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Zoos

Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary

4.5 · 1,033 reviews
Wild, educational, and immersive.
Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Darkinjung Rd, Calga NSW 2250, Australia
Interesting facts
1

The sanctuary is built on a site that includes significant Indigenous rock art and archaeological sites.

2

It operates a specialized breeding program for endangered species like the Eastern Quoll.

3

The park provides free-range roaming space for kangaroos and emus, rather than traditional animal enclosures.

4

The sanctuary hosts nocturnal spotlighting tours, allowing guests to observe active night-time wildlife behavior.

5

The area is home to a population of wild koalas, which are often sighted in the surrounding eucalyptus forests.

6

It functions as a rehabilitation center for injured native wildlife prior to release back into the wild.

7

The site features a permanent outdoor classroom used for educational programs regarding Australian biodiversity.

8

The park's layout is specifically designed to minimize human impact on the natural movement of local wildlife.

Overview

Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary is a heritage-listed, free-range wildlife park located on the edge of the Dharug National Park. The sanctuary functions as a conservation site where animals roam freely within large, natural bushland enclosures. It specializes in interactive experiences, offering guided bush tours that highlight indigenous Australian fauna and flora. Visitors can encounter kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and various reptile species in their natural habitat. The sanctuary integrates Aboriginal cultural education into its wildlife programs, emphasizing the connection between the landscape and traditional knowledge. Guests can participate in ranger-led sessions that explain local conservation efforts and individual animal stories. The site includes a fenced sanctuary area designed to protect endangered species from invasive predators. Walking trails vary in difficulty, providing access to diverse terrain within the sanctuary grounds. It is an operational center for the Australian Wildlife Care and Conservation organization.

Photo spot

The elevated viewing area overlooking the main grassy paddock where kangaroos and emus congregate at dawn.

Insider tips

Wear sturdy walking shoes to navigate the natural, unpaved bushland trails comfortably.

Bring a reusable water bottle, as the park involves significant walking through outdoor areas.

Check the daily ranger schedule upon arrival to ensure you do not miss the interactive feeding or talk sessions.

What to avoid

Attempting to pet or chase the free-roaming kangaroos, as they are wild animals that may retreat or react if approached too quickly.

Good to know

Open daily throughout the year, but may close during periods of extreme fire danger or severe weather warnings.

Etiquette

Maintain a respectful distance from free-roaming animals, do not feed them unless explicitly instructed by a ranger, and stay on marked paths to protect sensitive vegetation.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-4 hours
Best time to visit
Early morning, when animals are most active and the temperature is cooler for hiking.
Address
Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Darkinjung Rd, Calga NSW 2250, Australia
-33.424, 151.223
Get directions
Details
Key WildlifeEastern Quolls, free-roaming Kangaroos, Wallabies, Emus, and wild Koalas
Conservation FocusEndangered species breeding and native wildlife rehabilitation

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-4 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Early morning, when animals are most active and the temperature is cooler for hiking..

The elevated viewing area overlooking the main grassy paddock where kangaroos and emus congregate at dawn.

Close by you'll find Australian Reptile Park, Brisbane Water National Park, Popran National Park.