What is the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park?
The Hunter Valley Wildlife Park (formerly Hunter Valley Zoo) is a privately owned zoo located in Nulkaba, New South Wales, approximately two hours north of Sydney and 45 minutes from Newcastle. Set on 10 to 20 acres in the heart of Hunter Valley wine country, the park has been a local favourite for over 30 years and houses a diverse collection of Australian native and exotic animals including giraffes, white lions, African lions, zebras, meerkats, monkeys, koalas, kangaroos, and American alligators.
Founded in 2007, the park underwent significant transformation in July 2021 when Australian Wildlife Parks acquired it, joining sister parks Mogo Wildlife Park and Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park. The relaunch brought frankly much-needed enhancements to visitor experience, expanded conservation education, and improved animal living conditions. As a ZAA-accredited institution, the park participates in breeding programmes for endangered species and collaborates with other zoos and conservation organisations.
Recent additions include baby giraffe Gotti — full of curiosity and confidence — and a developing Koala Sanctuary aimed at enhancing efforts to protect one of Australia’s most beloved species.
What to see at Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
Australian animals at Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
The park houses all the Aussie favourites: koalas, kangaroos, wallabies (free-roaming in walk-through enclosures for hand-feeding), wombats, quokkas, Tasmanian devils in special enclosures, dingoes in large habitats, flying foxes, and native birds including lorikeets in a walk-through aviary where they might land on your shoulder.
Exotic animals at Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
Beyond Australian species, the park features impressive exotic animals: three giraffes (Sophie, Shingo, and Kebibi with baby Gotti), white lions, African lions, zebras, American alligators, five-metre saltwater crocodiles, ring-tailed lemurs, various primates including spider monkeys, golden lion tamarins, pygmy marmosets, cotton-top tamarins, emperor tamarins and squirrel monkeys, six meerkats, maned wolves (the tallest wild canid), binturongs, capybaras, camels, and deer.
Daily keeper talks at Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
Free daily presentations run throughout the day. The 11.30am Lion Keeper Talk is not to be missed — you’ll see the lions being fed at their most active. Other talks include meerkat presentations, koala talks, spider monkey talks, and reptile presentations. Check the daily schedule upon arrival.
Interactive experiences at Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
Three walk-through habitats offer opportunities to hand-feed farmyard animals, kangaroos, wallabies, deer, camels, and lorikeets. Feed bags cost $7 for two ice cream cones of animal food (while stocks last). The farmyard section is particularly popular with children.
Education Adventure Stops
Kids receive a free park map on entry featuring eight Education Adventure Stops around the park. Each stop has a stamp for collecting on the map, a multiple choice question, and a QR code to scan for zookeeper talks and answers. It’s genuinely engaging for children whilst being educational.
Special animal encounters at Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
Private paid encounters allow up-close experiences. Giraffe feeding encounters start at $25 (10.00am daily except Sundays — included with Sunday Wildlife Sunrise bookings). Other encounters include meerkats, marmosets, emperor tamarins, binturongs, lemurs, and squirrel monkeys. Age restrictions and bookings apply.
Wildlife Sunrise Private Tour
Available 8.00am Sundays, this bespoke guided tour from an experienced zookeeper includes hand-feeding giraffes, breakfast, and more. For corporate enquiries of 10+ guests, contact reservations on (02) 9622 1644.
Visiting Hunter Valley Wildlife Park: practical information
Hunter Valley Wildlife Park opening hours and admission
Opening hours:
- Daily: 9.00am to 4.00pm.
- Closed Christmas Day only.
Admission prices:
- Adults (16+): $49.
- Children (3 to 15 years): $29.
- Concession (valid ID required): $40.
- Children 0 to 2 years: FREE.
Important: These are the on-the-gate prices, but you can get 10% off by booking online in advance. Children aged 14 to 15 must present valid student cards or ID with date of birth. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult (18 years or over).
Ultimate Explorer Annual Pass: You can discover over 3,000 animals across three NSW parks (Hunter Valley, Mogo, Featherdale). Primary member $130, additional members $60 each. Includes over $330 in free member benefits including a personal animal encounter or Junior Zookeeper for a Day experience.
Additional costs: Animal feed bags $7, special animal encounters from $25, private experiences extra.
Getting to Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
Address: 138 Lomas Lane, Nulkaba, NSW 2325
From Sydney: Approximately 2 hours’ drive (170km) via M1/Pacific Motorway and Hunter Expressway.
From Newcastle: Approximately 45 to 60 minutes’ drive (60km).
From Cessnock: Approximately 7 minutes’ drive (5km).
Location: Heart of Hunter Valley wine country, literally across the road from vineyards. Just off Wine Country Drive.
Parking: Large car park on site. Coach parking available. Free parking.
Important: If travelling from Maitland, do not go via Farley and Bishops Bridge unless you have a four-wheel drive — the road is appalling for potholes.
Hunter Valley Wildlife Park accessibility
The park actively welcomes people with access needs. Paths are dirt and grass but accessible for wheelchairs and prams. Wheelchair-accessible toilets with baby change tables are located 30 metres left after entering the park. Companion Card holders receive one free carer entry (companion still requires general admission ticket or annual pass). The park caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance.
Assistance dogs: Require 48-hour advance notice via email to reservations team to ensure safe procedures are in place for both the dog and the park’s animals.
Facilities at Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
Safari Café: Serves hot and cold food, sandwiches, snacks, and beverages.
Picnic areas: Visitors welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Seating scattered throughout the grounds with covered shaded areas.
Other facilities: Gift shop, quiet space, baby change facilities in disabled toilets.
