Australia beats Africa for world’s most popular wildlife park

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
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A Sydney wildlife park has beaten global heavyweights to be crowned the world’s most picturesque wildlife destination – at least according to Instagram.

According to new research, the most picturesque safari experience in the world isn’t in Africa – it’s right here in Australia. Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park has topped Titan Travel’s most Instagram-worthy wildlife locations, based on the number of Instagram tags. But before you start comparing it to the Serengeti, it’s worth reading between the lines.

The list, which ranks safari destinations by how Instagrammable they are, crowned Featherdale – one of our must-see Sydney wildlife experiences – the winner with a whopping 160,000 tagged posts. Werribee Open Range Zoo in Victoria came second with 126,000 tags, while Sri Lanka’s Horton Plains National Park rounded out the top three with 94,400.

Man interacting with wallabies at Featherdale Wildlife Park.
Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park has topped Titan Travel’s most Instagram-worthy wildlife locations. (Image: Destination NSW)

So, how did a suburban wildlife park just west of Sydney beat the world’s most iconic safari spots?

It’s all about accessibility. Located just 45 minutes from Sydney’s CBD, Featherdale gives visitors the chance to get up close to Aussie icons like koalas, kangaroos, wombats and echidnas – all without needing to book a tour to the outback or hop a plane to Africa. It’s also home to rarer species like the Tasmanian devil and the glossy black cockatoo.

Plus, with a relatively affordable entry price of $44 for an adult, it’s no surprise that people are posting their wildlife selfies in droves. After all, when you can take a selfie with a quokka and upload the proof in one afternoon, why wouldn’t you?

Werribee Open Range Zoo
Werribee Open Range Zoo in Victoria came second.

Still, it’s worth noting that this ranking is based purely on Instagram popularity – not on size, scale or biodiversity. That means more accessible and urban-adjacent spots like Featherdale and Werribee naturally rake in more tags than remote or harder-to-reach destinations.

For context, the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve – where visitors can witness the Great Migration – came in at number seven, with 50,300 Instagram tags.

Despite the disclaimer, the list gives us a fascinating look at how people interact with wildlife experiences around the world. And it highlights something else, too: you don’t need to leave Australia to enjoy a snapshot-worthy experience.

Koalas from Healesville Sanctuary
Healesville Sanctuary was the fourth most popular wildlife experience.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

Top five most Instagrammed wildlife experiences

1. Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park (Australia) – 160,000 tags

2. Werribee Open Range Zoo (Australia) – 126,000 tags

3. Horton Plains National Park (Sri Lanka) – 94,400 tags

4. Healesville Sanctuary (Australia) – 73,000 tags

5. Moonlit Sanctuary (Australia) – 56,900 tags

So whether you’re in it for the likes or the wildlife, it turns out some of the world’s most photogenic wildlife experiences might be closer to home than you think.

Moonlit Sanctuary in Victoria
Visit the wombats at Moonlit Sanctuary.

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Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her 4+ years at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? South Australia and The Kimberley.
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7 of the best hotel pools to plan a holiday around

(Credit: Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences)

    Lucy Cousins Lucy Cousins
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    Whether you prefer harbour views or coastal escapes, these seven hotels prove that every holiday should start poolside.

    For the 13 million Australians planning a domestic holiday next year, where to stay is as important as where to go. The ideal hotel is one that helps you relax the moment you check in, with freshly prepared dining, easy access to local attractions, and an inviting pool lined with loungers and lush greenery. These seven hotel pools tick every box.   

    1. Hilton Surfers Paradise

    Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences rooftop pool
    Dive into this sunny pool precinct.

    What’s better than a stunning hotel swimming pool? Four stunning hotel swimming pools. Just two minutes’ walk from the iconic Surfers Paradise beachfront, Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences has its own pool precinct extending over 1500sqm. 

    There’s a 40-metre lap pool, plunge pool, kids’ pool with playground, and an indoor pool for a heated escape on cooler days. Follow up your swim with a luxury treatment at the eforea Spa, before taking in the ocean and hinterland views at the hotel’s Catch Restaurant. Guests can choose from luxury hotel rooms, or fully self-contained apartments with a kitchen, laundry and private balcony. The Sky Residences are located on level 33 and above, and include floor-to-ceiling windows, larger balconies and stop-you-in-your-tracks views.  

    2. Hilton Cairns

    hilton cairns pool
    Spend a day by the tropical lagoon-style pool.

