What is Symbio Wildlife Park?
Symbio Wildlife Park is a privately owned, family-run zoo located in Helensburgh, approximately 45 minutes south of Sydney International Airport and just minutes from Wollongong in the Illawarra region. Established in 1975 as a native Australian wildlife park, it’s spread across 16 to 20 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and has grown into one of NSW’s premier wildlife experiences, awarded NSW’s Best Major Tourist Attraction.
Home to over 500 animals from Australia and around the world, Symbio is genuinely one of very few places where you can get properly up close and personal with your favourite animals. The park contributes to conservation work and captive breeding programmes for both Australian and exotic animals, including speciality-built facilities established in 2021 for vulnerable and endangered Bellinger River snapping turtles, Manning River snapping turtles, and stuttering frogs.
The park’s star resident is Leo — an albino echidna. And here’s something rather special: Symbio is the only zoo or wildlife park within three hours of Sydney with a dedicated Splash Park, making it particularly popular with families during warmer months.
Why book the Wildlife, Waterfalls and Wine Day Tour from Sydney?
- Up-close wildlife encounters: Enjoy a private koala experience at Symbio Wildlife Park, and get to see kangaroos, wallabies and other native animals up close. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Nature & waterfall hike: Hike to a scenic waterfall in Morton National Park for stunning views and a refreshing nature experience. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Coastal drive & seaside lunch: Travel along Australia’s beautiful coastline and enjoy a relaxed lunch by the sea — a great contrast to the wildlife and bushland stops. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Boutique winery visit: Round off the day with wine and cheese tasting at a boutique vineyard — a perfect way to unwind after a full day of activities. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Small-group, all-in-one day trip: Maximum 11 guests, with transport, lunch, entry fees and guide included — ideal if you want a hassle-free day out from Sydney. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
What to see at Symbio Wildlife Park
Australian animals at Symbio
The park houses all the Aussie favourites: koalas (including opportunities to photograph them — though it’s illegal to hold koalas in NSW), kangaroos and wallabies in immersive walk-through enclosures where you can hand-feed them, wombats, little penguins, Tasmanian devils, and the aforementioned albino echidna Leo.
Exotic animals at Symbio
Beyond Australian species, Symbio features an impressive collection of exotic animals including cheetahs, red pandas, meerkats, ring-tailed lemurs, various monkey species (golden lion tamarins, pygmy marmosets, cotton-top tamarins), alligators, and extensive reptile collections featuring crocodiles, bearded dragons, death adders, tiger snakes, inland taipans, and shinglebacks.
The reptile house includes some of Australia’s deadliest animals and is rather impressive, though potentially scary for very young children. The bird aviary houses rescued eagles that were injured and cannot fly — the park has given them a good home.
Interactive experiences at Symbio
Symbio specialises in hands-on encounters. The farmyard allows feeding and interaction with farmyard favourites. Multiple keeper talks run throughout the day covering koalas, reptiles, cheetahs, and little penguins. Behind-the-scenes experiences are available, including koala encounters, red panda experiences (15 minutes, not available during summer months), and meerkat encounters.
Splash Park at Symbio
The Splash Park features over 20 interactive water play items including dump buckets, water squirters, snake water tunnel, fountains, and spray guns. It’s included with admission and hugely popular during warmer months. Bring swimmers and towels.
Adventure playground
A large playground features climbing walls, swinging foxes, swings, and various play equipment suitable for different ages.
Visiting Symbio Wildlife Park: practical information
Symbio Wildlife Park opening hours and admission
Opening hours:
- Daily: 9.30am to 5.00pm.
- Closed Christmas Day only.
- Extended hours during school holidays.
Admission prices:
- Adults: $44 online, $47 on the door.
- Children (3 to 15 years): $29 online, $32 on the door.
- Students/seniors/pensioners: $40/ $42 (valid ID required).
- Family (2 adults + 2 children aged 3 to 15): $140 to $149.
- Children under 3: FREE.
Important: NRMA members receive 15% discount on standard entry prices. Book online for best rates and to avoid queues at entry.
Additional costs:
- Kangaroo/wallaby feed bags: Available for purchase (inexpensive).
- Koala encounters: Additional cost (children under 8 must be accompanied by full-paying adult).
- Special animal encounters: Additional fees apply.
- Holding alligators or snakes: Additional cost.
Getting to Symbio Wildlife Park
Address: 7-11 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Helensburgh NSW 2508
From Sydney CBD: Follow Princes Highway through Sutherland and Waterfall, joining M1 Freeway. Take Helensburgh/Stanwell Park turnoff and follow signs for Symbio. Approximately 45 to 53 minutes (approximately 50km).
From Wollongong: Follow Princes Highway connecting with Sydney Freeway, take Helensburgh turnoff and follow signs. Approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Parking: Large car park directly in front of the park. Free parking.
By public transport: Take South Coast/Illawarra train line to Helensburgh Station, then bus route 15 runs from Helensburgh Station to Stanwell Park via Symbio (approximately 15 minutes). Check Transport NSW website for current timetables.
Symbio Wildlife Park accessibility
The park welcomes people with access needs, but is not set up for all of them. Facilities include disabled parking near entrance, wide gates, paved pathways, accessible amenities blocks, and new enclosures designed for accessibility. Some paths are gravel, so an able-bodied companion is recommended. The park caters for people using wheelchairs, walking frames, and mobility aids, but the gravel paths are a problem.
Contact the park in advance if you’ve any questions.
Facilities at Symbio Wildlife Park
- Kiosk serving hot food (burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches), snacks, ice cream, hot and cold beverages.
- Undercover picnic areas with tables and chairs.
- Additional open picnic areas (bring your own blanket).
- Splash Park (included with admission).
- Adventure playground.
- Gift shop.
