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.

Discover vibrant culture and creativity, gorgeous nature spots and more in lively Newcastle.

Newcastle/Muloobinba has a lot going for it beyond its big skies and beautiful beaches. The city’s creative types are now heading downtown, taking over and transforming warehouses and terraces to offer a more alternative vibe. From its nightlife to secret swimming spots, art to architecture, here’s our insider’s guide to Newcastle in New South Wales.

1. Learn to sail on Newcastle Harbour

The harbour has always shaped Newcastle, so it seems like the most obvious place to start your weekend. Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club offers a range of programs that provide instruction for both novice and experienced sailors. This is an inspired classroom that sets off past the Honeysuckle Foreshore up the Hunter River, with views towards a seemingly infinite vista of blue stretching to the horizon. It’s the perfect way to savour your time by the sea. Other water activities include surfing, swimming in one of the secret ocean baths or whale-watching with CoastXP .

Aerial view of Newcastle Harbour. — Join Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club’s programs. (Image: City of Newcastle)

2. Underground jazz scene

Follow the lively sound of the saxophone bubbling up to find The Underground . The popular basement-level bar, with its dim lighting and speakeasy aesthetic, schedules live jazz performances every Tuesday and Thursday. Newcastle is known around the country for supporting live music and this late-night New York-style jazz bar is, like the city itself, both approachable and sophisticated. For fans of live music, Queen’s Wharf Hotel , King Street Newcastle , Mad Poet and The Lucky Hotel are all popular pubs for their roster of live music.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Newcastle Live (@newcastlelive)

3. The city as a canvas

The streets of Newcastle present like an outdoor art gallery , adding beauty to the everyday with large-scale works by artists such as Fintan Magee, Inari Meyers, Tom Henderson and Sophia Flegg. Hire a Flash E-bike and pedal around the streets to find treasures such as Bronte Naylor’s Mirror Ocean in Civic Square or Sky & Ocean at South Newcastle Beach Skate Park. You can also join Newy Tour Co.’s Discover Newcastle tour to explore city highlights, architectural gems and street art with an expert guide.

Friends take in Newcastle Street Art. — Admire stunning works of art displayed all around you. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. An artist’s view of Newcastle

There’s a real sense of optimism around Newcastle, stemming from its many grassroots art galleries and organisations. The city is home to an eclectic array of artists who gravitate toward different mediums; see their works on show at independent galleries such as The Lock-Up , which operated as a police station from 1861 until 1982, and Lighthouse Arts Newcastle in the light-filled cottages on Nobbys Head/Whibayganba. Stop by The Creator Incubator to see the Little and Big gallery spaces. Newcastle Art Gallery will soon reopen after a recent expansion, so keep an eye out.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Creator Incubator (@thecreatorincubator)

5. Newcastle after dark

The small bars confetti’d around Newcastle are a sign of the times. Visitors to the compact city will find a concentration of bars within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail. The after-dark experience, which includes theatre and live music, is designed for visitors who are in search of the offbeat and want to celebrate the city’s creativity. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, the bars that dot most neighbourhoods will tempt you with everything from happy hour to their alt attitude.

A bartender expertly crafting a drink, with a stunning library of spirits in the background. — Enjoy a night out at a lively bar. (Image: City of Newcastle)

6. Indulge in great gastronomy

Newcastle’s proximity to the Hunter Valley has helped establish it as a sophisticated getaway for gourmands with a passion for provenance. Dining options in the city are diverse, with everything from casual cafes to cantina-style Mexican eateries such as Antojitos , through to fine diners such as Flotilla and Jana Restaurant & Bar at QT Newcastle . Visit during Newcastle Food Month to get a snapshot of the local culinary scene – you can take note of the many world-class restaurants and cafes that warrant a return visit. Humbug , Peregrin and Bistro Penny should also be on your radar.

The dining area at Flotilla in Newcastle NSW. — Savour a world-class dining experience at Flotilla. (Image: Flotilla)

7. Crystalbrook Kingsley

Crystalbrook Kingsley is another great example of Newcastle’s new wow factor. Staying at the hotel – in the heart of the cultural centre – makes exploring a breeze, with vintage bikes for guests who want to check out the city streets on two wheels. The design-savvy Crystalbrook Collection reimagined the Roundhouse building while adhering to its ethos of sustainable luxury. The hotel is also a magnet for foodies, with the rooftop Roundhouse restaurant and cocktail bar, Romberg’s, two of the best spots in the city for wining and dining.

The Roundhouse by Crystalbrook Collection. — Step into the reworked Roundhouse by Crystalbrook. (Image: Crystalbrook Kingsley)

8. Newcastle’s creative side on show

Save the date for New Annual , a festival of art, music and ideas from 26 September – 5 October. The program is jam-packed with 10 days of art, culture and creativity. This year’s festival will celebrate the power art has to connect people. Expect to see a diverse program including music, theatre, workshops, and performances in iconic Newcastle locations. Visitors will find a concentration of events within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail.

Dancers performing gracefully, accompanied by a live orchestra. — Celebrate migration, community and belonging at New Annual.

Plan your next trip to offbeat Newcastle.

A guide to visiting Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park