A Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park Guide

Here’s what you need to know before making a trip to the famous South Australian wildlife centre.

Kangaroo Island (also known as Karta Pintingga – meaning ‘island of the dead’) has long drawn visitors with its incredible levels of biodiversity. Separated from the mainland of South Australia thousands of years ago, it has provided a home for animals such as its own species of kangaroo, the Australian sea lion and the tammar wallaby, as well as being a haven to mainland interlopers, like koalas and platypus.

And visiting the KI animal experts and their charges over at Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park is a must-do for any holidaymaker.

So, are you ready to get up close to a koala and pat a roo? We’ve answered all your questions about the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park.

Feeding two kangaroos at Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park. — Get up close and personal with Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park’s animals. (Image: Julie Fletcher)

What is Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park?

KI Wildlife Park has been open for over thirty years. Today it is the home of over 150 native Australian species and more than 600 animals.

You can come here to feed kangaroos and wallabies, visit little penguins, interact with marmosets, spot pademelons, and even take a walk with a dingo!

A close up of a kangaroo at Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park. — KI Wildlife Park is home to over 150 native Australian species. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Where is Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park?

It can be found in the centre of the island, three kilometres past the town of Parndana.

Has Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park recovered from the bushfires?

In 2020, the community of Kangaroo Island was rocked by destructive bushfires, which devastated the local wildlife population. While Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park was saved through firefighting efforts, sadly, many animals were killed and injured around the island.

Since then, the Kangaroo Island Koala and Wildlife Rescue Centre was established at the park. Hundreds of injured and orphaned koalas and other native Australian fauna sent there for rehabilitation, release, or long-term care in the park.

As well as visiting the park’s attractions, visitors can now donate to its rescue centre. They can even adopt their favourite animal; and help provide for its care and wellbeing, long after getting the ferry back to the mainland.

A koala rests in a gum tree at Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park — Hundreds of injured and orphaned koalas were saved after the bushfires. (Image: Tourism Australia.)

When is the best time to go to Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park?

The wildlife park is open daily, from 9.30am till 5pm, except Christmas Day. Owner Dana Mitchell says visitors might want to also tailor the timing of their visits according to the time of the year.

“In summer, the morning and afternoon are the best times to visit," she says. “Otherwise, any time of the day works."

Dana also explains that there are different park highlights that change between the seasons, such as in spring: “It’s baby season, which is exciting," she explains. “There are baby koalas, quokkas, birds and more."

Koala's in the tree at Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park — Spend the day with these furry creatures. (Image: Julie Fletcher)

What other animals can I see at KI Wildlife Park?

Koalas might steal the show and melt our hearts, but there are many other, captivating animals you need to see at the park. Buy a bag of feed to get up close to wallabies and roos and feel the warmth of a snake’s body against yours, as you hold it close.

Now, you can even choose to take a walk like no other – with Loki, the dingo.

“Dingo walks are something that has been newly added," says Dana. “They’re a lot of fun."

There are also new exotic experiences, such as with meerkats and servals (a species of African cat). While all these can be booked individually on the KI Wildlife Park website , you can also organise a private tour for a more curated and personalised experience of the Kangaroo Island wildlife.

A kookaburra sits in a tree at Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park. — You can see lots of different animals in the park. (Image: Alana Jayne Elgazzar)

Is Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park good for families?

Th wildlife park is perfect for kids (and, it goes without saying, big kids too). There are plenty of educational activities, and chances for families to fall in love with the natural world. Note that there are some restrictions on what the littlies can do, such as needing to be strong enough to hold a koala for the petting section.

Child pats Kangaroo Island kangaroos. — Kids will love Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park. (Image: Alana Jayne Elgazzar)

Is there food at the wildlife park?

There is a small cafe at the wildlife centre, serving up ice creams and coffees. Nearby there is also a picnic area for BYO lunches. The perfect opportunity to devour a spread of KI produce, no? (You can read more about our favourite places to eat on Kangaroo Island here.)

Little girl feeds a kangaroo at Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park. — There are plenty of opportunities for families to fall in love with the natural world. (Image: Megan Crabb)

How much does it cost?

Tickets cost $35 for an adult, $30 for a concession, $20 for a child and from $100 for a family ticket. To check out the full, up-to-date list, head to the park website .

Head to our Kangaroo Island travel guide for more on what to do while you’re there.

A world away from the hustle, bustle and chaos of the big smoke – yet with a distinct sense of familiarity – Victoria’s Wimmera Mallee region is an incomparable place.

Victoria’s Grampians are a visual feast, a seemingly endless vista of craggy cliffs, rolling valleys and untamed bushland. But they’re also much more than a scenic mountain landscape. Diverse and storied, each region within the range has its own rhythm. The Wimmera Mallee – a pocket in the state’s north-west, stretching from Horsham to near Mildura – is one of the most captivating.

Once known as Victoria’s agricultural heartland, the Wimmera Mallee has evolved in recent years into a dynamic, slightly offbeat hub. It buzzes with a creative hum and welcoming energy, and harbours an eclectic mix of long-time locals and tree-changers. Once you encounter its unmistakable charm, feel its warm country hospitality and taste its nationally celebrated vanilla slice, you may find yourself lingering longer than planned.

Eager to explore? These must-visit spots let you experience the inimitable spirit of this special part of the world.

Wimmera Mallee’s quirky attractions

The Dimboola Imaginarium, Wimmera Mallee victoria — Step into the whacky Dimboola Imaginarium. (Image: Denis Bin)

If you’re after something a little more unconventional, the Wimmera Mallee delivers in droves.

The Dimboola Imaginarium – located in a historic bank building in its namesake town – is a gift shop and boutique accommodation in one. Shop for unique and whimsical keepsakes, stay overnight in an elegant themed room, and lose yourself in one of the Imaginarium’s interactive experiences.

