Top Five Animal Activities on the Central Coast

The Central Coast boasts a full line-up of unique adventures from exploring beaches to hiking idyllic national parks. But if you’ve always wanted to take a walk on the wild side, why not get up close and personal with some animals on your next family fun day out?

Fancy a cuddle with a four-legged friend while you enjoy your morning eggs and bacon? Or perhaps you’d like to learn more about the vast array of species that roam our beautiful country? There are plenty of animal-focused  that will help you get to know the natural locals a bit better.

1. Wildlife Walkabout

Australia is home to some of the most unique wildlife in the world, so why not get to know these exciting creatures a little bit better. Wildlife Walkabout is a bustling sanctuary packed full of the furriest, scaliest, spikiest and fluffiest Aussie animals. Head along for a day trip and learn about the amazing conservation work they do by exploring the grounds with one of the rangers. At Wildlife Walkabout they’re all about rehabilitating and protecting endangered species, with their help you can better understand how to ensure these precious natives don’t go extinct. And there’s plenty to get involved with here, you can arrange a birthday party extravaganza for your child, have a wild sleepover amongst the animals or connect with the country to learn more about the Aboriginal Darkinjung and Guringai land. We suggest planning ahead and booking in all of your wildlife activities ahead of time so you don’t miss out.

COASTIES CARD MEMBERS: Get 20% off entry when you flash your Coasties Card at entry. 

1 Darkinjung Road, cnr Peats Ridge Road, Calga

2. Breakfast with alpacas

You won’t find a friendlier breakfast date than that of an alpaca. The permanently permed creatures that reside at Iris Lodge invite you to join them for a spot of eggs and toast with the rural landscape of Jilliby in the background. Billy, Joey and Cruz will be your hosts, they may not be great with small talk but if you give them a good old rub behind the ears they’ll introduce you to their friends – Ellie the sheep and a crowd of friendly cows. After hanging out with your new furry mates you’ll be treated to a full breakfast spread including muffins, fresh fruit, eggs, bacon, tea, coffee and juice. The whole morning catch up runs for around 2.5 hours and it’s recommended you bring along a couple of bananas to keep the pack of merry alpacas satisfied too.

33 Dunks Lane, Jilliby 

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3. Central Coast Zoo

Here’s your chance to see some of the great creatures in the animal kingdom who have arrived from around the world and set up camp at the newly opened Central Coast Zoo. A pride of lions, a family of meerkats, slithering red-tailed Boa Constrictors and Capybaras are ready to greet you (from behind secure cages). With a host of experiences and encounters on offer you’ll be spoilt by choice with which animal to visit first.

170 Yarramalong Road, Wyong Creek

4. Australian Reptile Park

At the Australian Reptile Park they’re best known for inviting guests to enjoy a hands-on experience with some of their 2,000 animals living within the grounds. That’s right, you’ve got the chance to cuddle a fluffy koala, take a selfie with a quokka or hang out with a python around your shoulders. With so much to explore you’re going to want to plan out your day ahead of time, download a park map, book in a ‘close encounter’ experience and make sure to get a picture with your favourite animals.

Pacific Hwy, Somersby

5. Amazement Farm & Fun Park

Make sure you’ve clocked in a restful night’s sleep before heading to the Amazement Farm & Fun Park because this place is jam packed full of activities for the whole family to enjoy. If your little ones have always wanted to hang out with some adorable farmyard animals you’ll be able to make your way over to the petting farm for some cuddles and bottle feeding. There’s also a wildlife park where you can learn about the animals or saddle up for a ride on a pony.

170 Yarramalong Road, Wyong Creek

What next? How about the best kid-friendly cafes on the Central Coast.