My boys love all things creepy, crawly, scaly and slimy. Where are all these things in one awesome space? The Australian Reptile Park!
We decided it was definitely time to make a visit.
The Australian Reptile Park is located approx 1 hr from Sydney in Somersby, just before Gosford.
Keep an eye out on the M1 for the large park sign and giant dinosaur statue to point you in the right direction. After the turnoff it is fairly well signposted.
Australian Reptile Park
Pacific Highway, Somersby
(Gosford Exit off M1)<
Phone: 02 4340 1022
Website: Australian Reptile Park
Australian Reptile Park Map
There is so much to see and do here. Make sure you get a map and list of show times from the ticket counter upon entry to plan your day.
We started with the reptile room which has a cave-like Indiana Jones feel to it. It is great.
I had no idea there are so many different types of slithery creatures out there. The chameleons were a sure favourite for us.
Next we ventured into the spider room. It is very interactive and fun, it even has a redback dunny.
Luckily all spiders are well contained.
After being inside for a while we decided to explore the park starting with the free range kangaroos.
They are very friendly, coming close for a pat and eager to be fed. Hugo the Galapagos tortoise also has a daily walk around this area with the staff. This is a delight seeing him eat, even patting him.
We watched the reptile show in the ‘show pit’ which is great. The kids loved learning more about the lizards and snakes and being able to touch them is definitely a highlight.
I also have to mention the amazing playground. It is near picnic tables perfect for lunch and has something for all ages.
We stopped here for lunch and agreed it is a nice area for the kids to energise and have fun while the adults rest.
After lunch we did Eric’s nature walk. This walk is predominantly pram friendly, except for a few small stairs, and as my youngest excitedly said: ‘We are going bushwalking.’
It is a lovely bush path with lots to see on the way: wombats, cassowaries, koalas, bird aviaries, a walk in owl sanctuary and a nocturnal house.
The path then winds around past the alligators. We spent quite some time on the walk, it is at your own pace and very scenic.
Keep an eye out for the interactive buttons to hear various animal noises along the way.
Cafe: The Hard Croc Cafe has hot food, sandwiches, coffee, ice creams etc. There are also bbq facilities.
Carpark: There is a free carpark outside the entrance.
Toilets: There are toilets and baby change facilities near the Hard Croc Cafe. There are also toilets located at the entrance/exit of the park near the gift shop.
Playground: Fantastic playground with swings, but not shaded.
Mums Report: Watching the kid’s faces light up seeing so many different types of reptiles and animals is wonderful.
The bush setting and being able to get up close and personal really makes the park a great day out.
Make sure to leave some extra time before you leave for another visit to the reptile and spider rooms if you have creepy crawly enthusiasts like me.
Extra: Look at: http://www.timfaulkner.com.au/ to read lots more about animals. Time is the General Manager and Head of Conservation at the Australia Reptile Park in Somersby NSW and The Devil Ark at Barrington Tops NSW.
Australian Reptile Park discounts, deals, vouchers, discount tickets and coupons
Check for discount tickets and deals on Scoopon here, or just google around to see if there are any deals current.
I think my 5 year old described the day the best. He said ‘I thought it was going to be a fun day mum, but not this much fun!
Do you have any tips for a family visit to the Australian Reptile Park?
Happy exploring!
Find more fun days out of the city here:
