Australian Reptile Park

1. Wildlife Encounters and Free-Range Kangaroos

One of the park’s most loved experiences is the free-range kangaroo area, where visitors can walk among kangaroos and hand-feed them. This interactive zone allows close-up encounters in a safe and relaxed environment, making it a favourite for families and photographers.

Visitors purchase kangaroo food at the entrance or gift shop and then enter the open area to feed the animals at their own pace. “Roving Keepers” are present around the zone to provide information, answer questions, and ensure safety, but the feeding itself is self-guided.

2. Reptile and Spider Exhibits

The park features a wide range of reptile enclosures, including snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles. The famous Spider World exhibit showcases some of Australia’s most dangerous spiders, including funnel-webs and tarantulas, in secure and educational displays.
Informational signage and keeper talks help visitors understand the importance of venom research and antivenom production.

3. Daily Animal Shows

Throughout the day, the park hosts live presentations such as the popular Elvis the Crocodile show, reptile handling sessions, and venom-milking demonstrations. These shows are free with general admission and combine education with entertainment, giving visitors a deeper understanding of Australia’s wildlife.

Arriving about 15 minutes early for the Elvis show is recommended, as it is the park’s most popular presentation.

Reptile and Wildlife Photo ExperiencesAt scheduled times during the day, visitors can participate in supervised photo experiences where they can hold animals like a python or a baby alligator. These sessions typically take place at 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM in the Show Pit.

For 2026, these official “Photo Experiences” cost approximately $39.99 per photo and include a physical print along with unlimited digital downloads for 30 days.

4. Optional VIP Animal Encounters

For a more exclusive experience, the park offers paid animal encounters, including the VIP Elvis Crocodile Encounter. This behind-the-scenes activity allows participants aged 18+ to assist keepers during a feeding session.

The encounter typically runs on Sundays at 1:30 PM, and spaces are extremely limited, often just two participants per session. Advance booking is essential, and proof of age or ID may be required at check-in.
 

A visit to the Australian Reptile Park usually involves several hours of walking, shows, and animal encounters, so planning a meal or snack break can make the day more comfortable, especially for families.

Hard Croc Cafe

The Hard Croc Cafe is the park’s main dining outlet, located near the central visitor area. It offers a selection of casual, family-friendly food and beverages throughout the day.

Typical menu options include:

• Burgers and hot meals
• Chicken tenders and fries
• Sandwiches and wraps
• Kids’ meal combos
• Coffee and cold drinks
• Ice creams and packaged snacks

Seating is available around the café, making it a convenient place to relax between shows or after walking through the exhibits.

Important 2026 Dining Tip: Hot Food Cut-Off

While the Hard Croc Cafe remains open until 4:00 PM, hot food service strictly ends at 2:00 PM each day.

After 2:00 PM, only the following items are typically available:

• Pre-packed sandwiches
• Light snacks
• Ice creams
• Cold drinks and coffee

This is important for visitors who plan to attend the 1:30 PM Elvis the Crocodile show, as many guests finish the show and then discover that hot meals are no longer available. To avoid this, it’s best to have lunch before 2:00 PM.

Picnic and Snack Options

The park is also suitable for a relaxed, family-style visit, and many guests choose to:

• Bring their own snacks or light picnic items
• Enjoy a quick break between shows and animal encounters
• Designated seating areas around the park make it easy to pause for refreshments during your visit.

Planning Tip

If you want a full hot meal:

• Eat before 2:00 PM at the Hard Croc Cafe
• Plan your lunch either before or after the major midday shows

This simple timing strategy helps ensure you don’t miss out on food while trying to catch the park’s most popular experiences.

• Free-Range Kangaroo Area

One of the park’s most popular sections, this open space allows visitors to walk among friendly kangaroos and feed them by hand. It offers a rare opportunity to interact closely with native Australian wildlife in a natural setting, making it a favourite for families and photographers.

