Australian Reptile Park

Meet Australia’s friendliest and deadliest creatures at the Australian Reptile Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, near Sydney. Among the unique mammals are echidnas, platypus, koalas, dingoes, kangaroos, gliders and bilbies. There are opportunities for hands-on experiences, too.

The deadly creatures include crocodiles, snakes and spiders. You’ll also enjoy shows with reptiles, koalas, Tasmanian devils and spiders, including the daily milking of deadly funnel web spiders. The venom is used to produce life-saving antivenin. Deadly snakes are also milked for antivenins.

You can walk with Hugo, a giant Galapagos tortoise. Thrilling venomous snake and crocodile shows are on weekends and public holidays. You’ll meet Elvis, a huge saltwater crocodile billed as Australia’s crankiest crocodile. Behind-the-scene tours and animal encounters are available too.

The park is an hour’s drive north of Sydney in Somersby, on the Central Coast. The park is open 9am to 5pm daily, except Christmas Day. Bus companies such as AAT Kings and Gray Line Australia offer tours from Sydney that include the park.