- Baby change facilities.
Important: You may bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult (18 years or over).
How long to spend at Symbio Wildlife Park
Quick visit: 2 hours to see main animals and enclosures. Recommended: 3 to 4 hours including picnic or kiosk snack and Splash Park. Full day: 4 to 5 hours to thoroughly explore everything, attend keeper talks, and enjoy all facilities.
Most visitors spend 3 to 4 hours. Families with children using the Splash Park often stay longer.
Best time to visit Symbio Wildlife Park
Arrive at opening (9.30am): Recommended to avoid crowds, ensure car parking availability, and not miss keeper presentations. The park gets busier between 11.00am and 2.00pm, particularly on weekends and during school holidays.
Summer (December to February): Best for Splash Park. Bring swimmers, towels, hats, and sun protection. Can be crowded during school holidays.
Autumn/Spring: Comfortable temperatures for walking around. Fewer crowds than summer.
Winter (June to August): Cooler but pleasant for exploring. Splash Park less appealing. Typically quieter.
Special experiences at Symbio Wildlife Park
Koala encounters: Get up close for cuddles and photos (additional cost). Note: In NSW, it’s illegal for the public to hold koalas, but you can cuddle them whilst keepers supervise.
Red panda experience: 15 minutes duration, $150 first person, $100 additional person (maximum 2 people). Not available during summer months.
Little monkey encounters: Meet common marmosets and cotton-top tamarins.
Meerkat encounters: Feed and touch meerkats, photo opportunities (open to ages 8+, additional cost).
Keeper talks: Free with admission, running throughout the day on various species.
Nearby attractions to Symbio Wildlife Park
Symbio is well positioned near several Illawarra region coastal attractions:
- Royal National Park: Adjacent — Australia’s oldest national park (established 1879) with walking trails, coastal scenery, beaches, and Aboriginal heritage sites.
- Sea Cliff Bridge: Iconic balanced cantilever bridge hugging the coast between Coalcliff and Clifton — spectacular engineering and views.
- Bald Hill Lookout: Hang-gliding spot with panoramic coastal views and Grand Pacific Drive starting point.
- Stanwell Park Beach: Beautiful beach minutes away, popular for swimming and surfing.
- Helensburgh Glow Worm Tunnel: Disused railway tunnel home to glow worms (approximately 30 minutes’ drive).
- Wollongong: Larger coastal city 15 to 20 minutes south with beaches, harbour, restaurants, and shopping.
- Grand Pacific Drive: Scenic coastal drive from Sydney to Wollongong and beyond — one of Australia’s best coastal routes.
Dining near Symbio Wildlife Park
Options in Helensburgh are limited — most visitors either use the park’s kiosk or bring their own picnic. Wollongong (15 to 20 minutes south) and Stanwell Park offer more dining variety.
Tips for visiting Symbio Wildlife Park
- Arrive at 9.30am opening to maximise your day, avoid crowds, and ensure parking availability.
- Book tickets online for better rates and to avoid entry queues.
- Bring swimmers and towels if visiting during warmer months — the Splash Park is genuinely excellent.
- Purchase feed bags for kangaroos/wallabies — hand-feeding them is a highlight, particularly for children.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes — you’ll cover decent ground exploring all enclosures.
- Bring hats, sun protection, and water — NSW sun is intense.
- Pack a picnic to save money, though the kiosk has decent options.
- If you have young children, bring a stroller — the park is manageable with one.
- Pre-book special encounters (koalas, red pandas, meerkats) if you’re particularly interested.
- Check the keeper talk schedule upon arrival so you don’t miss presentations.
- Allow time for the farmyard — children particularly love this interactive section.
- Combine with nearby attractions like Sea Cliff Bridge or Bald Hill Lookout for a full day trip.
- Visit on non-school-holiday weekdays for the quietest experience.
Why visit Symbio Wildlife Park?
Symbio is decent – if not brilliant – value for families and animal lovers. At $44 admission (often less with online booking or NRMA discount), you’re getting access to over 500 animals, hands-on encounters with kangaroos and farmyard animals, multiple keeper talks, a Splash Park, adventure playground, and beautifully maintained gardens — all in a manageable size that doesn’t overwhelm young children.
What sets Symbio apart from larger Sydney attractions is the genuine emphasis on interaction. This isn’t a “look but don’t touch” zoo — you’re walking amongst kangaroos and wallabies, feeding farmyard animals, and getting genuinely close to species you’d never encounter elsewhere. The koala encounter opportunities (whilst supervised, as NSW law prohibits holding them) provide those quintessential Australian animal photos tourists crave.
The park’s commitment to conservation — including those 2021-established breeding facilities for endangered species — adds substance beyond entertainment. You’re supporting genuine conservation work whilst having a brilliant day out.
Being family-owned and operated since 1975 gives Symbio a personal touch that corporate zoos often lack. Staff are knowledgeable, passionate, and genuinely care about both animals and visitor experience. The rescued eagles with permanent injuries demonstrate the park’s commitment to animal welfare over pure entertainment.
The Splash Park makes Symbio particularly appealing during Australian summer — where else can you combine wildlife encounters with water play? For families with children of varying ages, this combination keeps everyone engaged.
The location — 45 minutes from Sydney, minutes from spectacular coastal scenery — makes it perfect for day trips combining wildlife, beaches, and the Grand Pacific Drive. You’re not stuck in suburban Sydney; you’re on the beautiful south coast with options.
At approximately 16 to 20 acres, Symbio hits the sweet spot: large enough to house diverse animals comfortably, small enough to see everything in 3 to 4 hours without exhausting young children. You’ll hopefully leave satisfied, not overwhelmed.
More New South Wales travel
Other New South Wales travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Why Ballina is more than just a gateway town for Byron Bay.
- 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.