• Elvis the Crocodile

Elvis is the park’s most famous resident, known for his energetic feeding demonstrations and powerful jumps. In January 2026, Elvis celebrated his 60th birthday, marking six decades as one of Australia’s most iconic crocodiles. The park honoured the occasion with a special birthday feast, and he remains in peak health after a successful dental procedure in late 2025. Often called “Australia’s Crankiest Crocodile,” Elvis continues to be a major highlight for visitors.

• Hugo the Galápagos Tortoise

Hugo is one of the largest tortoises in Australia and a long-time star of the park. Born in 1950, he recently celebrated his 75th birthday, making him the oldest resident at the park. Weighing around 183 kilograms, Hugo is still considered young for his species and is expected to live well beyond 150 years. Visitors can see him up close and learn about the remarkable lifespan of these gentle reptiles.

• Lost World of Reptiles

This exhibit houses dozens of reptile species from across Australia and beyond. It offers an educational look at snakes, lizards, and other reptiles in carefully designed habitats that replicate their natural environments.

• Spider World

Spider World features a collection of Australian spiders, including funnel-webs, which are part of the park’s antivenom program. The exhibit highlights the importance of these creatures in medical research and public safety.

• Weigel Venom Centre

The park’s famous venom-milking program is now showcased inside the state-of-the-art Weigel Venom Centre, a major facility upgrade introduced in 2026. Visitors can watch live snake and spider milking through large glass viewing panels, creating a more immersive and educational experience. The program plays a vital role in producing life-saving antivenom used in hospitals across Australia.

Perfect, here is your updated Visitor Information section with all 2026 corrections properly integrated and formatted to match your venue page structure.

You can directly replace the old section with this.
 

Best Time to Visit

Morning (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM)

• Animals are more active
• Cooler temperatures
• Shorter queues for shows and encounters

Midday (11:30 AM – 2:00 PM)

• Main feeding sessions and live presentations
• Most energetic atmosphere

Afternoon (2:00 PM – 4:30 PM)

• Quieter pathways
• Ideal time for relaxed kangaroo feeding and final exhibits

Entry & Booking

Visitors can pre-book tickets online or purchase them at the entrance. Pre-booking is recommended during weekends, school holidays, and peak travel periods.

Guests enter through the main gate and can explore the park at their own pace while following the daily show schedule.

• Children under 3 years enter free (2026 update).
• Age & Encounter Requirements (2026 Update)

While general entry is suitable for all ages, specific animal encounters have strict age guidelines:

• Alligator Encounter: Strictly 18+
• Komodo Dragon Encounter: Strictly 12+
• Venom Encounter (Snake/Spider Milking): Strictly 6+
• For all paid encounters, anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
• These guidelines are enforced for safety and insurance compliance.

Getting to the Park

• Location: Somersby, NSW Central Coast

Typical travel times:

• Sydney CBD: Approximately 60–75 minutes by car
• Gosford: Approximately 12–15 minutes by car (2026 update)

The Gosford Train + Rideshare Shortcut (Popular in 2026):

• Many visitors now take the train from Sydney to Gosford Station, then use a rideshare (Uber/Taxi) to reach the park in about 12–15 minutes.

Pro Tip – 2026 Green Travel Initiative:

• If you arrive via rideshare from Gosford Station, show your rideshare receipt at the front desk to receive 25% off entry tickets as part of the park’s “Green Travel” initiative.
• On-site parking is available for those arriving by car.

Operating Hours

• Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Closed on Christmas Day

What’s Included

Standard park entry includes:

• Full-day access to the park
• Entry to all exhibits
• Daily animal shows and presentations
• Access to the kangaroo feeding area

What to Wear & Bring

Recommended items:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Hat and sunscreen
• Refillable water bottle
• Camera for wildlife photos
• Avoid bringing food into animal interaction areas.

