Action Packed Day at Australia’s Reptile Park
Throughout the day the Australian Reptile Park runs an incredible range of shows encompassing almost every represented species at the park and they are a delight for audiences young and old.
Where
Pacific Highway, Somersby NSW 2250
When
All of the Parks Attractions are open 9am - 5pm, 7 Days a week
Closed Christmas Day 25th December
Cost
Adult: $22.50
Concessions (student, senior or concession ID card must be shown): $15.00
Child (3-15 years): $11.50
Child (0-2 years): Free
Getting There
45 minutes north of Sydney on the F3. View Map
Ideal For
Ideal for any Reptile Enthusiast, Kids from 2 and up.
Parking
Parking is free and plentiful
Review
45 minutes north of Sydney on the F3 you can’t help but notice 'Ploddy' the Dinosaur on the left of the freeway just near the Gosford exit. He marks the home of some of Australia’s largest reptiles and American alligators at The Australian Reptile Park.
We all like to take the kids to a wildlife park of any kind but it is normally a real stretch to keep them occupied and interested for more than a couple of hours. While looking inside the various animal enclosures is interesting for a little while, the thing to hold a child’s interest is a well presented show. This is where the Australian Reptile Park is a standout performer. Throughout the day the Australian Reptile Park runs an incredible range of shows encompassing almost every represented species at the park and they are a delight for audiences young and old.
All of the presenters are obvious animal lovers but what you don’t expect is that they are quite happy to risk life and limb every show by reaching into dark sacks containing some of the worlds most venomous snakes or dancing around enormous alligators that look like they could gulp them up in one bite. From feeding Tasmanian devils to milking the venom from Australia’s deadliest snakes, ABC Kid.com.au have never been so thoroughly entertained at a wildlife park as we were at the Australian Reptile Park.
Of course it’s not all deadly snakes and killer alligators. The Australian Reptile Park also has a full compliment of cuddly photogenic Australian critters with which you can get up close and personal including wallabies, kangaroos, koalas and some smaller less well-known natives as well (to be fair, the alligators have not actually caught any of the keepers so 'killer' is perhaps a tad harsh).
Colourful exotic birds also abound at the Australian Reptile Park with feathery friends of all sizes to delight the eyes and ears. You can also enter the mouth of the 20m long crocodile to find the theatrical backdrops and electronic light show of the mystical lost world of reptiles. This exhibit is a must when visiting the park as it houses the world famous alligator snapping turtle which has to be seen to be believed. Just keep your fingers clear of the glass!
Our favourite exhibit, however, came from an unexpected quarter. A slow pondering giant tortoise who has made the park his home for longer than most of the staff. This Galapagos Giant was let out of his enclosure for a treat of fruit snacks and refused to be coaxed back to his pen much to the delight of the children who all adored him. 160kg of pondering tortoise - thank goodness he is friendly because this guy is unstoppable.
If you are looking for an action packed family day out that is both educational and exceptional value family fun, we can highly recommend The Australian Reptile Park. This is a park in which you can comfortably spend the larger part of a day so be sure to head up to Somersby on the Pacific Highway - you will love it!
Win a family pass to the Australian Reptile Park simply by posting your comments on our recipe and activity pages. The best comments this month will win the prize.