Also in Dimboola, just a short drive from the Imaginarium, is a menagerie of utter delight. Tiny Goats and Co. is home to a herd of miniature goats, with the farm offering group visits and special events like goat yoga and cuddle sessions.

Arcade aficionados should visit the Australian Pinball Museum in nearby Nhill. Here, you’ll find the biggest selection of playable pinball machines in the country, featuring modern models and classics dating all the way back to 1931.

Arts and culture in Wimmera Mallee

Step into the Wimmera Mallee’s storied history at the Stick Shed — Step into history at the Stick Shed. (Image: Visit Vic)

As a thoroughly creative community, it’s no wonder the Wimmera Mallee has a host of venues focused on its rich arts and culture scene.

Wander Trickbots Metal Art & Sculpture Garden in Nullawil, a winding trail filled with unique and quirky creations fashioned from metal odds, ends and scrap. A walk through the garden is inspiring enough, but consider buying a piece to take home and treasure.

The town of Nhill also has a significant Karen-Burmese refugee community, who make up 10 per cent of the local population. Discover the artistry of this vibrant culture at Paw Po , where you can purchase traditional hand-woven and textile products. Choose from a selection of beautifully crafted homewares, fashion and dolls.

Step into the Wimmera Mallee’s storied history at the Stick Shed , the only WWII emergency grain store still standing today. This National Heritage-listed structure takes you on a journey through the region’s agricultural past and is a dramatic sight with its towering and eerily striking timber poles.

Nature escapes around Wimmera Mallee

pink Lake Tyrrel, Wimmera Mallee, Victoria Australia — Take in the pink hues of Lake Tyrrell. (Image: Visit Vic)

Much like the majestic beauty of the wider Grampians, the Wimmera Mallee is a mélange of serene and spellbinding nature escapes.

Victoria’s pink lakes are famed nationwide, and two of them are found right here. See the flamingo-pink hues of Loch Iel, particularly vivid after a heavy downpour, or the vast and ancient Lake Tyrrell , which turns pink during wet and warm conditions.

The Snowdrift dunes in Wyperfeld National Park are ideal for adventurers. Set amid the area’s semi-arid landscape, the dunes are expansive mounds of sand deposited around 40,000 years ago. Hike or sandboard them and make sure to visit at sunset, when the sand glows golden.

And while some travellers chase the highest peaks, you can see the most modest in the Wimmera Mallee. Standing a mere 43 metres above the surrounding terrain, Mount Wycheproof is considered the smallest registered mountain in the world. Courtesy of its relatively gentle inclines, it’s a lovely spot for a walk and a picnic.

Culinary adventures in Wimmera Mallee

border inn in the Wimmera Mallee — Meet the locals at Border Inn.

As a region rich in agricultural bounty, it’s little surprise the Wimmera Mallee has such a robust and vibrant food scene. The community is fiercely proud of its local produce, showcasing the flavours and heritage of the area.

The Border Inn in the village of Apsley is a quaint country pub and meeting spot for the local community, featuring a classic country menu and warm hospitality.

The Horsham Golf Club is a popular spot for golf buffs with an adjoining bistro and bar. Try a modern twist on hearty favourites while taking in views of the green. For a taste of the area’s vintages, head to Norton Estate Wines – a boutique wine producer and cellar door open weekends.

A Wimmera Mallee jaunt wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the famed Sharp’s Bakery in Birchip. Here, you’ll find a velvety vanilla slice that’s been crowned as Australia’s best seven times.

Wimmera Mallee accommodation

Fulham Homestead in wimmera mallee — Escape to Fulham Homestead.

If you’re enjoying an extended trip, you’ll need somewhere to rest. After a day tackling Wyperfeld’s epic dunes, visit Pine Plains Lodge , also in the national park. Built from reclaimed timber planks and logs, and anchored by rugged stone fireplaces, the lodge is a rustic and cosy hideaway.

For a refined yet relaxing escape, head to Fulham Homestead – a gorgeously restored guesthouse on an idyllic working farm, complete with farm animals and scenic vistas. Built in the 1840s, it has all the elegance and charm of its heritage, plus contemporary comforts like a modern kitchen, wi-fi and air-conditioning.

The Hermitage Hotel is Victoria’s oldest inland pub and an equally delightful blend of old and new. The restored rooms are perfectly appointed and adorned with period furnishings and high-quality linens. The pub itself is a favoured food and wine spot among locals and travellers alike.

If camping is more your style, the Lake Lascelles Cabins and Camping (formerly Mallee Bush Retreat) is a sprawling oasis with powered and unpowered sites and snug cabins. The setting is stunning too, the pristine Lake Lascelles sitting right in its centre.

Annual events

Wimmera Mallee Nhill Aviation Museum — Time your visit to Nhill Aviation Museum for the annual air show.

You may not need an excuse to revisit the Wimmera Mallee, but these annual and bi-annual events will almost certainly have you returning again and again.

Each year, the Lake Chalegrark Country Music Marathon takes over the town for a spectacular line-up of musicians from around Australia. The event is easygoing, family-friendly, and set in scenic surrounds on the shores of Lake Charlegrark.

Every two years, the region holds colourful events like the Wimmera Steampunk Festival , a raucous celebration of 19th-century steampunk culture with a different theme each time; the Nhill Air Show , which features jaw-dropping aerial stunts, aircraft displays, music, activities and more; and the Nati Frinj , a festival of art, culture and performance showcasing the many talents of the Natimuk community.

From the quirky to the tasty, start planning at visitwimmeramallee.com.au

A guide to visiting Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park