What is Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary?
Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary (also known as Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park) is a privately owned wildlife sanctuary located in Calga on the Central Coast of New South Wales, approximately 50 to 60 minutes north of Sydney. Spread across 80 acres of natural Australian bushland, this is the only wildlife sanctuary in NSW with both free-roaming Australian animals and ancient Aboriginal rock art sites — a rather extraordinary combination.
Founded in April 2001 (originally as Calga Springs Sanctuary) and owned by Tassin and Gerald Barnard since September 2005, the sanctuary is a working facility that cares for rescued, orphaned, unreleasable, disabled, and retired animals. All residents are either unreleasable rescues, their offspring in breed-for-release rewilding programmes for endangered species, orphaned family pets, or animals confiscated from illegal breeders and smugglers. The sanctuary operates on an “animals first” philosophy — the animals choose whether and how they interact with visitors.
Heritage Listed in 2019 to preserve its Aboriginal heritage, the land contains ancient sites dating back more than 4,000 years including cave paintings, rock engravings, stencils, and ritual sites. The sanctuary sits on sacred Aboriginal Country, specifically Darkinjung land, and operates with respect for Traditional Owners and cultural advisers.
What to see at Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary
Free-roaming animals at Walkabout
Many animals wander freely through the natural bushland. You’ll encounter kangaroos, wallabies, wallaroos, and other macropods that you can approach and interact with naturally. The free-roaming emu Happy Feet is legendary — he’ll probably introduce himself when you’re having lunch. The sanctuary describes him and the kangaroos as genuinely gentle, creating an atmosphere where animals never get cranky or steal your picnic. Though frankly, Happy Feet might have opinions about that claim.
Australian animals at Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary houses all the Aussie icons: koalas (including resident koalas Dobby and Banksii), wombats, echidnas, Tasmanian devils (play tug-of-war with them during evening programmes), dingoes in large habitats, bilbies (endangered species featured in “Speed Date” encounters), sugar gliders, quolls, possums, pademelons, flying foxes, and native birds including the eccentric cockatoos. The diversity of rescued animals is genuinely impressive.
Exotic animals at Walkabout
In 2021, the sanctuary welcomed meerkats — their first exotic animals after 20 years of exclusively Australian species. The six meerkats have become popular residents, as have the recently introduced servals
Daily presentations at Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary
Free daily presentations run throughout the day. The 12.30pm Reptile Show (snakes, lizards, and turtles) takes place at the display arena next to the shop/visitor centre. At 1.00pm, the Emu & Kangaroo Roundup starts at the meerkats, then visitors follow their ranger. Check the daily schedule upon arrival for all presentations.
Speed Date animal encounters
These popular encounters allow close experiences with animals including bilbies and sugar gliders — consistently mentioned as highlights by visitors. Encounters are bookable in advance or upon arrival (subject to availability and ranger schedules).
Aboriginal cultural sites at Walkabout
Bushwalking trails lead to Heritage-listed Aboriginal sites including ancient rock petroglyphs, cave paintings, stencils, and ritual sites dating back over 4,000 years. The 1.4km Walkabout Sanctuary Loop takes approximately 45 minutes and passes several Aboriginal sites with lookouts across to Mount White and Mooney Mooney. The sanctuary team is taught by Aboriginal knowledge holders and cultural advisers and is entrusted to protect and educate about this sacred place.
Ranger programmes at Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary
Ranger for a Day: Adults and teens can book any day to work alongside rangers caring for animals. Private groups require minimum 10 participants.
Evening Safari: Available for overnight guests or evening visitors. Go spotlighting for wildlife, play tug-of-war with the devils, and explore bush tracks after dark. Bring picnic dinner, good walking shoes, and a torch.
Accommodation at Walkabout
The sanctuary offers cabins for overnight stays, allowing you to experience living amongst the animals. These cost from A$280 a night, and include park entry tickets.
Evening and early morning ranger-led programmes are available. Visitors consistently praise the overnight experience as exceptional for connecting with Australian wildlife.
Visiting Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary: practical information
Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary opening hours and admission
Opening hours:
- Daily: 9.30am to 5.00pm.
- Closed: Never (open every day including public holidays).
- Christmas Day: Early close at 3.00pm.
Admission prices: Adult daytime admission cost A$45 on the gate or A$40 if booked in advance online. For children, it’s A$35 on the gate and A$30 in advance. For the night tours, pricing depends on how many people book. It’s A$330 for one, for example, and A$160 each for four.
Important: You can buy tickets upon arrival or pre-purchase online (cheaper). If you already have tickets, walk to the front of the queue for fast-tracked entry.
Getting to Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: 1 Darkinjung Road (corner of Peats Ridge Road), Calga, NSW 2250
From Sydney: Approximately 50 to 60 minutes’ drive (approximately 80km) via M1 Pacific Motorway. Take the Calga Interchange exit from M1 onto Peats Ridge Road. The sanctuary is on the left of Peats Ridge Road, just off the M1.
