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Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary: A Bushland Haven

4.5 (947)

Discover native Australian animals and ancient Aboriginal heritage in a unique bushland sanctuary, just an hour from Sydney on the Central Coast.

Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary in Calga offers an immersive experience in Australian wildlife and Aboriginal heritage. Wander among kangaroos, emus, and other native animals roaming freely across 80 acres of natural bushland, and explore ancient Aboriginal sites dating back over 4,000 years. It's a unique opportunity to connect with nature and culture just an hour north of Sydney.

A brief summary to Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Monday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-5 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary.

  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven, compressed earth trails, especially if you plan to explore the Animal Loop or Aboriginal sites.
  • Bring your own picnic to enjoy at the undercover BBQ facilities, or purchase snacks and kiosk-style food at the visitor center.
  • Check the schedule for ranger-led activities and animal encounters to make the most of your visit.
  • Consider booking an overnight stay in an eco-cabin or safari tent for a unique nighttime experience with the sanctuary's nocturnal animals.
  • Respect the Aboriginal cultural landscape by walking gently and not harming or taking anything from the land.

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Getting There

  • Driving

    Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary is located off the M1 Pacific Motorway, approximately an hour north of Sydney. Exit the M1 at the 'Calga Interchange'. From the exit, turn left at the T-junction, then left again into Darkinjung Road. The sanctuary is a short drive along Darkinjung Road. Parking is available on-site. Be aware that GPS may give incorrect directions; always 'keep left' after exiting the motorway. There are no toll roads on the final approach. Parking is available at the location.

  • Public Transport

    While there is no direct public transport to Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary, you can take a train from Central Station in Sydney to Gosford Station. The train journey takes approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours. From Gosford Station, take a taxi to the sanctuary. The taxi ride may cost around $50 or more each way, as the driver may charge for a return trip. There are no buses to Walkabout Park.

Discover more about Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary

Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Calga on the Central Coast, is more than just a wildlife park; it's a sanctuary dedicated to conservation through education and the preservation of Aboriginal heritage. Since 2005, the sanctuary has provided care and protection to hundreds of rescued, orphaned, and unreleasable animals, while also safeguarding the many wild creatures inhabiting its 80 acres of natural bushland.Here, you can encounter iconic Australian animals such as kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, emus, Tasmanian devils, and dingoes. Many animals roam freely, offering unique opportunities for close encounters. The sanctuary also participates in breed-for-release programs aimed at rewilding endangered species. In addition to its wildlife, the sanctuary is a Heritage-listed Aboriginal cultural landscape, with ancient sites dating back over 4,000 years. Visitors can explore these sites and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Darkinjung and Guringai people.Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary provides a range of experiences, including ranger-led tours, animal encounters, and bushwalks. You can learn about bush tucker, try your hand at boomerang throwing, or even spend the night in an eco-cabin or safari tent for a truly immersive experience. The sanctuary is open every day except Christmas Day, offering a memorable and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
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