    If location is key, Hilton Cairns offers an urban, waterfront escape just two minutes’ walk from the marina, Cairns Esplanade Lagoon and CBD. When you’re not exploring the Great Barrier Reef or the local restaurants and markets, you’ll most likely spend your time on a lounger by the inviting tropical lagoon-style pool, shaded by lush palm trees. There’s even a ‘Popsicle Hotline’ for a complimentary ice block delivered straight to your lounger, or order from the popular pool bar.

    Every room at the Hilton Cairns features a private balcony – rare for city hotels – so you can sip your coffee and watch the sunrise as the marina readies itself for boats heading out to the reef through Trinity Inlet.  

    3. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

    Double Tree By Hilton Cairns pool
    Pull up a lounge chair and enjoy the Cairns weather.

    Famous for their ridiculously delicious welcome cookies, served warm on arrival, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns is also known for its seven-story, open-air tropical atrium with waterfalls, bridges, pathways and a pond filled with barramundi. Some rooms and internal balconies overlook this rainforest indoor garden, and you can explore it anytime you like.

    Don’t miss the regular fish-feeding sessions. When you’re not adventuring in the atrium, pull up a lounge chair beside the newly refurbished pool, or enjoy The Vine Room restaurant and bar, which won best redeveloped hotel in QLD at the Queensland Hospitality Awards. This hotel is the perfect base to visit the nearby Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, Cairns Aquarium, and the Reef Fleet Terminal.  

    4. Hilton Garden Inn Busselton

    heated pool at Hilton Garden Inn Busselton.
    Enjoy the heated pool at Hilton Garden Inn Busselton.

    To experience the colour-soaked sunrises of South West WA, get up early and take a dip in the welcoming, heated pool at Hilton Garden Inn Busselton. Overlooking the sheltered Geographe Bay foreshore, the loungers are perfectly positioned to take advantage of sunny afternoons as well. 

    Order a cool drink or devour fresh seafood from the hotel’s restaurant, Together & Co Restaurant. The unique menu is refreshed seasonally, but expect locally sourced Western Australian produce, Margaret River wines and modern Australian dishes. This hotel also offers Ocean View Rooms that frame the iconic Busselton Jetty nearby, as well as some rooms with private balconies, all decked out in soft coastal colours, pale timbers and sandy tones, reflecting the surrounding landscape.   

    5. Hilton Darwin

    Hilton Darwin pool deck
    Head to the sun-drenched rooftop pool.

    As soon as you drop your bags off in your harbour-view room at the Hilton Darwin, you’ll most likely head to the sun-drenched rooftop pool to wash away the tropical humidity and enjoy the endlessly blue Northern Territory skies.

    After a dip, book into award-winning PepperBerry Restaurant. The menu leans into the cultural significance of the region by incorporating native ingredients. Think lemon myrtle, Kakadu plum, saltbush, wattle seed and other Indigenous flavours. Round out your evening with a short stroll to the CBD for an after-dinner drink or ice cream by the waterfront.  

    6. DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin

    DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin pool
    Dine beside the pool, or dive right in.

    The most sought-after seat at the DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin is undoubtedly a terrace table in the hotel’s Aqua Restaurant and Bar. With views across the oversized pool and tropical gardens, the terrace is the best place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean-inspired dishes with local ingredients.

    From there, famous attractions such as Crocosaurus Cove and the Darwin Waterfront are within a gentle stroll. Recharge in one of the comfortable, luxury rooms with the Sweet Dreams® by DoubleTree sleep experience – a custom-designed bed, with feather or down bedding and crisp white sheets. It’ll give you a sleep so restorative, you’ll want to take the bed home with you, which you literally can, thanks to the brand’s retail collection.       

    7. Hilton Garden Inn Darwin

    an aerial view of the pool at Hilton Garden Inn Darwin
    Hit the on-site pool under shady palms for a respite.

    Striking a balance between being central and blissfully removed from Darwin’s busy nightlife, the Hilton Garden Inn Darwin hugs the quieter end of the famous Esplanade. With a resort-style pool set among palms and tropical plants, it’s a destination in its own right. Harbour View rooms have sweeping panoramic views of ochre-coloured sunsets, while other rooms enjoy the striking city skyline. The hotel is so highly regarded by the locals, it recently won the Best Overall Accommodation Hotel and Best Mid-Range Accommodation categories at the Hospitality NT awards – but that won’t surprise anyone who has stayed there. 

    Start planning your poolside bliss at hilton.com.