Australian Reptile Park in Sydney – Book Tickets to Experience the Wild

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Australian Reptile Park

Highlights

Visit Australia’s premier hands-on zoo with over 2,000 animals.

Observe native species including koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles, snakes, and Tasmanian Devils.

Enjoy daily live presentations and animal keeper interactions.

Explore the park located just an hour north of Sydney on the Central Coast.

Benefit from a guide booklet provided in English for an informative visit.

Welcome to the Australian Reptile Park

Discover up-close wildlife thrills and unforgettable fun on Australia’s scenic Central Coast—book your adventure today at the Australian Reptile Park and experience live shows, animal encounters, and hands-on excitement that’s perfect for all ages.

About the Australian Reptile Park

Located on the Central Coast of New South Wales in Somersby, the Australian Reptile Park is a renowned wildlife attraction featuring one of Australia's largest collections of reptiles and native animals. Established in 1958 by Eric Worrell, the park is dedicated to conservation, education, and wildlife preservation. It plays a vital role in venom collection for life-saving antivenom production while offering visitors engaging experiences such as live animal presentations, interactive encounters, and seasonal events. The park’s extensive range of species, including snakes, lizards, mammals, and birds, alongside its commitment to wildlife care and education, makes it a prominent destination for tourists and locals alike.

Address Pacific Highway, Somersby, NSW 2250, Australia
Number of Annual Visitors Approximately 250,000
Founded in July 1958 by Eric Worrell
Reopening at Current Location September 1996
Species Over 2,000 animals from more than 400 species

Why Visit the Australian Reptile Park?

The Australian Reptile Park boasts one of the largest and most diverse reptile collections in Australia, featuring over 400 species. Visitors can observe a fascinating range of reptiles, including venomous snakes like taipans and king cobras, as well as Komodo dragons and ancient tuataras. This variety offers a rare opportunity to learn about Australia’s unique reptilian wildlife in a single location.

For those seeking close-up interaction, the park offers a range of animal encounters and photo experiences. Guests can have private tours to meet selected animals, or take memorable photos holding creatures such as baby alligators and Burmese pythons. These encounters provide an educational and immersive experience suitable for all ages.

The park is internationally recognized for its venom-milking programs with snakes and funnel-web spiders. This vital work contributes directly to the production of antivenom, saving thousands of lives. Visitors can learn about these programs through live presentations and discover the park’s extraordinary role in wildlife conservation and public health.

Beyond reptiles, the park is home to a wide array of Australian native mammals and birds. Tourists can see iconic species such as koalas, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, and vibrant rainbow lorikeets. This natural setting allows visitors to experience the diversity of Australia’s fauna in an accessible and informative environment.

The Australian Reptile Park hosts special events throughout the year, including the Winter Wonderland during school holidays. This event features unique attractions such as a synthetic ice skating rink, inflatable maze, and a snow globe—activities included with general admission. These seasonal festivities add an extra layer of enjoyment for families and tourists visiting the park.

Timings of the Australian Reptile Park

The Australian Reptile Park welcomes visitors daily with plenty of time to explore its diverse animal collections and enjoy live presentations.
Open every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Closed on Christmas Day (25 December)
Visitors are encouraged to arrive at opening time to experience all animal shows and meet and greet sessions, which typically begin at 10:15 am.

Best Times to Visit the Australian Reptile Park

First Thing in the Morning (9:00 AM–11:00 AM)

Starting your adventure as soon as the gates open lets you experience the park at its most peaceful. The animals are often more alert and active in the cool morning hours, making it the perfect time for photography and up-close encounters. You’ll also beat the midday rush, giving you prime viewing spots at the first wildlife shows and keeper talks of the day.

Weekdays (Especially Tuesday–Thursday)

If you prefer a laid-back visit without the hustle of big weekend crowds, plan to come midweek. Tuesdays through Thursdays usually see fewer school groups and day-trippers, meaning you can move around comfortably, enjoy more personal space at exhibits, and ask keepers questions without waiting in line. It’s an ideal choice for adults, couples, and travelers who want a calm, more immersive experience.

Avoid Late Afternoon (After ~4:30 PM)

While the park stays open until 5:00 PM, many indoor exhibits begin closing around 4:30 PM, and outdoor attractions wind down soon after. Arriving too late in the afternoon might leave you short on time to see everything, especially the big highlights like the crocodile feeding or reptile shows. To truly make the most of your ticket, it’s best to give yourself a good half day or more.

Schedule Around Live Shows and Animal Talks

One of the park’s biggest draws is its lineup of daily presentations, which include reptile encounters, koala talks, Galápagos tortoise walks, and the famous crocodile feeding. These shows typically run between late morning and mid-afternoon. Planning your visit to align with these scheduled talks ensures you’ll catch the most exciting, educational moments, and maybe even get the chance to interact directly with the animals.