• Visit Early for Active Animals

Arriving in the morning gives you the best chance to see reptiles, birds, and mammals when they are most active. It’s also cooler and less crowded, making it easier to attend shows and explore the park comfortably.Plan Around Feeding & Show Times

Check the daily schedule as soon as you enter. Popular sessions like the crocodile feeding and reptile demonstrations can draw crowds, so timing your visit around them helps you secure a good viewing spot.

• Use the Gosford Train Shortcut

If you’re coming from Sydney, take the train to Gosford Station and use a rideshare for the short 12–15 minute trip to the park. In 2026, showing your rideshare receipt may qualify you for a 25% Green Travel discount at the entrance.

• Bring a Card for Kangaroo Feed (2026 Update)

The park has shifted to mostly contactless payments. Kangaroo food vending machines and gift shops now prefer, and sometimes only accept, card or mobile payments like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Keep a debit or credit card ready for the $4 feed bags.

• Combine with Somersby Falls (Check Closures)

Somersby Falls is a scenic stop near the park with walking trails and picnic areas. However, the track between the Middle and Bottom Falls is closed for upgrades until April 2, 2026. The top lookout and picnic areas remain open, but check local alerts before visiting.

• Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes

The park is spread across landscaped paths and natural terrain. Comfortable shoes and sun protection will make your visit much more enjoyable, especially during warmer months.

 

Q1. How long should I plan to spend at the park?

Most visitors spend between two and four hours exploring the exhibits, watching animal shows, and interacting in the kangaroo feeding area. Families or wildlife enthusiasts may choose to stay longer to attend multiple presentations or book special encounters.

Q2. Is the park suitable for young children?

Yes. The park is very family-friendly, with interactive exhibits, open grassy areas, and play zones designed for children. Many animals are displayed at eye level, making it easy for younger visitors to see and learn.

Q3. Can I feed the animals?

Yes. Visitors can hand-feed kangaroos in the designated free-range enclosure using feed purchased at the park.

In 2026, the vending machines in the enclosure are mostly contactless, but they can sell out by midday. As a reliable backup, visitors can also buy physical “Roo Food” bags at Reception or the Gift Shop using any major payment method.

Q4. Are there live shows during the day?

Yes. The park hosts multiple daily presentations, including crocodile feedings and reptile demonstrations. Show times are scheduled throughout the day, so checking the timetable on arrival helps you plan your visit.

Q5. Is the park open year-round?

Yes. The park operates daily throughout the year, except on Christmas Day. Opening hours may vary slightly during school holidays or special events, so it’s best to check before your visit.

Q6. Are there food options inside the park?

Yes. An on-site café serves hot meals, snacks, coffee, and cold drinks. There are also picnic tables and barbecue areas available for visitors who prefer to bring their own food.

Q7. Is parking available?

Yes. Free on-site parking is available for visitors, including spaces for larger vehicles and tour buses. The car park is located close to the main entrance for easy access.

Q8. Is the park wheelchair accessible?

Most areas of the park are accessible, with wide paths, ramps, and facilities designed for easy movement. Some sections follow natural terrain, but main exhibits and show areas are generally wheelchair-friendly.

Q9. Do children get free entry?

Yes. In 2026, children aged 0–2 receive free general admission. Once a child turns three, a standard child ticket is required.

Q10. Are animal encounters included in the entry ticket?

General admission includes access to all exhibits and daily shows. Special animal encounters, such as crocodile, Komodo dragon, or venom experiences, require an additional paid booking and have specific age requirements.

Q11. Are there age limits for animal encounters?

Yes. Age limits apply to all paid encounters:

• VIP Elvis Crocodile Encounter: strictly 18+ due to the extreme nature of the experience
• Alligator Encounter: strictly 18+
• Komodo Dragon Encounter: strictly 12+
• Venom Encounter (snake/spider milking): strictly 6+
• Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Q12. Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes. Visitors are welcome to bring their own meals and enjoy them in the picnic or BBQ areas. However, feeding park animals anything other than the approved feed is not allowed.