Hunter Valley Wildlife Park, formerly known as Hunter Valley Zoo, is a popular family attraction in Nulkaba, just a short drive from Cessnock and Pokolbin and around 10 minutes by car from Hermitage Lodge. Home to a diverse range of native and exotic animals, the park makes an easy addition to a family getaway in Hunter Valley Wine Country.
If you are planning a trip to the Hunter Valley with kids, this guide covers what to see, how long to allow for your visit, the best time to go, and practical tips to help your family enjoy a relaxed and memorable day at the park.
Hunter Valley Wildlife Park at a Glance
For families looking to add an animal experience to their Hunter Valley itinerary, Hunter Valley Wildlife Park offers an easy half-day outing with a mix of Australian wildlife and exotic species. The park is relatively compact, so families can explore without needing to dedicate an entire day
| Visitor Information | Details |
| Address | 138 Lomas Ln, Nulkaba NSW 2325 |
| Opening hours | 9 AM–4 PM daily |
| Best for | Families, children and wildlife lovers |
| Experiences | Walk-through habitats, animal feeding and keeper-led encounters |
| Tickets | General admission tickets range from approximately A$29 to A$49 per person, depending on age. Ticket prices may change, so you can check the latest admission prices on the official Hunter Valley Wildlife Park. |
What Can You See at Hunter Valley Wildlife Park?
Hunter Valley Wildlife Park brings together Australian favourites, exotic animals and several more immersive habitats, giving families plenty of variety within one visit. The park’s current animal collection includes everything from kangaroos and koalas to lions, giraffes, meerkats and primates, although individual animals and experiences may change over time.
Australian Native Wildlife
Australian wildlife is a natural highlight of the park, particularly for younger children and international visitors hoping to see some of the country’s best-known species. Families can spend time observing familiar native animals and, in some areas, enjoy closer experiences such as feeding kangaroos and wallabies. Feeding and interaction opportunities vary by animal, so always follow the park’s instructions and current visitor guidance. Look out for native wildlife including:
- Kangaroos and wallabies
- Koalas
- Wombats
- Native birds
Big Cats and Exotic Animals
Beyond Australian wildlife, the park introduces a very different side of the animal world with larger and more unusual international species. Current visitor information features African lions, giraffes and meerkats, alongside species such as ring-tailed lemurs and black-handed spider monkeys.
For children, moving between small, active animals such as meerkats and much larger species such as giraffes helps keep the visit varied and gives families plenty to discover as they make their way around the park.
Walk-Through Habitats and Birdlife
Some of the park’s most immersive moments come from its walk-through environments, where visitors can experience selected animals from much closer than at a traditional enclosure. Hunter Valley Wildlife Park currently highlights three walk-through habitats, creating additional opportunities to get closer to the animals.
One highlight is the Lorikeet Aviary, where colourful lorikeets fly freely around the enclosure and may even land nearby, making it an especially engaging stop for children and bird lovers.
The Best Wildlife Experiences for Families
For many families, the most memorable parts of Hunter Valley Wildlife Park are the experiences that allow children to slow down, observe animals more closely and learn something beyond simply seeing them from an enclosure.
Feeding Kangaroos and Other Animals
Hand-feeding is one of the easiest ways to make a visit more interactive, especially with younger children. The park currently allows visitors to hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, with feeding opportunities also available for animals such as deer and camels using approved animal food. A good family tip is to let children approach quietly and give the animals space rather than rushing towards them. Only use food supplied or approved by the Wildlife Park, and always follow signs and keeper instructions around each habitat.
Keeper Talks
Keeper talks are worth building into your route if the timing works. Rather than simply moving from enclosure to enclosure, these sessions give families more context about how different animals behave, what they eat and how they are cared for, while also introducing children to wildlife conservation in an accessible way. The park includes informative keeper talks as part of its visitor and education programmes, although times can vary, so check the current daily schedule when you arrive.
Animal Encounters
Hunter Valley Wildlife Park’s animal encounters go a step beyond the experiences included with a standard visit, offering smaller, keeper-supervised sessions with selected species. Current options include experiences with giraffes, meerkats, lions and several primates, with different age limits, accessibility requirements and additional charges depending on the encounter.
For something more comprehensive, families can consider booking an Exclusive Keeper Tour. The current experience is a private 90-minute guided tour with behind-the-scenes access and selected close-up animal experiences. Because encounters can change and places may be limited, it is worth checking availability and age requirements before your visit.
What Is the Best Time of Day to Visit Hunter Valley Wildlife Park?
An earlier start also gives families plenty of time to explore without rushing and makes it easier to plan the day around scheduled keeper talks and animal activities. Before visiting, check the park’s current programme so you can time your arrival around the experiences your family most wants to see.
- Warmer months: Aim for the cooler morning hours.
- With young children: Arrive early and explore before midday tiredness sets in.
- For keeper talks: Check the daily schedule before setting out.
Practical Tips for Visiting Hunter Valley Wildlife Park With Kids
A little planning can make a family visit to Hunter Valley Wildlife Park much easier, especially with younger children. Rather than trying to see everything in a strict order, give yourself enough flexibility for longer stops at favourite animals, feeding areas and keeper presentations.
- Check the keeper-talk timetable first and plan your route around the presentations you most want to see.
- Allow more time than expected because children rarely move through animal attractions according to an adult itinerary.
- Visit earlier in hot weather when walking conditions are generally more comfortable.
- Bring sun protection and water, including hats, sunscreen and suitable outdoor clothing.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you will spend much of the visit walking.
- Explain feeding rules beforehand and only offer food permitted by the park.
- Check animal encounter requirements before booking, as age or participation restrictions may apply.
- Review accessibility information if using a pram or travelling with mobility needs.
- Check the weather forecast on the morning of your visit.
- Allow extra time on weekends and during school holidays when the park may be busier.
Facilities and Accessibility at Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
Hunter Valley Wildlife Park provides practical facilities for families spending several hours exploring the grounds, including parking, public toilets and the Safari Café for meals and refreshments. Most of the park is designed to be straightforward to navigate with children, prams and mobility aids, but it is still worth checking current accessibility information before your visit if anyone in your group has specific requirements.
Useful facilities and accessibility considerations include:
- Free on-site parking is available at the park entrance at 138 Lomas Lane, Nulkaba, making arrival straightforward for first-time visitors. Public transport options in the area are limited, so driving is generally the easiest option.
- Public and wheelchair-accessible toilets are available, including accessible unisex facilities near the main entry and elsewhere around the grounds.
- Safari Café offers meals, snacks and refreshments during your visit.
- Pram and mobility-friendly paths are available across much of the park.
- Companion Card support is available, with eligible carers receiving free entry.
Staying Near Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
Staying in Pokolbin makes it easy to include Hunter Valley Wildlife Park in a broader Hunter Valley itinerary without turning every attraction into a separate day trip. Families can spend part of the day at the park, then continue on to Hunter Valley Gardens, nearby restaurants or other local attractions.
Hermitage Lodge offers a convenient base for couples and families exploring Hunter Valley Wine Country. Several room and suite categories accommodate up to four guests, with selected options featuring sofa beds, separate bedrooms and living areas, kitchen or kitchenette facilities, and private balconies overlooking the onsite Shiraz vineyard.
These flexible layouts make it easier to choose accommodation that suits both shorter family stays and more relaxed Hunter Valley getaways.
