Make room for
a little wonder.

Opening times

All times are local to Cessnock.

Hunter Valley Wildlife Park

09:00–16:00 · Every dayLast entry 15:00; Christmas Day 09:00–14:00, last entry 13:00

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

Finding the park

Hunter Valley Wildlife Park is on Lomas Lane at Nulkaba, five minutes from Cessnock in the Hunter Valley; St Philip’s Christian College is on the corner of Lomas Lane.

• From Newcastle or the Hunter Expressway: take the Lovedale exit towards Pokolbin; at the end of Lovedale Road turn left, and Lomas Lane is the next road on the left.
• From Sydney or the Central Coast: leave the motorway at the Freemans Waterhole exit and drive through Brunkerville to Cessnock, or continue to the Hunter Expressway and come through Lovedale. Parking is free.
• 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:

• Accessible toilets at the entrance, and baby change tables in each toilet block.
• Shady places to rest along the paths.
• Shady picnic areas with two barbecues.
• The café and coffee cart for hot food, sandwiches and coffee.

Travel light, and bring a hat and water on warm days. Ask staff about current arrangements when you arrive.

A visit that works for you

Hunter Valley Wildlife Park is a ten-acre site with wide, smooth paths on very gentle slopes and plenty of shady places to rest, and most enclosures have double-gated entries. Accessible toilets are at the park entrance, and wheelchairs and walkers can be borrowed free of charge.

• Check arrangements for your particular mobility or access needs before travelling.
• If you are bringing a stroller, confirm the current arrangements before arrival.
• Up to two support workers are admitted free with a guest who shows a valid Companion Card on arrival.

Enjoy the park thoughtfully

• Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.
• Never enter an enclosure, reach into one or throw anything to the animals.
• Smoking, vaping and alcohol are not permitted in the park.
• Assistance dogs must be registered with the park at least 72 hours before your visit.
• Photos and videos are for personal use; commercial photography needs the park’s written permission.
• Follow the signs and the keepers’ instructions.

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

Make time for a pause

The park’s café and coffee cart serve hot food, sandwiches, ice creams, cold drinks and barista coffee, with tables under cover and by the water. You are welcome to bring a picnic to the shady picnic areas.

• 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.

Bring water with you, especially on warm days.

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: follow your ticket’s instructions for entering the park.
• Dress for exploring: comfortable shoes, sun protection and a charged phone make the day easier.
• Leave space to linger: the park suggests around two hours, and you are welcome to stay longer.