For a Calm, Sensory-Friendly Visit

For guests who prefer a quieter and more comfortable atmosphere—such as families with young children, neurodiverse visitors, or anyone avoiding heavy crowds—the best times are either right at opening or later in the afternoon after 2:00 PM (on weekdays outside of school holidays). These windows give you more room to explore at your own pace, with less background noise and fewer distractions.

Location and Address of the Australian Reptile Park

Nestled amidst the lush landscapes of New South Wales’ Central Coast, the Australian Reptile Park sits just off the M1 Pacific Motorway—making it an easy one-hour drive north from Sydney or one hour south from Newcastle. This prime location is both scenic and accessible, perfect for planning a wildlife-packed day trip or weekend excursion.

Address Australian Reptile Park
Pacific Highway, Somersby
NSW 2250, Australia

How to Get to the Australian Reptile Park

By Car

- Driving is the easiest and most popular option—located just off the M1 Pacific Motorway, the park is about 60 minutes north of Sydney and similarly 60 minutes south of Newcastle.

- The signage is clear: take the Gosford exit and follow directions to Somersby on the Old Pacific Highway.

- Best of all, free all-day parking is available onsite, with overflow parking opened during peak periods.

By Train + Taxi or Ride-Share

- The closest station is Gosford Train Station, reachable via NSW TrainLink from Sydney.

- From there, take an Uber or local taxi (roughly 12 minutes, around $25–$31 AUD), or benefit from a discounted entry (25% off admission) by showing your ride receipt.

By Bus (from Gosford Station)

- Buses are available from Gosford Station (Stand F) to Pile Road Opposite Number 29—Route 33 or 33/4. Journeys take about 22 minutes and cost $4–6 AUD.

- Note: Frequency is limited—typically every few hours—so planning ahead is essential.

By Train + Bus from Nearby Towns

- Though there's no direct bus service from Sydney, you can take a train to Gosford and then use the local bus or taxi options above.

- Some regional routes (e.g., from Terrigal, Avoca Beach, Ourimbah, or Umina Beach) can connect you via Bus lines 33 or 33/4 to near the park. Journey times vary (~85–100 minutes) based on departure point.

By Organized Tours or Coach

- Many visitors opt for coach tours or day-trip packages, especially when public transport isn’t convenient. These can depart from Sydney and include admission, guide services, and sometimes added experiences.

Things to Know Before Visiting The Australian Reptile Park

Facilities
Accessibility
Guidelines
Rules

Onsite Facilities

Restrooms The Australian Reptile Park has washrooms at various spots throughout the location. The washrooms are also wheelchair accessible.
Hard Croc Café & Snack Kiosk Open daily (9 AM to 4 PM), serving hot meals until 2 PM, plus coffee, ice cream, snacks, and drinks—with vegan and gluten-free options available.
Picnic & BBQ Areas Large picnic tables and free BBQs are available in the Main Park and Undercover Picnic Area. You’re welcome to bring your own food—and you can reserve BBQs for a small fee via Reception.
Playground & Picnic Seating Enjoy a shaded playground and ample seating throughout the park, including benches near the main building, Show Pit, and aviaries.
Pram & Wheelchair Hire Prams are available for rent at AUS $5/day (limited availability). Wheelchairs are free with photo ID—best to book ahead.
Park Map & Visitor Support Maps are provided at Reception, and staff are always available to help you find your way or answer questions.

Accessibility Information

Picture Courtesy The National WWII Museum, New Orleans

Wheelchair Accessibility Most areas are accessible via wide concrete, grass, and bark paths. Accessible parking is located near the entrance.
Hiring Mobility Equipment Complimentary wheelchair hire is available at Reception with photo ID.
Accessible Restroom A unisex, accessible bathroom (450 mm toilet, transfer rails, child-change table) is located between Hard Croc Café and Frog Hollow.
Viewing Accessibility Various enclosures offer accessible viewing windows—measurements vary by exhibit (e.g., Elvis the Croc, Komodo Dragons, Nocturnal House). Some areas, like grandstands, are not wheelchair accessible.
Service Animals & Carer Entry Certified assistance animals are welcome (not permitted in free-range kangaroo area). Visitors holding a NSW Companion Card receive free carer entry; concession rates apply for the cardholder.
Sensory-Friendly Access For a quieter, more comfortable visit—ideal for neurodiverse guests or those sensitive to noise—consider visiting at opening (9 AM) or after 2 PM on weekdays (outside school or public holidays). Note that some exhibits have loud sounds or strobe lighting (e.g., Lost World of Reptiles, Spider World).