By public transport: NOT on a public transport route. Nearest station is Gosford (train or bus). Taxi from Gosford approximately $45 one way, making hire car more economical at approximately $40 per day. Uber to the park may be possible, but they won’t return you to the station.
Parking: On-site parking. Coach parking available.
Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary accessibility
The sanctuary welcomes people with access needs, though terrain is natural bushland which presents challenges. Some animals are in camps close to the café, while others free-range through the acres. Paths are natural rather than paved and, realistically, you’re not getting a wheelchair along them. Contact the sanctuary directly regarding specific accessibility requirements.
Facilities at Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary
Café: Kiosk-style catering with basic menu including hot food (fish and chips, pies, sausage rolls), snacks, and beverages. Seating overlooks animal areas.
Picnic areas: Visitors welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Tables are scattered throughout the grounds.
Other facilities: Gift shop, toilets, cabin accommodation.
“Big Foot”: The sanctuary claims “Big Foot” is real and lives in Australia. Make of that what you will.
How long to spend at Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary
Quick visit: 2 to 3 hours for Animal Loop and main attractions. Recommended: 3 to 4 hours including Aboriginal sites walk and presentations. Full day: Easily possible exploring bush tracks, attending all presentations, and animal encounters. Overnight: Cabins allow multi-day immersion with evening/morning programmes.
The sanctuary’s philosophy is “visit for an hour, stay all day” — you control your pace.
Best time to visit Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary
Arrive at opening (9.30am): Recommended to see animals at most active and avoid midday heat.
Evening Safari: Animals are naturally lively at dusk — twilight visits are consistently praised.
Weekdays: Quieter than weekends and school holidays.
Conservation work at Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary participates in breed-for-release rewilding programmes for endangered species. Educational programmes run regularly, teaching about conservation through hands-on experience. The sanctuary is entirely funded by visitor admissions and donations — your visit directly supports wildlife rescue and conservation. The facility is feral-proofed (predator-proofed), making it safe habitat for vulnerable species.
Nearby attractions to Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary
Walkabout is located in the Central Coast hinterland, close to various attractions:
- Glenworth Valley: Outdoor adventure activities including horse riding, kayaking, and quad biking.
- Somersby Falls: Picturesque waterfall and picnic area.
- Australian Reptile Park: Another wildlife attraction (approximately 20 minutes away).
- Gosford: Larger town with shops, restaurants, and services.
- Brisbane Water National Park: Bushwalking and natural areas.
- Central Coast beaches: Terrigal, Avoca Beach, The Entrance — all within 30 to 45 minutes.
Dining near Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary
Options near the sanctuary are very limited — most visitors use the on-site kiosk or bring picnics. Gosford (approximately 15 to 20 minutes) offers wider dining variety..
Tips for visiting Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary
- Pre-purchase tickets online for cheaper prices and fast-track entry.
- Arrive at 9.30am opening to maximise animal activity.
- Book Speed Date encounters in advance — bilbies and sugar gliders are consistently mentioned as highlights.
- Attend the 12.30pm Reptile Show and 1.00pm Emu & Kangaroo Roundup.
- Explore the Aboriginal cultural sites — the 1.4km loop takes about 45 minutes.
- Consider booking cabins for overnight experience — consistently praised as exceptional.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes — paths are natural bushland, not paved.
- Pack your own picnic to save money, though the kiosk provides basic hot food.
- Respect that this is sacred Aboriginal Country — walk gently, never harm or take anything.
- Remember the “animals first” philosophy — they choose whether to interact with you.
- Don’t expect manicured landscaping — this is natural bush, which is part of the charm.
- Watch for Happy Feet the emu during lunch — he’s friendly but has his own agenda.
Why visit Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary?
Walkabout offers something unique in NSW: the only sanctuary combining free-roaming Australian animals with ancient Aboriginal rock art sites. That combination — 4,000+ year-old cultural heritage alongside rescued wildlife in natural bushland — creates an experience unlike any zoo or wildlife park.
What distinguishes Walkabout is the genuine “animals first” philosophy. This isn’t a polished corporate zoo with manicured lawns and predictable encounters. Animals wander freely through natural bush, choosing whether to interact. The sanctuary feels authentic rather than manufactured — you’re entering their world, not forcing them into yours.
The rescued animal stories add depth beyond entertainment. Every resident is unreleasable, confiscated from smugglers, orphaned, or part of endangered species breeding programmes. Your admission directly funds their care and conservation work. The sanctuary is entirely visitor-supported.
Being Heritage Listed for Aboriginal cultural significance demonstrates respect for First Nations heritage. Walking amongst 4,000-year-old rock art whilst rangers share cultural knowledge (taught by Aboriginal advisers) provides educational value that transcends typical wildlife tourism.
The Speed Date encounters with bilbies and sugar gliders consistently receive praise as trip highlights. The Evening Safari programmes for spotlighting nocturnal wildlife create magical experiences. And the overnight cabin stays — living amongst the animals for multiple days — offer immersion impossible at day-visit facilities.
More New South Wales travel
Other New South Wales travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Be surrounded by the ghosts of the wool industry at Yanga National Park.
- 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.