Before entering: Don’t miss the opportunity to get a cheesy photograph with Bazz the big koala statue.
How long to spend at Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
Quick visit: 2 hours to see main attractions. Recommended: 2 to 3 hours including keeper talks and hand-feeding experiences. Thorough visit: 3 to 4 hours to explore everything without rushing.
The park is the perfect size for younger kids, requiring significantly less walking than larger zoos. Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours.
Best time to visit Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
Arrive at opening (9.00am): Highly recommended to see animals at their most active, beat crowds, and ensure animal feed bags are still available. By 10.30am, many animals have eaten their fill and may be less interested in hand-feeding.
Weekdays during term time: Quietest periods.
School holidays: More crowded, especially mid-morning to early afternoon.
Important timing: The 11.30am Lion Keeper Talk is not to be missed — this is when lions are fed and most active.
Conservation work at Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
The park follows an “animals first” philosophy and participates in breeding programmes for endangered species. ZAA-accredited, it collaborates with other zoos and conservation organisations to support threatened species. Educational programmes run regularly for schools and community groups, focusing on different species and conservation efforts. The developing Koala Sanctuary demonstrates commitment to protecting vulnerable Australian species.
Nearby attractions to Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
Hunter Valley Wildlife Park is ideally positioned in NSW’s premier wine region:
- Hunter Valley wineries: Literally across the road — over 150 cellar doors offering tastings, restaurants, and vineyard views. Major names include Tyrrell’s, McGuigan, Audrey Wilkinson, and Brokenwood.
- Hunter Valley Gardens: 25 acres of themed gardens including sunken garden, oriental garden, storybook garden, and seasonal displays.
- Oakvale Wildlife Park: Another wildlife park in nearby Salt Ash (approximately 45 minutes) with farmyard animals and native wildlife.
- Hunter Valley Cheese Company: Artisan cheese producers with tastings.
- Hunter Valley Chocolate Company: Chocolate tastings and café.
- Bimbadgen Estate: Winery with restaurant and regular concerts.
- Pokolbin: Main wine country village with restaurants, cafés, and shops.
Day trip suggestion: Combine morning at Hunter Valley Wildlife Park with afternoon wine tasting — perfect adult/child balance for families.
Dining near Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
On site: Safari Café provides decent options, or bring your own picnic.
Nearby: The Hunter Valley has exceptional dining across wine country including Hope Estate, Muse Restaurant at Hunter Valley Gardens, Bistro Molines at Tallavera Grove, and numerous cellar door restaurants. Cessnock (7 minutes) offers additional cafés and pubs.
Tips for visiting Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
- Arrive at 9.00am opening to maximise animal activity and beat crowds.
- Purchase animal feed bags immediately upon entry ($7) — they sell out, and animals lose interest after 10.30am.
- Don’t miss the 11.30am Lion Keeper Talk — lions are fed and most impressive during this presentation.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes — paths are dirt and grass.
- Pre-book special encounters if interested, especially giraffe feeding ($25).
- Collect the free park map for kids and complete the Education Adventure Stops — genuinely engaging activity.
- Consider the Ultimate Explorer Annual Pass ($130 primary, $60 additional) if you plan to visit multiple times or want access to Mogo and Featherdale parks.
- Combine with Hunter Valley wine tasting for a full day out — park is literally across from vineyards.
- Bring hats, sun protection, and water — NSW sun is intense.
- Visit on weekdays during term time for quietest experience.
- If photographing Bazz the big koala at entrance, do this before entering the park.
Why visit Hunter Valley Wildlife Park?
Hunter Valley Wildlife Park offers decent value for families and animal lovers. At $49 admission, you’re accessing diverse Australian and exotic animals including three giraffes, white lions, meerkats, and hand-feeding opportunities with kangaroos and lorikeets — all in a manageable 10 to 20-acre space that won’t exhaust young children.
What distinguishes Hunter Valley from larger zoos is the genuine emphasis on interaction and accessibility. Three walk-through habitats, hand-feeding opportunities, and keeper-led encounters create engaging experiences rather than passive viewing. The Education Adventure Stops transform visiting into an educational game for children — collecting stamps whilst learning about wildlife.
The 2021 transformation under Australian Wildlife Parks brought significant improvements whilst maintaining the family-friendly atmosphere that’s made it a local favourite for over 30 years. ZAA accreditation and participation in endangered species breeding programmes add conservation credibility beyond pure entertainment.
Being located in Hunter Valley wine country creates unique opportunities: combine morning wildlife encounters with afternoon wine tasting, creating perfect balance for families where adults enjoy vineyards whilst children have had their animal fix. The proximity to over 150 wineries, restaurants, and attractions makes it ideal for weekend getaways.
The manageable size is genuinely advantageous — two to three hours provides a complete experience without the exhaustion of larger zoos. Staff consistently receive praise for being friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring about animals.
Baby giraffe Gotti, the developing Koala Sanctuary, and ongoing conservation work demonstrate commitment to wildlife welfare. Your admission supports these efforts whilst providing memorable family experiences — watching lions fed at 11.30am, having lorikeets land on your shoulder, hand-feeding kangaroos, and collecting adventure stamps around the park.
Just remember: arrive at 9.00am, purchase feed bags immediately, don’t miss the Lion Keeper Talk at 11.30am, and combine with Hunter Valley wine country attractions for a genuinely excellent day out.
More New South Wales travel
Other New South Wales travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Why visit Wategos Beach in Byron Bay?
- Planning a visit to the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour.
- How to visit Fitzroy Falls in the Southern Highlands.
- What to expect at the Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary on the Central Coast.
- First time visitors’ guide to Symbio Wildlife Park near Wollongong.