Visitor Guidelines

Ticketing & Entry Tickets are available at the gate or online; no refunds or transfers allowed.
Photography & Filming Personal photos and videos are permitted, but drone photography is not.
Food & Drink You may bring your own food and use the free BBQs—or purchase food inside. Hard Croc Café serves until 4 PM (hot meals until 2 PM).
Rain & Weather Preparedness The park remains open in rainy weather. Indoor exhibits and undercover areas offer shelter; umbrella or rain poncho recommended.
Cleanliness & Wildlife Safety Please use bins and avoid littering, especially around free-roaming animals.

Rules and Regulations

Smoking Policy Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited inside the park. A designated smoking area is located in the carpark near the frilled-neck lizard entrance.
Student Excursion Behavior Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Students must follow rules, stay in designated groups, avoid tapping on glass or chasing animals, wear appropriate footwear, carry water, and maintain hygiene by using wash stations.
Non-Compliant Guests Individuals acting recklessly or disrupting animals risk removal from the park without refund, at management’s discretion.

Interesting Facts About the Australian Reptile Park

Pioneers in Anti-Venom Production

Since the 1950s, the park has been the only facility in Australia to supply snake and funnel-web spider venom for anti-venom production. Their efforts have directly helped save tens of thousands of lives—averaging over 300 lives annually for the past 50 years.

A Park Born from a Love for Venom and Wildlife

The park traces its roots to Eric Worrell’s Ocean Beach Aquarium (opened in 1949). In 1958, Worrell moved his venom collection and educational vision to Gosford, laying the foundation for what became the Australian Reptile Park.

“Ploddy”—Australia’s First ‘Big Thing’

In 1963, the park erected “Ploddy” (initially named “Dino”), a large dinosaur statue—making it the first among Australia's iconic "Big Things."

Fire, Recovery, and Reinvention

A devastating fire in July 2000 destroyed much of the main building and hundreds of reptiles and amphibians. Remarkably, the park reopened just over seven weeks later, introducing the imaginative “Lost World of Reptiles” exhibit as part of a groundbreaking redevelopment.

Home to Australia’s First Nocturnal House

In 1968, the park launched the southern hemisphere’s first Nocturnal House, showcasing night-active species in immersive, educational surroundings.

Australia’s “Deadliest Zoo”

Due to its venom program's scale—milking over 250 venomous snakes and over 20,000 funnel-web spiders in the past decade—the park earned the label “the world’s deadliest zoo.” Keepers engage in high-risk work every day.

Komodo Dragons Welcome

In 2018, the park opened a Komodo dragon exhibit featuring “Kraken” and “Daenerys.” In a landmark achievement in April 2022, the park celebrated the first Komodo dragon babies ever hatched in Australia.

Lifesaving Leadership

In 2015, Director Tim Faulkner was awarded “Conservationist of the Year” by the Australian Geographic Society for his dedication to conservation and wildlife protection.

Highly Decorated Attraction

The park has received numerous awards, including Gold for “Major Tourist Attraction” at the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, along with multiple state-level tourism and business honors.

An Alligator Lagoon Like No Other

The park's Alligator Lagoon holds nearly 40 alligators living together in harmony in a climate-matched lagoon—uncommon for usually solitary reptiles

FAQs About the Australian Reptile Park

1. What are the Australian Reptile Park’s opening hours?

The park is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, except on Christmas Day. Note that some indoor exhibits begin closing around 4:30 PM, with most areas winding down by 4:45 PM.

2. Where is the Australian Reptile Park located?

It's situated at Pacific Highway, Somersby NSW 2250, just off the M1 (about 60 minutes north of Sydney).

3. Is the park open on public holidays?

Yes—the park remains open on all public holidays including Australia Day, Easter, Labor Day, and New Year’s Day. The only annual closure is Christmas Day.

4. Is parking available on-site, and is there a cost?

Absolutely. Visitors enjoy free all-day parking, with additional overflow parking provided during peak times.

5. Can I take photos or videos inside the park?

Yes, you're welcome to capture photos and videos for personal use. However, drone photography is not allowed.

6. What happens if it rains during my visit?

The park stays open—even in wet weather. There are plenty of indoor exhibits, including the nocturnal house, spider world, reptile exhibits, Komodo dragons, and platypus displays, plus a large undercover picnic area.

7. Can I bring my own food, or purchase food on-site?

Yes—you can bring your own meals and make use of free BBQ facilities. Alternatively, the Hard Croc Café offers hot meals (served until 2 PM), snacks, cold drinks, plus dietary options like vegan and gluten-free.

8. Are prams or strollers available to hire?

Yes—you can rent a pram for AUD $5 per day (limited availability). They are offered on a first-come, first-served basis; it's best to pre-book via Reception.

9. Can I host an event or birthday party at the park?

Definitely. The park offers event hosting, including casual BBQs, private tours, and even wedding packages. There are also children’s birthday packages available, which include entry, food, and optional private tours.

10. Is this the venue's official site?

This site offers official tickets to the venue. It, however, is not the official site of the venue.