online (use the discount code ONLINE10). Featherdale also offers special discounts for seniors, concession card holders, and combo deals for entry & encounters.
Sydney Travel Guide are currently partnering with Featherdale to offer 20% off entry tickets: click here to book.
Where to eat
Featherdale’s on-site Treehouse Café is the perfect pit stop between wildlife encounters, serving up a delicious range of food to keep your energy levels high as you explore. From barista-made coffees and soothing teas to indulgent hot chocolates and refreshing soft drinks, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
If you’re after something more substantial, tuck into one of their hearty burgers (choose from beef, fish, chicken schnitty or veggie), or kickstart your morning with a classic bacon and egg roll.
Little ones are well catered for too, with kids’ combo meals ($16.99) that include a main, a side and a Keri Fruity drink, plus vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options available. Grown-ups can opt for the adult combo ($22.99), which pairs your choice of main and side with a Coca-Cola variety.
Opening times
Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park is open 7 days a week from 8am to 5pm.
How to get to Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park
By Train
From the city, you can take the North Shore and Western line to Blacktown Station from Central Station or the Blue Mountains Line. From there, head to Bus Stand E, located just outside the station and hop on the number 729 bus for a 10-minute ride, which will drop you right outside Featherdale’s gates.
For those who are driving, Featherdale has free parking available right outside the park entrance and an overflow carpark adjacent. Their directions for driving to their park are as follows:
By Car
Travelling on the M4 motorway:
- Follow the M4 to Wallgrove Rd in Eastern Creek.
- Take the Wallgrove Rd exit from Western Motorway/M4.
- Use any lane to turn right onto Wallgrove Rd 1.1 km.
- Use the right 2 lanes to turn right onto Great Western Hwy/A44 1.6 km.
- Turn left onto Doonside Rd 2.7 km.
- Turn right to stay on Doonside Rd 500 m.
- Turn right onto Kildare Rd (go through 2 roundabouts), continue for 1.4 km until you reach Featherdale on the left-hand side.
From Sydney, Hornsby or Northern NSW on the M2:
- The M2 becomes the M7.
- Take the Richmond Road exit and turn left onto Richmond Road. Continue towards Blacktown for 5.1km.
- Turn right onto Lyton Street and travel for 900m. Continue onto Lancaster St for 400m and then turn right onto Kildare Road and continue for 850m until you reach Featherdale on the right-hand side.
Book your discounted tickets to Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park here.
