Hunter Valley Wildlife Park

More about Hunter Valley Wildlife Park

About Hunter Valley Wildlife Park

Would you like to meet 200 animals all in one place? Then, it's time to head to Hunter Valley Wildlife Park! You might know it as Hunter Valley Zoo, but they changed their name in 2021 to Hunter Valley Wildlife Park. 

That’s because they want to move beyond the traditional zoo setting, and this change aligns perfectly with their mission, all thanks to Australia Wildlife Parks.

With this transformation, the park has upgraded its facilities, expanded its programs, and formed new partnerships. Now, it stands as a vital spot for both locals and tourists who aim to learn about and safeguard the environment.

Nestled in the heart of Wine Country, you can now enjoy the unique experience of feeding the animals. The park is home to a diverse range of creatures, including monkeys, American alligators, white lions, Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, koalas, dingoes, reptiles, birds, meerkats, and exciting newcomers like the ring-tailed lemurs!

Hunter Valley Wildlife Park goes beyond by offering free barbecue facilities and undercover seating. So, bring your family for a picnic lunch in this fun and relaxed atmosphere. It's not just a visit – it's an adventure in the heart of nature!

Latest Hunter Valley Wildlife Park Ticket Prices 2024

At Hunter Valley Wildlife Park, they've made ticket prices as friendly as their furry residents. Let's break it down based on age in the general admission category:

Adults (16+ years)

• General Admission: $42

Children (3-15 years)

• General Admission: $28

Infants (0-2 years)

• General Admission: $0

Concession

• General Admission: $38

They also offer memberships! Your Ultimate Explorer membership unlocks incredible discounts and includes a free personal animal encounter or a chance to be a zookeeper for a day. Signing up as a primary member costs $130, and additional members can join for only $60 each. 

Hunter Valley Wildlife Park Opening Hours

Here are their opening hours to help you plan your visit:

Opening Hours:

• 9 AM – 4 PM DAILY
• 9 AM - 1 PM CHRISTMAS DAY

If you're curious about what's happening throughout the day, take a peek at their park schedules:

• 9:00 AM: Park Opens – Hand feed wallabies & kangaroos (Grab a bag of 2 cones for $7, while stocks last)
• 9:00 AM: Cafe Opens
• 9:00 AM: Kangaroo and Lorikeet Walk-Through Area Opens
• 9:30 AM: Lion Encounter
• 10:00 AM: Giraffe Feeding Encounter (Excluding Sundays - INCLUDED WITH SUNDAY WILDLIFE SUNRISE BOOKINGS)
• 10:30 AM: Black & White Ruffed Lemur Encounter
• 10:30 AM: Meerkat Encounter
• 11:00 AM: Meerkat Keeper Talk
• 11:00 AM: Squirrel Monkey Encounter
• 11:30 AM: Meerkat Encounter
• 11:30 AM: Marmoset Encounter
• 11:30 AM: Lion Keeper Talk
• 12:00 PM: Meerkat Encounter
• 12:00 PM: Spider Monkey Keeper Talk
• 12:30 PM: Koala Keeper Talk
• 12:30 PM: Binturong Encounter
• 2:00 PM: Meerkat Encounter
• 3:00 PM: Squirrel Monkey Encounter
• 3:00 PM: Last Ticket Sales
• 3:00 PM: Cafe Closes for the Night
• 3:15 PM: Meerkat Encounter
• 4:00 PM: Hunter Valley Wildlife Park – Closes for the Night

Fun Activities at Hunter Valley Wildlife Park

Hunter Valley Wildlife Park is not just a place to visit; it's a realm of close-up encounters, interactive experiences, and educational opportunities. 

1. Close-Up Encounters

Picture yourself amid incredible moments – feeding a majestic lion, having playful meerkats on your lap, or hand-feeding lemurs. The possibilities are as diverse as the encounters you choose. Get up close and personal with fascinating creatures like Squirrel Monkeys (11 am-3 pm), marmosets, lions, meerkats, black & white ruffed lemurs, binturongs, and even giraffe feeding.

2. Interactive Experiences with Wildlife

Engage in thrilling and safe activities like ostrich feeding, camel feeding, and playing with farmyard friends. The newest one is Wildlife Sunrise Breakfasts, available on Sundays starting at 8 am. 

3. Educational Experiences for Kids

But wait, there's more! Educational experiences are also available for your little ones. Turn your kids into keepers for a day during the school holidays at Hunter Valley Wildlife Park. It's an opportunity for them to learn and have a blast while caring for the park's incredible residents.

Tips When Visiting Hunter Valley Wildlife Park

1. Choose the Perfect Season

For pristine weather and breathtaking views, plan your visit from March to May during the enchanting Autumn season. The landscape transforms into a painter's palette with hues of orange, yellow, green, and brown, creating a picturesque setting for your exploration.

2. Dress Smart

As you'll be outdoors most of the day, make sure you stay sun-safe. Follow the Aussie mantra: slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade, and slide on some sunnies. If you're heading out in the morning, throw in an extra jumper to stay cozy in the cooler temperatures.

3. Embrace the Outdoors

Take advantage of the free barbecue facilities and undercover seating scattered throughout the park. It's the perfect opportunity to relish a picnic lunch in shaded areas. If you're visiting with a large group, consider calling ahead to reserve a spot and make your outdoor experience even more enjoyable.

4. Plan Your Meals

While there's a small kiosk offering light meals at reception, packing your own delicious feast is a great idea. The zoo provides excellent picnic and BBQ facilities, allowing you to savor your favourite treats amidst the natural surroundings. Did you forget to pack something? No worries! Let reception know, and they can heat up a sausage roll or meat pie for you. 

5. Catch the Keeper Chat and Daily Shows

Don't miss out on the exciting "Keeper Chat" shows, offering you the chance to interact with a wombat, cuddle a koala, encounter reptiles, and witness feeding sessions for monkeys and other animals. Keep in mind that show schedules may change, so check with reception for the latest information.

Location and How to Get to Hunter Valley Wildlife Park

Hunter Valley Wildlife Park is conveniently located in the heart of the valley, on Lomas Lane, Nulkaba, just a 5-minute drive from Cessnock.

From Sydney or the Central Coast

The quickest route is via the Freeman’s Waterhole Exit, through Brunkerville, then turn left at the roundabout and head into Cessnock. Alternatively, you can continue up to the Hunter Expressway and come through Lovedale.

From Newcastle or the Hunter Expressway

Take the Lovedale Exit heading towards Pokolbin. At the end of Lovedale Rd, turn left, and then take the next left onto Lomas Lane. You'll spot St. Phillips Christian College on the corner.

From Scone, the New England, or the Upper Hunter

If you're coming from further up the Hunter, you can turn off the New England Highway at Hermitage Road for a scenic drive through the vineyards. For a quicker option, take the Branxton exit off the New England Highway, turn right at the interchange roundabout towards Huntlee, then left at the Huntlee roundabout onto Wine Country Drive. Follow it until you reach Lomas Lane, then turn left.

Are you prepared for an unforgettable wildlife encounter at Hunter Valley Wildlife Park? Plan your visit, secure your tickets, and explore more about this fantastic attraction on Traveloka!

Enjoy exclusive discounts ranging from AU$ 23.30 to AU$ 35.20. Visit the website here for more details!