Make room for
a little wonder.

Opening times

All times are local to Ballarat.

Ballarat Wildlife Park

09:00–17:00 · Every dayClosed Christmas Day; Reptile House 10:00–17:00

Allow time to explore before closing. Your ticket shows your date and entry time.

Finding the park

Ballarat Wildlife Park is in Ballarat East, on the corner of Fussell and York Streets, a few minutes’ drive from Sovereign Hill.

• By car: Ballarat is about 110 km from Melbourne along the Western Freeway, roughly an hour and a half’s drive; there is an on-site car park.
• By train and bus: V/Line trains run from Southern Cross Station to Ballarat in under 90 minutes, and the Route 20 bus from Ballarat Station stops outside the main entrance.
• Before arrival: leave time for the journey and entry checks so you are ready for your booked slot.

Useful stops along the way

Facilities can change through the year. Visitors can usually expect:

• Toilets, including an accessible toilet and baby change beside the Billabong auditorium.
• An on-site car park, with five wider bays near the entrance.
• Benches and shade along the paths, and outdoor tables for a picnic.
• A licensed café serving hot and cold food, snacks and drinks.

Wear comfortable shoes and avoid thongs; in wet weather, bring boots and a coat. Ask staff about current arrangements when you arrive.

A visit that works for you

Paths are concrete or gravel and step-free, but some ground is uneven, the park slopes, with one moderately steep hill, and paths can be slippery when wet. A few manual wheelchairs can be borrowed free of charge at the entrance. Assistance animals are not permitted in the park.

• Check arrangements for your particular mobility or access needs before travelling.
• If you are bringing a stroller, confirm the current arrangements before arrival.
• Ask park staff for assistance or directions during your visit.

Enjoy the park thoughtfully

• Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Feed the kangaroos only the food the park sells, and follow the feeding guidance on the signs.
• Leave the other animals untouched unless you have booked an encounter with a keeper.
• No animals may be brought in, including assistance animals, because kangaroos, emus and alpacas roam free and dingoes are walked through the park.
• Close the boundary gates behind you, and follow the keepers’ instructions at presentations.

A little care keeps the animals calm and healthy, and the park pleasant for everyone.

Make time for a pause

The park’s licensed café serves hot and cold food, snacks and drinks, and you are welcome to bring a picnic to the outdoor tables, often with kangaroos close by. Central Ballarat, a short drive away, has many more cafés and restaurants.

• Stop for breakfast, lunch, a hot drink or refreshments nearby.
• Leave room in your plans to sit down and enjoy the setting.
• Check opening hours and menus on the day; food and drinks are purchased separately.

Expect kangaroo, emu and alpaca droppings on the paths and grass, and dress for it.

A few details worth planning

• Book ahead: choose the date, time and places you want to visit before making other plans.
• Keep your QR ticket ready: save it on your phone or bring a printed copy, with any proof needed for reduced admission.
• Start in the right place: go to the ticket window at the entrance building and follow your ticket’s instructions.
• Dress for exploring: comfortable closed shoes, layers for Ballarat’s changeable weather and a charged phone make the day easier.
• Leave space to linger: allow at least two hours, and plan around the animal presentations you want to see.